What did you do to your truck today? - Page 82 - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

fink64 · 12-12-2010, 11:40 PM

we need to start cool facts of the day thread i think todays winner goes to markebo1
thanks for the info

StevieC · 12-13-2010, 03:18 AM

I filled it full of mesquite branches and hauled em over to my dumpster

nice having an 8' bed

jimmydean · 12-13-2010, 01:38 PM

I somehow fixed the blinkers from not blinking by installing a thermostat into an otherwise empty housing. In the process, my fan decided to no longer work now that I have heat.

The fan worked and the blinkers didn't blink before I pulled the thermostat housing. How those are related, I have no idea.

markeb01 · 12-13-2010, 01:49 PM

Now you clearly understand the joy and logic of working on old trucks! It does sound like you have an intermittent ground somewhere in the front causing these random problems. Sometimes holding your tongue in a different position helps cure some of these issues!

jimmydean · 12-13-2010, 02:16 PM

I am getting power to the fan, so I think it is a ground. Is there a common ground that the fan uses since it's only a single wire hookup?

I hope to redo ALL the wiring soon since I want to get started on the interior. Just keeping it legal and on the road is the goal at this point.

markeb01 · 12-13-2010, 02:50 PM

I got so tired of chasing electrical gremlins in my last car I went overkill on my truck.

1. The battery is grounded to the engine block with a 1 gauge cable.
2. A 4 gauge battery cable connects the engine block to the frame.
3. From the bolt connecting the battery cable to the frame, another 10 gauge wire runs to a common grounding bolt on the radiator support under the passenger side air deflector. All forward lighting and the electric fan ground to this bolt.
4. A similar wire runs to the rear, and all rear lighting grounds to this wire where it's bolted to the frame rail.
5. Again from the engine block where the battery cable connects, another 10 gauge wire runs into the cab and is bolted to the pedal support. All dash lighting and gauge grounds connect to this bolt.

All of the electrical systems have a wired return path to the battery. It’s worth the couple of extra dollars in wire and the time it takes to string it, in exchange for never again having to deal with random electrical problems.

The problem with the factory setup is that many electrical devices depend on sheet metal connections through the body to close the circuit back to the battery. Additionally, many of the original wired grounds are severely undersized. For example on my 1960 the original headlight grounds were 20 gauge. All the headlight wiring has been replaced with 14 gauge on both the power and ground sides resulting in dependable performance.

Vernski · 12-13-2010, 04:48 PM

Kudo's Markb01 most of my problems electrical on my truck were bad grounding the connections seem to coroad over time in these old trucks...Vernski

jimmydean · 12-13-2010, 05:19 PM

Thanks, dude! Sounds like my next weekend is already planned.

The first thing I did on the truck was buy an appropriate sized battery, replaced the clamps, then replaced the ground wire from the battery to the block. I will run some new grounds and clean some stuff up.

While on the topic of random wires, WTF is this?

There seems to be no power going to it, so I assume it's a redneck attempt at a ground. I haven't traced the wire, but it runs down by the trans.

**Bugeyev8** · 12-13-2010, 10:53 PM

Thats a power resistor, usually used for trailer brakes or some alt/ac outputs used to use those, take it off and toss it !!

Quote:

Originally Posted by jimmydean

Thanks, dude! Sounds like my next weekend is already planned.

The first thing I did on the truck was buy an appropriate sized battery, replaced the clamps, then replaced the ground wire from the battery to the block. I will run some new grounds and clean some stuff up.

While on the topic of random wires, WTF is this?

There seems to be no power going to it, so I assume it's a redneck attempt at a ground. I haven't traced the wire, but it runs down by the trans.

jarkill · 12-13-2010, 06:58 PM

got the trans cleaned and primed (boring)

fink64 · 12-13-2010, 10:08 PM

The first thing I did on the truck was buy an appropriate sized battery, replaced the clamps, then replaced the ground wire from the battery to the block. I will run some new grounds and clean some stuff up.

