Supermike's 67

[Supermike]

Well, I figured I'd start a thread here for my truck and post to it when I get stuff done, instead of posting all over the place. As some of you may know, my truck was not in as good of condition as it was talked up to be when I bought it and had it shipped here from Washington. Had some starting issues, ran rough, cracked dash pad and armrests, etc. Don't get me wrong, it's still worth what I gave for it, but it's going to require a lot more work than I originally thought.

There is more rust and paint bubbling than I was informed of (and trust me, I asked). Lots of "beginning rust" in the crevices, like along the bumps and the tailgate, around the cab seams and drip edge, etc. The doors have a few spots that are not eaten through yet, but no telling what the paint is hiding. The inner fender under the battery tray has been eaten through, though it can probably still be cut out and saved. The battery tray itself is nearly dust. I need to get on DC's site and order one. The floor pan on the driver's side may need replaced. The mat is worn through and it's got a bunch of gunk up in there.

I have also found the wiring in this truck to be atrocious. There seems to be wires coming out of everywhere under the dash! The stereo has been replaced ("customized"), and there is a trailer brake control wired under the dash. The stereo has been wired somehow so that when I turn off the key, it loses all settings. It is also connected to a speaker that is mounted under the dash. The horn on the steering wheel does not work.. it has actually been wired to a push button on the dash! I haven't figured out yet if they drilled a hole or replaced something. The blower and heater controls have been wired to toggle switches, which is a real bummer. I'm going to have to see if I can get that straightened out. The flashers appear not to work, which worries me a bit. I don't want to break down and not have those available! Time to carry flares again, I guess.

Another issue... the reserve gas tank under the bed is FULL!! I flipped the switch last night to see if there was any gas in it, and it shot all the way up. If it's not full, it's lying. Problem is, the old man I bought it from lost the key to the cap for that tank, so that gas could be a couple of years old. I guess we'll have to drop it, drain it, and clean it.

All that aside, the engine sounds like it's in pretty good shape. My mechanic actually thinks when the 352 was rebuilt, they used a 390 cam. He said it sounds like a 390 to him. Personally, I wouldn't be able to tell one from the other. However, after putting in the new battery (NAPA NASCAR Select 34R) and new plugs, she fired right up and sounded GOOD. The old plugs were blacker than midnight. The dual glasspacks really make it growl. He adjusted the carb a little and it idled really smooth for not having been driven much the past few years. After starting up and running it a bit, it started right up time after time with no choke or pedal pumping. It WILL stall out some if you are sitting still or coming out of park and needing to take off fast (such as a traffic light), but the timing may be off a bit.

Next up is to replace a few hoses and gaskets and make sure everything is torqued down right. Also plan to put a different breather on it. I've also bought one of 390Nut's headlight harnesses, but I think my lights might already be wired directly to the alternator so I'll have to see if I need it. If not, I'll hold on to it or sell it, or I'll replace whatever they've done with it. The plan is also (sooner than later) to hit the worst of the rust spots and get 'em primed before they get worse. I also plan to put in a brake booster soon, if I can find the right one. I also want to put in either the Accel or Pertronix II ignition, so I don't have to fool with points.

[71 LONG BED]

Sounds like you have a real good plan thought out. Just do one thing at a time. It will eventually all come together. The fact that you have a plan is a very good thing.

[mljjones67]

Awesome Mike glad to hear you have started on the beast. I cant wait to get mine rolling.

Mike

[caraber]

sounds like youve got a little bit of a project godd luck and have fun

[Supermike]

Thanks! I've dug into it some recently and replaced the light switch, a dash light, and got my flashers and blinkers working (both needed new flashers). My emergency flashers also needed a new switch in the glove box, as the original was in two pieces.

As of tonight, I replaced my temperature sending unit! So my temp gauge works, which is awesome.

Finally, I got a mounting bracket, bezel, and new (old) switch for the fuel gauge switch thanks to fordman. The bracket had a tiny bit of rust on it and was looking worn, so I sanded off the old paint, put on a coat of bare metal primer, and am now re-painting it gloss black. That should be done tomorrow, so it will be nice not to have a hanging switch down in there.

I know that's all little stuff, but has made driving it so much nicer. After cleaning it up some, I have a bit more confidence that this old girl can be fixed up.

I'm thinking next up will be either a Pertronix II or Accel points replacement system. I've acquired a "new" emergency brake assembly from Tim P. that I need to put in, too. I've really got to get some body work done, though. My floor pans are rusted through, and my drip rail needs help BADLY.

[71 LONG BED]

Where did you end up getting the temp sending unit? I should go an check your post on the subject. You prolly already answered this question there. I'm glad you were able to get the gauge working properly. It's the little things that make driving these old trucks so much fun. It is a good feeling to be able to make your own improvments, no matter how small they may seem. Keep up the good work.

[Supermike]

Thanks! Got the new unit from O'Reilly... NAPA is a pain in the butt to get to, Advanced had to order it, and Autozone couldn't figure out what I wanted.

It is nice to have that working, and know I did it myself for $7. No way could I do that with my car right now. It isn't much to some folks, but it's a baby step in the right direction for me. I haven't touched an engine in nearly 17 years, so I'm still a little intimidated.

[Supermike]

Thought I'd post a few updates on how it's going...

As some of you recall from other posts, I recently had my transmission completely overhauled. That cost me a pretty penny, but was well worth it. They also machined a new thruster and replaced the vacuum lines to the tranny, so she shifts like a brand new truck now! It has made driving it so much more enjoyable.

I also finally found someone to drop the auxilliary tank for me and drain out the old gas. It was nearly varnished... man, it stunk. That aside, the tank was actually pretty clean inside. It's now been re-mounted with a new filler hose and feed line, and I can run off it just fine. The only problem there is the gauge isn't working, so I think I need a new sending unit.

One of the biggest things I've done is replaced the old worn-out shocks with new KYB Gas-A-Justs. All I can say is, WOW... it sure handles and rides better now!! The old shocks were shot. I decided to replace these before fussing with replacing the points with electronic or with the brake booster.

A few other "little" things I've done:
1) replaced the air cleaner with a 4" K&N
2) adjusted steering gear box and wheel (much less play now)
3) replaced alternator belt
4) oil (old oil was pretty dirty) and fuel filter change
5) lubed chassis, king pins, etc.

I also broke down and bought myself a nice air compressor, and shelled out for a 1960's "antique" Coca-Cola clock for the garage. That was a silly thing, but it looks really cool shining on the truck.

Outside that, I've been in the accumulation business for the future. I've recently bought NOS '67 hood emblems (lucky find), black seat belts, a new battery tray (I need to get that installed), and have an agreement with Tim P. for some new vent window frames and division bars. I also broke down and ordered a dash pad for 50% off from Cal-Pickup.

Hopefully soon I can start saving my "free" funds for body work, paint, and upholstery. It's just that some things for the '67s (and our trucks in general) are so hard to find, I've been buying stuff that isn't repop'd when I find 'em. But now I need to focus on saving the truck, or I won't have anything to attach all that stuff to.

So much done, so faaar to go! Thanks to everyone here for the continued advice and support!

[Darlingtonpride]

I am glad you started. You know what they say about the longest journey...