Need advice on priorities

[DoubleL]

Okay guys I need some advice. I just sold my Daily driver so now my '66 is my only rig. I drive 25 miles round trip to work. I have replaced all hoses and gaskets, full tune-up, new belt and oil change. Basically I have been prepping it to drive on a regular basis. Here is my dilemma:
I have a few bucks to put into it (about $500) right now. I will be able to gradually put more into it. I am trying to prioritize things right now. Here are the things it needs:

The rear end = it's howling pretty good at 30-40 MPH ( I know of a 3.73 Posi I can get a hold of for $400) I don't know if I will install by myself yet.

Tires = Legal tread but barely, definitely not driving them through winter. Thought about buying used to make do.

The other Stuff = Gas gauge isn't working properly, (not fun) speedometer cable broken ( replaced with new and broke new cable within 50 miles) Doors have no key, (can't keep valuables inside) heater only works on lowest speed. Couple of small but bad rust areas.

Any ideas, opinions?

[vin63]

Originally Posted by DoubleL

Okay guys I need some advice. I just sold my Daily driver so now my '66 is my only rig. I drive 25 miles round trip to work. I have replaced all hoses and gaskets, full tune-up, new belt and oil change. Basically I have been prepping it to drive on a regular basis. Here is my dilemma:
I have a few bucks to put into it (about $500) right now. I will be able to gradually put more into it. I am trying to prioritize things right now. Here are the things it needs:

The rear end = it's howling pretty good at 30-40 MPH ( I know of a 3.73 Posi I can get a hold of for $400) I don't know if I will install by myself yet.

Tires = Legal tread but barely, definitely not driving them through winter. Thought about buying used to make do.

The other Stuff = Gas gauge isn't working properly, (not fun) speedometer cable broken ( replaced with new and broke new cable within 50 miles) Doors have no key, (can't keep valuables inside) heater only works on lowest speed. Couple of small but bad rust areas.

Any ideas, opinions?

I would take care of the rear end since that could lock up and when they do, it's always the worst possible time. Then I would replace the tires as the other immediate safety item.

[CRGRS 66]

Stopping, then steering, then reliability would be my number one/two/three priorities.
What do you have for brakes (particularly front brakes), and what condition are they in?
Good tires, at the very least on the front, for sure should be a priority. I would personally never buy used tires, unless they were like new.

[DoubleL]

Originally Posted by CRGRS 66

Stopping, then steering, then reliability would be my number one/two/three priorities.
What do you have for brakes (particularly front brakes), and what condition are they in?
Good tires, at the very least on the front, for sure should be a priority. I would personally never buy used tires, unless they were like new.

I have stock drum brakes all the way around. They are in good shape but a disc/power brake swap is in the future.

[DoubleL]

Originally Posted by vin63

I would take care of the rear end since that could lock up and when they do, it's always the worst possible time. Then I would replace the tires as the other immediate safety item.

Kinda the direction I was leaning

[padresag]

Originally Posted by DoubleL

Kinda the direction I was leaning

I wouldn't worry about a $400.00 posi unit. there is more than likely someone around who has a decent gearset or rear axle that will work in your truck for not much money. safety first-tires. you can always find another posi unit later and at 400.00 that guy may still have it a year or 2 from now
I will pm you a fellow if you want from the eastern part of the state who may be able to help you on a gear set
ron