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Preparing for Spring

THINK SAFETY

A Tech Tip Primer

10% discount
for
Stovebolt Super Stars
(Read more about it)

Jim Carter
Classic Truck Parts

The 60-66 Calendar

Stovebolt 2008
Calendars

Seven to choose from

These articles are "Living Documents" -- They will never be "finished" products. You (we) will be continually adding to these and refining them. So don't limit yourself or think we have to get a certain amount of info for it to be "done." They can always be added to and improved.

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New Articles and Updates ~ May
	Bed Roll Plugs -- A simple trick to plug the light reflector holes -- by Bill "olblu49" Jesse Spot Art Deco trucks like an expert -- 1941 to 1947 Chevy Art Deco look alike ... not really -- originated Kip Bonds and on-going discussion in forums gathering additional information -- join 'em!

• 1939 - 1940 Buyer's Guide -- From the Illustrated Chevrolet Pickup Truck Buyer's Guide -- Courtesy of Tom Brownell
• 1960 - 1966 Buyer's Guide -- So you want to get a '60-'66 truck? Be a discriminating buyer -- by Woogeroo
• Insuring Your Old Truck -- Insider tips about insuring your classic vehicle -- by Rachel Kuntz
• Spot Art Deco trucks like an expert -- 1941 to 1947 Chevy Art Deco look alike ... not really -- by Kip Bonds
• Taking a Stovebolt into Canada -- Trying to get a Stovebolt across the border? -- by Randy Jewers and John Milliman
• Takin' the Ole Test Drive -- Horse tradin' for a new project demands some unique techniques! -- by Glenn Foster
• Trailering Tips -- How to get your new project home in one piece -- by Barry Weeks
• Getting Started on your Project / A Beginner's Guide -- Here's some tips to get you started. -- by Randy Baumann
• Restore or Rod? -- Not sure which way to go? These commentaries might help you. Or they might not...

• Chevrolet Series/Model List -- At long last, a comprehensive list of pickup AND big truck Series and Model codes
• VIN Buster -- New and improved ... lots of new features provided by Frank "Fumblin46" Anderson
• American Classic Truck Parts VIN decoder -- Automatically decipher your VIN - color, engine, model, engine, transmission, axle
• Deciphering your VIN -- Learn how to let your truck tell you all about itself! -- by Barry Weeks
• In Search of the Elusive '59 VIN -- The other place they hid that elusive VIN --by Kevin Pennell
• Spot Art Deco trucks like an expert -- 1941 to 1947 Chevy Art Deco look alike ... not really -- by Kip Bonds
• Tips and Tricks for reading indented numbers -- Get the gouge from fellow Bolters -- assembled by Woogeroo
• 1939 & 1940 Chevrolet Specs -- Deciphering your VIN, engine specs, options, wheel base, paint colors, tires, etc.
• '41 - '46 Specs -- Info on the "Art Deco" trucks

• Shop Safety -- With some additional input from Bolters, we've updated (March '05) the Shop Safety article -- a must read for all!
• Basics of Basics -- A little "primer" for those who are lovestruck -- by Brian Martin
• Frequently Asked Questions -- The only dumb question is the one not asked!
• Old Online Chevy Manuals -- A big undertaking on the on-line manuals project, and now indexed by year -- by Keith Hardy
• Ordering the Chevrolet 'Restoration Kit' -- Get a packet (free for USA) of original info about your truck.
• '60-'66 Buyers' Guide -- So you want to get a '60-'66 truck? Be a discriminating buyer -- Here's what to look for -- by Woogeroo
• Guide to '60-'66 Chevy Truck Manuals -- Ever wonder what manuals apply to your '60-'66 truck? -- By Woogeroo

