Recently acquired 1971 Chevy K10 in Maine!

[Matthewg321]

About a month ago I acquired this 1971 K10 (emblems say C/10-Custom) from a friend's family.

I was told that the engine was seized and/or it had transmission problems. I paid the owner and popped the hood with my tools in hand.

my first objective: spin the engine by hand :success.

second objective: turn the flywheel by hand: success!


after an hour of tinkering and the ungodly sheer grind of a starter engaging a flywheel with great resistance (once or twice), I bumped the starter motor with my elbow and felt it budge. low and behold, the starter motor had worked its bolts out and wasn't engaging the flywheel enough to turn the motor.

Ten minutes later, I drove it from the barn to the house :0)

This baby's had a restoration once in her life. I feel it was a soft one, (paint, rockers, corners, tires, etc) since the engine looks original and the interior of the motor bay hasn't been repainted.

Her last trip was from ME-GA-ME, to collect a VW bug and two engines which had been stranded in Athens. in GA she had brake drums, shoes, calipers, rotors, pads, lines, booster, cylinders, wheel bearings and fluids installed ($1150 with receipts). brand new BFG tires before departing Maine.

I have a couple of questions regarding the mechanics of this truck, since its my first antique, not to mention first real 4x4.

It seems to be that when I turn to the LEFT under power (not coasting) I can feel a shudder in the wheel and it feels as if A). the 4x4 is locked and the tires are hitching on the pavement, B), there is a wheel bearing which is foul, or C), there is play in the steering.

also, I have new plug wires and plugs I'd like to install, but the distributor is under the cowl/back of the motor, and I cannot get the plug wires free.

Thoughts?