Slowly acquiring parts to make muscle truck road trip a reality...

"IDROVEAPICKUPTRUCK" (idroveapickuptruck)
09/23/2014 at 07:55 • Filed to: None

EDIT: Reposting for the morning crowd

So a couple of months ago I acquired a muscle truck with !!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!! of doing a massive roadtrip in it. (Roadtripping with 454 fuel economy, smart I know)

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But those dreams are starting to look more realistic, I'm quitting my job in a few weeks and my new job doesn't start until next year. Currently the road trip plan is:

Austin->Phoenix(Thanksgiving)->LA->SF(via Pacific Coast Highway)->Seattle->Rochester MN ->Chicago ->Kalamazoo->Detroit (Christmas)->Williamstown, MA (New Years)-> New York->Philadelphia->Other randomness->New Orleans->Austin.

This gets me to all the holiday celebrations with the different branches of my family (that I have missed for the last three years due to working on oil rigs, where I am typing this from right now) and allows me to see the entire country, if not in exactly the ideal season.

But back to the truck, it is what I want to do this crazy trip in. It has a carb-ed 454, a Turbo-400, a flip kit, drop spindles and... that's about it. It needs a lot of little things here and there, and I have started to acquire the things I need. For example: Taillights!

The PO had installed these stupid Harley Davidson taillights on the muscle truck, not only are these incredibly small, they're also illegal since there are no backup lights or licence plate light. These stock ones solve my problem, and I like the industrial look too. 40 year old new stock (weird) for !!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!! Me gusta. This is a great deal, other places on eBay are trying to charge $200 for a set of similar lights without the mounting brackets or wiring harness.

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Muscle truck needs a new alternator and a new water pump, I used to always go straight to rock auto for parts like these but my new favorite source for car parts is far and away Amazon.com. If you're not currently buying parts off Amazon you really need to start, especially if you have Amazon prime. Better prices than Rockauto (when shipping is factored it) and 2 day shipping? Yes please. Boom new water pump !!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!!

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Boom remanufactured alternator (with no core garbage) !!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!!

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I still have a long list of things to buy/install. Probably the most critical is climate control. I'm planning on getting a !!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!! underdash A/C /Heater system. These things are awesome, and don't look like to hard of an install. Other things I need are:

-Inner fenders
-Rear bumper (maybe)
-Stereo (maybe !!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!! )
-GMC Emblem (Since it is actually a GMC)
-Tires
-Carpet? Floormats?
-New Header gaskets
-Weather stripping (Road trip is in the cold places in the cold months)

Things I have that still need to be installed:
-Mirrors
-Seat Belts
-Door cards (Have to be vinyl sprayed black to match the rest of the interior)

I've got a lot of work ahead of me. If somehow I'm able to get this stuff done quickly I might attempt an air bag install but comfort is lower on my priority list right now. And that would be expensive. We'll see if I can pull this all off, if I can't get it done I'll just roadtrip in the FoST but doing it in an unreliable old truck Roadkill style seems like it would be a lot more fun (and by fun I mean dumb).

DISCUSSION (83)

mcseanerson > IDROVEAPICKUPTRUCK
09/22/2014 at 22:31

I typically hate non-stock C10s but that thing is beautiful as is your dream. Good luck.

Your boy, BJR > IDROVEAPICKUPTRUCK
09/22/2014 at 22:40

Come drink malt liquor with me in NJ between NY and Philly!

IDROVEAPICKUPTRUCK > mcseanerson
09/22/2014 at 22:41

I'm going to need it. We're talking ~10,000 miles in a vehicle with a carburetor (I have almost no experience with carbs) in the winter with large elevation changes. And it's 2wd. Gonna be a blast.

IDROVEAPICKUPTRUCK > Your boy, BJR
09/22/2014 at 22:42

You can drink malt liquor. I will drink something other than malt liquor.

mcseanerson > IDROVEAPICKUPTRUCK
09/22/2014 at 22:44

Bring good rubber and lots of tools.

LeadfootYT > IDROVEAPICKUPTRUCK
09/22/2014 at 22:45

This should be a fantastic journey. I almost don't want to tell you about what snow is.