• Restoring the Big Trucks -- What to expect when tackling a medium duty truck -- By John Milliman
• Bed - Hoist Background -- Restoring your bigger truck's dump bed? Here's some background info -- By 53moneypit
• Bed - How I Built a Flat Bed (with utility box) -- Step-by-step with some help from Stovebolts R Us -- by Irwin Arnstein
• Bendix Multi-Vac Brake Booster Overhaul - Wonder what to do with your rugged-looking hydrovac? -- By Bob Burgoyne
• Rear axles (Two Speed) for larger trucks -- Caring for that special axle -- By Tony Pascarella
• Wheels and Tires for Advance Design Big Bolts -- Whooo! Lots of information and expanding -- By Grigg Mullen III

• 6-Volt DC Charging Systems -- The first in a series of articles "A Theory and Maintenance Primer" -- by Jerry Herbison
• 6-Volt -- Switch out regulator to make a 6-volt alternator? -- If it were only that easy -- By Randy Rundle
• 12-Volt Gauge Update ('36 - '39) -- Junk yard-cheap 12-volt gauges that fit perfectly -- By Pat McAuliffe
• 12-Volt Conversion -- Converting to 12 volts
• Battery cables - which should I use? -- Need to know about those cold cranking amps (CCA) -- By Randy Rundle
• Batteries 101 -- A short tip on battery installs and removals -- by Steve VandenBerg
• Dwell & timing on a 6-volt system -- Randy guides you through this simple procedure -- By Randy Rundle
• Electrical Talk -- A refresher of Electrical Terms and Definitions -- By Jerry Herbison
• Electrical Tips / Update -- This is an oldie but still a goodie that Randy Rundy did for us back in 2000
• Electrical - Watts, amps and volts, "watts" the difference? -- A nice primer on these common terms -- By Randy Rundle
• Electrical Upgrade -- Tackling that rat's nest of wires? Here's some good step-by-step guidance -- by Morris "Texmo" Cox
• Generator or Regulator - Where's My Problem? -- How to troubleshoot your electrical troubles are starting -- By Randy Rundle
• HEI Converstion -- "High Energy Ignition" (GM electronic ignitions) How hard can it be? -- by Paul "Inky05" Yacabitis
• HEI -- Home-made Mini HEI -- Have access to a lathe. Make your own mini High Energy Ignition -- by Fred "woodwindow" Lorio
• Horn Wire and Steering Mast Bearing Replacement / Pre-'55 2nd series -- By Fred T
• Horn -- Repairing your horn -- Nothing like the bark of the old 6-volt vibrating horn -- by Kip "Kip's 41" Bonds
• LED Lights -- Both brakes AND turn signals -- by Jim "Caroline's Truck" Wilson
• Parking Light to Running Light upgrade -- Keep your parking lights on with your headlights! -- By Randy Rundle
• Timing a 6-volt vehicle with a modern timing light -- Can it be done? -- by Thomas Dermody
• Tachometer Installation -- A good how-to, step-by-step with good pictures -- by Irwin Arnstein
• Turn Signal - How To Wire -- A pretty easy to follow tip -- By Charlie "Cletis" Hardin
• Wiring Diagram for 1939 -- Original 6-Volt system diagram for trucks

