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  1. BRetty

    Anyone who doesnt have a service manual read this.

    I agree that the Haynes manual for our trucks is of limited utility. The big problem for me is that our trucks went through so many different model years and configurations, 60% of any manual is completely not relevant to any given truck. I have a C10, and don't need info on 4WD, BBC 454...
  2. BRetty

    Preferred Solder for Automotive Wiring

    Where's the thread on cable lacing your wiring harnesses rather than using zipties?
  3. BRetty

    Preferred Solder for Automotive Wiring

    Never in my life would it occur to me to use the 12v cig lighter in my ashtray for electrical work. It *IS* really funny when stoners come up to you parked at the Foster's Freeze or whatever and ask you for a light. One time I said, 'one sec', popped in the lighter element, then pulled it out...
  4. BRetty

    Hello all from Bakersfield.

    Hi! Tennesse bound! Say, did I buy the bed from a black '73 from you, oh was it two years ago now? If so, I've been meaning to send you some ratchet straps... I tried but the vendor wouldn't ship to a 3rd party, then... um, I forgot. Let me know!
  5. BRetty

    Steering column parts I'm replacing.

    Copper shavings from the horn contact and ring. I need to get all of my pics up -- I couldn't do the last couple steps but was able to reach 3/4 bolts and tighten them....
  6. BRetty

    Steering column parts I'm replacing.

    This is actually really helpful. I just tried the wobbly column rebuild and I'm amazed I didn't lose, break or ingest that bastard snap-ring. I can imagine how farked it would be after a few times on and off. I'll find my pictures of my column rebuild and post a thread. Spoilers: SO MANY...
  7. BRetty

    Deleting the Catalytic Converter

    I rejoice in the fact I could run straight headers with no mufflers at all and it would still be legal in KaliforniaStan. I know nothing about exhaust work, but my current plan is: Replace crappy '83 exhaust manifolds with Doug Thorley Tri-y headers I got off CList Headers --> 2.5" bolt-on...
  8. BRetty

    8-track player install

    @Redfish -- that's a great story and I'm glad things generally worked out. Good people are good people, and they -- must be loved, to quote Anton Checkov. I'm old enough (ha!) to ask people the question: "Have you ever dated a boy/girl/person far beyond when the realationship should have...
  9. BRetty

    Deleting the Catalytic Converter

    I'm thinking of "stealing" my own catalytic converters. I drive a '73 in California, no idea why the PO had cats on it, I have dark suspicions I won't air in a public forum. My Exhaust is a F***ing mess, has broken on the highway causing fountains of sparks, the worst welding I have ever seen...
  10. BRetty

    8-track player install

    Hey Redfish, your saying, "my favorite ex-brother-in-law" deserves a little back-story explanation. Sounds like the thoughts I had at 18, thinking my GF's brother was a hard-core criminal and maybe I should get away from that scene despite any feelings or merits of the woman herself.
  11. BRetty

    8-track player install

    This might be the greatest pic ever of a squarebody interior. !!!!!!!!!! My bad, that's a Trans-Am. Still cool
  12. BRetty

    What new tools have you got lately?

    If you are looking for ratcheting line wrenches (aka flare nut wrenches), this vendor has them. A mix of NOS stuff, prices are good, customer service excellent: https://www.harryepstein.com/catalogsearch/result/index/?product_list_limit=50&q=+Cam+Loc+Ratcheting+Flarenut
  13. BRetty

    Do I replace the '87 fuel tank that's on my 73 C10 (that has an 81 engine / drivetrain)?

