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

[jimbosprint]

I have a list of little things that had been bugging me, and a mechanic friend offered to take a look at my truck to see if he could help.

Speedometer inaccurate - Changed the gear, not perfect but much closer.

Shifter linkage funky - Can't figure out why. Bushings are there and nothing is obviously wrong. Maybe in steering column?

Starter had been giving me trouble (not working) when it got hot - replaced it with a mini starter. The gear was just slightly hitting the flexplate and making a terrible noise. We ended up grinding down the end of the gear to make clearance, and it seems to have resolved the problem.

Bad mileage - Tuning, plugs, carb, distributor all seemed fine to him. Recommends turning the fuel pressure down to 4.5psi. Additionally recommended 4spd 700r4 transmission and Sniper EFI.

AC cycling on/off - He didn't want to work on it. System needs to be dismantled and refilled with proper compressor oil, and reinstalled with a new dryer.

[Aus69c20]

I would go the 700r4 transmission before the sniper.
My experience was that the sniper efi didn’t really change my mileage appreciably, even after tuning. If you’re happy with the carb on the truck I wouldn’t change it.

[jimbosprint]

Things just got serious around here. I bought three and a half trucks from a friend.

'71 GMC C2500 Longhorn


'69 GMC K2500 Utility


'72 Chevy K10 Cheyenne


1/2 ton back half

[cornerstone]

COOL!!!!!!! Do you have any plans set in your mind yet? Which one stays and gets attention first?

[Aus69c20]

Nice service truck

[jimbosprint]

Originally Posted by cornerstone

COOL!!!!!!! Do you have any plans set in your mind yet? Which one stays and gets attention first?

No solid plans yet, except to sell the Longhorn. It has a new engine and a fairly nice interior. The white GMC service truck might get the bed from the half truck, or I might use the frame to turn my C20 into a 4x4, or I might just sell it. It needs engine and interior work. I got the ochre K10 to run the other day, but it's been sitting 10 years so it needs a lot of work to get it on the road.

[jimbosprint]

I've always meant to upgrade the wimpy factory two-row radiator in this truck so I just bought this Cold Case aluminum oversized two-row. It's as thick as any four row, and I'm hoping I never have overheating issues again. I also like the stock looking stamped tanks. Not as boxy as most aluminum radiators out there.

I created a separate thread just for this install and review: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=796321

[Aus69c20]

Looks as though it fits well.
My radiator is on its last legs and I have a similar criteria to you. Stock appearance with better performance.
I’ll keep an eye out for your update on the review.

[jimbosprint]

No temperature issues towing my other truck to the scales today. Stays well below the middle of the temp gauge. I'm pleased with this radiator so far.

[jimbosprint]

I took the carburetor off this truck to test on my K10 and decided it was a good time to fix a couple things that have bugged me - put silicone RTV on leaking intake bolts, replace the glass fuel filter, move the fuel pressure regulator mounting, install a banjo bolt on the carburetor fuel line, and replace the funky throttle bracket. I still need to bolt the regulator to the inner fender, but I am happy with where it is now. I am also pleased with the new throttle bracket. It needed bending to accommodate the 1/2" wood carb spacer and a couple extra holes drilled, but now the throttle and kickdown cables are in the right spot and solid.

[jimbosprint]

Opened the hood to check on my work and noticed the heater valve was leaking. Replaced it this morning.

[jimbosprint]

Stuck at home for a month is not good for the old pickup (or me). Took it for a little drive out to some private property today for a round of disc golf.