PROGRESS

April 2001: We have been able to get the old engine out along with the transmission but when we did we pushed it into the radiator. We took a pressure washer to the engine compartment to clean all the oil, grease and anything else that was in there. It made a big difference.We went back and painted the engine compartment with satin black. Most people use flat but I liked the satin look better, It seems to dress it up better. The engine got placed in and looks great with the gloss black and aluminum on the motor next to the satin black. We're going to try and place the transmission in hopefully in May. As soon as it's in we can drive it to get the exhaust work done on the truck and get it inspected.
May11,2001: We got the sleeper off the truck and placed a window in it's place. It looks better now with it off. It still needs alot of exterior work like a paint job but that's later. I was able to get the accessories all on the motor except the starter and exhaust on since the transmission is not hooked up yet.It's getting there. My frined who is putting in the transmission is going to get it in this Sunday if all goes well.If he can then I can get the exhaust done this next week.
May28,2001: I haven't had a chance in a while to update here and have done more to the truck. We got the window in later than expected and also were able to place in the new gauges in the dash. The engine is coming more together than before. My buddy who does the transmission work was able to put in the transmission and new torque converter on a weekend and I finished up bolting in some new bolts on the cross member. We had trouble getting out the old (original) U-joints. My buddy had to take them up to his shop and get them driven out and was able to install the new ones as well. I have got the front end done except for the belts because of a stupid clerk at Auto Zone giving me the wrong belt for the power steering pump. So as soon as I get that changed out I can place it back on and get it closer to going again. We had trouble also trying to get the dipstick in place with the headers. We're also hopefully going to try and work on it more this weekend weather permitting. If all goes well (and of course it never does,LOL!!) then we can try for this weekend to be running. As soon as it's running and I can give it a bath and a detail job I'll post more pics and give a detailed description on the specs of the truck and drive train.
July14,2001: It has been a while since the last update and a lot has happened. We were able to find out that the dipstick was bent and has to replace it. We then were able to finally get the truck to town but had a mishap of leaking transmission fluid because of a hose that had come off of the radiator cooler line. We fixed this and were back on our way. The only trouble is that we were running with open headers and had no exhaust pipe whatsoever. It was a lou, hot and long ride. We then went to the muffler shop and had the exhaust work done. It was beautiful to hear it roar whne it got the mufflers put on as well as the X cross pipe. we then drove it home to work out all the rest of the kinks. Since then I have replaced seals on the transmission (you can see part of the work in progress in the exhaust pictures). We also have been working on getting the electrical bugs out and the powersteering bracket made to fit the engine. After getting it home I was able to get the timing set better and get the carb set better. Now just to get it street legal with inspecttion sticker and registration.Later on I will have a parts list added. It has been a long hard road but very worth while.
Oct20,2001: I have been busy working on the truck and have not been able to work on updating the site. I have broke in the motor and runs great. I have had minor problems with the tuning of teh varb. I was able to fix those as well as tune the ZZ4 better now since getting the help of other ChevyTalkers in the area. I ahve also replaced the tires that were on the truck with new tires and also cleaned out the interior. I have had no interior gauge lights since installing the new gauges but have installed new lights and eliminated the problem. I will probably concentrate on the brake system and front end rebuild this winter.After this I will work on the interior by replacing door panels, bench seat (upgrading), and new dash cover.