The odors in the garage of these trucks (a brief rant) - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

**jabborabbo** · 07-08-2024, 06:30 PM

When I park my ‘67 GMC in the garage and get out, the odors of those incomplete combustion products fill the air…mainly hydrocarbon compounds and nitrogen compounds (and of course carbon monoxide, but ya can’t smell that deadly stuff)…. I bought the truck cuz as long as I can walk out to the garage, open the hood, and bend over and turn a wrench, I can keep that truck running all by my lonesome. New vehicles? Forget it. However…if the powers that be HADN’T computerized auto engines, even small cities like Podunk Texas would occasionally have smog problems. Cities like Dallas? You’d need a gas mask and a hazmat suit to survive.

I love my truck….

**WorldsCrappiestTruck** · 07-08-2024, 06:48 PM

When I did the LS swap on my ‘68…..I very purposefully put small 8” converters right off the full length headers, just to help get rid of “the smell”.

When I pass an old car on the road, I take a whiff and smell it.

My old ‘69 Z/28 with the DZ302 needed to run 108 leaded gas to not diesel, and it literally stung my eyes to be around it idling (which is great for Macho, not so great for the Mother Earth).

I think it’s a fine line between responsible and NannyState. Should a ‘’75 Laguna puke fumes….no. Should your car get a sniffer in the tailpipe and only pass if cleaner than clean…no.

You’re right, if companies didn’t lean into tech to help with emissions….this place would look (and probably taste) pretty awful.

weq92f · 07-08-2024, 06:58 PM

.

Right up there with the aroma of the interior of certain classic cars, I LOVE THAT SMELL!

-Kevin

**'68OrangeSunshine** · 07-08-2024, 07:38 PM

You're not supposed to notice past the smell of your burning Camels.
Leaded Regular had a sweet smell to it. This unleaded with alcohol in it is crap.

**Rust_never_sleeps** · 07-08-2024, 07:46 PM

If you're old enough to remember the smell of Autopia at disneyland in the old days, you know the smell of a 70's car ahead of you on the freeway

**chevmn** · 07-08-2024, 08:21 PM

If the older vehicles are in proper tune they really do not have that much of an odor. Many probably do not recall what a properly tuned engine running high octane leaded fuel was like......light gray exhaust, and not much odor at all. I, for one, miss those days. To me there is no way to make a V8 sound even close to good with converters on it. My guess is many of todays vehicles that have issues (check engine light on, and not properly repaired) probably put out as much or more harmful emissions than a properly tuned big block from the 60s without a cat. And, there are lot of later model vehicles with problems, usually because the owner cannot afford the cost to repair. Many land in the scrap yard due to high cost to repair. Not too sure these "throw away low emisions" vehicles are helping in the long run especially if they end up scrap early. Just my opinion, not trying to offend.

KQQL IT · 07-09-2024, 01:05 AM

Mine stinks when it's due for a tune up.

Luke87gt · 07-09-2024, 01:20 AM

When I bought this ‘69, the one aspect I didn’t anticipate is the overwhelming fuel smell in the garage

**67 twins** · 07-09-2024, 02:01 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Luke87gt

When I bought this ‘69, the one aspect I didn’t anticipate is the overwhelming fuel smell in the garage

If you have an overwhelming fuel smell then you have a leak. Best be finding it.

jjzepplin · 07-09-2024, 06:45 AM

I finally found out why my 58 Bel Air was smelling so bad in the garage. The new gas tank had a seam leaking. Over half full it would stink like crazy!

yuccales · 07-09-2024, 07:32 AM

"Smells like freedom"

**71CHEVYSHORTBED402** · 07-09-2024, 07:45 AM

I rebuilt a truck with a nice, but used can. First couple hundred miles it stunk after a drive, but for whatever reason it stinks no more

72c20customcamper · 07-09-2024, 08:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Luke87gt

When I bought this ‘69, the one aspect I didn’t anticipate is the overwhelming fuel smell in the garage

Only time I get a raw gas smell is when there is a drastic change in temps . All my old vehicles are atmosphere vented . Gets cold tank sucks in air gets real warm tank vents .

If you get raw gas smell all the time something is leaking

**Sheepdip** · 07-09-2024, 09:12 AM

Make a fun family trip to the Top Fuel Drags and visit the pits....you'll never complain about gasoline fumes in your garage again!

**Steeveedee** · 07-09-2024, 09:44 AM

^ Man, I LOVE the smell of burning nitromethane!

