fixing truck, few questions

[hcaz095]

1972 c10 lwb highlander...350 with th400.

Just got all the HEI on, new plugs, wires, and skip white distributor, along with new batt cables, altenator, voltage regulator, and battery...plus a few new wires here and there... If anyone wants all the orig parts to rebuild them, let me know (PM).... everything on this truck appears to be completely original...delco remy alt and regulator etc, orig points distributor etc.



Now Im onto the fun stuff... my temp gage isnt working, and I really want that one fixed.... it has never moved from the 0 point... where do I start?

My fuel gage is also not working, which isnt a big deal as I write down my fill-ups and keep track of miles. I wonder how much of an improvement I'll see in mileage after replacing all the ignition and loosing my camper top (6 in taller than cab, must have weighed 300lbs)...

Also, I get a backfire when trying to accelerate hard sometimes, like im giving it gas too fast... it will go but I have to roll on the throttle a bit... any thoughts? My exhaust is still stock (single tube 2.5"?) and is now blown apart a bit from when my points arc'd... might new exhaust clear up the backfiring issue?


thanks,


~Zach