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#1 |
Registered User
Join Date: Jun 2009
Location: Springtown,Tx.
Posts: 60
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My 73 saga
Some of you guys helped me with my truck, getting it running enough to get it to the engine builder.
I have a pretty straight 73 heavy half ton 454 bought it cheap....but am paying high...lol anyhow here's what I have done thusfar.... new parts coil starter plus and wires quadrajet cap battery ignition switch steering box since it's been at the builders.... Engine exhaust from manifold back with glasspacks thermostat, water pump tranny seals, front rear and pan intake manifold I will post some pictures when I get it back from the builders. I had them paint the block Chevy Orange, they found a crack in the intake manifold so I am having them put on an edlebrock (sp?). After I get it back it will be tires and wheels and a little brake work, then I might paint it back the original configuration....with the minor body work needed...seals etc Here's some pics of the truck http://www.billyblaze.net/chevy/chevy.html |
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#2 |
Happy to be here
![]() Join Date: Mar 2000
Location: Cypress, TX
Posts: 39,023
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Re: My 73 saga
Some times a bargain isn't really a bargain. I still think your doing just fine. I really like this truck.
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Follow me on Facebook and Instagram @N2trux.com Articles- "Jake" the 84 to 74 crewcab "Elwood" the77_Remix 85 GMC Sierra "Scarlett" "Refining Sierra" |
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#3 |
Tot Roddin'
Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: Mid-MO
Posts: 24,461
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Re: My 73 saga
Sounds like many of the builds here on this site.
![]() I'm with Ken, that is one clean '73. Good luck with the rest of the build!
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-Nate ![]() 1969 CST SWB - Project Blank Slate (4.5/6" ECE Static Drop, 6-lug disc brake upgrade (manual), Billet Specialties Vintec 20x8.5 255/40 (F) 20x10 295/40 (R), 250 I-6) 1960 AMF Skylark - Tot Roddin' (Lowered with custom frame; soon to include custom push bar and interior) 2008 Silverado CrewCab 1LT (5.3L, 3:73, 4x4, LT1, Z-71, Towing Package) |
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#4 |
Registered User
Join Date: Jun 2009
Location: Springtown,Tx.
Posts: 60
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Re: My 73 saga
Thanks guys, i figure after this most of the big stuff is out of the way.
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#5 |
Registered User
Join Date: Feb 2009
Location: Oklahoma
Posts: 7,461
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Re: My 73 saga
That's a great looking truck. Sounds like you have a good momentum going. Keep us updated, and we love pics.
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#6 | |
72 BB C30 Super LongHorn
![]() Join Date: Nov 2002
Location: Chavez Ravine
Posts: 1,606
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Re: My 73 saga
Quote:
Although I am going a bit more extreme, the money adds up in a BIG hurry. Sometimes I have to step back while doing it all. Good luck on the finish!
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72 BB C/30 Longhorn Super HO72 No-Spin, #'s matching, Tilt, Tach, AC, AM/FM HO72 build : http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=714492 2017 SS ![]() |
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#7 |
Registered User
Join Date: May 2009
Location: Pensacola, Florida
Posts: 30
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Re: My 73 saga
Take comfort in the fact that you know the changed parts are solid now!
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#8 | |
Registered User
Join Date: Jun 2009
Location: Springtown,Tx.
Posts: 60
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Re: My 73 saga
Quote:
Yep, I had the chance to do it half assed but figure it makes no sense to spend all the money I have and have to go back in there and do it right later on down the road. I want to be able to pull anything, haul anything and drive aross the country if needed...solidity |
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#9 |
Robert Olson Transport
![]() Join Date: Oct 2002
Location: recent transplant to NC USA
Posts: 20,293
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Re: My 73 saga
any old truck is goiong to need a ton of work.. luckilly the reliability of these things is so good that youre set for another 30 years... as to the paint job.. if you do the original configuration that woodgrain stuff is very pricey.. id consider doing the center part in the white they offered to keep the costs down
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Bob 1951 International running on a squarebody chassis "If a man's worth is judged by the people he associates himself with, then i am the richest man in the world knowing some of the fine people of this board" http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/a...t.php?f=25&a=9 (you can review the site rules here!) PM Me for your vehicle/parts hauling needs in the North East US or see my Facebook page Robert Olson Transport Live each day to the fullest.. you never know when fate is going to pull the rug out from under you... I hate cancer!! |
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#10 |
Registered User
Join Date: Jun 2009
Location: Springtown,Tx.
