1981 Pickup Rebuild - SR5 Longbed

[WoodsTruck]

Slow progress lately, with family obligations and house projects.
Got the bumper powder coated and installed, hood mounted, shifter bent (tall driver), wired GM alternator plus some small fix it items. Small items on the list now before it rolls out into the daylight. Speaking of daylight, the single LED rock light mounted under the hood does a decent job in the dark.

 

[WoodsTruck]

5 photo limit...
I had been fighting the A/C install so in the meantime, it got left off and will address that part next spring.

 

[WoodsTruck]

Been tidying up some loose ends, but the list gets shorter.

 

[thetoyotaman]

Please detail the A/C install. Thanks!

 

[WoodsTruck]

Given that we want to get the truck on the road and the weather is changing, we postponed the A/C install until possibly next spring.
The local shop that would do the pressurizing of the system suggested that a new condenser be used and then it could be setup to run R-134 instead of the R-12. Not required, but since the system had been open for a while he thought it would be a good idea. We are still looking for a non-smog compressor bracket in the meantime. All the goodies are installed inside the cab, so pretty much just need to bolt stuff up in the engine bay.
I did get frustrated with the factory grille mounting method and came up with a new technique. The owner came over yesterday and checked it out. He could wiggle the truck with the grille and the grille had no movement in it at all. Plus, just remove a couple screws the grille comes off to install the condenser next spring. Win-win for me.

 

[thetoyotaman]

Looking to add the entire system to my 82

 

[WoodsTruck]

Pretty impressed with these little LED rock lights. Single light mounted under the hood gives off a fair bit of light. Switch mounted so you can turn it on if you need it, unlike a tilt switch which can drain the batter if you don't intent to leave the light on. Then, the small bracket off the hood bolt turns the switch off when the hood is closed. Need to paint the switch bracket and start tidying up wires.

 

[Beams37]

Pretty impressed with these little LED rock lights. Single light mounted under the hood gives off a fair bit of light. Switch mounted so you can turn it on if you need it, unlike a tilt switch which can drain the batter if you don't intent to leave the light on. Then, the small bracket off the hood bolt turns the switch off when the hood is closed. Need to paint the switch bracket and start tidying up wires.View attachment 3440842View attachment 3440843

Very cool set up.

 

[RichardSkinner]

I like that. Once I get down to small quality of life tasks I may have to steal that.

 

[ferg]

Stick with the R-12. I converted to R-134 and it's way weaker as a refrigerant.

 

[WoodsTruck]

Stick with the R-12. I converted to R-134 and it's way weaker as a refrigerant.

That would be my choice, but not sure it will be an option.

 

[ntsqd]

Since R-12 supposedly isn't made anywhere any more the world should soon be running out of it. If it hasn't already.

A friend tells me that some guys are using propane for refrigerant. Uh-Uh, No Way! Not for me!

 

[aztoyman]

Some guy on yotatech says he buys the small cans of R12 on eBay for $50/can.

I converted all my vehicles with R12 to 134 and they cool ok for me. I even kept the original condensers. On my current build I'm going to get a modern universal condenser.

 

[WoodsTruck]

Getting some small items checked off the list.
Finally got the switch box sealed up and the interior lights wired up. Much better lighting.
I'm not sure they came stock with a door light switch on both doors, but this one is so equipped.

 

[WoodsTruck]

Got some shoes bolted on. Truck is getting loaded up to head out for a week long hunting trip. Few minor things that didn't get completed but it should be functional.

 

[WoodsTruck]

More pics. Ignore if you don't like pictures. Pretty nice that the tires don't come close to rubbing. Not sure about when the suspension cycles fully.

 

[thetoyotaman]

What size?

 

[ntsqd]

If I read the sidewall correctly those are 33-9.50R15's.

 

[WoodsTruck]

If I read the sidewall correctly those are 33-9.50R15's.

Yep, that's also why I added a signature line.
Owner is out hunting this week. Curious what the verdict is when he gets back. Gearing may move up the priority list just a little bit.

 

[ntsqd]

What's it got in it now? I ran 4.88's with 33-9.50 and 33-10.50 BFG's and they were about perfect.