My '74 build- "Clifford" - Page 4 - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

Jonboy · 01-07-2011, 12:16 AM

Fuel tank is in!!!! What a PITA that was.

Randy, I looked at my clusters tonight. It looks like you could make a template and grind out what you need on an older cluster. Shouldn't take a while lot of massaging with a dremel to get it to work.

RandyP · 01-08-2011, 01:52 PM

Free bump, and not to hijack, but wanted to discuss the tach a bit more, lol.

I drug out my cluster with the tach, and compared it with a modern base that will allow the VSS to plug in. Looks to me like I just have to enlarge the area behind the speedo and all will be golden for that aspect.
Now on to the repinning of the main harness connector. I'm thinking all I'd have to do is compare the one that came out of the truck, with the one I'm putting in it to make sure the printed circuit is being fed correctly, right? I'm really thinking at most the gas gauge might be the biggest thing to be sure of? Any hints on that?
Then there is the actual wiring in of the tach. I'm pretty sure the distributor for the TBI engine does not have the lovely little TACH spade on like I'm used to seeing, but I'm wanting to say I seen a wire dangling that someone told me was for the tach.

Am I on the right track? I want to end up with my housing having an opening like the pic on the bottom, I know that much for sure.

Jonboy · 01-09-2011, 10:01 AM

You are right on, Randy. That is exactly what I came up with looking at the clusters I had here. The pad for the speedo doesn't come in contact with the printed cirguit, and the VSS is stand alone anyway. That should work. The only thing you will have is the font on the newer speedometer is different that the rest of what you have. A gauge overlay could take could take care of that, though.

There is a white wire coming off of the coil, on the side that does not go to the distributor. That is the tach signal. Plug into that and you are good. You may need to move some wires around in the connector, but GM did a good job of keeping the colors the same, for the most part. If your cluster has an electric oil pressure gauge, it is 78/early 79. If you can get a layout of the plugs, it will show you what you need to move. I have used a paper clip (the same one I generally use to check codes with....), but I broke down and bought a set of repinning tools off of the tool truck.

edit- I painted mine with white base on the inside, and also the back of the black cover, too. I also used 168 bulbs instead of the 194's. There was a thread about getting more light, and that was the consensus, since white reflects all light. I haven't got to see it at night yet, but it's an idea.

Truckwise, I got my fuel lines ran and hooked up yesterday. I just need to drill holes for the crossmember, and it is on the ground. Then it's just hanging the sheetmetal back on, and cleaning up my mess. Man I hope all of this hassle is worth it. I've come across a couple of deals on carbed engine and OD trans combos lately. I still think I will be glad I converted to TBI, just wish it was back on the street already. I really miss driving this truck.

RandyP · 01-09-2011, 10:56 AM

Awesome, now to just figure out if I really 'need' a tach or not, then again.. I have it, why not use it!
I have that extra housing laying around because I painted it a chrome color and didn't like it, used another I painted white.

You're oh so close to driving yours again it sounds! I hope the TBI works out for you, I have my fingers crossed.

Jonboy · 01-09-2011, 11:21 PM

Clifford is back on all 4 feet! I finished up underneath this afternoon, and put the truck back on the ground. After that, I mounted the core support and A/C compressor, and called it a day. It's cold outside, and we got about an inch of snow. Maybe that means I will be busy tomorrow.

SCOTI · 01-10-2011, 01:54 AM

We should have swapped the lower a-arms during the down time.

RandyP · 01-10-2011, 08:37 AM

It is snowing here this morning as well, started yesterday evening. The news was talking about all the wrecks that had already happened, I can only pray that we get a few from it as well.

So close to hearing the truck fire over.... so close! I hope all the TBI stuff works for you, I really really do.

STOCKISH · 01-10-2011, 09:18 AM

Glad to see you making some progress!

twoodson · 01-10-2011, 11:34 AM

Yes sir!! Jon is a true soldier fighting the cold. Your real close my brotha. It's on the way that's for sure.

