Recommendations for Newby

[Chevyholic]

Hello all,

New member here, getting my 1971 truck this afternoon. After test driving and looking through it, I found some things that need immediate attention and looking for some advice from people who have probably run into these issues before, you all.

1. Headers are wrapped, so to avoid rust (or further rust), I plan to unwrap them. The problem being that I suspect that without the heat wrap the starter will overheat and leave me stranded. My old '66 did this to me, but I never got around to addressing it. So, my question is "Is a heat shield the best fix?" If so, is one brand better than another? If not, what is the best course of action to eliminate this problem?

2. There is surface rust in the bed, nothing eaten through. What is the best product/process to use to curb further damage?

3. Exhaust system needs replacing. Is it generally better to buy something online, or have a shop fabricate to make sure the fit is good? With my last truck I had the shop fabricate from the collectors back. Seemed fine, but didn't have everything broken down by price, so not sure what was more efficient.

Thanks for any help you can provide!

Have a great day,
David

[bobthecop]

I have used heat shields, wrapped headers look, well wrapped. I have no advice on the bed, but I have always had my exhaust done by a muffler shop, find a good one in your area, I've had better luck with privately owned shops

[Joe67]

Welcome

[ratrod67]

Where are you located in Ft worth? I have a buddy with a Muffler shop. Does good work at reasonable prices.

[jimmydean]

For the bed, it depends on what your plans are. If you are going to line it, just use a fire brush and get the surface free of flakes and whatnot, but not perfect, then use something like POR-15. When it's done, line the bed and the rust is done.

For the exhaust, I would get a good quality header and have a shop do up a custom job. I'm not a fan of blot on kits and the price difference to me is too small to factor.

[Chevyholic]

Originally Posted by ratrod67

Where are you located in Ft worth? I have a buddy with a Muffler shop. Does good work at reasonable prices.

I'm actually located North of Dallas in Allen, but since almost no one has heard of Allen, I just put down DFW.

Realized how old I am getting, after looking at the heat wraps online, it dawned on me that I actually put one of those on my '66 and completely forgot about it. I sometimes forget how forgetful I am.

Thanks for the suggestions!

[FarmTruk]

A big HOWDY from Wallburg, NC.

Re: your starter issues. Sounds like heat soak. Obviously, the header wrap helps, but you may not like the look. Here is a thread discussing how to install a remote solenoid to help the issue.

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...rter+heat+soak

For other threads discussing this issue, which may give more background info, try these...

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...earchid=370477

Also, I agree with Jimmydean's suggestion of having a local, competent muffler shop build a custom exhaust. It may cost a bit more, but you're likely to end up with a better system, which you'll enjoy more in the long run.

Best o' luck to ya'