• 12-Volt Gauge Update -- '36 - '39 -- Junk yard-cheap 12-volt gauges that fit perfectly -- By Pat McAuliffe
• Air Conditioning and Heater system in '55 1st series Chevy pickup -- How to install -- by Bowtie Max Springer
• Bed / Replacing the Bed in an Advance Design Suburban -- Not an easy job but one that takes a lot of patience -- by Dick "Weeds" Weeden
• Cardboard headliner installation -- Great step-by-step how to -- by Larry "Laroke" Kephert and Jason Hoard
• Cleaning upholstery -- Another good tip on getting out stains (including rust) from cloth, leather, even vinyl -- by Irwin Arnstein
• Clutch Head Screw Removal -- Use your electric screw driver to do it safely -- By Bob Cadwallader
• Cowl Vent Outlet Valve Seal Replacement -- Yikes! Such a title!! Anyway, it's for '65 1/2-tons. Might apply to other '60's trucks, too. -- By Woogeroo
• Custom Inside Door Handle -- Well, this is something different, and kinda fun - by Leonard
• Horn - Repairing your horn -- Nothing like the bark of the old 6-volt vibrating horn -- by Kip "Kip's 41" Bonds
• Headliner (ABS) Installation -- Forget that sloppy vinegar mess! -- by Don "Down2Sea" McLendon
• Ignition Switch -- A trick to help remove / install with info from an expert -- by Trev "37ChevyTruckGuy"
• Odometer Refurbishing for Task Force (1955-1959 series) Trucks -- Good tips with lots of detailed pictures -- by Bill "Red58" LePage
• Sewing Your Own -- Basics on sewing and setting up the older Singers. -- By Chief
• Window Regulator Help -- Hard to roll the windows up or down? Here's an EASY fix -- By Tab

Radios (Not here? Well, stop by the Radio Clinic )

• Radio Reference Guide -- '32 to '60 (originally by Ray Holland Chevrolet Radio Hours) w/permission -- by Fred Nixon
• Radio Frequently Asked Questions -- Got some FAQ's from the Radio Clinic by Fred "Truckernix" Nixon and the Bolt Collective
• Shopping for a Used Radio -- The old one IS busted, need a replacement -- by Gary Tayman of Tayman Electrical Sound Solutions
• Trouble-shooting Your Old Radio -- No tunes? Tips to find out why -- by Gary Tayman of Tayman Electrical Sound Solutions

• 216 Thriftmaster -- A restored '47 216 engine
• 4-Barrel Throttle Linkage -- Ya ain't going anywhere until you connect the foot to the carb! -- By Jason Sternhagen
• Belt replacement or upgrade -- You've added P/S or A/C -- here's how to measure for a new belt -- By Myron
• Bolts -- Removing broken bolts -- Using your welder to remove those stinkers -- by Brad Allen
• Bolt and Screw Removal -- A few tricks on getting the hards ones out -- by Jim Burleyque
• Engines - 194's and 207's -- A discussion of the early Stovebolts-- By Barry Weeks
• Engine Dolly -- Build a caddy for your engine with these easy instructions -- by Stephen "Farmdog" Peterson
• Engine Serial Number Prefixes -- Is your Chevy engine correct? Don't know? Here's how to find out -- By John Milliman
• Engine Swap* -- How to swap your babbit-pounding 216 for a pressurized 235
• Engine Swap II* -- Swapping out a 216 for a GMC 302 -- By Joel Baumbaugh
• Engine Identification: How to tell 216's, 235's and 261's apart -- A short primer -- By Barry Weeks
• FUEL - Converting to propane -- Want to try a cleaner, cheaper fuel? Try propane! -- By Glenn Wood
• Gas tank outlets, making a filter -- Don't settle for sediment -- by Tyler Watts
• Gasket goops, lubes and torque -- You've got the right bolt and gasket, now what?? -- By Koolkar
• Head been milled? -- Quick, easy check if that 235 or 261 head has ever been milled -- By Jim Merritt
• Hood Prop -- Working with a four-piece hood can be perplexing and dangerous. Maybe you need a hood prop -- by Randy Baumann
• Milled Heads -- How do you know? Updated! Jim Merritt sent in an image to go with this good old tech tip
• Motor mount switch (side to front) for 235 -- Don't dispair, we've got a drawing for you -- by Woody "Czechman" Vondracek
• Oil Pan Gasket Replacement in your 216 / 235 Engine -- If done correctly, oil pan leaks should be a thing of the past -- by Martin Bass
• OILING - Full-Pressure Oiling for 235's and 261's -- Easy mod for full-pressure oiling -- By Bruce Childs
• Rear Main Seal Replacement -- End that embarrassing puddle! Here's an easy way to do it right! -- By Oly
• Valve Adjustment (for inline sixes) -- Get that inline six singing in tune!
• Valve Adjustment -- It's not brain surgery! By Oly

