Chrome and aluminum.

Well, I finally got around to rebuilding the old Quadrajet and putting the new manifold on. I have high hopes for the result. I had no idea how heavy the stock steel manifold was until it was time to take it off of the truck. Let's just say the truck is forty pounds lighter with the new manifold on there. I also think that, unlike as I said previously, that Weiland manifold is actually new. After having seen the condition of the old one and, noticing that there were no wrench marks on the new one, I think it's never been used, if installed at all. Anyhow, barring a few little tweaks, it's done. Now to see if it runs. Here are some pictures...

The engine as it was before the big swap.

The carburetor, prior to the rebuild.
I ended up getting rid of that weird sleeve thing on the top.
The block sans 50 pound steel manifold.

Manifold installed and carburetor post rebuild.
It's a little shocking looking at all that aluminum.

I also broke down and added a new air filter and housing.
I think this one will flow better than the old one.

The next thing.

I got a screaming deal from a friend at work on some engine parts. For a C note I bought an almost new Weiland intake manifold and two Holley Spread bore carbs. I thought it was the deal of the century but Michelle was less than happy. That's a whole different blog.

Any how, now I have to decide how to proceed. I'm sure I'm going to use the manifold, but those carbs I'm not sure about. I had been gung ho to use the Holley with the mechanical secondaries, but since I've been reading about the Q-jet, I've found that nearly everyone says it's a better carb for street application. It's said that it'll flow up to 800cfm. That's way over the Holley's 650cfm. And it's supposed to get better mileage too. Go figure. So now to rebuild a Q-jet. Hmm, not the most attractive prospect. I've been reading and studying it for a few days and I think I have the gist but I've never rebuilt a four barrel. I'd hate to do it and be worse off that I started out.

Additionally, I figure, while I've got the distributor out I may as well convert the points over to electronic ignition. The "while I'm in theres" are the thing that's going to make this project more costly. We'll see what the CFO says.

Here's a pic of the manifold. Incidentally, Olivia took it.

The new mirrors.

I got the new mirrors on. I think the old ones may have been a factory option. The new ones are the standard for this year. You may have been able to get the "sport" mirrors as an option in '70. I like the stock ones though.

Mirror brackets. Finally!

I'm not sure if I wrote about the whole fiasco regarding the new mirrors that I've had on order, but I finally have all the parts I need to get the new mirrors on. Originally, all of the parts were supposed to arrive on the same day, but, at some point I failed to give Mane's Truck the correct mailing address, and UPS delivered to the wrong address as a result. Consequently, I've had the mirrors for almost a week and no brackets to mount them with. I walked over the other address, and found them this morning. Now I have the brackets and can, finally, put them on the truck. Not only that, but the big effing holes that are in the door from the old mirrors line up perfectly with the new ones. So that answers the question of how I'm going to fill those honking holes. Pictures later.

In the immortal words of Jeremy Clarkson, "Power!" (steering that is).

After much running around and tapping the network of friends, I finally got the part I needed to make the power steering work. Wow what a difference. What I learned: it is extremely important to make sure that the hose is on the brass fitting straight, else you will cross thread. I also found that the brass fitting that is used on the back of a delco power steering pump, is exceedingly difficult to get. That is, unless you buy the whole assembly. That having been said, I now have a spare pressure hose for my truck. Any body need a pressure hose? It's new, and cheap?

Mildew.

Yesterday was one of those slow peaceful Sundays. So, of course, I was a little bored. I crawled under the kitchen sink and found some cleaners and went out to the truck to see how many stains and mildew spots I could scrub off. I should have taken before and after pics because the interior got all bright and stuff. The door panels are nice now and the head liner is like new. If it weren't for the worn out chrome it would look new. One thing I've discovered about the old truck that I wish all cars had is the floor that stays flat all of the way to the door. I don't have to vacuum it. I just sweep (wisk provided by Grandma) the pine needles and crap right out of the truck. Sooo cool. All cars should be built like that. My KIA would definitely be cleaner if I could just sweep it out.

Getting rid of those mirrors.

I ordered the stock mirrors for the truck last week. Hopefully they'll show up in a timely fashion. I've heard that some of those repro parts dealers can take a while to actually send you the stuff. Fingers crossed.

Ten degrees before top dead center.

I pulled out the old timing light today and took a peek at the ignition timing. Prognosis... The ignition timing was retarded by four degrees. Now there's something. I adjusted the timing from 6˚ to 10˚ before top dead center. The result? Holy mackerel! I have a V8! More power, smoother acceleration, smoother idle and (for vanity's sake) better sound. I imagine it'll get better fuel economy too. But that remains to be seen. Yay progress. I would never have known that the timing was off had I not checked with the peeps on the Chevy/GMC forum I follow. I love networking.

Little things...

The old truck had a wonky throttle pedal and I got to looking at it and realized it was connected wrong. So I fixed it. I don't think that truck has used the secondaries on the carb since, well, a really long time. Now the truck has more power but the choke sticks. Once the truck is warmed up, and I get under the hood, and unstick the choke, it idles too low. It barely wants to run when it's warmed up. Throttle stop screw? Fuel air mixture? Ignition timing? All three? More investigation is required.

More photos

Here are a few more pics I shot today.

This is a pic of the dried out interior.
Sorry for not rotating.

This image of the engine I shot after I treated the air cleaner to a bath and a fresh coat of black paint. It made a world of difference.

Front view...Obviously.

It still looks pretty good for as old as it is. It's never really had any restorative work done on it. That's going to change. I've gotta get rid of those mirrors.

You'll never guess what I found!

In my rummaging through the glove box of the truck I discovered, among many service invoices and copious maps, the original "Owner's and Driver's" manual for 1500 trough 3500. I'm so thrilled. I can only assume that the manual is the original on since my Grandfather bought the truck almost new from his neighbor. Wow. Here a re the first three pages.

It's finally here.

I finally go the truck licensed and in my driveway. I'm at a bit of a loss as to where to start. I have already gotten the ingition switch reinstalled in the dash. It had been previously dangling, but, after a little research I figured out how to pull the lock out and get it back into the dash. Yay. Here are the four pics I have so far.

Day one.

I went out to my Dad's place yesterday with my son, to get the truck running. I thought it'd be a bit more difficult than it was, but, as it turned out all it needed was a new battery. So, after several hours of trying to charge a dead battery, we went out and bought a new one. A little gas in the carb and some cranking and it's a running driving truck again. It's going to need a bit of work but, at least it's all there. In my time picking through it and walking around it, here's what I saw. The kick panels under the doors are going to need to be replaced. It has a Luverne bumper on it that's got to go (I know grandpa is rolling over in his grave at that). Some body work and new upholstery. The engine is sound, but needs a carb rebuild and the power steering is wonky. It's going to be a project but at least it's not in as sad shape as the '39 chevy truck I had. But that's a whole different story. I, unfortunately, didn't get to drive it home because I was lame and forgot to buy a trip permit. I did get the title though so I can register it to me and then just put the new plates on. When I get it home I'll photograph it and post pics.