MikeB
Full Access Member
- Joined
- Apr 4, 2014
- Posts
- 1,805
- Reaction score
- 1,060
- Location
- North Texas -- California escapee
- First Name
- Mike
- Truck Year
- 1969
- Truck Model
- C10
- Engine Size
- 355
Bought my 82 Custom Deluxe SWB in early 2014. It has a 250 six with 3-speed manual trans. The only factory option is power steering, if that was in fact an option. The only previous owner mods are rally wheels and an aftermarket radio, which probably dates back to the 80s but still works.
Tried to save the 3-on-the-tree. Spent a month working on the column, but could only find a few of the parts it needed. Ended up using shim stock to reduce wobble in the "shift bowl" and the bowl that holds the key mechanism. Found some bronze bushings that worked on the levers/rods at the bottom of the column. Actually used the outside edge of a hard plastic cap as a bushing!
The shift mechanism works much better than before, but a major (and unavailable) cast aluminum part had cracked and been epoxied by a previous owner. It may last for 10 years, but I don't want to chance it. Also, the 3-speed trans definitely needs some new internal parts.
So I caved-in and now have a fresh 355 and TH350 just about ready to go in the truck. Should be a good match for the 2.73 axle. Yes, 2.73 with a 250 six from the factory!
While I'm here, I have a question. I just tried to do a search, but before it will run, I have to type several letters that are read to me over background music. Guys, I've listened several times, and simply can't make out all the letters. Can the administrator pick a voice and background music combination that makes the letters easy to understand? While my hearing isn't what it used to be, it is NOT the reason I can't make out the letters.
Tried to save the 3-on-the-tree. Spent a month working on the column, but could only find a few of the parts it needed. Ended up using shim stock to reduce wobble in the "shift bowl" and the bowl that holds the key mechanism. Found some bronze bushings that worked on the levers/rods at the bottom of the column. Actually used the outside edge of a hard plastic cap as a bushing!
The shift mechanism works much better than before, but a major (and unavailable) cast aluminum part had cracked and been epoxied by a previous owner. It may last for 10 years, but I don't want to chance it. Also, the 3-speed trans definitely needs some new internal parts.
So I caved-in and now have a fresh 355 and TH350 just about ready to go in the truck. Should be a good match for the 2.73 axle. Yes, 2.73 with a 250 six from the factory!
While I'm here, I have a question. I just tried to do a search, but before it will run, I have to type several letters that are read to me over background music. Guys, I've listened several times, and simply can't make out all the letters. Can the administrator pick a voice and background music combination that makes the letters easy to understand? While my hearing isn't what it used to be, it is NOT the reason I can't make out the letters.
Last edited:
from N.E.