• Calculate RPM, Tire Size and Rear Axle Ratio -- A combined effort by Arlyn Unrein and Gordon "Gord" Hillsden
• Driveline Set Up -- Get the straight skinny on setting shaft & pinion angles, etc -- by Grigg Mullen
• Short Shifter for a T-5 Tranny -- Make a short throw shifter out of your stock T-5 -- by John Sandoval
• T-5 Trannies (S-10) in Advance Design Trucks -- Get 5 speeds and lower ratios -- by Grant Galbraith
• T-5 Tranny Swap for Art Deco Trucks -- Just for the '41 - '46 1/2-ton Bolts -- by John Sandoval
• T-5 tranny swap: Keep 6 volts AND the foot starter -- Excellent companion to Grant's srticle -- By Robert French
• Torque Tube Swap -- A low-buck alternative to big-buck ring and pinion gear kits for highway speeds
• Tranny Swap* -- How to swap your manual for an automatic -- From our friends at the Stovebolt Engine Co.
• Tranny Swap 2 -- Is the TH350 the right A/T for you? Maybe not ... -- By John Smith

• Huck Brake Upgrade for Advance Design -- Upgrade those pre-'51 Huck brakes -- By Jason Sternhagen
• Bending / Flaring Brake Lines -- Great illustrations on how to use that flarer tool -- by Charlie "Cletis" Hardin
• Bendix Multi-Vac Brake Booster Overhaul - Wonder what to do with your rugged-looking hydrovac? -- By Bob Burgoyne
• Bendix Hydrovac Brake System Overhaul -- Save some money and do it yourself -- by Jeff Erickson
• Brakes & rear axle - a '40 gets a '55 set -- Better brakes, gear ratio -- By Dusty
• Brake (Disc) upgrade -- Works for pre-Advance Design trucks, too! -- By Jim Proffit
• Dual Master Cylinder Upgrade -- Update your truck's single master cylinder to a safer dual set-up -- by Charlie "Cletis" Hardin
• Emergency Brake Cable Pulley Replacement -- Old one rusted away? Here's a low cost, easy replacement -- by Kip Bonds

• Axle pulling without fancy tools -- Put the Snap-On catalog down, you already have the tools -- By Koolkar
• Calculate RPM, Tire Size and Rear Axle Ratio -- A combined effort by Arlyn Unrein and Gordon "Gord" Hillsden
• IFS Swap -- '82 Monte Carlo front into a '54 Chevy 1/2-Ton. -- By Max Springer
• Patrick's Rear-end Kit Installatino -- A good "how to" for a 3.55:1 ring and pinion set in 1947-1954 pickups -- by Fred Stevens
• Rear End Measurements from a Donor -- Info on different donor rear ends for your custom project -- By Joe

• Drag Link (Adjustable), Pitman and Steering Arm Upgrade for pre-1953 AD Trucks -- by Jim "Caroline's Truck" Wilson
• Drag link Rebuilding Tip -- You installed the rebuild kit but now your steering is... harder?? Try this for smoother steering! -- By Joe Hand
• Front End Suspension (Camero) (Clip) on an AD truck -- A good, quick tutorial with lots of pictures -- by Mark Smith (Our Tool Chest Moderator)
• King Pin Replacement ---- by Dave "Kookar" Feltner and Randy Baumann
• Spindle Bushing Replacement -- Why replace spindles when the Kingpin bores are worn? -- By Dan Wing
• Steering Adjustment -- Yer truck born under a wanderin' star? Tighten 'er up! -- By Robert Oeleis
• Steering Wheel Removal on Pre-1941 GM Trucks -- By Whitney S. Haist
• Suspension Bushing Puller (DIY) -- Make your own custom bushing puller for under $4 -- By Boyoconnor
• Tie Rod Replacement -- by Wayne Osborne and Paul Franchina (Chevy Trucks.org)