While on the topic of random wires, WTF is this?

i would like to know wtf that is too

fink64 · 12-13-2010, 11:14 PM

you cuould keep it if any one ask tell them its a flux capacitor for your time travel truck lol

kalirodding · 12-13-2010, 11:23 PM

Painted my engine today.

MacbreSkull · 12-14-2010, 03:09 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kalirodding

Painted my engine today.

Truckin good lookin engine! Makes me wanna do mine!

kiknrocks · 12-14-2010, 03:54 AM

[QUOTE=kalirodding;4348568]Painted my engine today.

Wow that looks good

*lakeroadster* · 12-15-2010, 07:24 PM

New Chrome Dome Light in the freshly painted cab.

Installed New Defroster Hoses: Got these from Classic Parts, excellent quality! These are certified and approved by Sponge Bob :-).
(You can see how close the new paint color is (above photo) compared to the stock paint under the dash near the defroster hoses, photo below New paint is a bit more "gold" in color)

Started body filler on Camaro Dash... doing body work is new territory for me.

onequickchevy · 12-15-2010, 07:49 PM

Lakeroadster,

What brand filler is that? I prefer a lightweight evercoat product, it sands so easy compared to others that is rock hard. They also make a finish product called icing that is applied over primer ( or filler, it just will not stick to metal) that makes finish bodywork and blocking a breeze. Well, in comparison anyway....

*lakeroadster* · 12-15-2010, 08:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by onequickchevy

Lakeroadster,

What brand filler is that?

3M Bondo Professional Gold Premium Auto Body Filler, bought it at Walmart.

http://solutions.3m.com/wps/portal/3...gl3S2SB1HGQTbl

TwoFiftyShifter · 12-14-2010, 01:57 AM

Nice 235. Same color I used for my 230, looks great.

murdoc · 12-14-2010, 02:53 AM

kaliridding,

Wow that is a sweet looking 235. Fantastic job, I love it!!!

kalirodding · 12-14-2010, 03:43 AM

Thanx guys. Haven't done the valve cover yet, I think I want a new one.

TwoFiftyShifter · 12-15-2010, 08:58 PM

The camaro dash is killer man... my father has a 67 Camaro and I told him about that mod and he HAD to see it.... good work.

old cruiser · 12-17-2010, 01:44 AM

After rebuilding 230 and refitted it with new clutch, started it today ran in camshaft and adjusted valve clearance, very happy now I've gotta sort out why brakes have failed. New shoes and rubber lines worked a treat for a few weeks now all of a sudden pedal goes to floor.

agent orange · 12-17-2010, 04:46 AM

Started sanding the truck this week

agent orange · 12-17-2010, 04:49 AM

Started sanding the truck this week

12-12-2010, 11:40 PM	#1
fink64 Registered User Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: new florence, mo Posts: 70	Re: What did you do to your truck today? we need to start cool facts of the day thread i think todays winner goes to markebo1 thanks for the info

12-13-2010, 03:18 AM	#2
StevieC Registered User Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: Borrego Springs CA Posts: 83	Re: What did you do to your truck today? I filled it full of mesquite branches and hauled em over to my dumpster nice having an 8' bed

12-13-2010, 01:38 PM	#3
jimmydean Registered User Join Date: May 2005 Location: Beaverton, OR Posts: 3,728	Re: What did you do to your truck today? I somehow fixed the blinkers from not blinking by installing a thermostat into an otherwise empty housing. In the process, my fan decided to no longer work now that I have heat. The fan worked and the blinkers didn't blink before I pulled the thermostat housing. How those are related, I have no idea. __________________ New Project: 1966 LWB C20 Plans: 1/2 ton conversion Dropmember front Dropmember rear Corvette discs Restored raised bed http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s....php?p=4295210

12-13-2010, 01:49 PM	#4
markeb01 Senior Enthusiast Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Spokane Valley, WA Posts: 8,356	Re: What did you do to your truck today? Now you clearly understand the joy and logic of working on old trucks! It does sound like you have an intermittent ground somewhere in the front causing these random problems. Sometimes holding your tongue in a different position helps cure some of these issues! Last edited by markeb01; 12-13-2010 at 01:50 PM.

