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  1. MikeB

    305 build advice. Any and all advice is appreciated!

    Pulling the axles is the easy part! Changing the ring & pinion is not a trivial task. I've done two 10-bolts and one 12-bolt. Made a couple of mistakes on the first one, but got them corrected right away, and felt more confident doing the last two. You will need a 12-ton press (or better yet...
  2. MikeB

    Help picking spark plugs.

    For those who have problems with plugs lasting a long time: How do they fail? Eroded electrodes, oil-fouled? In my experience, Bosch platinum plugs (single electrode) last a long time with GM HEI distributors --either stock or with MSD module & coil. I have no idea why they wouldn't work for...
  3. MikeB

    vinyl floor replacement help/opinions wanted

    Forgot where I bought my vinyl floor cover, but it covers the entire floor with jute padding running back to the front of the seats. I had to trim it a lot at the front, but better that than not enough material. Recently, I actually replaced the jute padding with insulation (The Insulator) on...
  4. MikeB

    Question about vintage air

    Kick panel vents aren't affected if you get the kit for non A/C trucks. I would sure shop around. But no matter who you buy from, V/A will give you great tech support.
  5. MikeB

    Anybody use this magnum cam set

    That appears to be the old Magnum 270 cam. 224/224 is too much duration for a truck with stock heads, compression, and gearing. That cam would probably like 10:1 compression and somewhere around 3.73 gears. These are from Comp's High Energy family and would be much better choices...
  6. MikeB

    Best Front-end Rebuild Kits

    Sad to hear. I've been on that forum for >20 years, and although they have more members who own earlier trucks, I still get help there with 73-87 issues.
  7. MikeB

    Best Front-end Rebuild Kits

    Rubber bushings flex kind of like a torsion bar. Poly bushings don't. They would break if they did! Instead, the outside of the bushing is essentially pressed in the A-arm, and a shaft sleeve rotates in the inner hole.
  8. MikeB

    Converting ash tray to audio controls

    As for radio and speakers, someone gave me an old NOS Alpine brand new in the box.Ended up cutting the dash, but now wish I hadn't.:( Speaker is a RetroSound 4x10 with two voice coils for L and R radio outputs. It sounds OK for news and sports talk, but I will probably add 6x9s in cab corner...
  9. MikeB

    Converting ash tray to audio controls

    I replaced the ashtray with an insert to fit an iPhone. Still have to select a USB charger. Looking at one that displays voltage. Only about a couple hundred to choose from!
  10. MikeB

    79 250 integrated head exhaust manifold crack

    For those who may eventually need to replace a cracked integrated head: https://www.shop.headsonly.com/GM-CHEVROLET-250-INTEGRATED-REBUILT-CYLINDER-HEAD-GM-250-INTEGRATED.htm
  11. MikeB

    Best Front-end Rebuild Kits

    That's what I used along with liberal amounts of the included silicon lubricant. I think steering response is much better, even compared to new rubber bushings. Some folks say poly bushings squeak, but I've never had that problem with them in my 82 C10 or my 55 Chevy car. I've also used...
  12. MikeB

    Best Front-end Rebuild Kits

    In my experience, KYB Gas-A-Just shocks are MUCH better than basic Monroe or Gabriel, and will last longer -- around 12-15 years on my son's 69 C10. The Excel G is KYB's OE-replacement shock, and they've been working on my own 82 C10 for 4-5 years. They're actually still a little stiff...
  13. MikeB

    Help picking spark plugs.

    That's sorta like using only GM oil and GM windshield wiper fluid in Chevrolets! Engines don't know what brand plugs are in them, assuming they are the proper length and heat range. I mean it's not like Chevy engines require some magic AC plugs with a patented heat range. Not only that, but...
  14. MikeB

    79 250 integrated head exhaust manifold crack

    I think I'd go to an earlier head, manifold, and carb. But if you want to re-use your carb and keep the engine stock, here's a source. $375 seems like a very good deal. https://www.shop.headsonly.com/GM-CHEVROLET-250-INTEGRATED-REBUILT-CYLINDER-HEAD-GM-250-INTEGRATED.htm
  15. MikeB

    Ash tray springs

    Never mind. I figured it out with the help of this video. youtube.com/watch?v=KXqsr-k85Yg I didn't bend the tabs, but removed the pivot screws to make room to maneuver the springs, one side at a time. (I had replaced whatever was there before with screws and lock nuts.) The "over center"...
  16. MikeB

    I ruined the yellow truck.

    Yeah, no wiped lifters or junk in the oil pan. How boring. :)
  17. MikeB

    Ash tray springs

    Took the ashtray apart several months ago for painting, and now can't determine how to reconnect the springs! Would appreciate any pictures of installed springs. Truck is an 82. Thanks.
  18. MikeB

    Help picking spark plugs.

    Cool. That should help a lot.
  19. MikeB

    Allow myself to introduce......myself.

    To be 100% EMP proof, it's gotta have a points distributor, like an old school Mallory dual point. I think you can still buy them along with spare points and condenser. I just happen to have one, but it doesn't have vacuum advance.
  20. MikeB

    What rear end would fit best

    Seriously, there's nothing wrong with an 8.5" 10-bolt unless you're running slicks. As mentioned above, I think axles are the weak link. If you rebuild it, go with name brand gears and bearings.
  21. MikeB

    What rear end would fit best

    Will one of these work? Oh, you said "vehicle rear ends". Sorry.
  22. MikeB

    Help picking spark plugs.

    The bottom plug doesn't look too bad. Not sure what's going on with the top one. Besides selecting the proper heat range, which should give you a light tan color after some extended driving, make sure you do have the right reach for your heads. You definitely want the plug in the center in...
  23. MikeB

    Need help with paint

    Yeah, take a painted part to a paint store, such as the glove box or ashtray, assuming they're the same color as the outside. I remember that type of rear bumper from back in the day. Most were 100% chrome, and when you were following a truck at night, you would be blinded by your own...
  24. MikeB

    What have you done to your square lately??

    Finished painting my tailgate, after 2-3 months of prep -- sandblasting, body work, and sanding, sanding, sanding, holidays, and lots of procrastinating. Painted it with Matrix single stage urethane over their primer sealer, then spent a few days color sanding and polishing. Would have been...
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