IDROVEAPICKUPTRUCK > mcseanerson
09/22/2014 at 22:45

Winter tires are part of the plan. Tools will be a necessity.

IDROVEAPICKUPTRUCK > LeadfootYT
09/22/2014 at 22:46

Haha, I grew up in Michigan and went to college in Philly, I'm not a native Texan. Winter tires are part of the plan.

Your boy, BJR > IDROVEAPICKUPTRUCK
09/22/2014 at 22:47

Nah, If you're gonna bro down with me you're not allowed to spend more than $5 on drinks.

IDROVEAPICKUPTRUCK > Your boy, BJR
09/22/2014 at 22:48

You are not making Dirty Jerz sound any more appealing.

Your boy, BJR > IDROVEAPICKUPTRUCK
09/22/2014 at 22:59

Derty Jerzzzz is the most fucked up state in the US, full stop. And We're fuckin' proud to be fuckin' weird, motherfucker.

Deal Killer - Powered by Focus > IDROVEAPICKUPTRUCK
09/22/2014 at 23:01

Roadkill is a great show, my newest bad habit. A true Roadkill trip would have your truck puking coolant about 100 miles in. and driving a carburetor truck isn't that bad, people've been doing for a long time.

IDROVEAPICKUPTRUCK > Deal Killer - Powered by Focus
09/22/2014 at 23:03

Truck has a big ass diesel radiator, so hopefully coolant puking can be avoided.

banjo cat ghost of oppo past > IDROVEAPICKUPTRUCK
09/22/2014 at 23:06

Would one of those trick, new fangled efi kits work on a big block? I understand most are still pretty cost prohibitive if not a nightmare to DIY (though my dreams of a dart swinger with an efi 383 or 440 will never die) .

If you come through upstate New York...I dunno, man. Watkins Glen's track president had it open for winter shenanigans/ drifting last year so that might be something? Only other thing I can offer is maybe Cornell Hockey and lots of booze? As an Austinite you probably wouldn't much of a difference between there and Ithaca.

deekster_caddy > IDROVEAPICKUPTRUCK
09/22/2014 at 23:08

Not dumb at all! I took my '86 suburban, transplanted a Buick 455, and three months later set out cross country towing a 20' camper. Good friend along for the ride. We drove from Boston to New Orleans, west to Phoenix and north to Seattle then back to Boston for a 12,000 mile journey. Lots of parts broke along the way, and in general I had us back on the road within 30 minutes each time.

If you need anything while in MA drop me a line!

SmoresTM Has No Chill (O==[][]==O) > Your boy, BJR
09/22/2014 at 23:08

The fact that a 40 of Olde English is something like $3 at the liquor store near me will never cease to amaze and terrify me. That's honestly probably less than a liter of Poland Springs water. Gotta love Olde English.

IDROVEAPICKUPTRUCK > deekster_caddy
09/22/2014 at 23:09

You give me hope. What kind of things broke/what spare parts should I have with me at all times?

Jordan and the Slowrunner, Boomer Intensifies > Your boy, BJR
09/22/2014 at 23:12

Hahaha, nice try, but y'all still aren't

Kinja'd!!!

Jordaneer, The Mountaineer Man > IDROVEAPICKUPTRUCK
09/22/2014 at 23:16

I've thought that once I know a bit more about car mechanics, I would love to do something ala roadkill style. good luck!

mr2gud2u > IDROVEAPICKUPTRUCK
09/22/2014 at 23:17

Good luck man. Sound like a fantasy road trip.

IDROVEAPICKUPTRUCK > banjo cat ghost of oppo past
09/22/2014 at 23:17

A new fangled EFI kit would probably work with a big block, but they are crazy expensive. And fighting with a carb is part of the experience (I'm weird). I'm going to have to post regular updates so I can meet up with Oppo people.

deekster_caddy > IDROVEAPICKUPTRUCK
09/22/2014 at 23:19

Well I didnt have a fan shroud that fit, so I stacked two fans on the water pump plus electric fans on the radiator. Not enough!!! (At least for pulling a camper too). Fuel was vaporizing mext to the hot exhaust pipes. Somewhere in Utah I added an electric fuel pump to supplememt the mechanical one. I busted a few fan blades off (They had been in a race car that hit a wall, so...)

