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1STtimePRo'71 · 02-06-2005, 11:04 PM

Hey guys whats up. First thing, I think this forum is absolutely awesome. I just bought the first COOL truck that I've ever had the chance to own. I have lots of questions but I'll just start with the important ones.

--First off I just purchased a 71 c20 for $700! Its got a 350 with a 4spd. It's 3/4 ton and has 4x4 with a posi rearend.

The first thing that I want to ask is prob. the most important. The truck runs great and all but the brakes are really shotty.

I dont think that it's the pads or anything I just think that the system is weak. Anyway, should I have them done at a shop or do it myself?

-How many of you have gone HEI? Is it worth it?
-How many of you have headers? I need to redo the exhaust and just thought that It would be easiest to throw some on when I redo the exhaust. How much difference will a good set make and what are some of the best makes?
-My heat doesnt work and being I'm in MN, this is gonna be a problem. Where should I start to find out why it doesnt work?
-Lastely, I'm going to dig into the lighting this next weekend and I read in a prior post that a toggle switch is a good upgrade to the headlights. Ya or na?

Oh one more thing. Has anyone added power steering to their truck? Is this possible and if so what all would be involved with that?

It's cool that there is a forum out there for us guys and want to say that I think I'm gonna make myself comfy here a lot. If that's ok with all of you

Oh here's a pic. I hope this works!

rustyold72 · 02-07-2005, 12:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 1STtimePRo'71

The first thing that I want to ask is prob. the most important. The truck runs great and all but the brakes are really shotty.

I dont think that it's the pads or anything I just think that the system is weak. Anyway, should I have them done at a shop or do it myself?

Depends on your mechanical ability, are you confident that you can do the job right, if you can then DIY lots cheaper (freind had a 76 C10 the shop wanted $700 for a complete brake job, me and him did it for ~$200)

Quote:

Originally Posted by 1STtimePRo'71

-How many of you have gone HEI? Is it worth it?

Emphatic YES

Quote:

Originally Posted by 1STtimePRo'71

--How many of you have headers? I need to redo the exhaust and just thought that It would be easiest to throw some on when I redo the exhaust. How much difference will a good set make and what are some of the best makes?

Gives ~15-20 hp and sounds real good

best make IMO Hooker (if the wallet can stand the hit get them ceramic coated, if not the plain is ok just look like hell after a year)

Quote:

Originally Posted by 1STtimePRo'71

--My heat doesnt work and being I'm in MN, this is gonna be a problem. Where should I start to find out why it doesnt work?

look at the coolant level, then the thermostat, then the heater core

Quote:

Originally Posted by 1STtimePRo'71

-Lastely, I'm going to dig into the lighting this next weekend and I read in a prior post that a toggle switch is a good upgrade to the headlights. Ya or na?

Never heard of that

Quote:

Originally Posted by 1STtimePRo'71

Oh one more thing. Has anyone added power steering to their truck? Is this possible and if so what all would be involved with that?

Definately possible, need the PS box, Pump and brackets, might need a crank pulley too

Quote:

Originally Posted by 1STtimePRo'71

-It's cool that there is a forum out there for us guys and want to say that I think I'm gonna make myself comfy here a lot. If that's ok with all of you

Oh here's a pic. I hope this works!

Welcome to the board.
Good looking truck, gonna put the standard bed on it or leave the flat bed on it?

RonRdRcr · 02-07-2005, 12:36 AM

Good find and a great deal at that. Welcome to the boards. As far as your questions go:

1. Can't help you. I still have the 4-wheel drums.

2. Do the HEI conversion, unless you like adjusting points every weekend.

3. If your re-doing the exhaust system you might as well get the performance gains of the header while you are at it.

4. Check your water level, if there isn't any water in the radiator there will be nothing to flow through the heater core. A lot of times if a heater core goes out, it will leak into the floorboard. When this happens most of us poor people will just by-pass the heater core until we can afford a new one. Check to see if someone has by-passed yours. You will know because the hoses coming out of the passenger side of the firewall will just be connected to each other and not go to the engine. After that, I would check the blower motor.

