FBM's Build Thread - Update!

Post by **fastboatman29212** » Fri Jul 29, 2011 1:56 pm

I will use this thread as a way to update you on the progress of my '86 720 regular cab.

Here is a pic of what it looked like when I drove it home. Shameful!
Kinda reminded me of an auto parts store delivery truck. Basic, basic, basic!

Here is what she looks like now.

It's not a 4X4, I just don't want my truck to look whimpy. You guys with the lowered trucks have done a great job and I really like that look too, but I use my truck for fishing and hauling stuff, so I really didn't want to lower it.

With a little work and by patiently waiting for some good deals to come along, I now have a truck that looks a bit more respectable.

The roll bar helps a lot. I've updated my avatar too.

So far, I have done the following things to the truck:

New ball joints
New vacuum lines
New fuel filter
Replaced the fuel pump
Roll bar (found a used one)
15" wheels and 235/75 R15 white letter tires
a few new lenses here and there
Repair of vinyl on the bench seat
transmission gear oil change
Replaced broken valve cover
New spark plugs, wires and distributor cap
Coolant flush and fill
New thermostat
Passenger side mirror installed
Cigarette lighter (so I can charge phones, ipods, etc)
New alternator on 1/18/2011
Stereo installed 1/20/2011
Replaced DS front rotor 3/1/2011
front brake caliper rebuild 3/2/2011
new front brake hoses 3/3/2011
new front wheel bearings 3/3/2011
Rear differential Gear Oil change 3/10/2011
Hitachi Carb rebuild 7/10/2011
Muffler shop replaced pipe from the can back. 7/29/2011
New clutch and carrier bearing 9/25/2011

Future plans:
Paint and bodywork?
Adjust the valves
New valve cover gasket
recover the dashpad
POR-15 and soundproof the floor
Carpet

Post by **fastboatman29212** » Fri Jul 29, 2011 1:57 pm

New muffler and tailpipe today. Much quieter.

Post by **fastboatman29212** » Thu Aug 18, 2011 6:19 pm

Update: I bought this truck to learn how to do stuff, like repairs and body work. Some day I might even attempt welding or painting.

Yesterday I started experimenting with Bondo. I have some tools to hammer out dents too. Anyway, here are a few pics of my progress on the driver's side bed. It's going a little slower than I had thought it would, but I'll pick up speed soon.

Once I'm done with the primer, people will think I'm Pezi and will stop me and ask for autographs!

Post by **synack7350** » Thu Aug 18, 2011 10:28 pm

lol you have the same wheels I have but I don't have the center caps. what are they american racing outlaw wheels or some knock off? I was looking at the same style in aluminum as my steel ones are rusting a tad, and aluminum is a bit lighter. and man you need some shocks!

Post by **fastboatman29212** » Fri Aug 19, 2011 4:05 am

Shocks? What's wrong with my shocks? It's not a 4X4. Am I missing something?

Are you referring to this picture? Does anyone else think these look bad?

Post by **synack7350** » Sat Aug 20, 2011 12:04 am

they look like mine did before I replaced them, I didn't think mine were bad when I got new ones. until.... holy crap you'd have never thought. the exhaust looks all awesomey

I'll redo mine again when I get headers and a 1in to 2 out muffler.

Post by **N-Dually** » Sat Aug 20, 2011 4:36 am

Ehh, as long as they still work good and don't have holes, I would keep them. Mine had both issues so I replaced them. Going to swap out the front ones when my ball joints get here.

Post by **fastboatman29212** » Sat Aug 20, 2011 7:11 am

N-Dually wrote:Going to swap out the front ones when my ball joints get here.

You have torsion bars for front suspension.

The ball joint replacement is very satisfying and pretty easy. There is a DIY that can help if needed.

My rear shocks seem to work fine at the moment. When I remove the bed for painting, that might be the best time to do my rear shocks.

Post by **fastboatman29212** » Sun Sep 25, 2011 6:02 pm

Hey Guys!
I just had a new clutch installed this weekend. I didn't have time to do it, nor do I really know how. I had a new drive shaft carrier support bearing installed too. My old clutch plate was worn down to the rivets and would slip very easily under a load.

Post by **pistolkeith** » Thu Oct 13, 2011 12:39 am

great job on this wee beauty!(imagine me saying that with my New Zealand accent. haha) looks really nice! im thinking i might need to get my clutch replaced. what sort of ballpark figure should i be looking to spend? im going to be doing the ball joints on my 85 KC 720 sometime this week. Im very excited/nervous to start getting to know my truck intimately. haha.

Post by **fastboatman29212** » Thu Oct 13, 2011 5:16 am

Local repair shop quoted $700. I had a friend do it for$450 including all the parts. The clutch kit was $110 and the mid-shaft carrier bearing was another $75 if memory serves me well. So I guess I paid about $270 labor.
This little truck isn't getting all the love she used to get because I just bought a 1965 Chevy short wheelbase stepside pickup to restore. However she is still my daily driver and I'm gonna finish the bodywork and get her painted.
You can do the ball joint replacement. It's easy. Look at the DIY thread for step by step.