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

[jimbosprint]

Working hard on the truck has definitely been good for me. I don't mind being sore as long as things are getting done.

On that note, the passenger side rotor and pads are done! Now I just need to dig into the rear brakes. Here's some pics:

[jimbosprint]

I just got samples of exact matching fabric and vinyl for the bench seat from SMS Auto Fabrics. Now I just need a good local upholstery shop to put it together.

Should I get the embossed scrolls in the vinyl? (It adds over $100 to the cost)

[Xeen]

My opinion is that you don't try to match the original factory material because it jacks up the price but instead get a robust fabric that will last a long time and save the money for the bedside repair.
These trucks have no collectible value so there is no reason to try to go back to original factory equipment, plus that ship already sailed when you replaced the motor anyway.

[jimbosprint]

Right. It will be just as functional and still look nice without the scrolls. More $ for bedside repair.

[litew8]

If I were to redo my vinyl, I'd do the scroll. It's about aesthetic and the era.

[jimbosprint]

I got started on the interior today. There wasn't much left of the old rubber floor, so it's gone and I started trimming up the new vinyl to fit.

[Saclandman]

Looking good, Jimbo. Did you have to heat up the vinyl to get it to lay right or did it drop right in?

[jimbosprint]

It is molded to the contours of the floor, but it definitely helps to heat it up (unless you did it on a day that was 100 degrees out). See the hairdryer - a heat gun would be better.

[jimbosprint]

Let's just say today will be the warmest day for a while, so I'd like to finish it this afternoon. It needs a lot of trimming as well.

[jimbosprint]

So I am about 90% disappointed with the vinyl floor. It seems like a durable material, but other than that I don't have much nice to say.

It just doesn't fit right under the gas pedal, around the hump, and on the passenger side. If you push it to the floor under the pedal, the passenger side comes off the floor and leaves a big gap by the kick panel. If you push the passenger side to the floor, the vinyl comes up under the gas pedal. I don't know if the folds from shipping will ever relax and go away. It doesn't seem to matter if you get the vinyl hot and set weight on it while it cools, the lumps come right back.

To be completely honest, about 20% of that disappointment is with myself for not doing the best possible job. I have no experience and I should have just paid a professional. Maybe I'll order another one and have the upholstery shop install it. $$$ Costly mistake $$$.

[flashed]

How long did you let it lay flat before you started the install .I let mine lay flat in my hot upstairs (unfinished rooms) during the summer on a spare bed and it de wrinkled pretty good .The bodyshop installed mine and used a heat gun to make it lay down even better ,I really like mine.

[jimbosprint]

The folds don't bother me as much as the fit under the gas pedal. If someone steps on the upper corner of the passenger side, it pulls it enough that it could interfere with the driver. I am hopeful that the folds will eventually relax when I get some hotter weather.

[flashed]

Next time I am out there and can remember I will look at mine under the gas pedal but I dont remember a bad fit there . Yours is looking really good and I bet it will settle down just fine . I keep following your build even if I dont post as I mostly read these at work during breaks .

[jimbosprint]

I got something done today! Calyx dressing is on the new exhaust manifolds.

[jimbosprint]

Replaced the cracked exhaust manifold today. Sounds much better!

[flashed]

I forgot to look under the gas pedal of my truck for you but will try to tomorrow .Where did you buy your exhaust manifold from ?

[jimbosprint]

Ebay. $46 shipped

[jimbosprint]

I had a mechanic friend with some real tools help me fine tune the total advance timing last week, and it seems to run even better.

Just a note for anyone that is gonna use the Summit Blueprinted HEI distributor - the vacuum advance was quite a bit advanced out of the box. Make sure to follow the directions and back off the canister adjustment.

[jimbosprint]

I finally got my cracked windshield replaced. Thanks to Vova (forum member) for the original piece of glass.

[flashed]

That's a name I have not seen much of lately ,I bought my glovebox door from him . Thanks again to Vova and glad he was also able to help you as well.

[jimbosprint]

My truck won't start. I haven't had any issue with starting, and I drove it yesterday morning without any problem. Got in it yesterday afternoon and it wouldn't even turn over. I thought maybe I didn't get the key turned off all the way and it was a dead battery. Hooked up a jump starter this morning and same result - won't turn over.

My first guess is starter or solenoid. It seems odd that it would just quit like that.

[jimbosprint]

Good news, it's not the starter. The shifter linkage has always been a little messed up and it was part-way in reverse. I knew that needed to be fixed anyways. It's easy to move between all gears except park is very difficult. It almost feels like it will break and you have to jam it into park.

[flashed]

Glad it wasnt anything major for you .

[jimbosprint]

Replaced the fuel pump today with the correct one for a sbc. I had accidentally installed a big block fuel pump when I put the engine together, and after a couple fill-ups I noticed my mileage was terrible ~9mpg. I hope this will help with that and make it run a little better too.

[jimbosprint]

Some photos I took yesterday.