Starting to play with new truck

[SS317]

So I finally get her delivered this morning. I charged up the battery, checked the fluids, put on a new radiator cap and started her up.
She was a little cold blooded at first but finally got warmed up enough to idle really nice. Everything is going well. I go feel the radiator hoses to check if they are getting too hot, they are good. Temp gauge is moving a little bit.

I notice the gas gauge hasn't moved. Ok, first thing on the list, check wiring to sender, possibly get new sender ordered.

I think to myself that it's a little cold. I turn on the heater, it's blowing nice and strong. I wait for it to warm up,,,, wait,,, wait some more,,,,, keep waiting. I start to play with all of the levers to see if I just need to learn how to operate them.... no joy. So now I think I better look a little closer. Check out the pict. I'm pretty sure this is the heater, and no lines are going to it. See the nice loop the previous owner did to keep that fluid flowing from the water pump....

Any way I can save this heater or do I need to order a complete new one?

Sean

[Clyde65]

yep, your heater core is missing! and the hose was just re-routed back to the water pump. I think you should be able to get the core at local auto parts, invest in new hoses and maybe a thermostat just for grins, unless their new.

this is what you need.

http://www.classicparts.com/1960-66-...ctinfo/68-228/

[notsolo]

Originally Posted by SS317

So I finally get her delivered this morning. I charged up the battery, checked the fluids, put on a new radiator cap and started her up.
She was a little cold blooded at first but finally got warmed up enough to idle really nice. Everything is going well. I go feel the radiator hoses to check if they are getting too hot, they are good. Temp gauge is moving a little bit.

I notice the gas gauge hasn't moved. Ok, first thing on the list, check wiring to sender, possibly get new sender ordered.

I think to myself that it's a little cold. I turn on the heater, it's blowing nice and strong. I wait for it to warm up,,,, wait,,, wait some more,,,,, keep waiting. I start to play with all of the levers to see if I just need to learn how to operate them.... no joy. So now I think I better look a little closer. Check out the pict. I'm pretty sure this is the heater, and no lines are going to it. See the nice loop the previous owner did to keep that fluid flowing from the water pump....

Any way I can save this heater or do I need to order a complete new one?

Sean

Hey Sean your heater core is missing. the box should have 2 brass tubes sticking out, w/heater hoses attached. your 1 heater hose is in a closed loop right back in the engine. You should be able to buy 1 and add 2 new hoses. Good Luck....Ed

[SS317]

I hope that's an easy job. The tranny is out (powerglide) and I've been talking to a couple transmission shops around here about either rebuilding the powerglide or installing one with an overdrive. I'm getting quotes around 1700 for the overdrive 700 something something and 800 to rebuild the power glide.... Decisions, decisions.

[pmkrew]

Originally Posted by SS317

I hope that's an easy job. The tranny is out (powerglide) and I've been talking to a couple transmission shops around here about either rebuilding the powerglide or installing one with an overdrive. I'm getting quotes around 1700 for the overdrive 700 something something and 800 to rebuild the power glide.... Decisions, decisions.

Th350 should swap right in where that glide was and is usually cheaper, or check local salvage yards for a 700r4, these trucks are pretty basic mechanically so you might be able to do this swap yourself. the 700 you would have to move the crossmember and shorten the driveshaft a bit...

[faribran]

go with the 700r4........... good choice

[SS317]

The 700R4 is the way I want to go, but I don't know if I can afford it. I don't have the facility to install it right now and will have to pay a shop to do it.... sucks but it's what I have to deal with right now.

Maybe if I can find the core cheaper myself and then have one of the shops install it for me, I don't know.

Any ideas?

[jocko]

SS317 - install will cost you about the same whether you do the 700 or pglide rebuild (i.e. not including the rebuild cost, of course). (For the 700 though, make SURE it's a reputable installer - takes a little more knowledge to install the 700 since there are some additional things to check, etc before firing it all up). So, if folks are quoting you 700-800 for a rebuild on the pg, it's definitely worth getting a TH350 - wouldn't be much more than the rebuilt pg at all.

Having said all that - the 700 IS the way to go. If you do much (or any) hi-way driving, the 700 will save you lotsa $ in gas money over the long haul.

But, understand if strapped for cash. It's worth waiting and saving unless you have to be driving the 66 for reliable transpo to work, school, etc.

Nice score, looking fwd to seeing what you do with it.

(and concur with the rest on the heater - you just need a core. it's not a hard install on these trucks, it's right there in your face under the hood. On some cars/trucks it's a real pain because it's recessed under-dash, etc - so I say go for it yourself! As for the trans, understand the concern if you are just learning, but there's no better way to learn than dive in. Helps if you can grab a friend (preferably a knowledgeable one about transmissions) and get help. But if not, any friend will do and you'll both learn. Not much to hooking up an auto trans (with the exception of some specifics about hooking up the 700 and making sure you have pressure, etc). And remember - ANYthing you run into trouble on - take a pic and post it and you'll get some help.

Never hurts to pm a nearby board member and ask if they'd like to share some savvy!

Take care.
jocko

[SS317]

I'm going to tackle the heater core myself, shouldn't be a problem at all. I called up my transmission guy that I have used before and he brought up all of the issues that have been talked about(cross member, cutting the drive shaft and some throttle connection that he said he usually get parts from Summit before. He's done this swap I just wonder if I can work something out with him for a lower price. I don't want him to do it for free, but when times are tough, and they are around here, everyone has to give a little to get a little.
This board is great, I love it so far.

[faribran]

sure is a nice truck.. i really like that is has the large back window.