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.
At one time back in the dark ages, I believe Patrick's sold a shifter setup for the Saginaw 4 speed that moved the shift handle forward and centered it over the trans case. I believe that with a little creative tinkering something similar could be fabricated for the T-5, especially since the shifter handle is already on center. Jerry
"Freedom's just another word for nothing left to lose" Kris Kristofferson
Cringe and wail in fear, Eloi- - - - -we Morlocks are on the hunt!
Thanks all for your comments and will to think with me. To keep the truck like a 1945 looking truck will be on top of my list. But my affection to ww2 and the US part of it makes my lean to have this truck a part of my hobby. I added a picture below of my intention. This because i have to do some welding on the doors. I dont have a nice original paint. Nor a great aged patina. So if i paint it now i can also paint it in the future. Its not a big project.
As for the speed. I am by far not a speed maniak. My previous car was a 1940 buick special. That had a torquetube so i had no affordable options. I do drive long distances to events So cruising speed is something i would like to improve. As for shipping to the Netherlands, i do have a contact in New Jersey that can ship for me by containter. THere are a few options i know of but dont know if available for the pickup: overdrive different gears in rear axle different gearbox at mentioned above
When it’s time for new tires, swap out the 600-16’s for easily found 6.50-16’s. You’ll pick up about 5mph on the top end; and less RPM’s at any speed due to the greater circumference.
If you want to go for the military look, please consider that the majority military vehicle owners want 100% originality. The picture of the grey truck (1939-41?) may not be the correct 1945 paint selected by the US Navy. After Pearl Harbor in 1941, more importance was placed on camouflage. The previous US Navy grey paint had a blue tint added (for view from above). In the following years, the paint scheme change several times so you may need to do some historical research.
Military vehicles would forego GM optional appearance items mainly because of increased cost and lack of need. For example, white wall tires and optional chrome parts would not have been purchased.
Last edited by buoymaker; Tue Jan 11 2022 09:04 PM.
"Adding CFM to a truck will only help at engine speeds you don't want to use." "I found there was nothing to gain beyond 400 CFM."
I have a 32 Ford coupe with a t5 in it. I had the trans rebuilt and had an s10 tail shaft put on it. It moves the shifter forward from under the seat. The procedure is online. I have a world class t5 with an s10 tails shaft
We have built several of these trucks and one certainty for all of them is they are noisy if driven at modern speeds. Even ones converted to door weather strip instead of the factory windlace. The cowl vent, windshield, doors, and any other part that moves are acceptable at 45mph and noisy at anything higher. Even the resto rod versions with all the floor board openings sealed, windshield sealed in place, and cowl vent welded shut will begin to lose a-c cool air at between 65 and 70. A triple layer, Lizard Skin, Dynamat, bubble wrap, topped with the jute pad and rubber mat muffles the noise but doesn't eliminate it. Engine noise can be decreased a bunch with a 1/2" thick felt pad laid on top of the rocker assembly; something I don't recommend but okay for parade/show vehicles. Beautiful truck I would drive in it's designed range and enjoy.
Keep in mind increased cruising speed is a slippery slope, present minor issues get magnified. Ie: the brakes seem weak from higher speeds, the minor play in the steering seems more significant, the windshield leaks more air, body roll seems greater if you are even a little fast into a turn. Besides, there is barely enough torque for fast cruising in a tall gear….5th in my 46 w/T5 and fresh 235 is for tailwinds or downhill only… or I’m going way faster than my comfort zone. 55mph/88kph is where me and my rig max out, 50mph is even better, I just mosey along and savor the journey.
Scrub those whitewall tires and the colors will really pop! Drive your truck for six months and you’ll fall in love with the way it looks now and won’t want to repaint it. That’s what happened to me.
Chuck 1950 Chevy 1/2 ton (all original) 1951 Chevy 1/2 ton (future streetrod) 1941 Chevy coupe 1938 Chevy coupe streetrod
Thanks all for the help and guidance. Its not that i want to increase the cruising speed a lot. 50 55 is sure fine with me. Also the noise i can live with. But i dont want the engine over revving. So original engine is fine for me. I am most likely leaning towards changing the rear axle. As for the color, it not the original color and its not done very neat. If it had the factory color i would leave it alone. But i would love to take it to the events. For every maybe 700 vehicles in a parade there i maybe 1 navy colored. So to break up all the green i want to try this scheme first.
There is a product called a mini tac. It is a small electronic tachometer and I think it runs on a watch battery. You run a ground wire and a sense wire to loop around a plug wire. It can be mounted on the dash with double faced tape. It will give you your rpm readout.