**chevmn** · 07-09-2024, 09:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sheepdip

Make a fun family trip to the Top Fuel Drags and visit the pits....you'll never complain about gasoline fumes in your garage again!

There you go......I made my first trip to a non-sanctioned drag race almost 40 years ago. Many of the big racers were there as it was an off weekend for the NHRA races. I had never witnessed a nitro burning engine up close and personal. An eye opening experience is putting it mildly. Especially at that track where the stands were very close to the track, and very few rules. I had been to several race tracks, including some blown alcohol stuff, but nitro is in completely different league. If I go again it will be to one of the "outlaw" type races, not a sanctioned race where the rules have pretty much taken away the actual competition.

**Sheepdip** · 07-09-2024, 09:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Steeveedee

^ Man, I LOVE the smell of burning nitromethane!

You're way tougher than I am!

**MikeB** · 07-09-2024, 11:14 AM

You must have an almost dog-level sense of smell! All I ever notice is gas fumes from the vented tank. If I let it sit outside for a while after driving, it's not a problem.

I've got to address that some day. I already use a 71-72 sender with a capped vent tube, but need to route a line to the engine compartment. However, I'm not sure where the best place is to connect it.

GASoline71 · 07-10-2024, 07:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by '68OrangeSunshine

Leaded Regular had a sweet smell to it. This unleaded with alcohol in it is crap.

I used to dig the smell of Leaded Ethyl as well.

Gary

**Steeveedee** · 07-10-2024, 07:28 PM

Remember that smell from an early '50s Chevy six cylinder engine's exhaust when it drove by? It actually smelled kind of nice, in small quantities.

**MikeB** · 07-10-2024, 07:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GASoline71

I used to dig the smell of Leaded Ethyl as well.

Gary

Have you ever smelled 105 octane? It's awesome! I used it a few times in a two-stroke motocross dirt bike.

**Sheepdip** · 07-10-2024, 08:10 PM

For all you true seasoned 2 Stroke Jockeys out there they actually make a "Blendzall" scented candle. Perfect Xmas/Birthday Gift for the wife! We all know they like little candles around the house.

https://coolmaterial.com/lifestyle/h...-smoke-candle/

yuccales · 07-10-2024, 09:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sheepdip

For all you true seasoned 2 Stroke Jockeys out there they actually make a "Blendzall" scented candle. Perfect Xmas/Birthday Gift for the wife! We all know they like little candles around the house.

https://coolmaterial.com/lifestyle/h...-smoke-candle/

Awesome! The smell of Bel-Ray from my Ace 100....unforgetable!

**MikeB** · 07-10-2024, 10:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by yuccales

Awesome! The smell of Bel-Ray from my Ace 100....unforgetable!

Wow! Haven't heard that name in a while. Hodaka, right?

I was a Yamaha guy when I first got started, then moved to Bultaco, then KTM, then Honda. Rode from early 70s to late 90s.

Favorite bikes: 73 Bultaco 350 Pursang (actually 325cc) and 77 KTM 250 Cross Country.

**68 C10 Driver** · 07-11-2024, 12:13 PM

So I have a garage with 3 vintage autos in it...my 72 MGB, a 76 Mini Cooper, and my 68 C10. The garage has a unique smell to it, not due to gas or anything I would consider as offensive. The garage has that same smell my grandparent's garage had back in the 70s/80s and they had a 70 Olds 98 and a 78 Ford F100. Very nostalgic.

As far as exhaust smell goes, when properly tuned, there really is not a smell, nothing that would burn your eyes or be considered a "stink". I love the smell of old vehicles!

07-08-2024, 06:30 PM	#1
jabborabbo Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2013 Location: Podunk, Texas Posts: 762	The odors in the garage of these trucks (a brief rant) When I park my ‘67 GMC in the garage and get out, the odors of those incomplete combustion products fill the air…mainly hydrocarbon compounds and nitrogen compounds (and of course carbon monoxide, but ya can’t smell that deadly stuff)…. I bought the truck cuz as long as I can walk out to the garage, open the hood, and bend over and turn a wrench, I can keep that truck running all by my lonesome. New vehicles? Forget it. However…if the powers that be HADN’T computerized auto engines, even small cities like Podunk Texas would occasionally have smog problems. Cities like Dallas? You’d need a gas mask and a hazmat suit to survive. I love my truck…. __________________ "It is hard to search for a black cat in a dark room, particularly if it is not there. Especially if this cat is smart, brave, and polite." Sergei Shoigu, Russian Minister of Defense

