BUSY BOLTERS Are you one?  The Shop Area
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Jul 21st, 2025 | | | | Joined: Mar 2000 Posts: 784 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Mar 2000 Posts: 784 | What's the biggest improvement you have made to your truck. Could be anything. Run better, ride smoother, look better, more fun, you get the idea.
Here's mine:
'57 235
Radial tires
T5 transmission
Hopefully, Carter/Weber carbs (still working on that one)
What have you folks done?
George
| | | | | Joined: Apr 2006 Posts: 453 Shop Shark | | Shop Shark Joined: Apr 2006 Posts: 453 | My truck is far from being completed, but I would have to say replacing the rusted sheetmetal on the cab was the biggest improvement for me. | | | | | Joined: Dec 2003 Posts: 1,554 Shop Shark | | Shop Shark Joined: Dec 2003 Posts: 1,554 | My biggest improvement was installing the M2 frontend with power rack and pinion steering.The second biggest was the 350 Chevy V/8 and 700R4 trans.The truck now will run down the freeway at decent speeds and handles like a new truck. | | | | | Joined: Jan 2002 Posts: 866 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Jan 2002 Posts: 866 | M11 front suspension
ZZ4 350 engine
700R4 tranny
New paint job
Power disc brakes | | | | | Joined: Aug 2004 Posts: 1,067 Shop Shark | | Shop Shark Joined: Aug 2004 Posts: 1,067 | The biggest improvement I made to my truck when it had the 235 in it was probably the swap of the original 1bbl Rochester carb with a 2 bbl Holley/Webber carb. I picked up power and torque, and my mileage improved too.
The next biggest improvement was with a change from points to Pertronix electronic ignition. Always started on a dime and ran perfectly. Well worth $70.
52 GMC 3/4 ton pickup
68 Big Block Vette
68 455 Firebird
| | | | | Joined: Jul 2006 Posts: 707 Shop Shark | | Shop Shark Joined: Jul 2006 Posts: 707 | 4.10 instead of 5.14 in the diff. There is far more of a difference than the numbers imply.
1951 3800 Be the change you want to see. -hotshoe
| | | | | Joined: May 2004 Posts: 920 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: May 2004 Posts: 920 | I see you've already done this, but the radial tires and O.D. are the top 2 on my list. I've also added dual exhaust, HEI, new shocks, a full gauge instrument panel, and dynomat to the floor. Next will be front disc brakes and rear drum rebuild, complete suspension rebuild (stock) and finally the addition of my 261 stroker. I will also be replacing the bed and cab mounts. | | | | | Joined: Jan 2007 Posts: 11 Shop Shark | | Shop Shark Joined: Jan 2007 Posts: 11 | Power steering to replace the worn out steering box. The truck already had a 350, auto, and a/c when I got it. Next will be some supension work and disc brakes, then some rust repair panels/ | | | | | Joined: Dec 2005 Posts: 547 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Dec 2005 Posts: 547 | Rebuilding the engine. Updated with Fenton Exhaust, Edelbrock 2x1 intake, bored .040 over and domed pistons my machinist had lying around. Total new found power and acceleration. Soon I will install my 3sp+ OD.
58' 3200 235 3-speed/OD
| | | | | Joined: Aug 2005 Posts: 424 Shop Shark | | Shop Shark Joined: Aug 2005 Posts: 424 | I got it running  | | | | | Joined: Jan 2008 Posts: 41 Apprentice | | Apprentice Joined: Jan 2008 Posts: 41 | 1. MII front suspension, by far the biggest improvement. Followed by these as #2;
Power rack n pinion steering
Power disk brakes all around
4" dropped leaf kit in rear
SBC power
6/6 slam to the pavement
More to follow! | | | | | Joined: Sep 2003 Posts: 1,820 Shop Shark | | Shop Shark Joined: Sep 2003 Posts: 1,820 | No question - the T-5 transmission I put in this past year! It was like the frosting on the cake. Joe
"Truckin' Around .......... Since 1937!" My name is Joe and I am addicted to Classic Country Music. I just can't hep myself.Operators are standing by to take your calls! Now cruising in the Passing Lane | | | | | Joined: Jul 2005 Posts: 2,031 Shop Shark | | Shop Shark Joined: Jul 2005 Posts: 2,031 | steerability baby just as sweet and tight as can be http://www.stovebolt.com/techtips/draglink_adjustable.htmland the 12 bolt 3.40:1 rear end 292 e/w hei, edelbrook 5 Hybrid-T5 disc paint job && she loves them  heated seats 
Last edited by carolines truck; 01/10/2008 3:24 AM.
Jim & Caroline
The highway is for gamblers, better use your good sense."
Gooday-that's my 1¢ answer due to the lousy economy ~ cause I ain't got - no . mo . doe
Every Shaver | Now Can Snore | Six More Minutes | Than Before ... | Half A Pound for Half a Dollar | Spread On Thin | Above the Collar || BURMA-SHAVE
| | | | | Joined: Dec 2003 Posts: 975 Shop Shark | | Shop Shark Joined: Dec 2003 Posts: 975 | Getting rid of the mouse stink....the popularity level rose significantly with the family after that.
Re-doing the interior would probably be a more accurate answer to the question. | | | | | Joined: Aug 2004 Posts: 1,400 ODSS Lawman | | ODSS Lawman Joined: Aug 2004 Posts: 1,400 | For me, it was the radial tires, and 3:55 gears.
SWEET Sergeant At Arms: Old Dominion Stovebolt Society BUNS?!?!?!Where we're going, we don't need no buns.....1950 GMC 450 1951 Chevy 1/2-TonThe GreenMachineIn the Stovebolt Gallery | | |
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