By the 1977 Sea 10

[Sea10]

I purchased this truck 2 weeks ago in the Jacksonville Fl area.

1977 C-10 step
350 paired a 3 speed manual plus low
has the heavy duty springs from the factory(took me a while to decipher that vin code)

Known issues: Oil pressure gauge isnt reading, temp gauge not responding, AC needs work/replaced but it is all there, thermostat housing/gasket leak, horn isn't connected, radio is wired incorrectly, carb air cleaner stem needs replaced...has a little rust but the frame looks clean.

Drivers side valve cover leaked. Took it off and discovered a 2 inch crack in the side of the cover. replaced it with new edelbrock signature series black valve cover, tall T wing nuts/studs, and long hold downs. Oil pressure gauge is now working.

Replaced the thermostat with a new 180 degree thermo. The old one was nasty, lots of corrosion. I also replace the housing with one from NAPA. Turns out its crap and the plug bolt in the top leaks. Not sure what to do about the leak. it is very tight. I read a thread lock may help or plumbers tape. Not sure if Teflon take can handle the temperatures. Thoughts?

I have always wanted a truck and I recently sold my 1966 Impala SS convertible so I made the leap into a fun old truck. I want this to be my daily driver soon.

I paid $4100, how do you all think I did?

[bowtiebutler956]

That is a gorgeous old stepside! I think you did quite well, as it appears to be in great shape. I've never been a big fan of the old granny gear trans, unless I was towing heavy. By the shifter, it looks like an old sm465. Nice truck, and congrats.

Matt

[Sea10]

I believe it is the muncie sm465. I dont know much about the tranny...this one has a good deal of play/slop in it. Not sure If thats "normal" or not. This is my first classic on the floor manual. I had a three on the tree belair for a while but my main classic for the last 15 years was an impala was a power glide then turbo350.

anything I should watch out for with this transmission?
Also the clutch engages near the top, is that something I should adjust?

[1970pelle]

Very nice looking truck, I'm surprised I didn't see it around town before you bought it. I think you did good on it. I do know there is a lot of them in the area salvage yards. So no worries of running out of used parts. I'm sure someone will jump in with a tip or two to help with you issues.

Ken (Clay County, Black Creek)

[whitels1]

Great looking truck! The SM465 slop is usually the shifter assy. There is lots of info on how to repair, I doubt there is any problems with the transmission itself.

[Sea10]

I don't think the tranny has any issues after driving it around this week. It is hard to find 3rd but once it is in gear it is tight and wont pop out for anything.

I have been driving it this week without a working engine temp sensor. I need to get it replaced. That will be a new process for me but it doesn't look hard.

I am afraid it may have a coolant leak in the engine. I don't see any on the ground but the overflow is low and it wasn't before. I got some more coolant and hope it wont disappear into the wild blue yonder. Exhaust doesn't smoke at all and the engine is running strong, hoping it is me miss remembering coolant levels or just some air getting worked out of the system. I changed the thermostat. I ran it till it opened, seemed to be working fine. That's why I was driving it without the new sensor with some confidence.

as always feel free to send me advise or just call me a dumb ass...

[tommy217xxx]

That's a pretty sweet find there. The interior looks perfect. Put some rims on it and your ready to cruise.

[Sea10]

So, oil leak has not been fixed. I replaced the valve cover and seal but I believe there is still a small leak on the lower front side of the cover. Doesn't look serious and its not whats troubling me. I have a serious leak elsewhere when the engine is hot. When sitting nothing really leaks but when you drive it around oil pressure drops and it leaves a half dollar sized oil spot where ever it is parked. It is coming from the front of the motor or oil pan. I cant tell as the cross member/skid plate gets in the way. Ideas? Someone told me to try the lucas oil leak stop. Anyone have personal experience with it?