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  1. BRetty

    Question on battery/starter

    WhenI got my truck, I had constant electrical and starting problems. Eventually I learned the battery cables were old and oxidized/corroded, especially the exposed connections at the battery and starter terminals. I pulled them and cut off the exposed portions, stripped them back to expose...
  2. BRetty

    81 350 SBC is farked, about to replace with 350 SBC bought locally

    IIRC, it's physically easier to put the engine and trans in the truck as one unit. So would pull out my engine and trans together, then would have to swap trannys with them both out. I hear ya, but gonna defer to whar my mechanic wants to do that's easier. I have to get a working driving...
  3. BRetty

    81 350 SBC is farked, about to replace with 350 SBC bought locally

    Met the guy yesterday and he's a Navy pilot, fit as all F***, could crush me to the size of a beer can while flying a P3 and laughing all the time. Not gonna cross this dude.
  4. BRetty

    81 350 SBC is farked, about to replace with 350 SBC bought locally

    I appreciate the wisdom. I'm pretty sure my leak in this case was from the oil cooler and those lines/fittings. A new cooler and lines are on the way, along with the motor mounts. So I should also get a new hi-flow Millbrae(?) pump, are the ARP oil pump drive shafts a good investment as...
  5. BRetty

    81 350 SBC is farked, about to replace with 350 SBC bought locally

    All, I drive a '73 C10, with the drivetrain (350/5.7 + th350C) from an '81 Suburban A couple months ago, the engine started making a horrible clatter at startup. Not knowing it was rod knock, I didn't check oil etc, didn't discover I was bleeding oil like a shark attack. Driving down a...
  6. BRetty

    Sensor above oil filter 3 wire

    I think: It's a general oill pressure sensor/switch, that was connected to the TH350C torque converter lockup circuit. Were/are the wires going to it green and yellow?
  7. 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...
  8. BRetty

    Preferred Solder for Automotive Wiring

    Where's the thread on cable lacing your wiring harnesses rather than using zipties?
  9. 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...
  10. 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!
  11. 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....
  12. 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...
  13. 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...
  14. 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...
  15. 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...
  16. 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.
  17. 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
  18. 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
  19. 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...
  20. 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...
  21. 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...
  22. 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"...
  23. 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...
  24. 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...
  25. 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. ??? )

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