New Guy with silly question - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

**Richardwa** · 09-19-2011, 10:45 PM

Hey Everybody, I'm new to the forum, not so new to Chevy trucks.
A few weeks ago my Dad gave me His old GMC 3/4 ton. It is a 71, has a 350 with a th350. Runs good, drives nice. I would post a couple pics of it but it has a bad case of the uglies!

The truck has been sitting for a few years so I have replaced the weatherchecked tires, put new brake rotors, wheel bearings and pads on the front. New thermostat, valve cover gaskets and belts, normal stuff that goes bad while sitting. Probably going to replace the cab due to rust in the rockers and above the windshield.
This truck has the factory auxillary gas tank and I need to replace the switch in the dash that switches the guage from main to aux. I have looked online, all the local parts houses, even called the dealer and nobody can seem to find one.

Anybody here know of anyplace to find one?
Thanks for any help

Richard

Constructor1 · 09-19-2011, 11:06 PM

First off - welcome!!

Now I bought a '70 1/2 ton parts truck with aux tanks and the switch was located on the floor between the driver door and seat but this may have been a dealer item - I'm unsure. Unless you are looking to go all original, you should be able to get any petcock valve set up to work. I am assuming that you are dealing with a manual switch not electric. This forum is a great resource and there are many knowledgable people on that will most likely be able to point you in the right direction.

As far as your truck having a bad case of the uglies - so does mine and many others, but they all have some beauty. Please post pics if you can as we all enjoy seeing any and all. Good luck and again, welcome.

**leddzepp** · 09-19-2011, 11:17 PM

Welcome to the board!

They are not re-popped, you might try looking in a junkyard.

Or, since you are a subscribing member, you can post a want-to-buy ad in the parts section and one of our fine members might have one for sale.

jaros44sr · 09-19-2011, 11:24 PM

Thought I just saw one down in the classifieds...try a search down there

Welcome to the best boards on the .net

**Richardwa** · 09-19-2011, 11:27 PM

Thanks for the welcome! Heres a couple pics of the old girl, just looked at the spid and found out it started life as a custom camper special!

heeroyue2002 · 09-20-2011, 12:35 AM

looks nice!

vectorit · 09-20-2011, 01:05 AM

Welcome to the best place on the net to learn about your new old girl!

Nothing like getting Dad's old truck.

71 GMCDRVR · 09-20-2011, 04:19 AM

Nice truck, welcome brother. Check the parts for sell section a lot of great stuff, from a lot of great guy's. Happy hunting and good luck!!!!
Ryan

stsalvage · 09-20-2011, 08:44 AM

I'm so glade another one is going to be saved brings tears to my eye's.I would order the Napa Big book they have on parts and start buying the service chassis books they might have the listings for that dash switch i've seen a few on the 1970--1977 3/4 ton and 3 ton flat beds they seem to have all that crazy stuff you never normally find on the production run's of trucks and car's.Remember coach builder for car's and trucks are different from the guy that build the big trucks they had more options like PTO air brakes power clutch and a wide open range of Gas tank options

Shyguy · 09-20-2011, 08:53 AM

Your truck looks pretty good to me. I see you have a hybrid, GMC with a Chevy hood, lol.

My truck sure looked a lot worse than yours when I first got it, actually it is still kind of rough. We have had to cut out a lot of sheet metal and replace it, but that is part of restoring an old truck. I think all that is left of my '67 is the cab and front clip, all the rest will be from different trucks.

Good luck and enjoy the truck.

**special-K** · 09-20-2011, 11:03 AM

The tank gauge switch is a two-pole switch. Maybe try a wiper switch. I know that's a three-pole but you can just still make it work. Or,just find a two-pole from a vehicle with single speed wipers and put your knob on. As others have suggested,you can always check the parts for "sale" section or post a WTB.
I have a question,does your truck have the rear view mirror attached to the windshield,molded plastic door panels,and a dimple with a screw in each door inside under the wing vent/window divider?

**Richardwa** · 09-20-2011, 06:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by special-K

I have a question,does your truck have the rear view mirror attached to the windshield,molded plastic door panels,and a dimple with a screw in each door inside under the wing vent/window divider?