Jonboy · 01-10-2011, 11:35 AM

It took forever to get into work this morning, so the likelihood of being busy today is pretty high. Man, I hope so.

A couple more hours out in the garage, and it should fire. I need to pick up new belts (the old ones don't fit anymore....odd), and put the cooling system back together. Everything is wired, so it should pop off.

RandyP · 01-13-2011, 03:46 PM

Been a few days, got to here it purr yet? Maybe you got to busy at work and don't want to come home and look at a vehicle!
We had a couple days with a little weather, I'm hoping we pick up here in a week or so. So far only got two in from it, but both are the sort that make me think "would love to see this in my garage at home" vehicles. Both are 2010, one is a F150 Platinum crew cab (gorgeous truck) and the other is a Denali XL, damn thing has a heated steering wheel.

Anyways, free bump and curious about the MPG

Jonboy · 01-13-2011, 05:08 PM

I put the cooling system mostly together last night. I picked up my 4th (!) power steering belt today, to install tonight. Somehow, I seem to be getting outsmarted pretty regularly by this truck. My wife is getting convinced that I like working on it so much, I keep doing things over so I can keep it in the garage. I am starting to think she might be right.

SCOTI · 01-13-2011, 05:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jonboy

I put the cooling system mostly together last night. I picked up my 4th (!) power steering belt today, to install tonight. Somehow, I seem to be getting outsmarted pretty regularly by this truck. My wife is getting convinced that I like working on it so much, I keep doing things over so I can keep it in the garage. I am starting to think she might be right.

Weird. What changed as far as the pulleys? I replaced the belts last fall when I did the water pump, radiator, & thermostat. I didn't have any issues then.

Jonboy · 01-13-2011, 05:40 PM

I could tell they were fresh. It could be that I am an idiot, and can't put belts on. I haven't ruled that out yet. Yet. They pulleys, water pump, and accessories are all from the '74, save for the upper alt. bracket. The alt. is in the same spot, but the '74 bracket didn't clear the coolant temp sensor in the intake. It must be the paint on the parts that has everything thrown off.......

Jonboy · 01-14-2011, 12:51 AM

Well it is almost ready to fire. I even installed the passenger fender so I could mount the battery, and ...... The battery was low. I will take it to work and charge it tomorrow. Hopefully we hear it run Saturday. I really, really need to have it done this weekend, so I can take it to San Antonio next weekend.

**N2TRUX** · 01-14-2011, 10:18 AM

We are ready for a start up video....

menace121978 · 01-14-2011, 10:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by N2TRUX

We are ready for a start up video....

X2! thought you'd be done by now

SCOTI · 01-14-2011, 10:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jonboy

Well it is almost ready to fire. I even installed the passenger fender so I could mount the battery, and ...... The battery was low. I will take it to work and charge it tomorrow. Hopefully we hear it run Saturday. I really, really need to have it done this weekend, so I can take it to San Antonio next weekend.

San Antonio? Why on mother earth would you be doing that?

JohnC · 01-14-2011, 10:26 AM

Man you've made some good progress while I've been gone. Let's get that beast fired up man!

Jonboy · 01-14-2011, 10:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by N2TRUX

We are ready for a start up video....

I don't have any 8 year olds to help show me how to make one. Right now it would just be me cussing about the cold and the truck.

Quote:

Originally Posted by menace121978

X2! thought you'd be done by now

Are you done yet?

Quote:

Originally Posted by SCOTI

San Antonio? Why on mother earth would you be doing that?

That's where the folks that make Pace picante sauce are from. I think my truck will be a lot "cooler" after it comes back, though.

JohnC · 01-14-2011, 10:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jonboy

I don't have any 8 year olds to help show me how to make one. Right now it would just be me cussing about the cold and the truck.

Are you done yet?

That's where the folks that make Pace picante sauce are from. I think my truck will be a lot "cooler" after it comes back, though.

on all accounts.

Jonboy · 01-19-2011, 01:06 AM

It's alive!!!!