07-08-2024, 06:48 PM	#2
WorldsCrappiestTruck Active Member Join Date: Mar 2022 Location: Hinesburg Vermont Posts: 131	Re: The odors in the garage of these trucks (a brief rant) When I did the LS swap on my ‘68…..I very purposefully put small 8” converters right off the full length headers, just to help get rid of “the smell”. When I pass an old car on the road, I take a whiff and smell it. My old ‘69 Z/28 with the DZ302 needed to run 108 leaded gas to not diesel, and it literally stung my eyes to be around it idling (which is great for Macho, not so great for the Mother Earth). I think it’s a fine line between responsible and NannyState. Should a ‘’75 Laguna puke fumes….no. Should your car get a sniffer in the tailpipe and only pass if cleaner than clean…no. You’re right, if companies didn’t lean into tech to help with emissions….this place would look (and probably taste) pretty awful.

07-08-2024, 06:58 PM	#3
weq92f Registered User Join Date: Oct 2016 Location: Dallas Texas Posts: 3,217	Re: The odors in the garage of these trucks (a brief rant) . Right up there with the aroma of the interior of certain classic cars, I LOVE THAT SMELL! -Kevin __________________ 67 C10 fleet fuel injected '70 402, 700r4, 3.73 posi 07 335 sport turbo 6sp 94 Trans Am GT LT1 6sp posi -- sold after 22yrs 99 540 sport V8 6sp -- sold 73 240z L24 4sp -- given to friend 68 C10 step 350/350 3.73 open -- sold

07-08-2024, 07:38 PM	#4
'68OrangeSunshine Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2002 Location: Tucson, AZ USA Posts: 7,500	Re: The odors in the garage of these trucks (a brief rant) You're not supposed to notice past the smell of your burning Camels. Leaded Regular had a sweet smell to it. This unleaded with alcohol in it is crap. __________________ Every 25 years I like to rebuild that 292, whether it needs it or not.

07-08-2024, 07:46 PM	#5
Rust_never_sleeps Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2022 Location: San Ramon,CA Posts: 589	Re: The odors in the garage of these trucks (a brief rant) If you're old enough to remember the smell of Autopia at disneyland in the old days, you know the smell of a 70's car ahead of you on the freeway __________________ 1970 C10 Custom longbed 350/350

07-08-2024, 08:21 PM	#6
chevmn Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2017 Location: Central MO Posts: 898	Re: The odors in the garage of these trucks (a brief rant) If the older vehicles are in proper tune they really do not have that much of an odor. Many probably do not recall what a properly tuned engine running high octane leaded fuel was like......light gray exhaust, and not much odor at all. I, for one, miss those days. To me there is no way to make a V8 sound even close to good with converters on it. My guess is many of todays vehicles that have issues (check engine light on, and not properly repaired) probably put out as much or more harmful emissions than a properly tuned big block from the 60s without a cat. And, there are lot of later model vehicles with problems, usually because the owner cannot afford the cost to repair. Many land in the scrap yard due to high cost to repair. Not too sure these "throw away low emisions" vehicles are helping in the long run especially if they end up scrap early. Just my opinion, not trying to offend.

07-09-2024, 01:05 AM	#7
KQQL IT At the body shop. Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Land of fruits and nuts. Posts: 5,253	Re: The odors in the garage of these trucks (a brief rant) Mine stinks when it's due for a tune up. __________________ " That didnt make it any newer " " Dont antique the equipment "

07-09-2024, 01:20 AM	#8
Luke87gt Registered User Join Date: Feb 2024 Location: Pleasanton CA Posts: 232	Re: The odors in the garage of these trucks (a brief rant) When I bought this ‘69, the one aspect I didn’t anticipate is the overwhelming fuel smell in the garage __________________ 1969 C10 Shortbed

07-09-2024, 06:45 AM	#10
jjzepplin Registered User Join Date: Feb 2012 Location: Ruskin Florida Posts: 4,566	Re: The odors in the garage of these trucks (a brief rant) I finally found out why my 58 Bel Air was smelling so bad in the garage. The new gas tank had a seam leaking. Over half full it would stink like crazy! __________________ 70 swb 4x4 406sbc 700r4 203/205 d60/14blt locker yadda yadda http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...88#post6935688 Yeller 72 Blazer 2wd conversion project "No Daggum Money" http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=550804 LS1-T56 3.73 LSD super budget build Blanco-2014 Sierra SWB https://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/...d.php?t=810350

