[special-K]

I got my '72 going right about a year ago after needing a few things that had her parked. I ran it till winter and since spring...8,000+ miles with no issues. A couple weeks ago a spark plug blew out when starting it. The plug boot had gotten burnt from being against the header. So, I put new plugs in and a new plug wire (wires new from last year). Started it up, sounded good, except heard a nasty sporatic noise like the fan tapping the shroud. Checks for play n water pump, alternator, and other pulleys. All felt tight but something was definitely going to grenade down the road. I bumped the alternator and noticed it made a sound. Turns out the halves were loose. Two of the screws were missing on the rebuilt unit! Got that straightened out and remembered it had been hearing a small exhaust leak. Header bolts all tight but noticed a collector gasket had a small blowout. Replaced that in a jiffy and now the truck is good to go another round. Also cleaned the engine up and changed the oil. It always feels good taking care of a few things on the truck. Next chance I get I'll be replacing the dash circuit and adjusting back-up lights while column is dropped. They come on in neutral now.