71 Ol' Blue

[tanman722001]

Thats one pretty motor.And congrats on getting it fired up

[FrankieD]

You need some ceramic coated headers they make a world of difference in the engine bay I think I paid $225 at Summit. They come out to the middle of the bell housing mount.

[71Sleeper]

Thanks guys! I got those ceramic headers from summit already. Just don't have the funds to get the new exhaust run right now. I am having one hell of a time with the alternator bracket. But hopefully I can get it running down the road soon.

[FrankieD]

Originally Posted by 71Sleeper

Thanks guys! I got those ceramic headers from summit already. Just don't have the funds to get the new exhaust run right now. I am having one hell of a time with the alternator bracket. But hopefully I can get it running down the road soon.

I have the same problem the Alt is real close but the PS is 1/2 a belt off can't figure it out. I ran into a guy that runs the local speed shop he said to covert to the long shaft water pump and pulleys and things will line up better, so I am going to the junk yard this week and get the brackets and PS pump from a mid 80's truck and that will relocate the alt to the right . I already have the long shaft water pump from an 76 I had that was never installed.

[71Sleeper]

I can't wait to get back on the truck in the morning. Gotta finish the alternator bracket issue, route plug wires, install new gauges, and intall new throttle cable and bracket. That should be all I need to do in order to take it out for a test spin. Oh and I only will have four hours to do it. Gotta get it outta my friends shop. He needs the space to run his buisness.

[71Sleeper]

I got to take Ol' Blue out on about a 5 mile ride today. Was really a fun ride to say the least. I am thinking one more day at my friends shop for some tuning and I will be able to bring the truck home so I can really do some damage. Got lots of plans for it.

[71Sleeper]

Update...Got the motor timed, the carb adjusted and rockers set. Made on hell of a mess when adjusting the rockers even with the cut out valve cover. Spent an hour just cleaning up the oil. The motor runs out strong but the 3spd tranny has gotta go soon. Will bring the truck home on Wednesday and start my whole laundry list of things to do. The paint on it needs alot of attention but we hit it with some buffing compound today on the roof and it clean up very good. Will probably have 10 to 15 hrs in just buffing and polishing it out but hey want have to paint right now.

[slick copper]

Cool! Glad you're getting to enjoy it now! Yeah rocker adjustment is messy. My buddy helped me on my 350 once and had a little set of plastic things that blocked the oil holes. They worked pretty good. Still made a mess.

[71Sleeper]

Got Ol' Blue home last week just been taking a break from it for a little bit. Until today my boy and I got the 2 yrs of dirt and grim off. Which took almost all day. Couple before and after pics.

[71Sleeper]

Few more....I think the old truck cleaned up good.

[VA72C10]

Looks fantastic!!!

[slick copper]

Yeah looks great!

[Bennett68C10]

Looks great, what an improvement a little washing and buffing made

[71Sleeper]

Thanks guys.. I got the question yesterday about the truck. "Daddy when I am going to get to drive the truck?"

[slick copper]

Starting early huh?!

[VA72C10]

Originally Posted by 71Sleeper

Thanks guys.. I got the question yesterday about the truck. "Daddy when I am going to get to drive the truck?"

must have made you proud!!!

I put my 6yr old daughter on my lap and she "drove" us up to the front door of Church last Wed night

[71Sleeper]

Gotta a little something done this week. Can you say sway bar? Now to get it installed.

[VA72C10]

Nice! Looks mucho bettero

[71Sleeper]

Would it be okay to mount the sway bar directly to the frame or do I need the brackets?

[Bennett68C10]

Nice job on the sway bar it cleaned up really well. Can't give you an answer on the brackets, but I would think you probably need them. Try mounting it and see.

[VA72C10]

On a bagged truck you don't but with stock or mild drops you still need the frame brackets from my understanding.

[71Sleeper]

Thanks guys I was just wondering before I started to clean them up.

[71Sleeper]

Ok I got an alignment issue with the driver door. At the bottom of the when shut is flush but as you go up the seam the gap gets wider. The front of the door is almost flush with the fender but carries the same gap all the way up. I have tried adjusting the striker which took some out. I know I have to replace the upper hinge pin but it is not real bad. I hope my door is not twisted but really don't know. Any suggestions?

[VA72C10]

The hinge pins being loose could cause some of the alignment issues. I'd try to slightly loosen both hinges and then shut the door and push/pull to get it lined up...then open carefully and tighten....but first, I'd put a better hinge on because loose hinges can really mess with alignment

[71Sleeper]

Guys,
It has been awhile since I have posted anything, but I have been building up a large stock pile of parts to install. I have got a lot of work ahead of me. Which will start in Dec. got a week off. All new front end parts, power steering, power brakes, new engine parts, new litghts, emblems, fix the door gap and the list goes on and on. I can't wait to get started.