65 C60

[justcuz]

Wish I could find one like that! I have a three speed auxilliary transmission in my garage just waiting for one of these. Under, direct and over box. That matched up with the 2 speed rear end would really give you some gear combos! 4spd main x 3 spd auxilliary x 2spd rear end=24 different gears!

[ed2552]

Originally Posted by justcuz

Dang, nice truck! How did it manage to stay in such nice shape for 40 years?

Originally Posted by joe231

if that isn't a testament to these trucks, dunno what is.
43 years old and still a work horse!!
thanks for the pictures

the only thing we noticed was wrong is that the left blinker doesn't return to center, and the passenger side vent is plugged with a mouse nest. ALL the heater stuff works, defroster, heat, fan. The wipers work, all the lights, EVERYTHING!! A few questions: I put in new plugs, what should i have gapped them to, i gapped them to .035, is that right? What about the points and condenser, coil, cap, rotor, etc? I checked the coolant, and it will need a flush/change, i got a thing of Prestone Super Flush, or something, where you drain the coolant and put that in w/ water, and run it a little bit, and then drain that and put in your coolant/water mix. Is this a good product? What else should be done as far as preventative maintenance goes? I'm gonna grease everything and inspect everything tomorrow, i just want to know what else i need to do. Thanks in Advance.

EDIT: Also, we ordered new front tires, and had to order new wheels, as the old ones are split wheels, and were told that when we needed new rear tires, we would have to put new wheels on there as well. does that sound right?

EDIT #2: we bought new bulbs for the hood lights, are those running lights? Because the lens is clear and the bulb is clear, as well as the fact that the blinker is on the fender. Also, the Brake and Clutch pedal pads are off, and shot, where is the best place to get new ones, LMC? Brothers?

[justcuz]

.035 is right for the plugs. I would switch over to an electronic pointless ignition like a Petronix. It fits inside the ditributor cap and looks stock from the outside, but you never have to mess with points again.
The hood lights are parking lights, headlights are running lights.
Pedal pads either place, maybe your local Napa?
Most flush products are good, just make sure it is flushed out completely before you do the coolant mixture.

Did your state law outlaw split rims. I don't think you should have to replace them unless the rings are rusty and cracked. Try another tire store. Any truck tire store should be able to handle split rims.

[ed2552]

No, MN outlawed them, another member had to get new wheels on a 67 GMC, they most definitely outlawed them, and my dad doesn't want an HEI for whatever reason, he likes points,

[justcuz]

Should be able to find used rims somewhere.

[ed2552]

IDK, they were going to just get some new ones, then no worries about repairing old rims, it is just the best thing to do, IMO. We trust those guys, it is a local shop, and they know what they are doing

[C10 - C90 Bill]

Nice truck!

I just read thru all the posts quick. I use Pennzoil 10-40 in my old trucks. It should have the spin-on oil filter which will be available just about anywhere. It looks like you have the "Widow Maker" wheels and I agree, new or good used 1-piece rims would be the way to go. Plug gap of .035 is coorect. I agree with your Dad, I would definitley keep the original distributor. I have been running them for years with no problems.

Keep us posted.

Bill

[Lane]

That is so cool.

[ed2552]

Originally Posted by C10 - C90 Bill

Nice truck!

I just read thru all the posts quick. I use Pennzoil 10-40 in my old trucks. It should have the spin-on oil filter which will be available just about anywhere. It looks like you have the "Widow Maker" wheels and I agree, new or good used 1-piece rims would be the way to go. Plug gap of .035 is coorect. I agree with your Dad, I would definitley keep the original distributor. I have been running them for years with no problems.

Keep us posted.

Bill

Yep, it is a spin on filter, got a WIX, put in the rotella T oil, got a set of champion plugs, and flushed and refilled coolant w/ 50/50 mix of PEAK that we had laying around, as well as cleaned and refilled the oil bath air filter, is there anything we are missing? I found a cool plaque down by the pedals on the kick panel describing the engine output, which confirmed that is a 292, and told us that we could've gotten a 215 HP 409 (she's so fine, my 409!!), LOL. That would be awesome to have a 409 in that truck.

[C10 - C90 Bill]

Altho kind of rare, they did put quite a few 409's in those trucks. All around tho, you have my favorite engine for a truck. I'm a big fan of the 292.

Don't forget the points, condensor, rotor and cap, if you haven't already replaced them. I like Borg-Warner points and a Delco cap as it is Black in color. The points will need a little effort to set (at .019), but with some patience, you will do fine. Also, check the vacuum advance on the distributor to make sure it is working. You may also want to check the timing and reset the carb, if performance and/or mileage is off.

