The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area General Truck Talk Brought it home

Got my truck home this afternoon. When I looked at it, we pull started it since we thought the 7 year old battery had given up. I bought the truck and a new battery. put the battery in today when I went for the truck, it still didn't crank. Turns out the starter brushes were wore out. The gentleman I bought it from (small used car lot) held a brush in with a screwdriver, she fired right up and I drove her home. being very careful to not stall her. MORAL: Check the battery before you condemn it on age alone. I don't regret buying the battery, winters coming. The starter is cleaned up, waiting for tomoorow to pick up a set of brushes. John

Nice!

Nice going John.

We'll expect some pictures!

Batteries are only good for 3-5 years tops, unless you have an Optima which last longer. So, best to replace it. Good time to check the charging system also.

Not sure what truck you purchased or if it's a 6 vs 12 volt?

In any case, good luck. With any of these trucks, you will find you need to turn a wrench or two. That's half the fun!

I have an optima and it is 16 years old and still going strong. Now that i have bragged on it, it will crap on me.

She's a 51 3104. 12 Volt system. I don't think its a recent conversion since it has a Montgomery Ward voltage regulator. Picked up a set of brushes today (its great having an old time parts store nearby, the owner looked at the old brush, walked to the back and returned with a new set. I told him I had some numbers off the starter, but he wanted to check his memory). With the new brushes, I thought that old 235 was going to fly out of the truck. My 8 1/2 yr. old grandson helped me fix the starter, took him for a ride and he fell in love with the old girl. Think we'll build some memories together. John

And that, Sir, is what it's all about.

Ron, you do believe in "preventive maintenance" don't you?
Better get a new one before it leaves you sitting in a parking lot somewhere.

Tinnerjohn, I agree with Cletis, that's what its all about, memories. My 32 year old daughter was just talking to me, remembering, when "we" built "old blue" which is "our" 37 pickup.

Keep us posted. We like those kind or stories.

Cables, cell phone and auto club, Alvin.