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[1963c-10]

Nice job, cant wait to get around to installing my big block. I went with tubular motor mounts from CPP for header clearance. Can't wait to see what we'll have to modify. Although mostly looks like some frame trimming from what ive seen.

[argonaut]

Frame trimming is all you'll have to do if you don't shift the motor/trans forward. Plus exhaust and accessories, etc. I don't think that hood clearance is really an issue on these trucks, at least not that I've experienced, unless you plan on a blower or a high rise intake....

[C/10 King]

Jason, boy I'm very impressed, I hear M.I.T. is looking for guys like you. Hope to see you soon.

[argonaut]

Hey, they don't call me "The Doctor" for nothing...

[1963c-10]

No, no blower or hi-rise. Im also converting to hydraulic clutch to get rid of all the frame linkage. Got a nice mounting plate from Captain Fab for that. Just about have everything pulled together to do the swap. Tryna make sure I have all parts on hand (at least planned parts).

[argonaut]

I agree on the hydraulic clutch. Much cleaner installation and nicer actuation than mechanical linkage or cable types. Show us pictures when you do the installation!

[C/10 King]

Originally Posted by argonaut

Hey, they don't call me "The Doctor" for nothing...

Doctor Tripas, that has a nice ring to it.

[protrash64]

Originally Posted by argonaut

Frame trimming is all you'll have to do if you don't shift the motor/trans forward. Plus exhaust and accessories, etc. I don't think that hood clearance is really an issue on these trucks, at least not that I've experienced, unless you plan on a blower or a high rise intake....

I'm running a 6'' K&N on mine with no problems clearance wise.

[argonaut]

Got a few more things done yesterday.

Installed a new pinion seal. The last one was letting oil drip through and then spray all over the underside of the chassis with the spin of the driveshaft... lovely. I didn't find any noticeable cut or ripped or worn spots on the old seal so who knows.

Measured the angle on the trans output shaft (7.5 degrees) and on the pinion (4.5 degrees) so it looks like I need to rotate the pinion up by 3 degrees. This wont be a problem since I currently have some spacers installed to tilt it down for the old engine-trans angle. now I can take them out, which makes me happy.

Got all my vacuum hardlines made up and got my power steering brackets and lines squared away. Alan Grove's brackets are serving me well, although they came with 7/16" bolts to mount to the block while my holes are all tapped for 3/8" so I had to replace them and the brackets fit a little "sloppy" until tightened up because of the bigger through holes. I also had to re-route the pressure and return lines to go under the frame rail but they fit nicely now, even better than with the small block in there.

I still need to get my electric fan hooked up, although I did get it already. I also need to get the new exhaust welded up. Lastly I ned to sort out the carburetor. The motor runs well but won't idel below 1200 rpm with the idle speed screw all the way out... yikes. I want to rebuild the stock quadrajet anyway, so everything will get sorted out.

Took it for a test drive around the block. It drove smooth and strong but with straight pipes its just way to loud, so I didn't really put my foot into it.

[protrash64]

on the test drive.

[Rich 5150 69]

Originally Posted by argonaut

. Alan Grove's brackets are serving me well, although they came with 7/16" bolts to mount to the block while my holes are all tapped for 3/8" so I had to replace them and the brackets fit a little "sloppy" until tightened up because of the bigger through holes.

Cut a short piece of copper or brass tubing to fit the thickness of the brackets that is the same diameter of the 3/8 bolts, make a cut length wise thru the tubbing to act as a sleave to make up the differance. If this makes sense.

[argonaut]

Rich,
That sleeve idea is a good one. I think it will work the way I have it now but I'll make up sleeves and see how it works out. The other thing I could do is just drill and tap the holes for the 7/16 bolts. I believe that holes on the right front of the block for the a/c brackets are 7/16 already.
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[argonaut]

Also, if a moderator sees this thread, maybe they can move it to the "projects" section.... I was thinking it might be more appropriate there. Then I'll add some more photos and info about other things I've been doing to the pickup.
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[1963c-10]

Originally Posted by protrash64

I'm running a 6'' K&N on mine with no problems clearance wise.

Im glad to hear that, because thats what I bought prior to install in hopes that it'd fit

[Rich 5150 69]

14 x 4 inch air filter with plenty of room to spare..

[argonaut]

Rich,
I like your radiator... I think I have the same one.

Well old Gerty is under the knife today getting a full 2.5" dual exhaust system with H-pipe and 50-series flowmasters. We'll see what it sounds like tonight when I pick it up.

I'll wire the fan up later this week, but I'm still waiting on a thermo-switch. I was thinking about on at 190 off at 180, or somethign around there. I have a 180 thermostat in the engine. Any suggestions or advice on on/off temps for the thermoswitch?