The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network







Register or Log In To remove these advertisements.

Go Back   The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network > 47 - Current classic GM Trucks > The 1973 - 1987 Chevrolet & GMC Squarebody Pickups Message Board > Squarebody Projects and Builds

Web 67-72chevytrucks.com


Reply
 
Thread Tools Display Modes
Old 04-06-2016, 02:05 AM   #1
Fw190d9
Registered User
 
Join Date: Jan 2012
Location: Seguin Texas
Posts: 160
1979 K20 "War Wagon"

While this is not a new build thread, I thought it would be cool to show some pics and history of the beloved War Wagon that I have owned and modified for the last 25 years.

WW history: 25 years ago I was working at the family ranch as the one and only mechanic. I took care of Cat D7s, backhoes, motor graders and a gaggle of ranch trucks in South Texas. One day while visiting one of the hunting camps, I came across this old K20 sitting in the weeds, no wheels on it, abandoned and with a mesquite tree growing up thru the passenger floorboards and out thru the passenger door window. I had some time to kill that day so I poked around a bit on the old custom delux and while it looked pretty sad, I thought it had some potential. The motor looked sound and all the running gear was in place. The roof was completely rusted out and it had an old bus seat bolted to the roof for drive hunting. I noticed it was a K20 and had a really solid frame and the beefy 14 bolt to boot. I asked around and was informed that the original owner had abandoned it and was long gone. My boss said son, if you want that old pile of crap, you can have it. Sweet! I returned to the camp next day with a flatbed and winched(drug) it up on to the trailer and carted it back to the shop. Once I started looking at it, I found the reason for abandonment, it had 2 broken leafs on the front. Following a scheming session, I went to the local yard and found an 82 blazer that had been rolled. It had a rancho 4" lift on it, so I swiped the springs and shocks and put em on the K20. A little tinkering got the old 350 running so I started driving it around the ranch a bit. We do alot of bird hunting down here so I thought it would make a great quail hunting truck. Out came the torch and the rusty roof and bus seat went bye bye along with all the doors. I was big into oxy/acy welding back then so I cut pieces of sheet metal from the roof and welded over all the openings between the panels that were exposed when the roof came off. The first outing with the truck with 8 guys with shotguns caused my boss to declare it looked like a War Wagon. Thus the WW was born. I sure wish I had pictures of it from back then but the earliest I have is from about 10 years ago. By this point I had fabbed a front bumper seat set up along with the "kid cage" elevated seat in the rear. Here's a pic of my daughter getting her first driving lesson.
Attached Images
  
Fw190d9 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 04-06-2016, 02:27 AM   #2
Fw190d9
Registered User
 
Join Date: Jan 2012
Location: Seguin Texas
Posts: 160
Re: 1979 K20 "War Wagon"

The ol War Wagon soldiered on at the ranch pulling some season duty but not driven much. The original 350 expired sometime about 4 years after I started the mods. At this point I painted it flat green over the original tan.I concentrated on the driveline for a while, replacing all 7(i think) U-joints along with installing a stock goodwrench 350 motor, keeping the trans and tcase original. It still had the original q-jet which I got really tired of rebuilding every year as it usually sat during summer months. about 7 years ago, the second 350 started burning lots of oil, so it was time for another motor rebuild. This time I did another 350 but I decided to put some fuel injection on it, figuring it would start right up after sitting off season. I installed a full 97 throttle body system on it and rebuilt the original TH400, mainly to stop the leaks. It ran beautifully with this set up for the last 6 years. At this point, I had the entire interior rhino lined and new seat covers installed. I had nowhere to keep the truck so it sat at the ranch out in the elements all year and really started to look run down. The South Texas sun is a killer. Feeling sorry for it, I brought it up to my shop in Seguin to give it some love last year. Since this truck never sees the open road, I decided to give it some pizazz (at least where the deer couldnt see). She got a new flat green paintjob along with some camo stenciling that was my Son's idea. The original hood would bend in half whenever you closed it so I got a new one from LMC truck along with new hinges. Looking at that expanse of hood, I just knew it would look good with a "Screamin Chicken" on it. (yes, I do like TAs). So here are some pics from last year's mods:
Attached Images
   
Fw190d9 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 04-06-2016, 02:31 AM   #3
Fw190d9
Registered User
 
