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Apr 26th, 2026 | | AD Chevy Trucks  Over 6,000 pictures Brad Allen has an awesome collection of Chevrolet factory pictures that he has set up from film strips. Check them out!
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| | | | Joined: Jan 2013 Posts: 1,384 Shop Shark | | Shop Shark Joined: Jan 2013 Posts: 1,384 | Put the plates on yesterday and decided it was time to take the first shake down drive.
Took a couple careful laps through the neighborhood and then to the gas station and back.
Driving a big old truck again is a gas. The huge turning radius of a long wheelbase and the bouncy ride with no weight on those big tires.
Engine runs great. Exhaust sound is amazing, nothing sounds like a straight 6 with split exhaust and glass pack.
The 700R4 shifts great but the torque converter lock up hasn't been wired yet.
2 speed rear works fine, a little noisy in low, the speedometer switches correctly.
The speedo is way off (about 25 mph high), as expected, since the drive gear in the new trans is probably expecting a 3.45 or so. Have to take it on the highway and use the mile markers and a stopwatch and a GPS to figure the correct ratio.
Seat is really comfortable.
Brakes need more work, have to add a residual pressure valve on the back. The front disks are doing too much of the work, but stops straight and smooth.
Drivers door only latches on the safety catch. Can't get the door to close tight enough to get the replacement latch to over center. Need to find someone who has an original latch (ratchet style)before I can get it inspected.
Did get it up to 50-55 mph (est) on a long straight. Not sure if the trans went into OD. Have to hook up a tach next outing to see what's really happening.
All and all a terrific ride.
| | | | | Joined: Dec 2015 Posts: 2,063 Big Bolt Forum Moderator | | Big Bolt Forum Moderator Joined: Dec 2015 Posts: 2,063 | way to go!! I am a few weeks out on that with my 58. Can hardly wait! | | | | | Joined: Nov 2005 Posts: 6,100 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Nov 2005 Posts: 6,100 | Hy Jim Sears, great news, keep up the good work! | | | | | Joined: Mar 2016 Posts: 170 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Mar 2016 Posts: 170 | Sounds like a rewarding day! Any pics or video? | | | | | Joined: Dec 2001 Posts: 14,522 Moderator: Welcome Centre, Southern Bolters, Legion Hall | | Moderator: Welcome Centre, Southern Bolters, Legion Hall Joined: Dec 2001 Posts: 14,522 | Jim, congrats. I can only imagine the exhilarating feeling and smile on your face. | | | | | Joined: Jan 2013 Posts: 1,384 Shop Shark | | Shop Shark Joined: Jan 2013 Posts: 1,384 | Yea, like you can see the marathon finish line.
Next goal is to get an inspection sticker by the end of the week.
I'll get it in to have the alignment checked before that.
Will have to get the door to latch before inspection. | | |
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