Posts: 60
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Re: My 73 saga
where would i find the woodgrain stuff, I figured it would be pricey but I want to keep it as original as possible from the outside.
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#11 | |
Senior Member
![]() Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: Lawrence KS
Posts: 821
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Re: My 73 saga
Quote:
i have commented on your truck before. i love it.
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1981 Chevy C30 440 Holmes 42K one owner miles Last edited by truckfan; 07-23-2009 at 05:26 PM. |
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#12 | |
Registered User
Join Date: Jun 2009
Location: Springtown,Tx.
Posts: 60
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Re: My 73 saga
Quote:
I sure would appreciate it if you do ![]() |
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#13 |
Registered User
Join Date: Jun 2009
Location: Springtown,Tx.
Posts: 60
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Re: My 73 saga
OK, so I still have the truck at the engine builders.....
Well it's back there anyway. Picked it up and discovered that the quadrajunk wasnt opening the back two barrels which made it run like a well behaved 305ci 2 barrel, but I have a 4 barrel 454! Anyhow.... what I have decided since obviously these guys cant find their arse around a quadrajunk, is I am going to replace it with a new Edlebrock carb and intake and would like some reccomendations on what you think would work best....maybe what you are running in this combo of intake manifold and carb. Any help is always appreciated and since I am going on week 7 without my truck I am getting a little testy...lol Got some wheels and tires on it now and the engine looks, runs and sounds really really good, i am pleased with the work with the exception of the huge loss in power due to carburation issues. Pics will follow when I do get it back for more than a day and have an opportuity to snap a few. |
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#14 |
1962 C-10
Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: Las Vegas, New Mexico
Posts: 4,978
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Re: My 73 saga
Beautiful truck! Sounds like you're doing everything right... Can't wait to see your progress..
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Joseph Chavez ![]() "See the USA in a Chevrolet!!" ......................_____ .........________//__{\_____ ,,,,,,,/__(O)___//___/__(O)_/ 1962 C10 Shortbed Fleetside 327/th350 GV overdrive 1974 C10 Longbed Fleetside 350/th350 "The Trash Truck" 1999 Chevy 2500 OBS, Longbed 5.7/4L80E 4x4 2015 GMC Sierra SLE 1500 4x4 |
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#15 |
Registered User
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: Salt Lake City UT
Posts: 441
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Re: My 73 saga
Suggest looking at the Barry Grant line of carbs......great tuneability and prices are not out of line. Get an EB intake dual plane for good useable street power, especially since you indicate you want an all purpose truck.
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#16 |
Registered User
Join Date: Jun 2009
Location: Springtown,Tx.
Posts: 60
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Re: My 73 saga
I should mention this is a brand new rebuilt quadrajet by Holley and has less than 100 miles on it.
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#17 |
The One And Only !!!
Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: Hole in the woods Florida
Posts: 4,567
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Re: My 73 saga
Billy,
That's a shame...... Check with your local GM dealer and see what they would charge to check this carb out ? It would have to be cheaper than buying another carb and having the same problems finding someone to tune it. You can google Q-Jet and find all sorts of tech/tune articles that would help straighten this one out. --------------------------------------------------------- Sorry dan76, This Demon has left me on the roadside 5 times flooding out at traffic lights. After the first time, I installed new floats and float needle valves (from Berry Grant) new fuel filters one before the pump and after then a new return pressure regulator set at 6 lbs. (6 to 71/2 is spec.). I have nearly worn the float valve lock nuts out trying different levels other than spec, I don't know what the deal is with these carbs... I see them on vehicles at shows and you can tell they flood by the brown fuel stains on the intakes..... This one..... Well..... It gets the sledge treatment before the slam-dunk..... ![]()
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93 Jeep XJ 88 Buick La Sabra Toys; 88 TA-GTA in the works.... 97 GMC Ext. Cab 502 Crate 5 Spd......Sucks Gas But Haulz Azz ! ![]() The primary function of an Engineer is to make it difficult for the Fabricator and impossible for the Mechanic. "Why go out preserved when you can go out beat up, worn out, sliding in sideways screaming, Holy Sh!t What A Ride" !!!
