Just got a truck. Now I have some questions

[KD4UPL]

Hello,
I just recently purchased a 1969 C10 shortbed. It had been in my Grandfather's garage for at least 20 years but he never drove it.
I've been researching all the VIN codes on the truck. It came from the factory with a 6 cylinder. It currently has a 1971 307 V8. The engine was originally attached to a powerglide but it currently has a THM-400. The rear axle is a GM 12 bolt from 1970 that came with 2.73 gears and an open diff. It now has 3.23 gears and a posi. The rear suspension is leaf springs.

So, my questions are:
Is the leaf spring rear correct? I thought most of these trucks were coils in the rear.
The trucks needs an exhaust system badly, I'd look to put on headers. What in the world do I order to fit the engine and clear the frame and other parts of the truck?
The charging system is putting out 15.1 volts at the battery according to my volt meter. I guess I need a voltage regulator or should I just change to a one wire alternator.
The side marker reflectors (lights?) on the front fenders have no bulb and I don't see any wires or socket for one. They look like they have a spot on the back for a bulb. Is there supposed to be one there?

Thanks very much for any help you can give. I'm sure I'll have more questions.

[ole dollor]

kd4upl :the 1969 did not have side marker lights, but it did have lenses, no bulbs, i beleive they did have a option for leaf springs, i have heard of this before..as far as the 15 volts ...i would check with another volt meeter and see if 15 is correct, a built in regulator is a good way to go if your alt. or reg. is bad.
on the exhaust, you may just put your headers on and take it to a muffler shop and have some custom built for your truck....hope this helps...

[67swb72klb]

welcome to the site and try and get some pics up of the truck
good luck

[71swb4x4]

Originally Posted by KD4UPL

Is the leaf spring rear correct? I thought most of these trucks were coils in the rear.

They could have coils or leafs.

Originally Posted by KD4UPL

The trucks needs an exhaust system badly, I'd look to put on headers. What in the world do I order to fit the engine and clear the frame and other parts of the truck?

Lot's of different opinions on this, do a search on the board and you will get several different options.

Originally Posted by KD4UPL

The charging system is putting out 15.1 volts at the battery according to my volt meter. I guess I need a voltage regulator or should I just change to a one wire alternator.

A very common mod to these trucks is an internally-regulated alternator, which IMO is better that a one wire too.

Originally Posted by KD4UPL

The side marker reflectors (lights?) on the front fenders have no bulb and I don't see any wires or socket for one. They look like they have a spot on the back for a bulb. Is there supposed to be one there?

They did just have reflectors.

[VA72C10]

Welcome from Midlothian, VA. Looking forward to pictures of the truck!

[ole dollor]

I am sorry, i forgot to welcome you to the board.....welcome to the board...

[yuccales]

Welcome from Northern California. I agree with all above posts. Do get some pics up.

[72 Super]

Welcome to the board from Maryland!

Ray

[rcbildr]

Does the voltage stay at 15 all the time? IIRC it will be high for a little bit while it charges the battery up from starting the vehicle but then drops down a bit.

[KD4UPL]

Thanks for all the replies.
As for the headers, do I just order headers for a '69 C10 with a 307? I think they did come with that engine.
The voltage was 15.1 volts after driving the truck for 10 minutes or so. I had the lights on at the time. My volt meter should be fine. I use it every day for work. It's a good one, not a cheap one. I will check it with a different one when I get the chance.
I'll try to post some pictures as soon as I figure out how. I'm better with machines and wires than computers.

[mr48chev]

The 15.1 is a bit high but I'd make sure that the battery is fully charged and in good shape. 14.2 is considered the desired charging voltage.

The guys are right on the rear suspension. most came with coils but leaf springs could be ordered for them.

On the Headers, there are a lot of options out there. I went with the cheap set from O'Reilly's that sell for about 125 and they have worked pretty good and fit fairly well. I did have trouble with the header bolts coming loose though and ended up getting a set of Spectra bolts that have a spring loaded wire that runs though pairs of bolt heads to keep them from backing out. some of the more popular brands might fit a bit better or have a better long lasting coating on them as these only had paint on them.

[71swb4x4]

Why do you want headers? IMO the stock exhaust manifolds are a good piece, and the corvette exhaust manifolds are a great piece.

[ChevLoRay]

Headers, or not. My '69 came with some Hooker headers. As for ordering....check out Summit Racing. They have some that they call their own, but if you compare the stock numbers, you'll learn that they're probably Flowtech, which used to be Cyclone back in the day. A small block header will fit them all from 283's to 400's, so your 307 won't be an issue.

Regarding your voltage, what kind of guage are you using? These trucks only came with an ammeter, not a voltmeter. The stock alternators for these vehicles probably was a 37-amp, unless it has factory AC. In that case, it would probably have a 42-amp unit. There are higher output alternators available, tho.

But, welcome from the Heart of Arkansas!

[madchopper]

Welcome to the board from Washington.

[MrSchaeferPants]

Originally Posted by KD4UPL

Hello,
I just recently purchased a 1969 C10 shortbed.

The charging system is putting out 15.1 volts at the battery according to my volt meter. I guess I need a voltage regulator or should I just change to a one wire alternator.

Welcome to the board!

15.1 is within range, but high. Usually you're around 14.2 when charging. I'd keep an eye out for it, above 16 you can start boiling. IMO, if you replace the regulator, price a 3 WIRE internally regulated alternator and consider swapping, unless you're going for stock/factory. It's not hard to put a 3 wire on, and it's an upgrade, they were made for a reason. Voltage sensing is a great benefit to your electrical system/usage, plus it also supports a warning light if you choose to install one. You'd pretty much already have everything to install one, except a warning light, but you already have a junction block, maybe need some extra wire unless you use the old wire from your regulator which will be removed.

Edit: Suppose you'd need the two spaded plug, and a terminal for the stud as well. But, go online and price a regulator, and a new/rebuilt 3 wire alternator. You may even save money, or break even with the extra terminals and plugs and wire.

[kq4pc]

Hey KD4UPL, Good to have another ham to join us,welcome from tn. Bobby