• Bed Mounts 1936-46 1/2 Ton -- Pickup Bed Mounts for '36-'46 Chevrolet 1/2-tons -- By Randy Baumann
• Bed Mounts 1/2-Ton Advance Design -- For '47-'53 Chevrolet Advance Design 1/2-tons -- By Randy Baumann
• Bed Replacement in an Advance Design Suburban -- Not an easy job but one that takes a lot of patience -- by Dick "Weeds" Weeden
• Bed Roll Plugs -- A simple trick to plug the light reflector holes -- by Bill "olblu49" Jesse
• BED - DIY Flat Bed (with utility box) -- Step-by-step instructions with some help from Stovebolts R Us -- by Irwin Arnstein
• BED - Rebuilding wooden bed in your truck -- Sometimes a frightening task, but this one went fairly well -- by Mark Marmon
• Bolts -- removing broken bolts -- Using your welder to remove those stinkers -- by Brad Allen
  
• Bolt and Screw Removal -- A few tricks on getting the hards ones out -- by Jim Burleyque
• Cab Dolly Updated -- Build a dolly for your dismounted cab and avoid dingin' it up more! -- by Randy Baumann
• Cab Dolly / Easy-to-make Hoist -- use it for engines, removing the cab. A simple and safe design -- by Paul "wodniw5" Beresford
• Cab Dolly / Mongo's Low-buck -- A little scrounging around and a few bucks makes this an easy project for your Project -- by Steve Mosely
• Cab Mount Diagram -- How and where all those mounting blocks and bolts go ('41-'46)
• Chrome Basics - So you failed Organic Chemistry twice? Here's help for your next visit to the chrome shop! -- By Bobby Baker
• Chrome Q's and A's - A compilation of the questions and answers from the Chrome Forum -- Good Stuff! -- By Bobby Baker and Stovebolters
• Door Latches and Strikers -- How to install them to get your doors to close right -- by Alan Horvath
• Door Latches for 1947-1951 -- Some basic info on how the whole system works, plus tips and drawing! -- by Roy Marks
• Door Alignment -- For an Advance Design truck -- by Brian Stephens
• Door Panels -- How to make door panels, good step-by-step with pictures -- by Mark "Yukon Jack" Scott
• Headlight Retainer Ring Replacement -- A simple way to replace them with an easy-to-find part!
• Hood Lock (AD) -- A simple way to lock your AD hood -- by Jim "Caroline's Truck" Wilson
• Hood Springs -- Working with these springs can be tricky. Here's some tips that may help -- by Joe Weimer and other Stovebolters
• License Plate Restoration -- How to make that 50 year old plate look new, and for little money -- by Bill "TxLaTx" Frey
• Spare Tire - Fender Modification -- Modify your fender to accept a side-mounted spare tire -- by Ray Stanley
• Spare Tire - Fabricating a mount -- For not much money, you can have a side-mounted spare tire -- by Bill "TxLaTx" Frey
• Stress Cracks and Tears -- Step-by-step instructions with good pictures -- by Ken "bartamos" Law
• Windows (Vent) Rebuild -- Jay did his '54 and give us his step-by-step instructions -- by Jay "Houston54" Barrington
• Windshield Wipers (Delay) -- All about delay wiper systems and how to retrofit them to your vehicle -- by Mike Rowand
• Windshield Wipers (Slow them down) -- Upgraded to electric wipers? Now you need to keep them on the arm -- by Hugh Spitler
• Windshield Repair '39 - '46 -- How to restore crank-out windshield assemblies -- By Whitney S. Haist
• Windshield Crank Rebuild -- Got a crank-out windshield? Here's where you learn how to rebuid the crank regulator -- by Kip "Kip's41" Bonds

