What the OP said in post 1.

Doncha think this nullifies your theory about FoMoCo using left over 1984 parts?

 

Yes. But it was Bowtieman55 that said his 85 has the 80/84-style reservoir. That's what I was addressing, and guessing that some of the early 85's got the early-style reservoir.

 

The lid on mine does not look like that. I'm guessing that's the 80-84 style. My 86 looks like LMC's illlustration:

 

Early (80-84) version on top and 85-86 version on the bottom. (We will park the discussion of how sharp the cutoff of 84 vs 85 is for the moment. I'm really curious to see what bowtieman55 says his truck's build date is.)

 

 

Not as early as I'd expected. And, you are pretty sure it is an original reservoir?

 

I didn't know the truck prior to buying it this year, but it looks to be original. Without sounding like a smarta55, it matches up to the truck perfectly; condition, wear, etc.

 

The only thing I find odd is the hose. The ones I've seen for the 80-84 reservoirs have a 90 degree fitting where the hose goes into the notch on the reservoir. Yours didn't look like it had one, but maybe so? Or the hose might have been replaced by itself as they tend to get soft.

 

The hose was just run down the radiator support when I got it. I'm still scouring salvage yards and such for the 90 degree hose fitting.

 

Yep, that's what you need. It keeps the hose where it should be - sorta. But, if you are at the salvage why not get the later version reservoir, hoses (radiator and washer), and the bracket that bolts to the fender. That makes it a bolt-in to any of these trucks with a gas engine.

 

Low-budget build


BUT, it has crossed my mind. I've already upgraded to an '89-ish battery tray setup.

 

With the wedge clamp? That's what's going on Dad's. But, you did relo the solenoid? Looks like it would be way too close.

 

Yes, the wedge style. I don't have a picture on me, but I'll get one after work, if it's not raining.

 

That system is much better than the 80-86 system, and better looking as well. Good job!

 

bowtieman, what did you use to get the tank to look so pretty?