Generally I carried a couple of belts and hoses, a case of oil (most of which I used 100 miles into the trip when the oil filter unscrewed) And a few gallon jugs of misc things, plus every tool I could think of needing. When we pulled into Phoenix it was 126 outside and we had the heat on full blast to keep the engine from boiling over. When we stopped the radiator burst in two places, both where the stupid push-through mounts for the electric fans went through. By the time we got to Seattle we had most of the issues worked out.

Although there was that one time in CO when the door was left latched open on the trailer and tore off on the highway... We walked back and picked up the door, drove to home depot and they helped us cut up all new wood so we could rebuild it... Good times, good times!

IDROVEAPICKUPTRUCK > deekster_caddy
09/22/2014 at 23:23

So like it is in 24 Hours of Lemons, cooling is always the priority. It's got a big ass diesel radiator installed (good) which has an integrated tranny cooler (also good due to 3000 stall converter). Hopefully the big radiator combined with cold weather will prevent overheating.

Your boy, BJR > Jordan and the Slowrunner, Boomer Intensifies
09/22/2014 at 23:36

forgot to add

*state that actually has seasons

Your boy, BJR > SmoresTM Has No Chill (O==[][]==O)
09/22/2014 at 23:37

Dude, it's like $2 here. Making it exactly even with Poland Spring.

Jordan and the Slowrunner, Boomer Intensifies > Your boy, BJR
09/22/2014 at 23:37

It snowed last year, and froze in South Florida. There are seasons, but just two.

Your boy, BJR > Jordan and the Slowrunner, Boomer Intensifies
09/22/2014 at 23:38

[wishing i had the ability to punch through the internet increases]

thedevilinside > IDROVEAPICKUPTRUCK
09/22/2014 at 23:39

I've been enjoying your posts about this as I'm planning a similar trip between times in my life next summer. But I'm not building a full car for it, will either just get a couple things for my car or am looking at buying a car, doing a couple things, road trip then sell or keep it for a couple years.

Jordan and the Slowrunner, Boomer Intensifies > Your boy, BJR
09/22/2014 at 23:39

I would love to have actual seasons. I hate this fucking humidity.

Your boy, BJR > Jordan and the Slowrunner, Boomer Intensifies
09/22/2014 at 23:41

I would love for it to be swampy year 'round. If i lived in any state other than NJ, I'd offer to trade.

SmoresTM Has No Chill (O==[][]==O) > Your boy, BJR
09/23/2014 at 00:06

God damn. That's great. My buddy (who has plenty of money) and I would always bring 40s to our private-school-friends' parties just for the hell of it. We figured it was better to bring $9 of Old English each and get drunk with enough to share than to give a lax-bro $10 to drink the warm Natty Light that his older brother got for him.

Your boy, BJR > SmoresTM Has No Chill (O==[][]==O)
09/23/2014 at 00:08

Yo fuck the rich kids. In HS, every beater I had got more attention than the new Bimmers and Benzes, and thats how it fucking should be.

Jordan and the Slowrunner, Boomer Intensifies > Your boy, BJR
09/23/2014 at 00:16

Everybody says they will like it, but they don't. Imagine walking into a soaking wet hot towel all the time.

SmoresTM Has No Chill (O==[][]==O) > Your boy, BJR
09/23/2014 at 00:22

I'm with you there, dude. Shouts out the the 2002 and Denali that all my friends loved way more than almost any of the other cars in my school's parking lot. Both of which I got for less than some of their wheels were worth.

Your boy, BJR > Jordan and the Slowrunner, Boomer Intensifies
09/23/2014 at 01:07

Yeah, no, I genuinely enjoy it being uncomfortably humid.

Jordan and the Slowrunner, Boomer Intensifies > Your boy, BJR
09/23/2014 at 01:21

Calm down Satan.

Stef Schrader > IDROVEAPICKUPTRUCK
09/23/2014 at 08:13

I approve of this road trip.

quarterlifecrisis > IDROVEAPICKUPTRUCK
09/23/2014 at 08:30

I wouldn't try to get it bagged between now and then. When something goes wrong during the build (and it will)...or when you hurry through part of it to try and get it done in time to go on the trip, build quality could get compromised. But, I'm a truck guy at heart, and the 73-87 (or OOBS as it's lovingly called) is a classic design. Looks like you'll be in for a good time.