Join Date: Jan 2012
Location: Seguin Texas
Posts: 160
Re: 1979 K20 "War Wagon"

New wheels and tires, Rigid LED light bar, new original style speedo and fuel guage along with some autometers to replace the idiot lights. The shift lever was a present from my daughters

Evan Q
Attached Images
  
Fw190d9 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 04-06-2016, 02:39 AM   #4
Fw190d9
Registered User
 
Join Date: Jan 2012
Location: Seguin Texas
Posts: 160
Re: 1979 K20 "War Wagon"

All 3 of my kids who are now off to college, got to learn how to drive on the trusty War Wagon. Here's a shot of my son, now 18 years old getting some practice in, probably back in 2004 or so.

Evan Q.
Attached Images
  
Fw190d9 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 04-06-2016, 05:21 PM   #5
Nodnarb76
Registered User
 
Nodnarb76's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2013
Location: Mississippi
Posts: 501
Re: 1979 K20 "War Wagon"

Very cool, love seeing stories like this.
Looks like a lot of fun and good memories!
__________________


1987 R20 Suburban LQ4/4L80e swap: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=693824
Nodnarb76 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 04-06-2016, 09:51 PM   #6
Fw190d9
Registered User
 
Join Date: Jan 2012
Location: Seguin Texas
Posts: 160
Re: 1979 K20 "War Wagon"

Thanks dude! Yeah, lots and lots of good memories with this old truck. Its amazing just how tough chevy built them back in the 70s and 80s. This thing is a tank!

Evan Q.

Shooting range duty from back in 2004. and again in 2013.
Attached Images
  
Fw190d9 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 04-06-2016, 09:56 PM   #7
Fw190d9
Registered User
 
Join Date: Jan 2012
Location: Seguin Texas
Posts: 160
Re: 1979 K20 "War Wagon"

And now this just happened.
Attached Images
 
Fw190d9 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 04-06-2016, 10:04 PM   #8
Fw190d9
Registered User
 
Join Date: Jan 2012
Location: Seguin Texas
Posts: 160
Re: 1979 K20 "War Wagon"

Scored a nice Ls 6.0 out of a 2011 Silverado 2500 with only 14K miles on it. Keeping the Th400 and Np205 to keep it simple. Dirty Dingo mounts and a speartech harness to go with. Bolted right up to the th400 with the LS flexplate and a summit racing adapter/spacer. Also replaced the leaky steering gearbox and replaced all the spring eye bushings which were toast. New sway bar bushings as well. Looking forward to cruising the ranch a bit more quietly.

E.
Attached Images
     
Fw190d9 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 04-06-2016, 11:02 PM   #9
Nodnarb76
Registered User
 
Nodnarb76's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2013
Location: Mississippi
Posts: 501
Re: 1979 K20 "War Wagon"

Awesome! Great choice.
I'm in the process of swapping a 6.0 into my Burb too.
Here is my build tread if your interested.
http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=693824
__________________


1987 R20 Suburban LQ4/4L80e swap: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=693824
Nodnarb76 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 04-06-2016, 11:03 PM   #10
68Timber
I know the pieces fit
 
68Timber's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: MONTGOMERY, AL
Posts: 5,523
Re: 1979 K20 "War Wagon"

Cool truck and story! Especially since it was abandoned to rot.
__________________
John

79 2wd Blazer (Bruiser)
85 M1009 Blazer (Sarge) build
74 Honda Z50 build
68Timber is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 04-06-2016, 11:29 PM   #11
Fw190d9
Registered User
 
Join Date: Jan 2012
Location: Seguin Texas
Posts: 160
Re: 1979 K20 "War Wagon"

Nodnarb, Saw your burb build thread. nice truck! Should be a nice cruiser once you get the 6.0 dialed in. This is my 4th LS swap, I did my daughter's 71 C10 and my son's 72 C10 both with 5.3/4L60s. I also did a 69 vette with an LSA.

68Timber, Thanks, being a dyed in the wool Chevy guy, It was painful to see it rotting away like that.

Here are a few more pics of the swap:
Man, those shackle and spring busings were done!