5. Haven't gone there yet.

6. Still no power steering either.

Hope I helped.

Ron

TRUCKGUY · 02-07-2005, 12:44 AM

Welvome to the board i dont think anyone minds you comin here.

**Stocker** · 02-07-2005, 12:54 AM

Welcome! Since your questions have pretty much been addressed, lemme just add a bit to your heater problem. I'm assuming the fan (blower) motor works, but just no heat coming out? Long shot, the squirrel cage fan could actually be missing... Or maybe the vent doors aren't in the right position to direct the heated air... More likely, a water circulation problem. Some models (with A/C, I think) have a vacuum-operated water valve on the pass. side inner fender - it may be bad. With the engine warmed up, check all the heater and radiator hoses to see which are warm or hot, and go from there.

68w/sbc406 · 02-07-2005, 01:16 AM

welcome to the board from portland or. i did power steering on my truck (1/2 ton 2wd) all boxes are the same from 69-87, except for a change to metric fittings in the 80's, but those can be changed. i'd imagine that its the same for a 3/4 ton 4wd, just pull what you need off of a truck with your same running gear. as far as your other questions check out the FAQ sections. there is alot of useful info on there (sorry Krue, beat you too it

)

1STtimePRo'71 · 02-07-2005, 01:23 AM

Thanks for all the help guys. And also to bombard you with questions so badly. About the heater, I can barely get the levers in the dash to move much less get any air out of the vents. The truck only sat for two years and the PO started it at least once a week. So he said. I'll start with the ccolant and hoses and work from there. Actually maybe I'll just change all the fluids tomorrow. Can't hurt right?

68w/sbc406 · 02-07-2005, 01:28 AM

if your levers are hard to move the cables need lubed and it could have just came off of the deflector to allow heat in the cab

4x4Poet · 02-07-2005, 01:39 AM

Welcome. The heater valve on non-A/C systems can also freeze in one position, such a off.

I think you have a K20. K=4wd, C=2wd. I'm a little surprised you don't have pwr steering in a '71. Perhaps a work truck thing. And I agree with doing the brakes yourself. First timers just need a little help on a few finer points. The rest is easy–and cheaper.

1STtimePRo'71 · 02-07-2005, 01:49 AM

Yeah I've got a buddy that has a 68 and his has power steering. I couldn't believe that it didnt have it either, but...for now I'm just gonna get a smaller thicker wheel for it. Build my forearms that way

It does have a/c but I noticed that it's unhooked, maybe all I need to do it lube up the levers. Never really dove into a truck like this but I'm gonna try to do as much of the work on it by myself. I know you's guys are always a post away.

Martin64 · 02-07-2005, 02:46 AM

I had a 71 GMC 4X4 3/4 ton that came without power steering, a crashed '71 Chevy 2WD 1/2 ton (that I just freshly totalled) and an incomplete 67-72 Blazer. Between the 3 vehicles I had enough parts/belts and pulleys to put the power steering on the 3/4 ton 4X4.

I do remember using the pump off the crashed truck, the steering box off the Blazer and the steering arm off the 3/4 ton 4X4. I think the splines from the 2WD and the Blazer are different.....anyway, it worked.

krue · 02-07-2005, 03:24 AM

Welcome to the board from South Mississippi! As has already been mentioned there's a lot of good info here.

obsesive23 · 02-07-2005, 03:39 AM

Welcome, and what a score!

booth · 02-07-2005, 01:43 PM

Where in MN are you?? I'm just south of the cities in New Market. If your close I could probably help you out. BTW nice score on the truck.
Later,
Paul

71swb4x4 · 02-07-2005, 02:44 PM

Welcome to the board. I am in East Central SD.

1STtimePRo'71 · 02-07-2005, 02:46 PM

Paul, I'm just south of Mankato. I'll email ya.

Just got back from the store!

**CPNE** · 02-07-2005, 03:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 1STtimePRo'71

... I couldn't believe that it didnt have it either, but...for now I'm just gonna get a smaller thicker wheel for it.