Sweet Trav > IDROVEAPICKUPTRUCK
09/23/2014 at 08:46

Here's all i will say about cheap reman parts. Cheap reman parts are awesome for non-critical pieces, window motors and such. But when it comes to hard parts or mission critical components like your cooling system, suspension pieces or alternator and starter, pay a little more and get a good part.

That $15 water pump doesn't do much for you if it leaves you stranded

IDROVEAPICKUPTRUCK > Sweet Trav
09/23/2014 at 08:49

The water pump I bought was brand new Bosch part. I haven't had issues with remanufactured alternators, and worst case scenario I have to replace it by the side of the road. It's not like finding a Chevy Alternator is difficult.

deekster_caddy > IDROVEAPICKUPTRUCK
09/23/2014 at 08:51

Oh yeah - don't go in July! Good part of the plan...

deekster_caddy > IDROVEAPICKUPTRUCK
09/23/2014 at 08:59

Use the proper fan shroud and a good fan clutch. 3000 stall converter seems high for a long road trip. What rearend gear?

LeadfootYT > IDROVEAPICKUPTRUCK
09/23/2014 at 09:00

...this is going to be awesome.

IDROVEAPICKUPTRUCK > deekster_caddy
09/23/2014 at 09:03

3000 is high for a long road trip, but it's what is in the car. I don't know what rear end gear it currently has but it's probably a 3.08

deekster_caddy > IDROVEAPICKUPTRUCK
09/23/2014 at 09:09

What's the RPM at 70?

IDROVEAPICKUPTRUCK > deekster_caddy
09/23/2014 at 09:15

The entirety of the distance I have driven this truck is off the trailer, once up and down the block and then into my driveway. Yeah, this is a real smart plan.

deekster_caddy > IDROVEAPICKUPTRUCK
09/23/2014 at 09:19

Are you kidding? These are the BEST kinds of plans!

IDROVEAPICKUPTRUCK > deekster_caddy
09/23/2014 at 09:25

A smaller stall converter might be a good idea though. That'll go on the list for "hope I can get it done"

Dukie - Jalopnik Emergency Management Asshole > IDROVEAPICKUPTRUCK
09/23/2014 at 09:29

Tire chains. They're required sometimes on I-5 over Mt. Shasta, and I-90 over Snoqualmie pass. If you don't buy them before hand, you gon get raped at the truck stop just before Mt. Shasta (co-worker had that happen years ago, he's still pissed and almost refused to stop there during a work trip from Seattle to SFO recently).

deekster_caddy > IDROVEAPICKUPTRUCK
09/23/2014 at 10:47

It depends how you will use the truck. 3000 is a good compromise converter. A little high for highway cruising with a low gear, a little low if your main intent is drag racing. But the big blocks don't mind a lower stall typically.

I'm used to Buick big blocks, which make their torque at a lower RPM than the Chevys. I had an 8.1 Yukon (496 ci) and it was all kinds of awesome power - but it needed to rev up to make it. I was surprised, I think the Buick 455 has a much more useful powerband for street and towing use. The 454 has a great powerband for drag racing, but you need to make sure it has enough airflow up top, headers and a big carb, if that's your goal with it. Sure, it has enough torque to haul stuff around too, but I prefer the low end grunt of the big Buicks instead!

My point is, maybe a 3000 stall converter is going to be fine...

IDROVEAPICKUPTRUCK > deekster_caddy
09/23/2014 at 10:53

I'm sure it will be fine, I've got an external tranny cooler on it and it'll be during the winter so I'm not worried about something breaking. But it's possible I have 2.73 gears in back, and at least for this roadtrip it's gonna be all highway cruising, so I could be slipping a lot. If I have the time I might look into just swapping in a used 700R4 or something, the overdrive might be worth it.

deekster_caddy > IDROVEAPICKUPTRUCK
09/23/2014 at 10:59

I doubt you'll see the returns in gas savings to match the cost. Not that there's anything wrong with a 4 speed conversion though. The 4T85 in my Yukon was pretty awesome! If you can, go for the 4T80 or 4T85 - they are overdrive tranny based on the TH400. The 700R4 is not a big fan of torque. As long as you aren't trying to tow or drag race it should hold up to a few WOT runs. But long term it may not last.

