1985 Rebuild

[gb1286]

This is a retired truck from our electric company here. It has only 86,000 actual miles with a 4.3 V6 (the first year for that engine) with a TH400 trans. I am just getting started on this project and after repairing the only rust spots on the truck , floorpans, I am now going to begin the engine swap. I recently purchased a 1965 396ci "RATMOTOR" and will swap the 4.3 but keep the TH400. I am not sure about the engine mounts and frame brackets.....I am being told that they will interchange to the big block so if anyome out there has any input I would appreciate it. I will continue to post info and pics as this project moves forward......thanks and I hope you enjoy them.

[gb1286]

I have already installed drop spindles on the front (3'' drop), and drop shackles on the rear (4'' drop). I have cleaned, inspected and repacked the front wheel bearings and replaced the front brake calipers and pads and flushed the entire brake system since the truck has sat for a few years.

[79gmc5.3]

Very nice start!! That truck will be wicked with a 396 in it. Will be watching this one. Keep the pics coming.

[SevenSeries]

Haha nice start man! I bet it sits just right now. ohh 396. Nice, going to be sick
Can't wait to see more pictures

[hawleykt]

what a dandy!! what did u pick it up for?

[SevenSeries]

Originally Posted by hawleykt

what a dandy!! what did u pick it up for?

Lol. i was gunna ask the same thing.

[gb1286]

Actually the truck was spotted while I was at work, sittin' on 3 flat tires, in the mud, at a trailer park. Still had the old tool box in the bed. The person I bought it from had bought it from an auction that sold retired support vehicles from utility companies etc. and told me that it only had 86,000 actual miles and never left the trailer park except for refuel and maintenance. It was used as a "Security: vehicle and I assume some maintenance because the bed was full of ac parts and plumbing parts. I paid 900 dollars for it and only had to replace the fuel filter, mount 3 tiresand add fresh fuel and I was able to drive it home. I was so suprised as to the condition of the truck. It was well maintained and still drove like anew truck. I tracked so nice and didn't rattle, I was very fortunate to find this truck and will enjoy the transformation I have planned. I will keep the posts coming as this project progresses and thanks for your interest.

[SevenSeries]

Originally Posted by gb1286

Actually the truck was spotted while I was at work, sittin' on 3 flat tires, in the mud, at a trailer park. Still had the old tool box in the bed. The person I bought it from had bought it from an auction that sold retired support vehicles from utility companies etc. and told me that it only had 86,000 actual miles and never left the trailer park except for refuel and maintenance. It was used as a "Security: vehicle and I assume some maintenance because the bed was full of ac parts and plumbing parts. I paid 900 dollars for it and only had to replace the fuel filter, mount 3 tiresand add fresh fuel and I was able to drive it home. I was so suprised as to the condition of the truck. It was well maintained and still drove like anew truck. I tracked so nice and didn't rattle, I was very fortunate to find this truck and will enjoy the transformation I have planned. I will keep the posts coming as this project progresses and thanks for your interest.

Wow 900$ and it looks like such a good deal! score

[86er]

396, I have been thinking about putting one in my truck. I will let u go first....

[SevenSeries]

Originally Posted by 86er

396, I have been thinking about putting one in my truck. I will let u go first....

I bet it would be sick in your truck, don't you have to worry about it being smog legal?

[gb1286]

All I will need to do is put Catylitic Converters in the exhaust system....

[SevenSeries]

Originally Posted by gb1286

All I will need to do is put Catylitic Converters in the exhaust system....

Lol thats true. didn't really think about that.
I don't really know to much about engines.