You'll be sorry. There is a reason the OE wheel has the diameter it has. It's call mechanical advantage...or leverage. Especially important wth a 4x4 with no power steering. Not only will it be harder to steer, it'll be harder to control in emergency sitiations. Last thing you need it to be wrecked in a ditch (holding a really

wheel).

Welcome

1STtimePRo'71 · 02-07-2005, 03:19 PM

I actually looked at wheels today and I decided against buying one. I came to the realization that it must have a big wheel for a reason. I dont know why that didnt click in my head at first.???????

71swb4x4 · 02-07-2005, 04:28 PM

Holler if you ever need any parts, I am just a few hours West of you.
Shawn

68w/sbc406 · 02-07-2005, 07:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 1STtimePRo'71

Just got back from the store!

got to grab the DEW.

1STtimePRo'71 · 02-07-2005, 08:15 PM

I was wondering if anybody would notice that! I knew one of you would.

-Cory

68w/sbc406 · 02-07-2005, 08:29 PM

Andy (longhorn Man) would have, there is a picture on here somewhere that the whole back of his car is filled with empty DEW cans.

Blue Beard · 02-07-2005, 09:23 PM

Welcome from SW Washington State....

02-06-2005, 11:04 PM	#1
1STtimePRo'71 Registered User Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Lake Crystal, MN Posts: 656	New Guy, New Truck, Old Questions Hey guys whats up. First thing, I think this forum is absolutely awesome. I just bought the first COOL truck that I've ever had the chance to own. I have lots of questions but I'll just start with the important ones. --First off I just purchased a 71 c20 for $700! Its got a 350 with a 4spd. It's 3/4 ton and has 4x4 with a posi rearend. The first thing that I want to ask is prob. the most important. The truck runs great and all but the brakes are really shotty. I dont think that it's the pads or anything I just think that the system is weak. Anyway, should I have them done at a shop or do it myself? -How many of you have gone HEI? Is it worth it? -How many of you have headers? I need to redo the exhaust and just thought that It would be easiest to throw some on when I redo the exhaust. How much difference will a good set make and what are some of the best makes? -My heat doesnt work and being I'm in MN, this is gonna be a problem. Where should I start to find out why it doesnt work? -Lastely, I'm going to dig into the lighting this next weekend and I read in a prior post that a toggle switch is a good upgrade to the headlights. Ya or na? Oh one more thing. Has anyone added power steering to their truck? Is this possible and if so what all would be involved with that? It's cool that there is a forum out there for us guys and want to say that I think I'm gonna make myself comfy here a lot. If that's ok with all of you Oh here's a pic. I hope this works! Attached Images

02-07-2005, 12:44 AM	#4
TRUCKGUY Registered User Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Nortonville, Ky Posts: 407	Welvome to the board i dont think anyone minds you comin here. __________________ Dan. 55 F100 panel truck project 64 350/th400/10bolt short fleet 66 F100 302/C6/9" short fleet 67 IH 4x2 304/t984speed D44 373 locker lwb box 67 IH 4x4 304/t98 4speed/d44/d60 4.10'slwb box 67 IH Travelall 4x4 304/t98 4speed/12bolt/10bolt 81 2wd short fleet current build! 83 350/700r4 short fleet 88 k5 12" lift 3/4 ton swap mud toy 96 Dodge 3500 CUMMINS/5speed/4x2 97 Pontiac Trans Am WS6/LT1 383/6speed/T-tops

02-07-2005, 12:54 AM	#5
Stocker 20' Daredevil (Ret) Join Date: May 2003 Location: Jefferson State Posts: 13,722	Welcome! Since your questions have pretty much been addressed, lemme just add a bit to your heater problem. I'm assuming the fan (blower) motor works, but just no heat coming out? Long shot, the squirrel cage fan could actually be missing... Or maybe the vent doors aren't in the right position to direct the heated air... More likely, a water circulation problem. Some models (with A/C, I think) have a vacuum-operated water valve on the pass. side inner fender - it may be bad. With the engine warmed up, check all the heater and radiator hoses to see which are warm or hot, and go from there. __________________ - Mike - 1972 K20 LWB 350/350/205 RIP El Jay