IDROVEAPICKUPTRUCK > deekster_caddy
09/23/2014 at 11:02

Well if I can get 12mpg instead of 10mpg that should save me around $700 just on this roadtrip. All depends on what I can get the tranny for.

deekster_caddy > IDROVEAPICKUPTRUCK
09/23/2014 at 12:47

Yeah, I'm sure you can get a 700 for a lot less than a 4T80 or 85. Plus I think the controllers for the 700 are cheaper.

IDROVEAPICKUPTRUCK > deekster_caddy
09/23/2014 at 12:56

I'm probably going to just go with what I have now, maybe swap the stall. Just found out I'm getting a week off in a couple days, so we'll see how much I can get done in that time.

deekster_caddy > IDROVEAPICKUPTRUCK
09/23/2014 at 13:02

If you ever rebuild the transmission, look into a Switch Pitch conversion. I've got one in my 455 Buick, it was well worth it. Flip a switch - high stall! Flip it back... low stall. Costs a little extra to build that way but worth it for a street/strip car.

unpredictable_swerve > IDROVEAPICKUPTRUCK
09/23/2014 at 13:19

you should bring a gopro for sure, probably a spare set of rear tires, and a hammock/ a decent camping one too, not those cheap Walmart ones. Obviously tools, a carb rebuild kit, spare fluids, gas can, spark plugs, wires, cap, rotor, etc. Any hard to find parts that have the possibility of failing, at this point, one of those locking job boxes in the bed would be a worthwhile investment. Bolt it to the bed just to be safe.

unpredictable_swerve > IDROVEAPICKUPTRUCK
09/23/2014 at 13:20

bring a very warm blanket.

IDROVEAPICKUPTRUCK > unpredictable_swerve
09/23/2014 at 13:58

Yeah most of those things were on the list. I'd wanted to avoid getting the bed box but it's probably going to be needed.

crowmolly > deekster_caddy
09/23/2014 at 14:17

You don't need a controller for a 700-R4. TV cable. 4T80 is the transverse transmission, you may be thinking of the 4L80-E which is a great beefy trans but would be a lot of $. The 700-R4 was used in 454SS pickup trucks so it should be able to handle stock-ish torque with no issue.

Aside from the .7 4th gear he would probably also get a benefit from the lockup torque converter. Going from 10mpg to 12-14 would be a noticeable fuel savings on a 10,000 mile trip IMO.

IDROVEAPICKUPTRUCK > crowmolly
09/23/2014 at 14:28

I'm still learning about Automatics, I understand the concept of the lockup torque converter (no slippage), is this a capability that I add to my current converter or do I need to buy a specific lockup kit? Having the ability to lock the converter below 3000rpm while cruising on the highway would give me a lot more piece of mind.

crowmolly > IDROVEAPICKUPTRUCK
09/23/2014 at 14:38

Specific converter.

IDROVEAPICKUPTRUCK > crowmolly
09/23/2014 at 14:47

I love these videos. They have a great series on Holley Carbs

IDROVEAPICKUPTRUCK > crowmolly
09/23/2014 at 14:54

Doesn't look like lockup is currently available on the turbo-400. Depending on what my time and budget is looking like I'll just go to a lower stall converter in my 400, or swap to a 700R4. I'm becoming less and less comfortable with the idea of driving 10,000 highway miles with a 3000 converter.

deekster_caddy > crowmolly
09/23/2014 at 15:03

ARGH I always mix up the T and L. Yes, 4L80E. I thought the 700R4 needed a controller too, and I completely forgot about the lockup converter.

deekster_caddy > IDROVEAPICKUPTRUCK
09/23/2014 at 15:03

No, as far as I know there is no lockup option for the 400. A switch pitch is as close as you can get.

IDROVEAPICKUPTRUCK > deekster_caddy
09/23/2014 at 15:06

How complex is the switch pitch? Seems like it takes some doing, I can't find any direct kits online. I'm considering just getting 700-R4 with a lockup converter. This guy is selling them rebuild with lockup for less than $800
http://austin.craigslist.org/pts/4663615663…

crowmolly > deekster_caddy
09/23/2014 at 15:11

You can convert a TH400 but I've never heard of a factory lockup option.

deekster_caddy > IDROVEAPICKUPTRUCK
09/23/2014 at 15:14

Kenne Bell used to sell a kit. Now I don't see anyone who sells it. I guess everybody is going 4 speed!

