We are still asking: What did you get done on your Bolt today ????
The question, initially posted May 23, 2005, was:
"Whatcha do on your Bolt this weekend?"
After 51,906,997 views, 7378 replies over 185 pages, this thread in General Truck Talk is a happening! And it's not just weekends anymore.
1. The engine has been running, but I didn't have time to throw the timing light on it until today. I had blindly turned the distributor when I got it running at the beginning of the month, bc it sounded a little off, but really needed to check it with a light.
Today I threw the light on it, and thankfully, it was only at 8 deg BTDC (I thought it was much worse). I adjusted the timing to 4 deg BTDC and she sounds great now. I let it run for about 15 minutes, and it didnt get any hotter than 210.
2. Since I put the new valve covers and gaskets on, I'm not seeing anymore oil leakage from the heads.
3. I had a very minor oil drip by the timing cover when I first ran the engine, which really bothered me bc the pan gasket is a brand new blue rubber 1 piece. I tightened the 2 bolts at the front of the pan, and no more leak. Whew!!
4. I test fit my driver's seat and started prepping it for install. It's a power seat, and I need it moved back on the tracks in order to get it set up. After reading about it online, I learned how to hook it to a battery and move it. So far I only have the tilt option working, but I'm just so happy to see it working!
5. My Lokar gas pedal arrived today, so once I get the seat adjusted, I can test fit the pedal and install it.
Great day!!!
Last edited by pan3lman; Sun Aug 23 2020 12:35 AM.
Grease Monkey, Moderator General Truck Talk & Greasy Spoon
Perfect.
Martin '62 Chevy C-10 Stepside Shortbed (Restomod in progress) '47 Chevy 3100 5 Window (long term project) ‘65 Chevy Biscayne 4dr 230 I-6 one owner (I’m #2) “Emily” ‘39 Dodge Businessmans Coupe “Clarence”
"I fought the law and the law won" now I are a retired one! Support those brave men/women who stand the "Thin Blue Line"! Hug a cop! USAF 1965-1969 Weather Observation Tech (I got paid to look at the clouds)
I test fitted the new gas tank on Saturday, it's going ok but is going to take me some time to do, as it's my first. I am also waiting for the sending unit and pickup tube to arrive. I'm hoping I can get this thing installed within the next month, before the REALLY crappy weather kicks in. I'd love to see if the tranny's good, and if it will move on its own, before year-end.
Last edited by pan3lman; Tue Oct 13 2020 08:26 PM.
Moderator - The Electrical Bay and Rocky Mountain Bolters
All is cold in Colderado. Except my shop heater that keeps my shop so hot I have to leave the door open. Do you have any "armor" around your gas tank? Jeep put receiver hitches on the mid/late 90's Grand Cherokee's to protect the gas tanks.
Ordered my first tire for this truck today. My all time favorite, BF Goodrich Radial T/A!
I ordered a 205 60 R15, hoping it will drop the front at least an inch, as the current skins are 235 70 R15. They were on the truck when I got it and I hate them, lol.
EDIT: per the web, the new tire will be 3" smaller in total diameter, so it looks like I'll get 1-1.5" drop. Woot!
Last edited by pan3lman; Tue Feb 16 2021 12:54 AM.
Thanks! I'm hoping I didn't go *too* small. I wanted the front end to drop down a little closer to the ground, which is why I went with the "60" in 205 60 R15. But, now I have a bigger gap between the body and the tire. It is what it is I guess. The original tire on that side had a slow leak, so it needed to be replaced anyway!
Got my center cap on tonight, looks much better (attached).
I also learned tonight that my truck would have had clear parking light lenses! I have to check a box in the garage, to see if the seller included those (4 years ago, lol).
Ordered a used inner fender today. I don't have either one, and I think it was a good deal (still has the OEM wire clips on the inside), so we'll see how it goes.
I always have a tough time when it comes to buying parts. I have no self control with car parts, so I really have to tell myself OK THAT'S IT FOR NOW!!!
Moderator - The Electrical Bay and Rocky Mountain Bolters
I only get in trouble once a month for buying car and truck parts... when the credit card bill comes in! I used the Classic Parts web site for my missing inner fender (67 Suburban).
I put gas in the new fuel tank last night, and started bolting up the Cherry Bombs The new 5/16" steel fuel line has been run all of the way up to the engine (that's quite a bit of fuel line on this truck!).
With any hope I'll be firing it up either tonight or tomorrow (Sat).
When you get to your brakes, I strongly suggest buying rebuild kits for the master and the wheel cylinders and rebuild them, as brake fluid absorbs water and any cylinder that has sat for more than a few of years will no doubt have some rust issues. My cylinders, on my ‘52 which were replaced by a previous owner about 5 years prior, were pitted so bad I couldn’t hone them out.
When you get to your brakes, I strongly suggest buying rebuild kits for the master and the wheel cylinders and rebuild them, as brake fluid absorbs water and any cylinder that has sat for more than a few of years will no doubt have some rust issues. My cylinders, on my ‘52 which were replaced by a previous owner about 5 years prior, were pitted so bad I couldn’t hone them out.
Keep up the good work and keep us posted!
One of the last owners actually ran newer brake lines and replaced at least one wheel cylinder, so I'm *hoping* that won't be something I have to completely revamp as well, but we'll see I guess.
Got the driver door on today. It needs adjustment and bodywork, but it closes and latches successfully with the new latch. It has never been on the truck in the time that I have owned the truck because the lower hinge pocket needed to be replaced.
I also drove the truck around the block for the first time on 4/21/2021 (sans driver door, lol):
Trying to determine my next steps forward. I mean, it starts, it runs, it stops, what else do ya need?
I'm guessing that from a logical perspective, I need to start working on the brake lights and headlights next. I'm wondering if Motor Vehicle will let me get away with just having the light on the barn door as the actual brake light?
