So here’s the deal, BangShifter Caveman Tony is a pal of mine from here in Massachusetts. Tony was in the Air Force and spent time stationed in Tuscon, Arizona. While there, he had a 1974 GMC 1-ton truck with a 454, SM465 four-speed, 4.56 gears. He came home to the Cape and the truck stayed there, held by a pal of Tony’s awaiting his return. That was a bunch of years ago and the truck has been quietly sitting in the Arizona elements waiting to be saved. As you read this, the saving process is in full swing. Tony and his dad got to the truck on Friday and have commenced swapping a different 14-bolt rear under the truck with far more favorable gears, completing a brake job, avoiding lizards, roasting in the Arizona sun, and discovering a bunch of general creepiness with the motor that will make their several thousand mile trek home all that much more…ahhhh….fun?
We’re going to tell the story with photos, so here goes. Tony will be sending us cell phone photos each day and lots of updates so you’ll know what we know, when we know it!
Scroll down to see the truck and what the dudes are contending with in their thrash to get the beast up and running for a long ass ride home.
Here's the beast in all of its glory. The rear axle in the truck will be riding home in the bed.
The guys got after it before the sun came up and had the new axle under the truck in only a couple of hours.
Downside of the new axle? The brakes were completely and totally shot to hell. Including wheel cylinders.
As we say in Boston, "wicked ugly!"
Here's the rat motor powering the truck currently. Well, it isn't actually powering anything yet. The next photos will show you why.
This isn't exactly what you want to see when you pull a valve cover. The rocker arm isn't supposed to be facing like that .
Here's the piece of push rod that the guys actually found. The rest of it? Hopefully in the oil pan.
This lifter is fugly city, too
A set of fresh new push rods were sourced from a local (non chain!) parts store.
That’s where we’re at for now. To learn even more about this adventure hit the link below to see the forum threat Tony started!
FORUM THREAD LINK FOR TONY’S ARIZONA TO CAPE COD ADVENTURE
I went on a similar trip once. Lexington KY to Richmond VA to Pikes Peak CO and back to Lexington, pretty much non-stop. A new to me ’68 K20 292I6, SM465, Detroit locked 4:56 12 bolt, similar front Dana 44, manual steering, manual drum brakes, 3 fuel tanks, dual alternators, and the only 5 core radiator I’ve ever seen. From experience, and with much sarcasm, have fun!
I’ve taken a few large jaunts in cars essentially bought unseen and never heard running, but finding that push rod and lifter would make me nervous, even more so with the rpm’s you’ll be turning. Good Luck and Fortunes Tony!
Good luck on your trip Tony, will Freiburger and Finnigan be doing a Roadkill episode with you?
I guess i won’t text him and ask if he wants to go to lead east this weekend.
We’re in El Paso if you happen by and need anything
Cool Truck, should be a fun trip!