Welcome from AZ.
I've owned a couple of C-10 short beds. My first was a '68 SNB with a 292, 4 speed and the 2nd was an '81 SWB, 250, 3 speed on the column, both excellent trucks!
My new daily driver as of 4/27/24.
2023 Harley-Davidson FXLRS. 1923cc, (117 cubic inch) 6 speed.
I've already ridden it 2600 miles, 50 mpg. I wore out the suspension on the '07 Yamaha XV 1700 and can't buy a replacement rear monoshock. It only has 68,000 miles on it too.
This FXLRS is a fun machine!
I'll chime in and say that my '75 came with a 350 emblem in the grill and it was the original grill. It was also the last year that I know of where you released the hood at the top of the grill. After that, the release was under the dash, inside the cab.
Welcome from AZ.
My '81 Custom Deluxe with a 250 had the same actuator but that was long ago and don't remember. Looks like it opens and closes a valve on the exhaust. Can't tell from the photo. Exhaust definitely.
LMC, maybe Steele Rubber. Should be several outfits that would have them. I know the gaskets for my '72 Olds mobiles are available so a squarebody is much more common.
Like I said earlier, read the owners manual. It's got a lot of good info. Hardly anyone reads them. When I buy a vehicle I'm unfamiliar with, that's the first thing I do, read the manual. It will tell you exactly what fluids to use unless it tells you to "take it to the dealer".
I agree, any maintenance makes the vehicle a little better. A wash, new belts, oil and filter even new bulbs. Some more than others, I think it's a care thing, most of it in my own mind but also mechanical..
All the small blocks I've ever owned averaged 15-40 PSI at cold idle. Depends on season and type oil as well from my experience.
283, 327, 350 and 400.
Welcome from Dolan Springs, AZ!
It reminds me of my '81 Custom Deluxe C/10, SWB I drove for 15 years as a daily driver. Mine had a 250 with 3 on the tree.
Start with the clamps on the battery posts. Make sure they're clean and tight. When things get cold and old they can contract and expand more. Also check grounds.
Welcome from NW AZ!
I've traveled through your neck of the woods several times, I like it there. The first time was back in 1985 on my motorcycle on a scenic road trip.
Sounds like a nice truck you've got there, enjoy it!