Rear view mirror is mounted above windshield, normal style door panel, and no dimple or screw under vent window

**MusicMan70** · 09-20-2011, 07:20 PM

Is this what you wanted...Ebay

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/1967-...item4cfa3a05da

faribran · 09-20-2011, 07:27 PM

ok, i am curious... is this what u were looking for ? sure looks good to me

**Richardwa** · 09-20-2011, 08:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MusicMan70

Is this what you wanted...Ebay

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/1967-...item4cfa3a05da

Yep, that looks like it!

tow guys · 09-20-2011, 09:50 PM

Well, welcome aboard! Now go get that part before someone else does! lol

Best of luck with Dad's old truck by the way. Do try and save the original cab if ya can. They're not as tough to repair as they first appear. Cab corners and rockers aren't that big a deal once ya get the hang of welding.

bobs409 · 09-21-2011, 06:39 AM

Ugly? Heck that's not ugly. I'd rather look at that than any new truck or car.

Glad another one gets saved!

Too many getting parted out these days.

**Richardwa** · 09-21-2011, 12:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tow guys

Well, welcome aboard! Now go get that part before someone else does! lol

Best of luck with Dad's old truck by the way. Do try and save the original cab if ya can. They're not as tough to repair as they first appear. Cab corners and rockers aren't that big a deal once ya get the hang of welding.

Rockers and cab corners don't bother me too much, what really concerns me is the rust on the inside, above the windshield, right side pillar and above the right door. Not real sure what to do about that........

k2rm · 09-21-2011, 01:16 PM

Looks like a fun project. I know about Grays Harbor Rust. My truck spent 8 years in neighboring Aberdeen with many trips driving on the beach at Ocean Shores. Between the sand that got stuck under the rockers and pine needles that fell under the cowl, my original cab was a goner. The firewall, kick panels, floors, supports, and rockers were horrible. A road trip to Nevada to pick-up a rust free cab worked for me.

MacGyver72 · 09-21-2011, 04:47 PM

Welcome from another newbie! Great information here. Have a veteran body guy (not a young collision specialist) look at your cab and see what he says. There isn't much to these trucks and what is there is all metal so you may be able to make patterns and fab the patches you need with sheet steel. I know a talented guy that fabbed an entire race car from some photos......including the frame.

camrycurt · 09-21-2011, 08:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Richardwa

I have replaced the weatherchecked tires

I really like the size and look of your new tires. They look great on the truck.

What size and make are they?

**Richardwa** · 09-21-2011, 10:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by camrycurt

I really like the size and look of your new tires. They look great on the truck.

What size and make are they?

They are Pegasus Advanta, LT215/85/R16, 10 ply rating

09-19-2011, 10:45 PM	#1
Richardwa Active Member Join Date: Sep 2011 Location: Selah Wa Posts: 153	New Guy with silly question Hey Everybody, I'm new to the forum, not so new to Chevy trucks. A few weeks ago my Dad gave me His old GMC 3/4 ton. It is a 71, has a 350 with a th350. Runs good, drives nice. I would post a couple pics of it but it has a bad case of the uglies! The truck has been sitting for a few years so I have replaced the weatherchecked tires, put new brake rotors, wheel bearings and pads on the front. New thermostat, valve cover gaskets and belts, normal stuff that goes bad while sitting. Probably going to replace the cab due to rust in the rockers and above the windshield. This truck has the factory auxillary gas tank and I need to replace the switch in the dash that switches the guage from main to aux. I have looked online, all the local parts houses, even called the dealer and nobody can seem to find one. Anybody here know of anyplace to find one? Thanks for any help Richard

09-19-2011, 11:06 PM	#2
Constructor1 Registered User Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: Phoenix, AZ Posts: 89	Re: New Guy with silly question First off - welcome!! Now I bought a '70 1/2 ton parts truck with aux tanks and the switch was located on the floor between the driver door and seat but this may have been a dealer item - I'm unsure. Unless you are looking to go all original, you should be able to get any petcock valve set up to work. I am assuming that you are dealing with a manual switch not electric. This forum is a great resource and there are many knowledgable people on that will most likely be able to point you in the right direction. As far as your truck having a bad case of the uglies - so does mine and many others, but they all have some beauty. Please post pics if you can as we all enjoy seeing any and all. Good luck and again, welcome.

