jimbosprint 1972 C20 - the good, the bad, and the ugly

[jimbosprint]

I'm not happy. The receiver I ordered is just under 33.25" wide so the distance between the bolt holes is too narrow and they line up on the edge the frame. It specifically says "fits 34" frame". Draw-tite says they have been selling these for 20 years without any complaints. What the hell!!!???

[jimbosprint]

The trailer hitch that didn't fit has been returned, and one that does fit is installed. Draw-Tite #41001 is the correct part number if anyone is looking for a class IV hitch that fits good. It drops 5.5" for bumper clearance and sticks out about 10 inches from the end of the frame.

This truck is now ready to tow better than ever, and the search for a little classic travel trailer begins!

[dfwright]

That hitch is perfect! I have a very similar bumper, and I will get the same hitch, once I mount the bumper and measure the drop and depth. Thanks for posting the part number.

[Aus69c20]

Looks good. Do you Still have room for your spare tyre under there?

[jimbosprint]

Originally Posted by Aus69c20

Looks good. Do you Still have room for your spare tyre under there?

Good question! The truck has never had a spare tire under there since the old bumper/hitch was in the way. The hitch instructions say "the spare tire carrier might have to be removed or modified to install this hitch". I'll have to see if I can find a factory spare tire carrier and try it out.

[Aus69c20]

I was interested because I installed a tow hitch on mine and was able to retain the spare, but it's tight. It pushed everything forward and left me with about a half inch of clearance to the panhard rod.

mine may be different to yours though, it was a Curtis hitch.

If you need pics of the spare tyre set up I'll happily snap some.

[jimbosprint]

Time for a performance upgrade!

I just ordered Doug Thorley Tri-Y headers. Now for the hard part - waiting for them to be made. I was told late November probably.

[Aus69c20]

Something to look forward to. Now you need something else for Christmas.

[jimbosprint]

Originally Posted by Aus69c20

Something to look forward to. Now you need something else for Christmas.

Holley Sniper EFI would be nice...

[jimbosprint]

I just got a custom windshield sun shade to protect the interior from the harsh Northern California sun. It is made by Covercraft.

[jimbosprint]

O'Reilly Auto Parts posted a picture of my truck on Facebook for #TruckTuesday, and it got over 7500 likes and 450 shares!

[Troy Sr]

I installed a hitch on mine, I believe it's a Hidden Hitch I was able to retain my spare in it's original location. Here's some pics and also the extension I made to extend beyond my 11 1/2 foot cab over camper.

[jimbosprint]

Originally Posted by Troy Sr

I installed a hitch on mine, I believe it's a Hidden Hitch I was able to retain my spare in it's original location. Here's some pics and also the extension I made to extend beyond my 11 1/2 foot cab over camper.

Attachment 1598147

Attachment 1598148

Wow! That is one insane hitch extension!

[Troy Sr]

Originally Posted by jimbosprint

Wow! That is one insane hitch extension!

Yeah, and it worked great, didn't sag one bit and that was with a 4000 lb boat w/ 400 lb tongue weight. Got rid of the camper and replaced it with a motor home. Here it is at work!!

[jimbosprint]

My Doug Thorley headers finally arrived! I can't wait to get them on the truck!

[jimbosprint]

Well my truck is giving me a couple problems, so I have postponed putting the headers on until I can get them sorted out. Maybe someone here can tell me if these things are related or give some other advice.

- Temp gauge reads hot and moves around a lot. It doesn't bounce, it goes up when you drive, and cools down when you idle. According to the infrared thermometer pointed at the thermostat housing, the engine stays between 185-200 degrees in the driveway at idle or at higher rpm. I wish I had some help to see if the gauge moves with the actual temp.

- Today with the engine running, the fusible link between the battery + and the fender distribution block melted and smoked. I replaced it and it started to melt again right away. No obvious shorts, the temp sensor wire appears fine as well as distributor, starter, and alternator wires.

[jimbosprint]

So the smoking fusible link wire turned out to be a bad voltage regulator. At higher RPM it was charging above 16v, and now it is 14.3v max.

This might have also fixed the temp gauge, but I need to drive the truck a little more and see how it acts.

[jimbosprint]

Got my new headers installed! They are sweeeeet!!!

[Aus69c20]

They look great

[rusty76]

Awesome

[TXBoudy]

Nice!

[jimbosprint]

I still need to get new plug wires that are the correct length, but I finally got the ones I have straightened out with some zip-tie wire separators. I found the idea searching online for some to buy, and I think I like this better.

[Orange67]

Nice work man! I've been using the zip tie trick for years, I think I found it online too. Love the truck!

[GR8-68]

That looks sweet !! Nice work, those headers are saweeeeettt !!!

[dfwright]

Originally Posted by jimbosprint

I still need to get new plug wires that are the correct length, but I finally got the ones I have straightened out with some zip-tie wire separators. I found the idea searching online for some to buy, and I think I like this better.

That zip tie separator trick does look really good. I think I'll steal it from you now,