i need help with a few questions

[59 camaro]

i bought this 58 gmc a few weeks ago and im trying to just put it back on the road, plates have been expired since 1987 so im assuming it hasent been driven, i got it off this old man who had it in his back yard for a long time.

anyways, plans WERE to buy an apache and dump a LS1 in it buuuuut i just cant see myself ****ing up a GMC and more bcus its a automatic... truck is pretty complete and its a fleetside....

so i already rebuilt the brakes all around, new master too.... now i checked the oil on the tranny and the motor and it looks like BRAND NEW... i took the carb to get rebuilt.... it still has a generator too... this idiot added 2 under the bed gastanks i want to remove but it still has the og tank behind the seat...

questions,

i bought everything to do a tune up, but anything else i should rebuild?

what do i gap the sparkplugs?

should i upgrade to a alternator or leave it original with a generator?

how the hell do i remove the chrome trim around the windshield and the rear big back window?

i want to lower the front 1-2 inches, should i just remove leafS? if so how many?

anything i should do to the tranny? the guy claims the tranny was rebuilt back in the days

i plan to lower the back 7 inches and cnotch it, should i go monos? or dearched springs?

i plan on sanding the old patina and spraying clear on it, whats the best way to do this, i want the old look to stay on the truck

im sure im forgetting a few questions but thanks for reading and for the help in advance, and if anyone by the ANAHEIM area wana come help me feel free to lmk lol

[NEWFISHER]

Well, I would get it running, get it up to temp a few times and see if you have any leaks. Address them as they come. I would also replace all hoses and belt(s) , thermostat, valve cover gasket, vacuum line, fuel lines and filter etc.

Generator is fine if you don't plan on adding a bunch of stereo gear or accesories. Make sure you lube the bushing through the port provided on top if you have that style.

Plug gap .040

I spend the few bucks and have the pro's at the glass shop pull and install mine. I have ruined plenty of windshield stainless in my life.

Do not pull more than 2 leaves! Even with 2 pulled, it will sag over time and still won't be low enough for you. Get a dropped axle system with steering from Sid at wwwdroppedaxles.com and be done.

I would get. It running, change the trans filter and fluid and drive it. Mabey an output seal if its been sitting that long too.

7 will require flipping the axle ontop of the springs and blocks or mono and a notch. You could also 4 link it.

Clean it with CLR. And Ospho, avoid getting them on the glass. Use a red scotchbrite pad to rub it down. No need to sand it after the treatment and scotchbrite. Add some flattner to the clear unless you like the shiney patina look.

Become a paid member here, use the search feature for all of your topics as they have all been brought up in many threads. You will get others takes on these questions much faster and find what works for you and your budget.

Good luck, post some pics and Welcome!
Posted via Mobile Device

[59 camaro]

Originally Posted by NEWFISHER

Well, I would get it running, get it up to temp a few times and see if you have any leaks. Address them as they come. I would also replace all hoses and belt(s) , thermostat, valve cover gasket, vacuum line, fuel lines and filter etc.

Generator is fine if you don't plan on adding a bunch of stereo gear or accesories. Make sure you lube the bushing through the port provided on top if you have that style.

Plug gap .040

I spend the few bucks and have the pro's at the glass shop pull and install mine. I have ruined plenty of windshield stainless in my life.

Do not pull more than 2 leaves! Even with 2 pulled, it will sag over time and still won't be low enough for you. Get a dropped axle system with steering from Sid at wwwdroppedaxles.com and be done.

I would get. It running, change the trans filter and fluid and drive it. Mabey an output seal if its been sitting that long too.

7 will require flipping the axle ontop of the springs and blocks or mono and a notch. You could also 4 link it.

Clean it with CLR. And Ospho, avoid getting them on the glass. Use a red scotchbrite pad to rub it down. No need to sand it after the treatment and scotchbrite. Add some flattner to the clear unless you like the shiney patina look.

Become a paid member here, use the search feature for all of your topics as they have all been brought up in many threads. You will get others takes on these questions much faster and find what works for you and your budget.

Good luck, post some pics and Welcome!
Posted via Mobile Device

thanks for the info, ill deff do soo... excellent info u provided

[59 camaro]

another question, im assuming this is a 270 6 cylinder, but how do i tell if its a 302 or a 270?

[mknittle]

Probably a 248. check the engine numbers here.

http://www.inliners.org/

and here
http://www.stovebolt.com/techtips/

Hope this helps

[mr48chev]

I'd do just almost exactly what Newfisher suggested in post #3. I probably wouldn't invest in new belts and hoses until I had heard it run for a few minutes though. Then after you have actually heard it run do replace all of the hoses and belts before you drive it more than up and down the driveway. The only reason that I say that is if the Previous owner changed oil after the engine started knocking or had other issues you don't have 50 to 100 bucks tied up in belts and hoses and a bad engine. Hearing it run and firmly believing that it is in decent shape is just cause and good preventative maintenance before jumping in it and driving it.

I think he hit it pretty good on the "patina" thing too. the guys on here know that I am no "patina" fan as to me it shows neglect that needs to be taken care of unless it is gently worn original paint with no rust showing up. The Scrubbing with CLR will do wonders for an old dead paint job. I've also seen guys scrub a crusty old car with Bon Ami and actually have it come out pretty nice. That was a couple of seargents at Fort Hood at the local car wash in 1969 scrubbing a 56 Ford sedan.