Well, sort of. It fired up tonight, but it still idles a little high. My TPS voltage is too high, and the timing still needs to be set. I snapped a couple of pics as it sits, but I know it's dirty, and the valve covers have overspray, etc. But it started, and I know everyone likes pics. Besides, I wanted to show off the grille. It has 30 years of shelf dirt on it, but it looks so good.

SCOTI · 01-19-2011, 01:19 AM

Sweet. I'm excited for ya!

**N2TRUX** · 01-19-2011, 01:22 AM

Thats rockin buddy. I love the fresh grill, and the dual snorkel air cleaner. Now take the grill back out before it gets scratched.

SCOTI · 01-19-2011, 01:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by N2TRUX

Thats rockin buddy. I love the fresh grill, and the dual snorkel air cleaner. Now take the grill back out before it gets scratched.

I even have a safe place to keep it!

01-07-2011, 12:16 AM	#76
Jonboy Slots go on anything! Join Date: May 2003 Location: Richardson, TX Posts: 5,957	Re: My '74 build- "Clifford" Fuel tank is in!!!! What a PITA that was. Randy, I looked at my clusters tonight. It looks like you could make a template and grind out what you need on an older cluster. Shouldn't take a while lot of massaging with a dremel to get it to work. __________________ 1974 Jimmy- 5.3/4L80e/NP241

01-08-2011, 01:52 PM	#77
RandyP Getting Old; Going Broke Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: Owasso OK Posts: 2,764	Re: My '74 build- "Clifford" Free bump, and not to hijack, but wanted to discuss the tach a bit more, lol. I drug out my cluster with the tach, and compared it with a modern base that will allow the VSS to plug in. Looks to me like I just have to enlarge the area behind the speedo and all will be golden for that aspect. Now on to the repinning of the main harness connector. I'm thinking all I'd have to do is compare the one that came out of the truck, with the one I'm putting in it to make sure the printed circuit is being fed correctly, right? I'm really thinking at most the gas gauge might be the biggest thing to be sure of? Any hints on that? Then there is the actual wiring in of the tach. I'm pretty sure the distributor for the TBI engine does not have the lovely little TACH spade on like I'm used to seeing, but I'm wanting to say I seen a wire dangling that someone told me was for the tach. Am I on the right track? I want to end up with my housing having an opening like the pic on the bottom, I know that much for sure. Attached Images __________________ *Why is every used 350 sbc out of a corvette?* There's only two things that excite a man, expensive toys and real expensive toys. *VEGETARIAN: That's an old Indian word meaning "I don't hunt so good."* When the going gets tough, switch to power tools.

01-09-2011, 10:01 AM	#78
Jonboy Slots go on anything! Join Date: May 2003 Location: Richardson, TX Posts: 5,957	Re: My '74 build- "Clifford" You are right on, Randy. That is exactly what I came up with looking at the clusters I had here. The pad for the speedo doesn't come in contact with the printed cirguit, and the VSS is stand alone anyway. That should work. The only thing you will have is the font on the newer speedometer is different that the rest of what you have. A gauge overlay could take could take care of that, though. There is a white wire coming off of the coil, on the side that does not go to the distributor. That is the tach signal. Plug into that and you are good. You may need to move some wires around in the connector, but GM did a good job of keeping the colors the same, for the most part. If your cluster has an electric oil pressure gauge, it is 78/early 79. If you can get a layout of the plugs, it will show you what you need to move. I have used a paper clip (the same one I generally use to check codes with....), but I broke down and bought a set of repinning tools off of the tool truck. edit- I painted mine with white base on the inside, and also the back of the black cover, too. I also used 168 bulbs instead of the 194's. There was a thread about getting more light, and that was the consensus, since white reflects all light. I haven't got to see it at night yet, but it's an idea. Truckwise, I got my fuel lines ran and hooked up yesterday. I just need to drill holes for the crossmember, and it is on the ground. Then it's just hanging the sheetmetal back on, and cleaning up my mess. Man I hope all of this hassle is worth it. I've come across a couple of deals on carbed engine and OD trans combos lately. I still think I will be glad I converted to TBI, just wish it was back on the street already. I really miss driving this truck. __________________ 1974 Jimmy- 5.3/4L80e/NP241 Last edited by Jonboy; 01-09-2011 at 10:07 AM.