    @oldretiredafguy -- God only knows what the PO cobbled onto this truck. He did a great job with the interior and body, ok paint job, but the first time I really looked under the hood I started chuckling: here was a man who ran out of time Thank God he kept the '73 VIN tag riveted right to...
  14. BRetty

    Should I trade my 73 C20 for a 1998 Suburban

    I wanna 2x @RustyNail's comment about how the 98-99 and later vehicles have all sorts of restrictions and red tape for even an engine swap that *improves* the emissions and fuel economy. I don't remember if it was this forum or some other, but somebody documented the whole process for getting...
  15. BRetty

    Should I trade my 73 C20 for a 1998 Suburban

    Hellz yeah to no smog checks ever again. I'm pretty sure the smog check system will soon be use to start confiscating and destroying vehicles deemed "unacceptable". Basically Cash-4-Clunkers at gunpoint. I know that California wants to destroy my truck. Not having to brush up against the...
  16. BRetty

    Train wreck

    Ummm.. ahhhh ... That sounds alarming. Did it fly off the car while driving, like the headlight part you mentioned above? My boss is on me to get a more reliable vehicle now that our shop moved 20 miles away. I gotta say I have a big crush on the W108/109 models. Right, my "more reliable"...
  17. BRetty

    Charcoal / vapor / evap canister, how it should be set up and other information

    I also want to say thanks for this writeup and discussion. On my truck, ('81 350 sbc engine) the canister was long gone. The PO had just cut the 1/4"hard tubing vapor line and squished the end shut with pliers. It was loose up front and getting clipped by the fan blades off and on. I had no...
  18. BRetty

    Tailshaft / Driveshaft yoke - how far out from the housing is ok?

    Thanks to all who replied so far. More info: My truck is a '73 frame and VIN, but has the dashboard, engine and transmission from an '81 Suburban. It is lowered 4.5/6, with a rear axle flip, all courtesy of the PO. The rear diff is a GM 12-bolt. The rear diff is noisy and probably needs a...
  19. BRetty

    Tailshaft / Driveshaft yoke - how far out from the housing is ok?

    All, I feel like my tailshaft is sticking WAAAY too far out of my 9" tailpiece on my th350c. This pic is with rear wheels on the ground, front jacked up so front wheels are just off the ground. That's 1.75" exposed. ??? )
  20. BRetty

    Do I replace the '87 fuel tank that's on my 73 C10 (that has an 81 engine / drivetrain)?

    That's an interesting suggestion. I don't know much about TBI systems, if you have a link to an example product, I'm interested in learning more. As I understand it, the TBI has the fuel pump down in the tank ... so I'm not sure what electronics are needed to run the fuel pump, both signal and...
  21. BRetty

    Do I replace the '87 fuel tank that's on my 73 C10 (that has an 81 engine / drivetrain)?

    All, As the title says, I have an 87 fuel tank, which a forum member pointed out, has baffles and is designed for fuel injection engines and in tank pumps. A standard sending unit for carb engines and mechanical fuel pumps has a float to read the fuel level, this would get down to 1/2 full...
  22. BRetty

    Hello from LA (Lower Alabama)

    Y'all got some work ahead of you there, son..... All the work will go much easier if you blast Drive-by Truckers in your shop/garage all the time. Even though they are from north AL, songs like "Daddy's Cup" and "Zip City" really make the work a joy. "I got 350 heads on a 305 engine I get...
  23. BRetty

    Engine to Firewall Ground

    Ideally there should be a ground strap or connection from the engine block to the firewall. There's a bolt hole drilled/tapped in a V8 block right behind the #8 cylinder for exactly this reason. Of course, getting to that location is very hard, best to have a 6-year-old kid wiggle in there to...
  24. BRetty

    What are these parts called, and where can I find them?

    @Dleslie212, Thanks for all the pics of your total rebuild. I have to tackle my column this weekend, while I have a full day, and the puller and pin tools, and before it come off in my hands. I probably won't take it back as far as you did since I am scared of messing with my shifter, but if...
  25. BRetty

    8-track player install

    VV interested to know what make/model that r2r/8-track was. I bought an Akai/Rheem-Roberts unit that also combines open reel and 8-track, off Craigslist a few years ago. The seller was listing it for a friend -- they had a small recording studio together -- I had to point out that it also had...

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