Thread: 1972 Chevy K30 Longhorn Build

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My uncle used to say while I was building mine that I should assemble it with wing nuts, since I changed it so many times!

That's the only constant with this truck. Change!

We think a lot alike!!

I hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving! I spent some time re-sizing pics while the wife was out Black Friday shopping last night. A few weeks ago I decided I needed to get this truck to drive again. I've been working at it, but other things keep detouring it. I got the new to it trans cleaned and repainted. I installed my double deep trans pan and installed a port for the temp probe. I had to clean up my Goerend torque converter as it surface rusted from sitting in the box for so long. I installed a new SFI rated flex plate, then bolted the trans in. I also built a new trans mount, resealed and replaced a couple of bearings in the NP205, and got it in.








NP205 before



After





Adapting tcase shifter bracket to RH trans



Trans and Tcase installed





New rear driveshaft done. I need to install it.



I still have to bolt the TC in, make a top bracket for my Lokar trans dipstick, hook up the shift linkage, hook up the TV lever stuff, modify the tcase shift handle, wire the trans and tcase sensor. I'm making a new bracket for my pedal to hydra boost push rod, and need to put the fire wall insulation on and new fuse block on before I put the brake pedal assy in for the last time. Plenty to do.

I shopped around for seat belts and finally pulled the trigger on some from Wesco. They are 3pt retractable shoulder belts for bucket seats. Black in color, with GM logos on the recepticles. I also got a retractable lap belt too. Man, it's been a long time since I've purchased new seat belts. It was tough to let go of that cash for them.

WOW, looks like you got a bunch done on'er..Keep it up and you'll be driving down the road real soon.

Thanks. I'm trying. Cleaning the shop and trying to organize now that it is colder than you know what kind of puts a damper on things.

Originally Posted by 40FordDeluxe

Thanks. I'm trying. Cleaning the shop and trying to organize now that it is colder than you know what kind of puts a damper on things.

Sadly, I am all to familiar with the temperature change.. sigh.

Luckily the oil price has been going down.

Originally Posted by 34_40

Sadly, I am all to familiar with the temperature change.. sigh.

Luckily the oil price has been going down.

Yes sir, now I wish diesel would just go down to reflect it.

I've been contemplating an upgrade in my gauge choice as these trucks have no real nice way to mount extra gauges besides on top of the dash, under the dash where they're hard to see, or in a high dollar dash pad that can fit 3-5 gauges. I had been looking at the dakota digital set ups for these trucks and pulled the trigger on a VHX cluster. I can monitor my boost pressures, pyro, trans temp, and a lot of other things with this cluster. You can only see one extra reading at a time I believe, but you can set warnings with it, and you can add other features like a compass and out side temp, air bag pressures, gps speedo, and much more. I got enough for me to get the truck driving and can add the extras later. I went with the blue carbon fiber back round. I'm going to have to get on this thing so I can get these gauges hooked up and lit up.

1967- 72 Chevy Pickup VHX Instruments

That'll look nice. And your right, you need to concentrate on this one project so we can see all the news part coming together!

I haven't seen the vehicle yet which didn't have room for a set of hood mounted gauges.

They always look way cool, but it does get old explaining to people that it isn't a shaker scoop.

I don't think 5 gauges mounted on the hood would look very cool, and the snow will sure make it difficult to not break them.

Originally Posted by 40FordDeluxe

I've been contemplating an upgrade in my gauge choice as these trucks have no real nice way to mount extra gauges besides on top of the dash, under the dash where they're hard to see, or in a high dollar dash pad that can fit 3-5 gauges. I had been looking at the dakota digital set ups for these trucks and pulled the trigger on a VHX cluster. I can monitor my boost pressures, pyro, trans temp, and a lot of other things with this cluster. You can only see one extra reading at a time I believe, but you can set warnings with it, and you can add other features like a compass and out side temp, air bag pressures, gps speedo, and much more. I got enough for me to get the truck driving and can add the extras later. I went with the blue carbon fiber back round. I'm going to have to get on this thing so I can get these gauges hooked up and lit up.

1967- 72 Chevy Pickup VHX Instruments

You'll like the Dakota Digital gauges, Ryan!!! I've put them in a few cars over the years and had a few panels custom made---super quality and great people to do business with!!!!!

Originally Posted by Dave Severson

You'll like the Dakota Digital gauges, Ryan!!! I've put them in a few cars over the years and had a few panels custom made---super quality and great people to do business with!!!!!

That's good to hear! I was really hesitent to spend that much on gauges. But, there isn't much out there that will do all what these do for the money and area used. The only other thing I have found that might be better is a racepak. And they are pricey too.

Yesterday I was looking at buying a new radio with touch screen, DVD player, Bluetooth, all the bells and whistles, and I didn't. I decided a new air compressor for it was more fitting as I only have a cheap harbor freight one right now. I knew it wouldn't be fast or last. So I ordered a Viair 480, a 145/175 pressure switch, and an electric over air switch valve. I'm hoping I can get the valve set up to dump my rear bags. We shall see on that one.