Palf's 1970 Custom/10

[Palf70Step]

Next item was the license plate light. Again non functioning, and not sure how it comes apart (if even) to replace a bulb. Originally I thought about using 2 more of the round LEDs like in the backup lights, but I found this item on Amazon that just bolts to the license plate bolts.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07VHJ435Y...t_details&th=1

So removed old one, wired in the new light and now a very clean looking plate light. I do plan on welding up the old holes before I paint the step bumper, just so it looks cleaner

The last thing I did was hook up the inside hood release kit I got from LMC truck. I had to fiddle with it a bit, but she works so a bit of security I guess. We will see how it holds up.

Once my house roof is finished, I think the headlight upgrade is next.

[OutlawDrifter]

Nice upgrades Bill!

[Palf70Step]

Finished up the headlight swap out yesterday. I must say I am impressed with this kit. To me the price was fabulous for what you are getting compared to the other things I may have used.

https://cruiserteq.com/oem-toyota-ko...-elec81110kit/

Learned about it from someone in the 60-66 area of board.

What I really like is they are glass, sealed bean H$ lights, so none of the plastic fading crap to worrry about.

The wiring kit was super good quality and the wiring had plenty of reach.

Just remove the old bulbs, which in my case was tough. Driver's side ring had to be cut and the ring screws cut out . Luckily I had an extra set of housings from my old 70. The other thing I liked about the kit is I did not have to open up the center holes. It is tight with the rubber boot around the back of the bulb, but it fit in without opening it up at all. All relays and fuses were included. Only mod I had to make was to lengthen the ground cable some to go onto a point behind the battery. Rings and all fit perfect and they look good in the housing. They are way brighter for sure.

I also cleaned up the factory headlight bezels/surrounds and repainted them.

Also reinstalled the gun (umbrella) racks in the cab and put my present from Chevy Truck Legends on display. Better there, than lying around and never being used.

[cornerstone]

Thanks for the write up! looks like a sweet deal to me as well. If my current set up is no bueno I'll go this route.

[Palf70Step]

Took out the old guy to stretch his legs today. First run in long while. So O-dark-hundred start for Baton Rouge. Truck and all the new electronics work well. The tach is still acting weird, like it is getting goofy signal from the HEI (same as the old factory tach), but truck runs smooth as heck. Turns out I only installed a 25 gallon suburban tank and not the 35 like I though. OH well she works fine. Got to recheck all my paper work and see if I clicked wrong thing or they shipped wrong thing.

So nice breakfast meet up and good driving today. Put on a bit over 300 miles

[Palf70Step]

Couple more from breakfast

[OutlawDrifter]

Looking good!

[Palf70Step]

Just got back from a 12 day 2800 mile "Fall Foliage" trip the boss wanted. Hit Atlanta area (unfortunately), upper Georgia, Bristol TN/VA area, then West Virginia and my home stomping grounds around Pittsburgh PA. My part of trip, even though there were no races was to go by and see Bristol Speedway. So different from my other two track visitations, 1972 Indy 500 race and 1975 Daytona 500 race. I hope to see a race at Bristol someday. It looks like it would be so kool to see the entire track during a race instead of quick burst at the others.

Showed the wife Andy Warhol's grave site while we were in "The burgh" area. Getting ready for another trip, this time to NE Texas. Then maybe I can get to work on the 70 again.
70 was lonely, so I had to include a photo of it too.

[OutlawDrifter]

That's quite a trip, 70 looks good!

[GSFMECH]

Looks like you had fun, hope I see you tomorrow

[Palf70Step]

Sorry, I'll miss you guys tomorrow. I am on the road in TX. I did wave at the chevy dealer when we drove by you guys yesterday.

[Palf70Step]

Still on the road, this time in NE Texas. Been a while sine i had real Japanese food, but they had a super place near my son's apartment. Enjoying the time with family, but loooking to get back and get some work done on the e 70.

[FRENCHBLUE72]

What a cool story..

[Palf70Step]

No more driving for a little while. Started tear down yesterday for some upgrades. First is the Vintage Air install, then new intake manifold and new HEI. Cleaned up and regasketed the Edelbrock carb. Hopefully that helps with some of the stumbling issues. Might take me a bit to get her back together, but made the decision to do it. Unpacked all the VA stuff and threw away boxes, so I have to get it installed to clear up shop benches and carts that is holding everything.

[Palf70Step]

Well she runs again. Still got to tie up a couple things under dash on the Vintage air, then get it charged. Rebuilt Edelbrock carb, added Edelbrock Performer intake (painted to look less aftermarket. New aftermarket HEI. The old 1976 version still seemed to work but might have had some quirkiness to it. First new plug wires in 20 years. She runs a lot smoother now.

BTW initial fie up works alot smoother when you have the power brake booster hose hooked to the big open nub on the back of the carb. I also forgot to check timing light. Had it set to 50 degrees advance. That will sorta mess up trying to get it smooth.

Very happy an no water leaks with intake or what not. I was a little disappointed that I couldn't use the original M/T valve covers. The alternator and AC compressor wouldn't let me get them on.

I'll probably not get to do much this weekend as we are supposed to be in the 20s till about Wednesday, and that is too cold for this southernized Yankee to work on something unless it is absolutely necessary.

[OutlawDrifter]

Any progress is good progress, Bill!

We are single digit ambient temps with 25+ mph winds for the next few days. Plenty of snow and ice to go around!

[Palf70Step]

We should not see any white stuff on coast . low 20s over night is BAD for down here. To many bridges and water ways that cause road icing. Wind is reallly bad herealso. Supposed to be up to 50 MPH at times.

[Palf70Step]

New daily driver. Been waitingg on this for several year. 2010 tacoma only 29k for mileage. My neighbor finally let me have it.

[OutlawDrifter]

Bill we have now owned 3 Toyota pickups, and I really have been impressed with all 3. Wife drives a crew cab short bed 2014 Tacoma T/X Baja, I currently DD a 2003 Tundra AC, and before that it was a 2001 Tacoma AC PreRunner. All have been easy to work on and flawlessly reliable.

Nice Taco! I'm sure it will make a great driver for you!

[Palf70Step]

Finally cleared by docs to work (Get dirty and greasy) again. First chore, less greas, is get rid of the running boards off the Tacoma. I hate stepping around them and like the look without them better.

[Getter-Done]

Glad to hear you are doing well.

Yeah That looks a Lot Better without the Running Boards.

A truck only needs a step for the Old People. JK .

[Shifty One]

Shame about the M/T valve covers though...

[Palf70Step]

Finished up the interior. Put in sound and insulation on the back wall where tank used to sit. Have my fake gas filler in (Thanks pjmoreland, Great Product!) Carpeting back in and seat back in again too. Now to get on some body work, then get AC checked/charged

[Palf70Step]

Started, some body work today. Passenger front fender, Ed hit a gate post. I hammered/dollyed it out, Got it pretty straight, trim will cover the few imperfections. Also had some rust coming thru. Cut out some old and and insert new. Drivers side had a little bit, so took care of it. Ran out of gas for the welder, so I'll finish them up later.

[Palf70Step]

Finally had some warm and dry ether to get back on the 70 body work. Got both front fenders welded up,. Drivers side came out better than the passenger side, but a skim of putty should straighten up the passenger one.

Decided to change wheels on it. Retire the truck ralleys for some 16x8 US Mag wagon wheels and 265/70 tires. I have always liked the looks of them and the taller/bigger tire seems to fill it in better. Also added my overflow tank. Its from a 1980 era El Camino. Ran out of sand paper, so order it and will get back on the truck in day or 2.