Should I get it?

[86 720]

I moved this from the other forum, as I felt this would get more responses:

Found an 80 720 extended cab for sale here in Phoenix. Went and looked at it and it was in decent condition.

I'm wondering about the L20B, from what I gather it's a good engine with some performance capabilities if you swap certain items and install SU carbs. on it.

I did notice that it had a 5 speed manual that shifted very smoothly. Unfortunately the carb was having issues as it was surging here and there and would get stuck for a second if I stomped on the pedal.

How easy is it to do a carb rebuild and where can I get a rebuild kit? My local Autozone doesn't have a kit available online.

Unfortunately I didn't bring it home as he wanted way to much for it, talked him down a little, but still wanted too much.

If I get it It needs a lot of new things: tires, carb rebuild, shocks, etc.. Apparently I've been the only interest in two weeks, so I'm thinking of letting em stew and call again in a week or so.

[Charlie69]

Put a Weber on it and save yourself headaches.

[captainzeros]

Second on the weber suggestion.
L20B is a good little motor, tons of info out there on it from courtesy the 510 guys, they're basically the same as the Z22 & Z24 below the heads so you more or less know what you're getting into after driving later model 720s.

[noface]

let us know how the stew turned out, and for sure, if you get it, Weber 32/36 is the only way to go (that is if you don't want fuel injection).

[86 720]

Will; keep you posted on how it turns out. I'm hoping it doesn't sell as they told me I was the only interest they've had for two weeks.

Is the Weber carb. the same one that is recommended for later 720s as well, and how much do these run? I was thinking somewhere in the $300 range.

So far I know this is going to require some new parts, and I plan to overhaul the cooling system right away. Here in AZ, a GOOD cooling system will keep you running for years. I'm really excited about it because it will allow me to install my 3-10" subs in the extended cab area and finally have some BASS! My current 720 will become my fiancee's daily driver, and this will be my own. I've figured and cured all the bugs out of my current 720 and am comfortable having her drive it knowing it won't break down somehow.

So far the repairs/upgrades are as follows:
tires all around
shocks all around
new/refurb. radiator. Probably get it rodded out like I did my current 720
coolant hoses all around
thermostat
waterpump w/ clutch fan
coolant
battery cables. I always replace the stock cables with new 2ga.
plugs
wires
fuel filter
air filter
bushings
front inner/outer bearings
front/rear brake pads
and a general dump it in a bathtub and scrub behind the ears washing!

[Charlie69]

The 1980 720 are my favorite year. Contact peirce manifolds on the weber. Be sure to let them know it is an L20B as these are notorious for deiseling when shut off. You want the Weber with IC (idle control/shutoff) solenoid on it and the manifold adapter and linkage for the L20B.

[captainzeros]

You might want to consider an electric fan, if you're doing the radiator and water pump anyways. My plastic fan lost a blade and I couldn't find a reasonably price replacement so I installed a fifteen dollar ~13" electric fan from a junkyard Geo Metro designed to go on the front of the radiator (managed to wedge it between the radiator and the front grill quite nicely in fact) and haven't had any overheating problems in up to ~100 degree weather. On the up and up, too, it actually revs a lot more responsively without that big slug of spinning stuff stuck on the belt. I have mine wired up with a relay to be on when the key is on the on position, I figured I don't care enough to bother with temperature controlled shutoffs and such, it would be an unneeded complication for my truck.

That's my personal opinion after doing it anyways, all around your list looks great and pretty comprehensive. How much is the guy asking for it, out of curiosity?

edit: I'd be tempted to use a bigger fan or dual small fans for your climate though, around 100 degrees is the hottest my truck has encountered and it's my understanding you'll get more in Arizona.

[86 720]

You might want to consider an electric fan, if you're doing the radiator and water pump anyways. My plastic fan lost a blade and I couldn't find a reasonably price replacement so I installed a fifteen dollar ~13" electric fan from a junkyard Geo Metro designed to go on the front of the radiator (managed to wedge it between the radiator and the front grill quite nicely in fact) and haven't had any overheating problems in up to ~100 degree weather. On the up and up, too, it actually revs a lot more responsively without that big slug of spinning stuff stuck on the belt. I have mine wired up with a relay to be on when the key is on the on position, I figured I don't care enough to bother with temperature controlled shutoffs and such, it would be an unneeded complication for my truck.

That's my personal opinion after doing it anyways, all around your list looks great and pretty comprehensive. How much is the guy asking for it, out of curiosity?

edit: I'd be tempted to use a bigger fan or dual small fans for your climate though, around 100 degrees is the hottest my truck has encountered and it's my understanding you'll get more in Arizona.

Good idea about the fans. I would just wire them to be on constantly here. Even on the hottest day, my current 720 never goes past the 1/2 mark on the temp. sensor. I also put a bottle of "wetter water" with the new coolant too. It's supposed to reduce the temp. by %20.


The guy is asking $1250, which is much more than what I offered him. He says he needs the money, so I'm hoping he'll get more desperate as time goes by.

[noface]

I wouldn't let too much time pass... he'll sell it to the next guy....

[Charlie69]

Be careful I usually pay $100 t0 $200 for 1980 720's. If you wait long enough it will be in Ecology on 27th Ave.

[86 720]

I wouldn't let too much time pass... he'll sell it to the next guy....

Looks like they reposted it for sale with the same price.