IDROVEAPICKUPTRUCK > deekster_caddy
09/23/2014 at 15:15

Yeah 4-speed with overdrive and lockup seems like the best of all worlds

deekster_caddy > crowmolly
09/23/2014 at 15:16

Kenne Bell used to sell a complete switch pitch conversion kit (which I believe is what I have). I don't see anybody who makes them anymore. If only there were a BOP bellhousing for the 4L85. I don't like the adapter plates.

IDROVEAPICKUPTRUCK > deekster_caddy
09/23/2014 at 15:18

From looking around I think you need parts from an original 60's switch kit transmission. Those might be drying up.

crowmolly > deekster_caddy
09/23/2014 at 15:19

If you search very hard you can probably find a B&M Hydro-Stick kit or trans that has it, but I wonder if that's not worth the trouble if an 700-R4 is cheap enough.

Nobody makes the adapter for BOP? Can you get an Ultrabell or something for it?

deekster_caddy > crowmolly
09/23/2014 at 15:27

There are Chevy-BOP adapters. I just don't like them. I had the TH400 in my '86 Suburban rebuilt and the guy who did it swapped front bellhousings with a BOP and kept the rear case that mated to the transfer case (not a typical output). After that I used a Buick 455 and Cad 500" motor in my suburban with the appropriate results...

unpredictable_swerve > IDROVEAPICKUPTRUCK
09/23/2014 at 17:13

just get a small one that sits almost flush with the bed.

unpredictable_swerve > IDROVEAPICKUPTRUCK
09/23/2014 at 17:23

Another thought, have you considered seat heaters? They are really easy to install, really nice when you use them, and fairly cheap. I got a set for $60, installed it in maybe 2 hours, less if you aren't that picky about hiding everything. Also, I got mine off amazon so there's that. If you just do a cheap Mexican blanket seat cover (which would go perfect with the rat rod vibe) you could just set the heater elements there and forget about them.

IDROVEAPICKUPTRUCK > unpredictable_swerve
09/23/2014 at 17:28

Eh, probably not worth it just for this trip since I do live in Texas. Also I'm trying to avoid as much wiring as I can.

unpredictable_swerve > IDROVEAPICKUPTRUCK
09/23/2014 at 17:31

its really just like 3 wires, but I understand the Texas thing. You guys are 6/6 out on the rigs right?

IDROVEAPICKUPTRUCK > unpredictable_swerve
09/23/2014 at 17:35

Ahahahhahahahahhhahahaha. No. The roughnecks have set schedules, normally 7/7 or 14/14. My boss just shocked me and told me I could have a week off after we finish this well in a few days, but considering I've been out here for 3 weeks straight that's not a crazy amount of time off. My office is perpetually short staffed because it's cheaper that way, I've worked as many as 77 straight days. It's a big reason why I'm quitting soon and took a job where I expect to work 80hours/week and still see it as a lifestyle improvement.

unpredictable_swerve > IDROVEAPICKUPTRUCK
09/23/2014 at 21:19

gotcha, my uncle was going to dive some rigs a few years back, and that was 6 months on/off

IDROVEAPICKUPTRUCK > unpredictable_swerve
09/23/2014 at 21:27

Jesus, 6 months on? Overseas somewhere? I've stuck mostly to South Texas.

unpredictable_swerve > IDROVEAPICKUPTRUCK
09/23/2014 at 21:42

im not sure where, but the pay was pretty good, he turned it down to do something else.

IDROVEAPICKUPTRUCK > deekster_caddy
09/24/2014 at 08:01

Depending on my time constraints I might attempt to Manual transmission swap. The NV833 was actually a Mopar transmission that Chevy used in some of their trucks in the 80s. It's a 4-speed there third gear is 1:1 and 4th is .7:1 Overdrive, it's beefy and it's cheap. The problem is that they're really hard to find. I found one in Houston but otherwise I would have to get lucky in a junkyard