• De-Rusting with Vinegar -- A quick and not too expensive rust removal technique using vinegar! -- by Alan Christensen
• Electrolytic Rust Removal -- Bust rust the way the pros do -- By Ted Kinsey and updated by Randy Baumann
• Evapo-Rust -- Product review -- Two Bolters check out a new product in battling the enemy: rust -- by Koolkar and Inky05
• Low-Buck Rust Removal -- The Molasses Bath -- cheap rust removal for the patient restorer -- By Barry Weeks and crew
• Rusted Clutch Head Screw Removal -- How to do it without ruining everything
• Zero Rust -- Restoration rust control in the Real World -- By Bill Irish

• 1950 Chevy Color Chart -- Sent to us by Rick Bolen (who has a 1950 Chevy 3800 Stakebed)
• 1947-1955 Advance Design Paint Codes -- Information and paint chips for PPG and DUPONT paint -- by Tim Lederman
• Body Shop Success -- Looking for someone to do the body work for you? Here are some things you ought to know -- by Brian Martin
• Paint FAQ's -- Great info & general paint tips -- by Bob Story
• Painting with HVLP (High Volume Low Pressure) Paint Gun -- Got paint running? Here's some basics -- by Brian Martin
• Painting your Truck -- Some background on paint and colors -- By Keith Salter
• Painting your Firewall -- "American Pride" at its finest -- by Bruce Michaels

General Upkeep

• Keep your '67 - '72 Cowl Clean -- A simple trick to keep junk out of the HVAC vents -- by Irwin Arnstein
• Bolt and Screw Removal -- A few tricks on getting the hards ones out -- by Jim Burleyque
• Cleaning Upholstery -- Another good tip on getting out stains (including rust) from cloth, leather, even vinyl -- by Irwin Arnstein

• Evapo-Rust -- A new product in battling the enemy: rust -- By Dave "Koolkar" Feltner and Paul "Inky05" Yacabitis
• Zero Rust -- By John Milliman

• On the road again -- Wake up your favorite Stovebolt from its winter nap -- By John Smith
• Preparing Your Truck for Winter Storage -- Prepping for Ole Man Winter -- By Kevin Pennell

• 1939 Chevy 1/2-Ton -- Off-frame resto of a pre-war pickup -- By John Milliman
• 1949 Chevy 4400 -- An in-progress off-frame restoration of a big Advance Design truck -- By John Milliman
• 1949 1/2-Ton -- An off-frame with an engine upgrade) of an Advance Design pickup -- By John Henry
• 1951 Chevy Panel Truck -- An on-frame resto of a pretty solid AD panel truck -- By Leila Smith
• 1951 Chevy Suburban-- Off-frame resto of a unique, and somewhat rare, old 'burb -- by Stu Sanderson

• 1939 GMC 1/2-Ton -- Off-frame streetrod project -- By Bill Clemens
• 1952 GMC 1/2-Ton -- Streetrod project -- By Bill Peck

• Preserving your 'Bolt's History -- Just what do you have there? A little caution may really *pay* off -- by Steve "Builder" VandenBerg
• Stovebolts in World War II -- Bill Slone's Dad worked in Costa Rica during WWII, constructing the Pan American Highway. Some neat Stovebolt family photos!
• Stovebolts Down Under -- Australian Stovebolts from our friend, Pete Robins
• The Chevy/GMC Holden Body -- Courtesy of The Australian War Memorial by Mike Kelly
• Thoughts on the Early Stovebolts -- By Barry Weeks

• The Ambulance
• The Canopy Express
• The School Bus

OLD TRUCKS ROCK!

Be sure to check out our extensive Forums discussions -- from General Truck talk, Electrical Bay, Big Bolts, Panels and Burbs, Engine and Driveline, Paint and Body, Interiors, Tool Chest, Doors, Radios, Making up the Bed -- The Stovebolt Collective can help in your quest and walk you through the mire and magic of working with old iron!