Spark Plugs and Seat Belts - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

gmc396 · 08-26-2013, 06:56 PM

I recently bought a 1968 GMC 2500 with a 396/4-speed. I see the original AC 43N spark plugs are no longer available; what do you recommend for replacements? Also, any suggestion for manufacturer for points and condensor?

The truck has lap belts, and I would like to add shoulder belts. Not sure if this was an option in 1968. I see the hole in the pillar where the belt would tie down, but I want to be sure that the shoulder belt would be secure in the event of an accident. Can anyone suggest a place to buy the belts?

Thanks; glad to be part of the forum.

JimKshortstep4x4 · 08-26-2013, 07:21 PM

Welcome to the 67-72 Chevy Truck Board from West Michigan!

I have been using champion spark plugs, PN RN14YC in my older big blocks and they have worked well over the years. On the points, my suggestion would be to change the distributor to a HEI.

The anchor in the corner is made for seatbelts and the option included a separate shoulder belt so that you needed two belts for each seat. They make aftermarket belts that are like the newer style and someone should have a recommendation on which one to use.

Jim

**425HP409** · 08-28-2013, 12:25 AM

If you want to stay with AC plugs, Napa carries the part number R43XL, which is the replacement for the 43N, or you can go with a hotter plug equivalent to a 44N, the R44XL.
Posted via Mobile Device

68 TT · 08-28-2013, 03:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 425HP409

If you want to stay with AC plugs, Napa carries the part number R43XL, which is the replacement for the 43N...

Same plug I have run for many years.

If you don't want to run an HEI and want to keep the look of the points distributor you can put an electronic conversion kit into the old points distributor. I have used the Pertronix part several times and have had good luck with them.

**leddzepp** · 08-28-2013, 02:28 AM

Aftermarket 3 point belts are available from most vendors, I have also heard S-10 belts work well in our trucks. The anchoring point on the pillar uses a 7/16-20 (fine thread) bolt.
Posted via Mobile Device

08-26-2013, 06:56 PM	#1
gmc396 Registered User Join Date: Aug 2013 Location: Ephraim, WI Posts: 48	Spark Plugs and Seat Belts I recently bought a 1968 GMC 2500 with a 396/4-speed. I see the original AC 43N spark plugs are no longer available; what do you recommend for replacements? Also, any suggestion for manufacturer for points and condensor? The truck has lap belts, and I would like to add shoulder belts. Not sure if this was an option in 1968. I see the hole in the pillar where the belt would tie down, but I want to be sure that the shoulder belt would be secure in the event of an accident. Can anyone suggest a place to buy the belts? Thanks; glad to be part of the forum.

08-26-2013, 07:21 PM	#2
JimKshortstep4x4 Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2001 Location: Muskegon,MI,USA Posts: 6,026	Re: Spark Plugs and Seat Belts Welcome to the 67-72 Chevy Truck Board from West Michigan! I have been using champion spark plugs, PN RN14YC in my older big blocks and they have worked well over the years. On the points, my suggestion would be to change the distributor to a HEI. The anchor in the corner is made for seatbelts and the option included a separate shoulder belt so that you needed two belts for each seat. They make aftermarket belts that are like the newer style and someone should have a recommendation on which one to use. Jim __________________ 1971 Shortbox step side 4x4, 350 sbc, 3:07 rear end 1965 Impala SS 400 sbc, Muncie rock crusher 1966 Impala SS 396 bbc, TH 400 1969 El Camino, 350 sbc, TH 350 1971 Snowplow built on a Blazer frame 1972 GMC Short bed, stepside, TH 400, 427 BBC

08-28-2013, 12:25 AM	#3
425HP409 425hp409 Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Prosper Texas Posts: 841	Re: Spark Plugs and Seat Belts If you want to stay with AC plugs, Napa carries the part number R43XL, which is the replacement for the 43N, or you can go with a hotter plug equivalent to a 44N, the R44XL. Posted via Mobile Device __________________ Charles 68 SWB, Dad bought new, now 396 & factory ac 64 Impala SS, 409 425HP, 4 speed AC 64 Bel Air Wagon, 400 Small Block 57 Bel Air all original 283 w/Factory Air 77 GMC Sprint, 454/425HP 67 Olds 442, all original 90 ZR1 Corvette

08-28-2013, 02:28 AM	#5
leddzepp Moderator Join Date: May 2007 Location: Southern Cal Posts: 20,020	Re: Spark Plugs and Seat Belts Aftermarket 3 point belts are available from most vendors, I have also heard S-10 belts work well in our trucks. The anchoring point on the pillar uses a 7/16-20 (fine thread) bolt. Posted via Mobile Device __________________ 1972 C/10 Cheyenne Super SWB. Restored, loaded, slammed. 1968 C/10 50th Anniversary LWB. Unrestored, stock, daily driver/work truck. RIP ElJay RIP 67ChevyRedneck RIP Grumpy Old Man RIP FleetsidePaul



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