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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: May 2014 Posts: 75 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: May 2014 Posts: 75 | Not sure what to call it but the "arm" that makes contact with the starter "button"? is hitting the firewall. The truck starts fine but the arm hitting the firewall drives me nuts while driving, constant banging when I hit a bump.
Is there a way to adjust this "arm" so its farther away from the firewall?
I have tried to put a piece of rubber, tried different thicknesses, around the arm but that just causes the arm to stay engaged after I start the truck.
Thanks everyone. Brad. | | | | | Joined: Jan 2001 Posts: 5,337 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Jan 2001 Posts: 5,337 | Are you sure the engine mounts are okay?
See the USA in your vintage Chevrolet! My Blog | | | | | Joined: May 2001 Posts: 7,438 Extreme Gabster | | Extreme Gabster Joined: May 2001 Posts: 7,438 | Are you missing a spring? | | | | | Joined: May 2014 Posts: 75 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: May 2014 Posts: 75 | No, there is a spring there. If I try a tighter/shorter spring, it will stay engaged after the truck is started.
I forgot to mention it is a 51 3100 with the O.E. 216 c.i.d. | | | | | Joined: May 2014 Posts: 75 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: May 2014 Posts: 75 | How do I know if the engine mounts and the tranny mounts are ok? | | | | | Joined: May 2001 Posts: 7,438 Extreme Gabster | | Extreme Gabster Joined: May 2001 Posts: 7,438 | The spring should be pulling the arm away from the button. I don't see how it could cause it to stay engaged if installed properly. | | | | | Joined: Sep 2001 Posts: 29,269 Bubba - Curmudgeon | | Bubba - Curmudgeon Joined: Sep 2001 Posts: 29,269 | | | | | | Joined: Jan 2001 Posts: 5,337 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Jan 2001 Posts: 5,337 | It is common for the frame to crack in that cab mounting area, allowing the cab to settle.
See the USA in your vintage Chevrolet! My Blog | | | | | Joined: Nov 2011 Posts: 1,610 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Nov 2011 Posts: 1,610 | Not sure what to call it but the "arm" that makes contact with the starter "button"? is hitting the firewall. The truck starts fine but the arm hitting the firewall drives me nuts while driving, constant banging when I hit a bump.
Is there a way to adjust this "arm" so its farther away from the firewall?
I have tried to put a piece of rubber, tried different thicknesses, around the arm but that just causes the arm to stay engaged after I start the truck.
Thanks everyone. Brad. Have you examined the cab mount sheet metal, frame cab bracket rivets, and cab mount bushings? It sounds like the cab has settled to me. Do you also have body/cab interference issues with your clutch and brake peddles? | | | | | Joined: May 2014 Posts: 75 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: May 2014 Posts: 75 | I think you guys are right on the "cab mounts" issue. Unfortunately I do not have a hoist, I can jack it up in the driveway...what and where exactly should I be looking at?
Brad. | | | | | Joined: Jan 2001 Posts: 5,337 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Jan 2001 Posts: 5,337 | There is a cab support just ahead of the battery on the outside of the frame. The rear engine crossmember is also attended to the inside of the frame in about the same area. I have seen seen many trucks with frame cracking in this area.
See the USA in your vintage Chevrolet! My Blog | | | | | Joined: May 2014 Posts: 75 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: May 2014 Posts: 75 | Ok, I'll take a look. I guess if the frame is cracked there, then the cab will not be properly aligned...or will be sagging causing the starter arm to make contact with the cab???
Does that make sense?
Brad. | | | | | Joined: Jan 2001 Posts: 5,337 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Jan 2001 Posts: 5,337 | Either the cab has dropped or the engine has shifted to the rear some how. I do not feel there is actually a problem with the starter, but a picture may tell a different story.
See the USA in your vintage Chevrolet! My Blog | | |
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