New Guy Needs HELP! - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

71C-10DAD · 11-05-2006, 03:02 AM

As some know I am new to the board after getting my 71' C-10. And have quite a few questions. But for tonight or this week maybe. I will ask only two.

1. How do I make my truck more driver friendly. I feel like i am driving a TANK down the highway.

2. How can i increase my gas mileage.

Thanks to all or any that answer. These two things are really bugging me.

Aaron

nandress · 11-05-2006, 03:04 AM

Put on a set of radials, if not already equipped, and then put air in them!!

Really, it makes a huge difference.

**Boog** · 11-05-2006, 09:29 AM

Radial tires always help the ride and drive, along with a rebuilt front end (new bushings, tierod ends, etc, and an alignment. Power steering if it doesn't have it. Shocks to control the bounce, front sway bar if it doesn't already have one.
Mileage? Start off with a compression test to see what condition the engine's in. If it's ok then a complete tuneup may make it run better. If you are looking for high teens to twentys mpg you most likely won't see them. Mid to lower teens are more common. ( of course there are exceptions )

Zonaman · 11-05-2006, 11:44 AM

Welcome aboard!

More driver friendly:

Insulation and sound deadener for cab
Upgrade seats to more comforatable, safer modern types.
Upgrade to intermittent windshield wipers
Install door operated dome light (some models don't have them)
Convert to HEI ignition
Upgrade alternator to one with internal regulator, higher amps.

Better MPG:

Install an overdrive tranny i.e. 700R4 with suitable gears in rear end
Install headers
Convert to fuel injection
In addition to those radials, don't overlook proper wheel alignement
Convert to an elelctric cooling fan (every little bit helps)

krue · 11-05-2006, 02:01 PM

Those are all good ideas, but if you want new vehicle ride/mileage then you're probably gonna be a little disappointed.

classicchev · 11-05-2006, 02:07 PM

What do you have now???? That is the first question.

71C-10DAD · 11-06-2006, 03:06 AM

Hey thanks guys. Now i know where to start. And as for what you guys all listed anyone have good deals on the stuff. LOL

thanks Again -Aaron

cacauba · 11-06-2006, 08:31 AM

i havn't done this yet, but put on a sway bar.

**LockDoc** · 11-06-2006, 11:58 AM

Aaron,

If you are used to driving car (especially a small one) you are probably going to be disappointed unless you update some stuff on it like the other guys have suggested. It is, after all, an old truck.....

---

LockDoc

11-05-2006, 03:02 AM	#1
71C-10DAD Registered User Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Kansas Posts: 105	New Guy Needs HELP! As some know I am new to the board after getting my 71' C-10. And have quite a few questions. But for tonight or this week maybe. I will ask only two. 1. How do I make my truck more driver friendly. I feel like i am driving a TANK down the highway. 2. How can i increase my gas mileage. Thanks to all or any that answer. These two things are really bugging me. Aaron

11-05-2006, 03:04 AM	#2
nandress Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Nevada Posts: 211	Re: New Guy Needs HELP! Put on a set of radials, if not already equipped, and then put air in them!! Really, it makes a huge difference.

11-05-2006, 09:29 AM	#3
Boog laying low Join Date: Mar 2001 Location: Searcy, Ark. USA Posts: 13,322	Re: New Guy Needs HELP! Radial tires always help the ride and drive, along with a rebuilt front end (new bushings, tierod ends, etc, and an alignment. Power steering if it doesn't have it. Shocks to control the bounce, front sway bar if it doesn't already have one. Mileage? Start off with a compression test to see what condition the engine's in. If it's ok then a complete tuneup may make it run better. If you are looking for high teens to twentys mpg you most likely won't see them. Mid to lower teens are more common. ( of course there are exceptions ) __________________ Boog 69 Chevy stepside, 358/T350, 4.11 posi, 4.5/4 drop, rallys, poboy driver primer is finer 91 Chevy sportside, Tahoe, Yukon & GMC Crewcab All GM..'nuff said. I stand for the flag and kneel at the cross

11-05-2006, 11:44 AM	#4
Zonaman Registered User Join Date: May 2004 Location: Chandler, AZ Posts: 519	Re: New Guy Needs HELP! Welcome aboard! More driver friendly: Insulation and sound deadener for cab Upgrade seats to more comforatable, safer modern types. Upgrade to intermittent windshield wipers Install door operated dome light (some models don't have them) Convert to HEI ignition Upgrade alternator to one with internal regulator, higher amps. Better MPG: Install an overdrive tranny i.e. 700R4 with suitable gears in rear end Install headers Convert to fuel injection In addition to those radials, don't overlook proper wheel alignement Convert to an elelctric cooling fan (every little bit helps) __________________ 69 C-10 LWB, 350, 700r4, 3.73 posi-traction, front disc brakes. Built for the desert- She can take the heat! Vivat Rex Chevus!

11-05-2006, 02:01 PM	#5
krue Designated A-hole! Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: South Mississippi Posts: 36,450	Re: New Guy Needs HELP! Those are all good ideas, but if you want new vehicle ride/mileage then you're probably gonna be a little disappointed. __________________ "If it ain't broke, fix it 'til it is!" Being stupid ain't illegal. We're Still Debt Free Except for the House!!! www.daveramsey.com 70 GMC SWB Stepside project "Green Booger" soon to be 6.0l/4l80e 93 S-10 "Poppaw's Truck"

11-05-2006, 02:07 PM	#6
classicchev Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Calgary Alberta Posts: 1,936	Re: New Guy Needs HELP! What do you have now???? That is the first question. __________________ 67- 72 Parts collecter

11-06-2006, 03:06 AM	#7
71C-10DAD Registered User Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Kansas Posts: 105	Re: New Guy Needs HELP! Hey thanks guys. Now i know where to start. And as for what you guys all listed anyone have good deals on the stuff. LOL thanks Again -Aaron __________________ 1971 Chevy C-10 .

11-06-2006, 08:31 AM	#8
cacauba STL-KKN Join Date: Aug 2001 Location: Tomball, Tx Posts: 182	Re: New Guy Needs HELP! i havn't done this yet, but put on a sway bar.

11-06-2006, 11:58 AM	#9
LockDoc The Older Generation Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Montezuma, Iowa Posts: 25,548	Re: New Guy Needs HELP! Aaron, If you are used to driving car (especially a small one) you are probably going to be disappointed unless you update some stuff on it like the other guys have suggested. It is, after all, an old truck..... --- LockDoc __________________ Leon Locksmith, Specializing In Antique Trucks, Automobiles, & Motorcycles (My Dually Pickup Project Thread) http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=829820 -



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