02-07-2005, 01:16 AM	#6
68w/sbc406 Got Light Emitting Diode? Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Newberg, OR Posts: 2,485	welcome to the board from portland or. i did power steering on my truck (1/2 ton 2wd) all boxes are the same from 69-87, except for a change to metric fittings in the 80's, but those can be changed. i'd imagine that its the same for a 3/4 ton 4wd, just pull what you need off of a truck with your same running gear. as far as your other questions check out the FAQ sections. there is alot of useful info on there (sorry Krue, beat you too it ) __________________ 1968 1/2 ton 2wd lwb 6 lug disc and bags up front. Next c notch and rear bags '02 Chevy Silverado LT ext cab short bed 2WD 5/7 drop on 22's(the family car) 1993 Cherokee work ride/weekend wheeler

02-07-2005, 01:28 AM	#8
68w/sbc406 Got Light Emitting Diode? Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Newberg, OR Posts: 2,485	if your levers are hard to move the cables need lubed and it could have just came off of the deflector to allow heat in the cab __________________ 1968 1/2 ton 2wd lwb 6 lug disc and bags up front. Next c notch and rear bags '02 Chevy Silverado LT ext cab short bed 2WD 5/7 drop on 22's(the family car) 1993 Cherokee work ride/weekend wheeler

02-07-2005, 12:36 AM	#3
RonRdRcr Are we there yet? Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Lakeland, FL Posts: 205	Good find and a great deal at that. Welcome to the boards. As far as your questions go: 1. Can't help you. I still have the 4-wheel drums. 2. Do the HEI conversion, unless you like adjusting points every weekend. 3. If your re-doing the exhaust system you might as well get the performance gains of the header while you are at it. 4. Check your water level, if there isn't any water in the radiator there will be nothing to flow through the heater core. A lot of times if a heater core goes out, it will leak into the floorboard. When this happens most of us poor people will just by-pass the heater core until we can afford a new one. Check to see if someone has by-passed yours. You will know because the hoses coming out of the passenger side of the firewall will just be connected to each other and not go to the engine. After that, I would check the blower motor. 5. Haven't gone there yet. 6. Still no power steering either. Hope I helped. Ron

02-07-2005, 01:23 AM	#7
1STtimePRo'71 Registered User Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Lake Crystal, MN Posts: 656	Thanks for all the help guys. And also to bombard you with questions so badly. About the heater, I can barely get the levers in the dash to move much less get any air out of the vents. The truck only sat for two years and the PO started it at least once a week. So he said. I'll start with the ccolant and hoses and work from there. Actually maybe I'll just change all the fluids tomorrow. Can't hurt right?

02-07-2005, 01:39 AM	#9
4x4Poet Registered User Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: "Under Montana skies." Posts: 1,836	Welcome. The heater valve on non-A/C systems can also freeze in one position, such a off. I think you have a K20. K=4wd, C=2wd. I'm a little surprised you don't have pwr steering in a '71. Perhaps a work truck thing. And I agree with doing the brakes yourself. First timers just need a little help on a few finer points. The rest is easy–and cheaper. __________________ '71 GMC K20 Suburban, '71 GMC K10 Suburban, '72 Chevy C10 CST Suburban, '72 Chevy K20 clunker pickup.

02-07-2005, 01:49 AM	#10
1STtimePRo'71 Registered User Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Lake Crystal, MN Posts: 656	Yeah I've got a buddy that has a 68 and his has power steering. I couldn't believe that it didnt have it either, but...for now I'm just gonna get a smaller thicker wheel for it. Build my forearms that way It does have a/c but I noticed that it's unhooked, maybe all I need to do it lube up the levers. Never really dove into a truck like this but I'm gonna try to do as much of the work on it by myself. I know you's guys are always a post away.