12-13-2010, 02:16 PM	#5
jimmydean Registered User Join Date: May 2005 Location: Beaverton, OR Posts: 3,728	Re: What did you do to your truck today? I am getting power to the fan, so I think it is a ground. Is there a common ground that the fan uses since it's only a single wire hookup? I hope to redo ALL the wiring soon since I want to get started on the interior. Just keeping it legal and on the road is the goal at this point. __________________ New Project: 1966 LWB C20 Plans: 1/2 ton conversion Dropmember front Dropmember rear Corvette discs Restored raised bed http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s....php?p=4295210

12-13-2010, 02:50 PM	#6
markeb01 Senior Enthusiast Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Spokane Valley, WA Posts: 8,356	Re: What did you do to your truck today? I got so tired of chasing electrical gremlins in my last car I went overkill on my truck. 1. The battery is grounded to the engine block with a 1 gauge cable. 2. A 4 gauge battery cable connects the engine block to the frame. 3. From the bolt connecting the battery cable to the frame, another 10 gauge wire runs to a common grounding bolt on the radiator support under the passenger side air deflector. All forward lighting and the electric fan ground to this bolt. 4. A similar wire runs to the rear, and all rear lighting grounds to this wire where it's bolted to the frame rail. 5. Again from the engine block where the battery cable connects, another 10 gauge wire runs into the cab and is bolted to the pedal support. All dash lighting and gauge grounds connect to this bolt. All of the electrical systems have a wired return path to the battery. It’s worth the couple of extra dollars in wire and the time it takes to string it, in exchange for never again having to deal with random electrical problems. The problem with the factory setup is that many electrical devices depend on sheet metal connections through the body to close the circuit back to the battery. Additionally, many of the original wired grounds are severely undersized. For example on my 1960 the original headlight grounds were 20 gauge. All the headlight wiring has been replaced with 14 gauge on both the power and ground sides resulting in dependable performance. Last edited by markeb01; 12-13-2010 at 02:56 PM.

12-13-2010, 04:48 PM	#7
Vernski Registered User Join Date: May 2009 Location: Rathdrum, Idaho Posts: 1,135	Re: What did you do to your truck today? Kudo's Markb01 most of my problems electrical on my truck were bad grounding the connections seem to coroad over time in these old trucks...Vernski

12-13-2010, 05:19 PM	#8
jimmydean Registered User Join Date: May 2005 Location: Beaverton, OR Posts: 3,728	Re: What did you do to your truck today? Thanks, dude! Sounds like my next weekend is already planned. The first thing I did on the truck was buy an appropriate sized battery, replaced the clamps, then replaced the ground wire from the battery to the block. I will run some new grounds and clean some stuff up. While on the topic of random wires, WTF is this? There seems to be no power going to it, so I assume it's a redneck attempt at a ground. I haven't traced the wire, but it runs down by the trans. __________________ New Project: 1966 LWB C20 Plans: 1/2 ton conversion Dropmember front Dropmember rear Corvette discs Restored raised bed http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s....php?p=4295210

12-13-2010, 06:58 PM	#10
jarkill Registered User Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: Monroe Wa. Posts: 50	Re: What did you do to your truck today? got the trans cleaned and primed (boring) __________________ 63 C20 Fleetside LWB

12-13-2010, 10:08 PM	#11
fink64 Registered User Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: new florence, mo Posts: 70	Re: What did you do to your truck today? The first thing I did on the truck was buy an appropriate sized battery, replaced the clamps, then replaced the ground wire from the battery to the block. I will run some new grounds and clean some stuff up. While on the topic of random wires, WTF is this? i would like to know wtf that is too

12-13-2010, 11:14 PM	#12
fink64 Registered User Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: new florence, mo Posts: 70	Re: What did you do to your truck today? you cuould keep it if any one ask tell them its a flux capacitor for your time travel truck lol

12-13-2010, 11:23 PM	#13
kalirodding CLASSIX Truck Club Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Lodi Ca Posts: 318	Re: What did you do to your truck today? Painted my engine today.