Bill

[ed2552]

no, the plugs we pulled off looked really good, the carb is in good tune. I like the 292, as well, but a 409 is just awesome, LOL. We need to do the points and cap, etc.

[Stepside65]

awesome old beast. Should be more than capable of doing everything you need once the tune up is done.

[ed2552]

Originally Posted by Stepside65

awesome old beast. Should be more than capable of doing everything you need once the tune up is done.

She already is capable, now she will be more capable, lol. I went through and greased every zerk, but some wouldn't take. Is it ok to use a grease rejuvenator?

[C10 - C90 Bill]

Also want to mention one of the most important things about a 292. They like to breathe. If you change the stock muffler to a straight thru muffler you will gain performance and fuel mileage.

I used to run the GMC V-6 straight thru muffler years ago, but they don't make them anymore. A glass pack is a good alternative. The extra bonus is that it will also sound better.

Also check and/or change your PCV valve.

Bill

[ed2552]

Originally Posted by C10 - C90 Bill

Also want to mention one of the most important things about a 292. They like to breathe. If you change the stock muffler to a straight thru muffler you will gain performance and fuel mileage.

I used to run the GMC V-6 straight thru muffler years ago, but they don't make them anymore. A glass pack is a good alternative. The extra bonus is that it will also sound better.

Also check and/or change your PCV valve.

Bill

Well, is there a way to replace the whole exhaust, all 5 feet of it? It is really rusty, and not very tight, but idk if you can get the flange, but i suppose i could cut the old one off, and weld a new pipe on from there.

[C10 - C90 Bill]

Call around to a few local part stores to see if a new one is available, but I would say that you will most likely find them to be disontinued. The next best thing to do is to bring it to a muffler shop and they can custom make one for you. I would go to an independant shop rather than a franchised shop as you will probably have better luck there and maybe even a lower price.

Bill

[factorystock]

A nice clean original! The front end photos really shows great attention to detail from the factory.The contrast of the white grill and chevrolet letters floating in a black background with white surround trim and red bowtie looks great. So much is lost when other trucks are given a cheap paint job and all that front end detail is covered over.

[justcuz]

^ I agree! I paid special attention to that area in my 61 and 63. When they were repainted I told them not to paint the core support. When I got them home I did the core support in semi gloss black and then the white surround.
Repainted the grille white and hand painted the Chevrolet letters gloss black.
Made the front end really jump out at you. Little attention to the details really make a big difference. If the grain truck was mine I would get some polished headed bumper bolts and paint the end of the frame horns black and find some period correct tow hooks and put on the front. The rest of it looks like it would do with a good rub out and wax job.

[ed2552]

Hey, this truck is not for show, it is for go, we will still be working her, she's not getting an easy life from us. Yeah, we need to get the oil spots off of the paint as much as possible, that looks really bad.

[joe231]

Originally Posted by justcuz

^ I agree! I paid special attention to that area in my 61 and 63. When they were repainted I told them not to paint the core support. When I got them home I did the core support in semi gloss black and then the white surround.
Repainted the grille white and hand painted the Chevrolet letters gloss black.
Made the front end really jump out at you. Little attention to the details really make a big difference. If the grain truck was mine I would get some polished headed bumper bolts and paint the end of the frame horns black and find some period correct tow hooks and put on the front. The rest of it looks like it would do with a good rub out and wax job.

i believe you are referring to the grille support seen here LINKY

not the core (radiator) support seen here LINKY

sorry, i can be a stickler for terminology
don't take it personally

[Dinos63]

Oh man that is a sweet truck, and reading this thread a got some good info on the 292, I have one thats in my 66 truck and you guys answer some good question for me. I didn't think about the oil but remembered something having to do with detergent oil or non detergent oil and not having leaded gas anymore i am sure some here has the answer, is 10/40 going to be the best for my 292 ? not trying to jack the thread..... that is a killer truck

[ed2552]

No offense taken, 10W 40 should be fine, we put 15W 40 Rotella in ours.

[Captainfab]

That's a very nice truck! I wish my '63 C60 was that nice

[ed2552]

Thanks to all who have given compliments, we really enjoy the truck, and love it too!!

[justcuz]

Originally Posted by joe231

i believe you are referring to the grille support seen here LINKY

not the core (radiator) support seen here LINKY

sorry, i can be a stickler for terminology
don't take it personally

You are right Joe, gille support it is!