E.
Attached Images
     
Fw190d9 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 04-06-2016, 11:44 PM   #12
ruffrida2005
Member of the longbed union.
 
ruffrida2005's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2009
Location: Killeen, Tx
Posts: 2,158
Re: 1979 K20 "War Wagon"

Sweet truck you got. Yall do any hog hunting out there. I've been trying to find a place to go to. I'm up at Ft. Hood.
__________________
Paul

88 GMC Crew Cab dually, 454/T400

64 LWB 400 HP 350/350T Bagged, under construction! Sold most of it!

92 S10 Iron Duke 5 speed, 5/7 drop for now. soon to be bagged. Sold http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...59#post4637759
ruffrida2005 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 04-07-2016, 12:52 AM   #13
Fw190d9
Registered User
 
Join Date: Jan 2012
Location: Seguin Texas
Posts: 160
Re: 1979 K20 "War Wagon"

Paul, Its a working deer hunting ranch. I have 3 lease members who hunt all season and we usually run across a few hogs. Ive been keeping the numbers down last couple of years and haven't seen many recently.

E.
Fw190d9 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 04-08-2016, 12:48 PM   #14
Oberon67
Registered User
 
Join Date: Mar 2016
Location: N/A
Posts: 146
Re: 1979 K20 "War Wagon"

What I especially love about this truck is that it's not for road use and therefore doesn't need inspection, registration, or even a title. You bolt to it whatever you want on it, and off into the brush you go!
Oberon67 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 04-08-2016, 11:41 PM   #15
El Dorado Jim
Registered User
 
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: El Dorado Ca
Posts: 3,374
Re: 1979 K20 "War Wagon"

what a cool rig!
El Dorado Jim is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 04-10-2016, 03:28 PM   #16
Greenlee
Registered User
 
Greenlee's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2004
Location: El Lago, TX
Posts: 1,668
Re: 1979 K20 "War Wagon"

Nice hunting rig! A few years ago I went on a quail hunting trip in the War Wagon's cousin.

Greenlee is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 04-10-2016, 03:44 PM   #17
Fw190d9
Registered User
 
Join Date: Jan 2012
Location: Seguin Texas
Posts: 160
Re: 1979 K20 "War Wagon"

GreenLee, Awesome! These types of hunting trucks are actually pretty prevalent in Texas. Alot of hunters like to use Jeeps but the WW does everything better.

ElDorado,Oberon, Thanks!

This week I'm going to concentrate on finishing up the install of the Ls, plus the exhaust system, intake, fuel systems etc. Once Ive gotten it running, I plan to put disc brakes on the rear, new brakes and master cylinder and booster up front, then finish up by freshening up both axles with new bearings and seals. I just got in new lift pad extensions for my rotary lift so I will be able to lift WW up to ease the work, tired of crawling underneath to do stuff!

E.

Found another old WW pic, Probably about 2007 or so. My son and his cousin enjoying some ranch time.
Attached Images
 
Fw190d9 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 04-11-2016, 09:12 PM   #18
Fw190d9
Registered User
 
Join Date: Jan 2012
Location: Seguin Texas
Posts: 160
Re: 1979 K20 "War Wagon"

Got a bit more work done in between other projects. I want this truck to be stealthy so I can sneak up on critters. So I decided to use exhaust manifolds and a 2 into one system like a stock truck. I originally purchased the hooker ls manifolds but they didnt fit at all. The collectors ended up hitting the transmission flange. The 6.0 came with the original 2011 silverado manifolds and to my surprise they fit extremely well. I was also able to keep the original steel braces that the 79 came with that go from the motor mounts to the lower cover on the Th400 and also the long one that goes from the transmission to block mounting flange all the way to the tcase. To fit the smaller braces, I had to fab up an aluminum plate to space them further apart as the LS oil pan is several inches wider than the old 350 pan. Also got the oil cooler block drilled and tapped for the oil pressure sender for the autometer gauge. Coil packs installed along with new MSD wires. Biggest time killer was removing all the stripped exhaust flange studs from the 6.0 manifolds. Had to weld a nut on each one to get em off.

E.
Attached Images
     
Fw190d9 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 04-16-2016, 09:22 PM   #19
Fw190d9
Registered User
 
Join Date: Jan 2012
Location: Seguin Texas
Posts: 160
Re: 1979 K20 "War Wagon"

More work done on the ol WW this week. Ive been trying to use up all those left over items from other jobs on this build. I had a power steering pump and remote reservoir left over from a corvette build so I decided to use it as the stock Ls power steering pump and reservoir hit the frame and could not be installed. I also have a large collection of AN fittings Ive recycled over the years and put them to good use as well. The Griffin LS crossflow radiator that Im using fit very well but was 2" shorter than the original. To keep it secured with the original rubber mounts, I took the 79 upper radiator support, sliced it down the middle and welded in a 2" extension to take up the space. I also got a repo fan shroud from LMC that fit the Ls fan perfectly. Next job is to finish the wiring for the charging system, exhaust install and fuel lines. Should be running soon.