12-14-2010, 03:54 AM	#15
kiknrocks 65 Chevy Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: LODI Ca Posts: 144	Re: What did you do to your truck today? [QUOTE=kalirodding;4348568]Painted my engine today. Wow that looks good

12-15-2010, 07:24 PM	#16
lakeroadster Account Suspended Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: High Plains of Colorado Posts: 2,485	Re: What did you do to your truck today? New Chrome Dome Light in the freshly painted cab. Installed New Defroster Hoses: Got these from Classic Parts, excellent quality! These are certified and approved by Sponge Bob :-). (You can see how close the new paint color is (above photo) compared to the stock paint under the dash near the defroster hoses, photo below New paint is a bit more "gold" in color) Started body filler on Camaro Dash... doing body work is new territory for me. Last edited by lakeroadster; 12-15-2010 at 07:30 PM.

12-15-2010, 07:49 PM	#17
onequickchevy Registered User Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Marianna, Florida Posts: 339	Re: What did you do to your truck today? Lakeroadster, What brand filler is that? I prefer a lightweight evercoat product, it sands so easy compared to others that is rock hard. They also make a finish product called icing that is applied over primer ( or filler, it just will not stick to metal) that makes finish bodywork and blocking a breeze. Well, in comparison anyway.... __________________ Slowly but surely getting it done.



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12-14-2010, 01:57 AM	#19
TwoFiftyShifter Registered User Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Gwinnett GA Posts: 1,803	Re: What did you do to your truck today? Nice 235. Same color I used for my 230, looks great. __________________ 1982 K10 SWB 1987 V20 - Sold - Doh!

12-14-2010, 02:53 AM	#20
murdoc Registered User Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: nampa, idaho Posts: 332	Re: What did you do to your truck today? kaliridding, Wow that is a sweet looking 235. Fantastic job, I love it!!!

12-14-2010, 03:43 AM	#21
kalirodding CLASSIX Truck Club Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Lodi Ca Posts: 318	Re: What did you do to your truck today? Thanx guys. Haven't done the valve cover yet, I think I want a new one.

12-15-2010, 08:58 PM	#22
TwoFiftyShifter Registered User Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Gwinnett GA Posts: 1,803	Re: What did you do to your truck today? The camaro dash is killer man... my father has a 67 Camaro and I told him about that mod and he HAD to see it.... good work. __________________ 1982 K10 SWB 1987 V20 - Sold - Doh!

12-17-2010, 01:44 AM	#23
old cruiser Registered User Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: Camperdown Vic Australia Posts: 230	Re: What did you do to your truck today? After rebuilding 230 and refitted it with new clutch, started it today ran in camshaft and adjusted valve clearance, very happy now I've gotta sort out why brakes have failed. New shoes and rubber lines worked a treat for a few weeks now all of a sudden pedal goes to floor.

12-17-2010, 04:46 AM	#24
agent orange Registered User Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Stockton Ca Posts: 63	Re: What did you do to your truck today? Started sanding the truck this week __________________ 1966 GMC Current project 1966 Chevy C10 Sold 1985 C10 Sold 1968 El camino Sold 1954 Ford Anglia Sold 1973 GMC Suburban Sold 1974 Chevy C10 Sold Last edited by agent orange; 12-17-2010 at 04:50 AM.

12-17-2010, 04:49 AM	#25
agent orange Registered User Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Stockton Ca Posts: 63	Re: What did you do to your truck today? Started sanding the truck this week __________________ 1966 GMC Current project 1966 Chevy C10 Sold 1985 C10 Sold 1968 El camino Sold 1954 Ford Anglia Sold 1973 GMC Suburban Sold 1974 Chevy C10 Sold

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