07-09-2024, 07:32 AM	#11
yuccales Registered User Join Date: May 2011 Location: Northern Calif. Posts: 3,770	Re: The odors in the garage of these trucks (a brief rant) "Smells like freedom"

07-09-2024, 07:45 AM	#12
71CHEVYSHORTBED402 Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Northern Nevada Posts: 7,320	Re: The odors in the garage of these trucks (a brief rant) I rebuilt a truck with a nice, but used can. First couple hundred miles it stunk after a drive, but for whatever reason it stinks no more __________________ Tony 71 Custom Deluxe, SWB, 2WD, 402, A/C. I developed an assembly kit for restoring the (a) truck from the ground up. My build thread, and more on the assembly kit https://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/...d.php?t=730025

07-09-2024, 09:12 AM	#14
Sheepdip Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2018 Location: Waterford California Posts: 2,625	Re: The odors in the garage of these trucks (a brief rant) Make a fun family trip to the Top Fuel Drags and visit the pits....you'll never complain about gasoline fumes in your garage again!

07-09-2024, 09:44 AM	#15
Steeveedee Who Changed This? Join Date: Jan 2013 Location: Simi Valley, CA Posts: 10,673	Re: The odors in the garage of these trucks (a brief rant) ^ Man, I LOVE the smell of burning nitromethane! __________________ ~Steven '70 Chevy 3/4T Longhorn CST 402/400/3.56 Custom Camper Simi Valley, CA

07-09-2024, 11:14 AM	#18
MikeB Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2000 Location: North Texas Posts: 3,597	Re: The odors in the garage of these trucks (a brief rant) You must have an almost dog-level sense of smell! All I ever notice is gas fumes from the vented tank. If I let it sit outside for a while after driving, it's not a problem. I've got to address that some day. I already use a 71-72 sender with a capped vent tube, but need to route a line to the engine compartment. However, I'm not sure where the best place is to connect it. __________________ Mike 1969 C10 LWB -- owned for 35 years. 350/TH350, 3.08 posi, 1st Gen Vintage Air, recent AAW wiring harness, 5-lug conversion, 1985 spindles and brakes. 1982 C10 SWB -- sold 1981 C10 Silverado LWB -- sold, but wish I still had it! 1969 C10 (not the current one) that I bought in the early 1980s. Paid $1200; sold for $1500 a few years later. Just a hint at the appreciation that was coming. Retired as a factory automation products salesman. Worked part-time over the years for an engine builder and a classic car repair shop. Member here for 24 years! This is the very first car/truck Internet forum I joined. I still used a dial-up modem back then! Last edited by MikeB; 07-09-2024 at 11:20 AM.

07-10-2024, 07:28 PM	#20
Steeveedee Who Changed This? Join Date: Jan 2013 Location: Simi Valley, CA Posts: 10,673	Re: The odors in the garage of these trucks (a brief rant) Remember that smell from an early '50s Chevy six cylinder engine's exhaust when it drove by? It actually smelled kind of nice, in small quantities. __________________ ~Steven '70 Chevy 3/4T Longhorn CST 402/400/3.56 Custom Camper Simi Valley, CA



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07-10-2024, 08:10 PM	#22
Sheepdip Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2018 Location: Waterford California Posts: 2,625	Re: The odors in the garage of these trucks (a brief rant) For all you true seasoned 2 Stroke Jockeys out there they actually make a "Blendzall" scented candle. Perfect Xmas/Birthday Gift for the wife! We all know they like little candles around the house. https://coolmaterial.com/lifestyle/h...-smoke-candle/

07-11-2024, 12:13 PM	#25
68 C10 Driver Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2020 Location: Kathleen, GA Posts: 651	Re: The odors in the garage of these trucks (a brief rant) So I have a garage with 3 vintage autos in it...my 72 MGB, a 76 Mini Cooper, and my 68 C10. The garage has a unique smell to it, not due to gas or anything I would consider as offensive. The garage has that same smell my grandparent's garage had back in the 70s/80s and they had a 70 Olds 98 and a 78 Ford F100. Very nostalgic. As far as exhaust smell goes, when properly tuned, there really is not a smell, nothing that would burn your eyes or be considered a "stink". I love the smell of old vehicles!

Register or Log In To remove these advertisements.