01-09-2011, 10:56 AM	#79
RandyP Getting Old; Going Broke Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: Owasso OK Posts: 2,764	Re: My '74 build- "Clifford" Awesome, now to just figure out if I really 'need' a tach or not, then again.. I have it, why not use it! I have that extra housing laying around because I painted it a chrome color and didn't like it, used another I painted white. You're oh so close to driving yours again it sounds! I hope the TBI works out for you, I have my fingers crossed. __________________ *Why is every used 350 sbc out of a corvette?* There's only two things that excite a man, expensive toys and real expensive toys. *VEGETARIAN: That's an old Indian word meaning "I don't hunt so good."* When the going gets tough, switch to power tools.

01-09-2011, 11:21 PM	#80
Jonboy Slots go on anything! Join Date: May 2003 Location: Richardson, TX Posts: 5,957	Re: My '74 build- "Clifford" Clifford is back on all 4 feet! I finished up underneath this afternoon, and put the truck back on the ground. After that, I mounted the core support and A/C compressor, and called it a day. It's cold outside, and we got about an inch of snow. Maybe that means I will be busy tomorrow. __________________ 1974 Jimmy- 5.3/4L80e/NP241

01-10-2011, 01:54 AM	#81
SCOTI Registered User Join Date: Apr 2001 Location: DALLAS,TX Posts: 21,910	Re: My '74 build- "Clifford" We should have swapped the lower a-arms during the down time. __________________ 67SWB-B.B.RetroRod 64SWB-Recycle 89CCDually-Driver/Tow Truck 99CCSWB Driver All Fleetsides @rattlecankustoms in IG Building a small, high rpm engine with the perfect bore, stroke and rod ratio is very impressive. It's like a highly skilled Morrocan sword fighter with a Damascus Steel Scimitar..... *Cubic inches is like Indiana Jones with a cheap pistol.*

01-10-2011, 08:37 AM	#82
RandyP Getting Old; Going Broke Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: Owasso OK Posts: 2,764	Re: My '74 build- "Clifford" It is snowing here this morning as well, started yesterday evening. The news was talking about all the wrecks that had already happened, I can only pray that we get a few from it as well. So close to hearing the truck fire over.... so close! I hope all the TBI stuff works for you, I really really do. __________________ *Why is every used 350 sbc out of a corvette?* There's only two things that excite a man, expensive toys and real expensive toys. *VEGETARIAN: That's an old Indian word meaning "I don't hunt so good."* When the going gets tough, switch to power tools.

01-10-2011, 09:18 AM	#83
STOCKISH Formerly- 1972SuperCheyenne Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Wake Forest NC Posts: 5,782	Re: My '74 build- "Clifford" Glad to see you making some progress! __________________ --Josh My Build Thread:http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=799218 A good crossthread is better than Loctite any day. Life is not about what you have, but who you have to share it with.

01-10-2011, 11:34 AM	#84
twoodson Registered User Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: Lancaster, TX Posts: 291	Re: My '74 build- "Clifford" Yes sir!! Jon is a true soldier fighting the cold. Your real close my brotha. It's on the way that's for sure.

01-10-2011, 11:35 AM	#85
Jonboy Slots go on anything! Join Date: May 2003 Location: Richardson, TX Posts: 5,957	Re: My '74 build- "Clifford" It took forever to get into work this morning, so the likelihood of being busy today is pretty high. Man, I hope so. A couple more hours out in the garage, and it should fire. I need to pick up new belts (the old ones don't fit anymore....odd), and put the cooling system back together. Everything is wired, so it should pop off. __________________ 1974 Jimmy- 5.3/4L80e/NP241