09-19-2011, 11:17 PM	#3
leddzepp Moderator Join Date: May 2007 Location: Southern Cal Posts: 19,996	Re: New Guy with silly question Welcome to the board! They are not re-popped, you might try looking in a junkyard. Or, since you are a subscribing member, you can post a want-to-buy ad in the parts section and one of our fine members might have one for sale. __________________ 1972 C/10 Cheyenne Super SWB. Restored, loaded, slammed. 1968 C/10 50th Anniversary LWB. Unrestored, stock, daily driver/work truck. RIP ElJay RIP 67ChevyRedneck RIP Grumpy Old Man

09-19-2011, 11:24 PM	#4
jaros44sr Registered User Join Date: May 2006 Location: Philadelphia, Pa. 19454 Posts: 9,458	Re: New Guy with silly question Thought I just saw one down in the classifieds...try a search down there Welcome to the best boards on the .net __________________ Semper Fi...Uncle Sam, you da man All parts offered to help are free, unless otherwise noted Dont try this stuff in my build thread, unless you have 55 years of mechanical OTJ training SAFETY FIRST AS usual, off topic They say your mind goes second, can't remember the first Jim

09-19-2011, 11:27 PM	#5
Richardwa Active Member Join Date: Sep 2011 Location: Selah Wa Posts: 153	Re: New Guy with silly question Thanks for the welcome! Heres a couple pics of the old girl, just looked at the spid and found out it started life as a custom camper special!

09-20-2011, 12:35 AM	#6
heeroyue2002 fat old dude Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: fresno, california Posts: 1,424	Re: New Guy with silly question looks nice! __________________ 1972 c-10 shortbed 350/400 build thread http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=389157 1968 workhorse http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=446216 Accepting part donations

09-20-2011, 01:05 AM	#7
vectorit What? Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Southern California Posts: 7,617	Re: New Guy with silly question Welcome to the best place on the net to learn about your new old girl! Nothing like getting Dad's old truck. __________________ Chris 1968 K20 Suburban 1972 K10 LWB PU

09-20-2011, 04:19 AM	#8
71 GMCDRVR Registered User Join Date: Aug 2011 Location: Modesto, Claifornia Posts: 236	Re: New Guy with silly question Nice truck, welcome brother. Check the parts for sell section a lot of great stuff, from a lot of great guy's. Happy hunting and good luck!!!! Ryan __________________ Blessings, Ryan G JESUS IS LORD!!!!!!

09-20-2011, 08:44 AM	#9
stsalvage Scrapper 1 Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Riverside Calif Posts: 1,649	Re: New Guy with silly question I'm so glade another one is going to be saved brings tears to my eye's.I would order the Napa Big book they have on parts and start buying the service chassis books they might have the listings for that dash switch i've seen a few on the 1970--1977 3/4 ton and 3 ton flat beds they seem to have all that crazy stuff you never normally find on the production run's of trucks and car's.Remember coach builder for car's and trucks are different from the guy that build the big trucks they had more options like PTO air brakes power clutch and a wide open range of Gas tank options

09-20-2011, 08:53 AM	#10
Shyguy Junior Member Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Southeast Missouri Posts: 2,436	Re: New Guy with silly question Your truck looks pretty good to me. I see you have a hybrid, GMC with a Chevy hood, lol. My truck sure looked a lot worse than yours when I first got it, actually it is still kind of rough. We have had to cut out a lot of sheet metal and replace it, but that is part of restoring an old truck. I think all that is left of my '67 is the cab and front clip, all the rest will be from different trucks. Good luck and enjoy the truck. __________________ '67 Chevy C-20 short stepper - build complete, 454/SM-465. '75 C-30 Single Cab DRW-350 small block/NP-435. '77 GMC-6500 Dump Truck, 427 Tall Deck. '92 GMC K-3500 Duallie, 454/4L80E.

