Kin Cobb
11-06-2008, 01:21 PM
Hey Guys,
Fairly new to the site but have enjoyed the reading. Have been redoing a 90 GW for a while. Now on the road. Just found a 72 J2000 shortbed that was very solid -- 304 replaced w/360, 3-speed and almost NO rust/dents. You know the rest -- had to have it!! It ran rough but new wires, plugs, points, cap & rotor and purrs like a kitten. It even stops pretty good for non-power drum brakes.
I have an 85 J-10 parts truck that is a little rusty in spots and a good many dents -- no motor/trans but a great frame.
Want to do a frame-off rebuild with the 72 and go with a 350 GM TBI & NP208 TC (have these already rebuilt in the shop) & will find a 700R-4 for a 4X4. Since I want to do a frame-off, thinking about using the 85 frame which has disc, driver's side front axel, swaybar, better (I think) shock mounting, etc. This would involve shortening the 85 longbed frame but have done this on old Brit cars when doing US conversions (kind of enjoy the fabbing -- making it work bit). Have done 2 Jaguar XJ-6 to GM v-8s with auto OD -- great conversions. Can drive the 72 while I redo the 85 frame, etc.
Am thinking I can later pull off the 72 cab/bed, repaint, fix a few things and drop them on the prepared 85 frame/motor/trans assembly. Am I thinking wrong.
This will be a street driver and I like better mileage and smooth cruising, but want it to look to be a 72. I am not an off roadder and prefer not to listen to the ladies complain about needing a ladder to climb in.
Will appreciate any thoughts/ideas.
Kin in NC (kinslermfg@bellsouth.net)
Fairly new to the site but have enjoyed the reading. Have been redoing a 90 GW for a while. Now on the road. Just found a 72 J2000 shortbed that was very solid -- 304 replaced w/360, 3-speed and almost NO rust/dents. You know the rest -- had to have it!! It ran rough but new wires, plugs, points, cap & rotor and purrs like a kitten. It even stops pretty good for non-power drum brakes.
I have an 85 J-10 parts truck that is a little rusty in spots and a good many dents -- no motor/trans but a great frame.
Want to do a frame-off rebuild with the 72 and go with a 350 GM TBI & NP208 TC (have these already rebuilt in the shop) & will find a 700R-4 for a 4X4. Since I want to do a frame-off, thinking about using the 85 frame which has disc, driver's side front axel, swaybar, better (I think) shock mounting, etc. This would involve shortening the 85 longbed frame but have done this on old Brit cars when doing US conversions (kind of enjoy the fabbing -- making it work bit). Have done 2 Jaguar XJ-6 to GM v-8s with auto OD -- great conversions. Can drive the 72 while I redo the 85 frame, etc.
Am thinking I can later pull off the 72 cab/bed, repaint, fix a few things and drop them on the prepared 85 frame/motor/trans assembly. Am I thinking wrong.
This will be a street driver and I like better mileage and smooth cruising, but want it to look to be a 72. I am not an off roadder and prefer not to listen to the ladies complain about needing a ladder to climb in.
Will appreciate any thoughts/ideas.
Kin in NC (kinslermfg@bellsouth.net)