The Stovebolt Site Forums The Side Lot Texas Connection 1954 pickup - need tune-up man in Dallas area

I've got a 1954 pickup with a 235, original carb & distributor. Carb has been cleaned, choke working, new plugs, points set, still 6 volt coil, timing set well in advance of top dead center, compression good in all cyl.vacuum advance seems to work Still cannot get it to run right.
It idles OK when warm, poorly when cold. High RPM is also OK, mid range very poor, seems to be cutting out.

I'd like to pay someone in the Dallas area that knows these trucks to go over it and see what's wrong.

Any recommendations?

Thanks much. I'm at the limit of my expertise here.

check for vacuum leaks first.

That might be part of the problem, depending how far in advance it is. Also, do what SWEET said, check for vacuum leaks.

What part of Dallas are you in? I'm close to the White Rock Lake area.

Check the points the set I got for mine had two pieces in the box spring was separate .it would idle okay but would miss and backfire when the throttle was pushed .turned out the extra spring piece if not put on would make the points jump around when the throttle was pushed .

Gary,

"timing set well in advance of top dead center"

What is the setting and how did you set it?

I live in NW Dallas County. And, I'd love to know about anyone that works on ADs. There's just some things better left to others.

Make sure you’re burning fresh gas. Old ethanol laced gasoline won’t run wort a darn no matter how good you’ve tuned it up!!! I know from experience.

Ok Texas Connection, help your fellow Texan out. The OP said he wants to pay someone. He is at his limit of mechanical knowledge. So far nobody has posted the name/location of a shop to help the guy. Y’all are better than this, give the guy a hand.🛠

Yes, please. Share contact info. I need brakes & front end work. And I'd like to have it done by a professional that will warranty the work. My old hands and back just don't work as well as they used to.

I've talked to a couple of shops. But, they like to charge higher rates for "vintage & classic" vehicles, as if they're harder to fix. One guy quoted me $2500 + parts to do a brake job.

Please post info on any/all DFW area mechanics who will work on ADs & other classics (I have a 66 Impala, too). Gonna need the motor rebuilt, someday.

I might have found at least one problem - the former owner has suppression spark wires in there. Will check on vacuum soon, get some ethanol free gas and re-check the points. Appreciate your input.

Gary Tx I have friend who does restorAtion and mechanical work on older vehicles. I'll ask him if he wants to look at it. Call Sid @ 214-213-2471 if you still need help.

I'm not in DFW area, but if willing to go 90 miles west of Ft Worth be glad to help you out. I'm in a small town called Ranger, TX and I work on the older vehicles.

Give Donny a call at Compton Automotive. I have known him for years and they do have the occasional classic in his shop. He has a Corvair in there now. I would call and ask him about what you need done and he will be honest with you about what he thinks would be the best course of action. Link to the webpage: Compton Automotive

Does anyone have any experience (good, bad or indifferent) with Wilson Auto Repair, in Garland, or Trowell & Turner Automotive, in Dallas?