Evan Q.
Attached Images
 

Last edited by Fw190d9; 04-16-2016 at 09:28 PM.
Fw190d9 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 04-16-2016, 09:32 PM   #20
Fw190d9
Registered User
 
Join Date: Jan 2012
Location: Seguin Texas
Posts: 160
Re: 1979 K20 "War Wagon"

The photo upload keeps rotating my pics for some reason. anyhow y'all get the idea.

E.
Attached Images
    
Fw190d9 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 04-17-2016, 04:03 PM   #21
Blessed66
Registered User
 
Blessed66's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2012
Location: Tyler, Texas
Posts: 217
Re: 1979 K20 "War Wagon"

I'm in love with this truck. The history it has (especially with your kids) is one of those things I think cannot be replaced. I might be biased (considering my two GMCs are from my grandfathers) but it's still really cool what you've got going on with this truck.
__________________
Current Projects:
1984 GMC, LWB Fleetside, 305/350 - Currently Doing TBI Conversion
1966 GMC, SWB Stepside, 350/200-4R - Currently waiting patiently.
Blessed66 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 04-17-2016, 04:28 PM   #22
y5mgisi
Second Chance Program
 
y5mgisi's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2006
Location: Portland, OR
Posts: 2,642
Re: 1979 K20 "War Wagon"

I like your support rod to bellhousing solution!
__________________
90 Chevy Suburban 2500 5.3 swap/th400/np241/14bltSF/10blt.
77 C20 crew cab Silverado. 396/th400. In work.
y5mgisi is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 04-19-2016, 07:53 PM   #23
Fw190d9
Registered User
 
Join Date: Jan 2012
Location: Seguin Texas
Posts: 160
Re: 1979 K20 "War Wagon"

Blessed66, y5mgisi, Thanks!

Was able to get the exhaust system dialed in. I mentioned earlier that I wanted this truck quiet(sort of) so I kept the old big muffler and 3" tailpipe. The LS required a new connection from the muffler to the exhaust manifolds. Since I build my own systems, I was able to do 2 individual 2.5" pipes from each manifold with V band clamps(I love these things) on the 2 into 1"Y" piece which was welded onto the front of the muffler. This way I can drop both pipes separately when I need to drop the trans or tcase. I also welded new bungs on for the O2 sensors. There is 5" of clearance from the front driveshaft to the pass exhaust pipe, hoping it wont hit it. Here are some pics:

Evan Q.
Attached Images
     
Fw190d9 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 04-19-2016, 08:39 PM   #24
ruffrida2005
Member of the longbed union.
 
ruffrida2005's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2009
Location: Killeen, Tx
Posts: 2,158
Re: 1979 K20 "War Wagon"

That exhaust looks really good.
__________________
Paul

88 GMC Crew Cab dually, 454/T400

64 LWB 400 HP 350/350T Bagged, under construction! Sold most of it!

92 S10 Iron Duke 5 speed, 5/7 drop for now. soon to be bagged. Sold http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...59#post4637759
ruffrida2005 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 04-20-2016, 12:30 AM   #25
Fw190d9
Registered User
 
Join Date: Jan 2012
Location: Seguin Texas
Posts: 160
Re: 1979 K20 "War Wagon"

Quote:
Originally Posted by ruffrida2005 View Post
That exhaust looks really good.
Thanks Paul! I kinda like getting some TIG practice in. Here's a system I scratch built for the 69 vette I built a while back. Full length 3" system with crossover and pipes thru the crossmember and over the Diff so keep ground clearance. HTC coated the entire system.

E.

Gotta drop the WW tank tomorrow and hook up all the fuel lines. Should be running soon!
Attached Images
  
Fw190d9 is offline   Reply With Quote
Reply

Bookmarks


Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off

Forum Jump


All times are GMT -4. The time now is 09:44 PM.


Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.11
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, vBulletin Solutions Inc.
Copyright 1997-2022 67-72chevytrucks.com