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#18 | |
Registered User
Join Date: Jun 2009
Location: Springtown,Tx.
Posts: 60
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Re: My 73 saga
Quote:
I figured that I can also get the builder to send back the Edlebrock intake that is made for the Q and exchange it for one to fit the carb I choose, then it should be pretty much install, crank and drive away with a functioning carb. Anyway thats my train of thought |
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#19 | |
The One And Only !!!
Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: Hole in the woods Florida
Posts: 4,567
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Re: My 73 saga
Quote:
Best of Luck ! ![]()
__________________
93 Jeep XJ 88 Buick La Sabra Toys; 88 TA-GTA in the works.... 97 GMC Ext. Cab 502 Crate 5 Spd......Sucks Gas But Haulz Azz ! ![]() The primary function of an Engineer is to make it difficult for the Fabricator and impossible for the Mechanic. "Why go out preserved when you can go out beat up, worn out, sliding in sideways screaming, Holy Sh!t What A Ride" !!!
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#20 |
At the body shop.
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: Land of fruits and nuts.
Posts: 5,218
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Re: My 73 saga
Dont feel bad about the money youve got something no one else has got. My 73 was given to me and its cost me a ton so far and a ways to go yet but its mine...
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" That didnt make it any newer " " Dont antique the equipment " |
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#21 |
Registered User
Join Date: Jun 2009
Location: Springtown,Tx.
Posts: 60
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Re: My 73 saga
ok back again,....it seems as though the original mechanic that worked on the truck was out the day I took it back.
Luckily I think the guy that didnt know what he was doing didnt do and major damage to the newly rebuilt carb. I am going to pick up the beast this morning, they say the back 2 barrels are opening up now and everything is functioning properly. If things are cool this time I will snap some more pictures and post them of the engine bay, new shoes, and exhaust system. Next in line will be replacing some brake components, and shocks....then I am just going to wing it....LOL maybe let the truck do something for me for a change. I will look into also getting a fairly good recording of the pipes, maybe a YouTube short. Thanks for the help and suggestions, so glad I found you guys ![]() |
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#22 |
Registered User
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: Farmington, MN
Posts: 928
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Re: My 73 saga
If it still isn't right, I would look for an old mechanic that has worked with Q-jets. Maybe a small shop in a small town or rural area. I'm 26 and have rebuilt many carbs. So far there has only been one that I have not been able to get right, because someone else had warped and bent parts.
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I can still count my vehicles on two... wait three hands. |
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#23 |
Registered User
Join Date: Jun 2009
Location: Springtown,Tx.
Posts: 60
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Re: My 73 saga
As promised here are some pictures, same link but the new ones are at the bottom of the page showing a cheap seat cover, tires and wheels, and the rebuilt motor with new Edlebrock 750cfm carb and performer intake.
Can the experts take a look at the carb and see if anything looks out of place, besides the cruise control line not being hooked up and the throttle spring attached to the manifold. I have a new bracket that I am going to install to fix both of these little things. It seems that when I really put the foot to it, the truck hits passing gear and the 4 barrels open NOW but the truck just doesn't seem to go any faster....trying to figure this out. Thanks, here's the link (scroll to the bottom) ps thanks for all the help. http://www.billyblaze.net:80/chevy/chevy.html |
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#24 |
Registered User
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: orangevale, ca
Posts: 3,626
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Re: My 73 saga
looking good BillyBlaze! nice transformation... just 1 thing though, that air cleaner is known as a fire starter. looks cool and all but i'd get another to be on the safe side.
its just like the glass fuel filters... ask me how i know.
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"Dennis the Menace" 1978 Silverado (2wd, 1/2 ton, short bed)complete nut & bolt frame off restomod LQ9/4L80E MY LS SWAP/FRAME OFF BUILD BOOK 2006 TBSS way too much to list ![]() |
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#25 | |
Registered User
Join Date: Jun 2009
Location: Springtown,Tx.
Posts: 60
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Re: My 73 saga
Quote:
Is it from backfiring through the carb? I was going to stick with the original air cleaner but forgot to get the banjo fitting and the fuel line was in the way of the OEM setup. guess I will buy the banjo fitting and get the round air cleaner going again. Thanks for the nice compliment, I am digging the transformation. I added glasspacks and a new exhaust from manifold back and it sounds very very nice. |
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