09-20-2011, 11:03 AM	#11
special-K Special Order Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Mt Airy, MD Posts: 85,861	Re: New Guy with silly question The tank gauge switch is a two-pole switch. Maybe try a wiper switch. I know that's a three-pole but you can just still make it work. Or,just find a two-pole from a vehicle with single speed wipers and put your knob on. As others have suggested,you can always check the parts for "sale" section or post a WTB. I have a question,does your truck have the rear view mirror attached to the windshield,molded plastic door panels,and a dimple with a screw in each door inside under the wing vent/window divider? __________________ "BUILDING A BETTER WAY TO SERVE THE USA"......67/72......"The New Breed" GMC '67 C1500 Wideside Super Custom SWB: 327/M22/3.42 posi.........."The '67" (project) GMC '72 K2500 Wideside Sierra Custom Camper: 350/TH350/4.10 Power-Lok..."The '72" (rolling) Tim "Don't call me a redneck. I'm a rough cut country gentleman" R.I.P. ~ East Side Low Life ~ El Jay ~ 72BLUZ ~ Fasteddie69 ~ Ron586 ~ 67ChevyRedneck ~ Grumpy Old Man ~

09-20-2011, 07:20 PM	#13
MusicMan70 Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: Corona, CA Posts: 1,835	Re: New Guy with silly question Is this what you wanted...Ebay http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/1967-...item4cfa3a05da __________________ MusicMan70 1961 GMC Suburban

09-20-2011, 07:27 PM	#14
faribran Registered User Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: AL Posts: 1,828	Re: New Guy with silly question ok, i am curious... is this what u were looking for ? sure looks good to me __________________ "

09-20-2011, 09:50 PM	#16
tow guys Registered User Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: Bayville NJ Posts: 385	Re: New Guy with silly question Well, welcome aboard! Now go get that part before someone else does! lol Best of luck with Dad's old truck by the way. Do try and save the original cab if ya can. They're not as tough to repair as they first appear. Cab corners and rockers aren't that big a deal once ya get the hang of welding. __________________ Check out my 70 GMC tow truck project here.......http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=440431 Member of the 1-Ton Club! http://www.eastcoastcarandtruck.org

09-21-2011, 06:39 AM	#17
bobs409 1969 Custom 30 wrecker Join Date: Sep 2001 Location: Pottsville, Pa Posts: 2,611	Re: New Guy with silly question Ugly? Heck that's not ugly. I'd rather look at that than any new truck or car. Glad another one gets saved! Too many getting parted out these days. __________________ Bob 63 Impala 283/PG/3.36 (under restoration) 66 Impala 327/PG/3.36 66 Chevelle SS 409/M22/3.55 69 Chevelle 307/PG/3.08 (future restoration) 69 C10 short stepside 454/TH350/3.73 69 Custom 30 tow truck 350/4 spd/4.10 (resto done, CRUISIN TIME!) 71 Cheyenne 20 fleetside 350/4 spd/4.10 71 Chevelle 6/PG/3.08 72 Chevelle 454/M21/4.10



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09-21-2011, 01:16 PM	#19
k2rm Registered User Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Concord, CA Posts: 147	Re: New Guy with silly question Looks like a fun project. I know about Grays Harbor Rust. My truck spent 8 years in neighboring Aberdeen with many trips driving on the beach at Ocean Shores. Between the sand that got stuck under the rockers and pine needles that fell under the cowl, my original cab was a goner. The firewall, kick panels, floors, supports, and rockers were horrible. A road trip to Nevada to pick-up a rust free cab worked for me.

09-21-2011, 04:47 PM	#20
MacGyver72 Registered User Join Date: Sep 2011 Location: Greencastle, IN Posts: 132	Re: New Guy with silly question Welcome from another newbie! Great information here. Have a veteran body guy (not a young collision specialist) look at your cab and see what he says. There isn't much to these trucks and what is there is all metal so you may be able to make patterns and fab the patches you need with sheet steel. I know a talented guy that fabbed an entire race car from some photos......including the frame.

Register or Log In To remove these advertisements.