02-07-2005, 02:46 AM	#11
Martin64 Registered User Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: Yuma, Az Posts: 477	I had a 71 GMC 4X4 3/4 ton that came without power steering, a crashed '71 Chevy 2WD 1/2 ton (that I just freshly totalled) and an incomplete 67-72 Blazer. Between the 3 vehicles I had enough parts/belts and pulleys to put the power steering on the 3/4 ton 4X4. I do remember using the pump off the crashed truck, the steering box off the Blazer and the steering arm off the 3/4 ton 4X4. I think the splines from the 2WD and the Blazer are different.....anyway, it worked. __________________ Martin Gibson USAF Retired 1964(-ish) C10

02-07-2005, 03:24 AM	#12
krue Designated A-hole! Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: South Mississippi Posts: 36,448	Welcome to the board from South Mississippi! As has already been mentioned there's a lot of good info here. __________________ "If it ain't broke, fix it 'til it is!" Being stupid ain't illegal. We're Still Debt Free Except for the House!!! www.daveramsey.com 70 GMC SWB Stepside project "Green Booger" soon to be 6.0l/4l80e 93 S-10 "Poppaw's Truck"

02-07-2005, 03:39 AM	#13
obsesive23 Who me? Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: Bothell WA Posts: 640	Welcome, and what a score! __________________ Living the dream 72 2WD Blazer, under going porter built surgery 67 GT Mustang fastback 67 Mustang coupe C/S clone 64 Falcon sprint hardtop

02-07-2005, 01:43 PM	#14
booth Active Member Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: Lonsdale, MN Posts: 109	Where in MN are you?? I'm just south of the cities in New Market. If your close I could probably help you out. BTW nice score on the truck. Later, Paul __________________ '67 Chevy LWB (Running) '67 Chevy LWB (Not Running) '70 Chevy LWB (In Pieces) '72 Chevy LWB (In Pieces)

02-07-2005, 02:44 PM	#15
71swb4x4 Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Brookings, SD Posts: 10,497	Welcome to the board. I am in East Central SD. __________________ Some people are like slinkies, they aren't good for anything, but you can't help but smile when you see one tumble down the stairs.

02-07-2005, 02:46 PM	#16
1STtimePRo'71 Registered User Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Lake Crystal, MN Posts: 656	Paul, I'm just south of Mankato. I'll email ya. Just got back from the store! Attached Images



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02-07-2005, 03:19 PM	#18
1STtimePRo'71 Registered User Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Lake Crystal, MN Posts: 656	I actually looked at wheels today and I decided against buying one. I came to the realization that it must have a big wheel for a reason. I dont know why that didnt click in my head at first.???????

02-07-2005, 04:28 PM	#19
71swb4x4 Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Brookings, SD Posts: 10,497	Holler if you ever need any parts, I am just a few hours West of you. Shawn __________________ Some people are like slinkies, they aren't good for anything, but you can't help but smile when you see one tumble down the stairs.

02-07-2005, 08:15 PM	#21
1STtimePRo'71 Registered User Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Lake Crystal, MN Posts: 656	I was wondering if anybody would notice that! I knew one of you would. -Cory

02-07-2005, 08:29 PM	#22
68w/sbc406 Got Light Emitting Diode? Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Newberg, OR Posts: 2,485	Andy (longhorn Man) would have, there is a picture on here somewhere that the whole back of his car is filled with empty DEW cans. __________________ 1968 1/2 ton 2wd lwb 6 lug disc and bags up front. Next c notch and rear bags '02 Chevy Silverado LT ext cab short bed 2WD 5/7 drop on 22's(the family car) 1993 Cherokee work ride/weekend wheeler

02-07-2005, 09:23 PM	#23
Blue Beard Registered User Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Washington State Posts: 8,831	Welcome from SW Washington State.... __________________ 1970 Chev CST 2003 Harley Fatboy 1975 Chevrolet Step Van 1956 Chev Bel Air 1977 Blazer 2WD For Sale $3000.00 1978 Blazer 2WD For Sale $7000.00 1978 Silverado 2005 Monte Carlo

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