01-13-2011, 03:46 PM	#86
RandyP Getting Old; Going Broke Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: Owasso OK Posts: 2,764	Re: My '74 build- "Clifford" Been a few days, got to here it purr yet? Maybe you got to busy at work and don't want to come home and look at a vehicle! We had a couple days with a little weather, I'm hoping we pick up here in a week or so. So far only got two in from it, but both are the sort that make me think "would love to see this in my garage at home" vehicles. Both are 2010, one is a F150 Platinum crew cab (gorgeous truck) and the other is a Denali XL, damn thing has a heated steering wheel. Anyways, free bump and curious about the MPG __________________ *Why is every used 350 sbc out of a corvette?* There's only two things that excite a man, expensive toys and real expensive toys. *VEGETARIAN: That's an old Indian word meaning "I don't hunt so good."* When the going gets tough, switch to power tools.

01-13-2011, 05:08 PM	#87
Jonboy Slots go on anything! Join Date: May 2003 Location: Richardson, TX Posts: 5,957	Re: My '74 build- "Clifford" I put the cooling system mostly together last night. I picked up my 4th (!) power steering belt today, to install tonight. Somehow, I seem to be getting outsmarted pretty regularly by this truck. My wife is getting convinced that I like working on it so much, I keep doing things over so I can keep it in the garage. I am starting to think she might be right. __________________ 1974 Jimmy- 5.3/4L80e/NP241

01-13-2011, 05:40 PM	#89
Jonboy Slots go on anything! Join Date: May 2003 Location: Richardson, TX Posts: 5,957	Re: My '74 build- "Clifford" I could tell they were fresh. It could be that I am an idiot, and can't put belts on. I haven't ruled that out yet. Yet. They pulleys, water pump, and accessories are all from the '74, save for the upper alt. bracket. The alt. is in the same spot, but the '74 bracket didn't clear the coolant temp sensor in the intake. It must be the paint on the parts that has everything thrown off....... __________________ 1974 Jimmy- 5.3/4L80e/NP241

01-14-2011, 12:51 AM	#90
Jonboy Slots go on anything! Join Date: May 2003 Location: Richardson, TX Posts: 5,957	Re: My '74 build- "Clifford" Well it is almost ready to fire. I even installed the passenger fender so I could mount the battery, and ...... The battery was low. I will take it to work and charge it tomorrow. Hopefully we hear it run Saturday. I really, really need to have it done this weekend, so I can take it to San Antonio next weekend. __________________ 1974 Jimmy- 5.3/4L80e/NP241

01-14-2011, 10:18 AM	#91
N2TRUX Happy to be here Join Date: Mar 2000 Location: Cypress, TX Posts: 39,023	Re: My '74 build- "Clifford" We are ready for a start up video.... __________________ Follow me on Facebook and Instagram @N2trux.com Articles- "Jake" the 84 to 74 crewcab "Elwood" the77_Remix 85 GMC Sierra "Scarlett" "Refining Sierra"



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01-14-2011, 10:26 AM	#94
JohnC Registered User Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Oklahoma Posts: 7,461	Re: My '74 build- "Clifford" Man you've made some good progress while I've been gone. Let's get that beast fired up man!

01-19-2011, 01:06 AM	#97
Jonboy Slots go on anything! Join Date: May 2003 Location: Richardson, TX Posts: 5,957	Re: My '74 build- "Clifford" It's alive!!!! Well, sort of. It fired up tonight, but it still idles a little high. My TPS voltage is too high, and the timing still needs to be set. I snapped a couple of pics as it sits, but I know it's dirty, and the valve covers have overspray, etc. But it started, and I know everyone likes pics. Besides, I wanted to show off the grille. It has 30 years of shelf dirt on it, but it looks so good. Attached Images __________________ 1974 Jimmy- 5.3/4L80e/NP241

01-19-2011, 01:19 AM	#98
SCOTI Registered User Join Date: Apr 2001 Location: DALLAS,TX Posts: 21,910	Re: My '74 build- "Clifford" Sweet. I'm excited for ya! __________________ 67SWB-B.B.RetroRod 64SWB-Recycle 89CCDually-Driver/Tow Truck 99CCSWB Driver All Fleetsides @rattlecankustoms in IG Building a small, high rpm engine with the perfect bore, stroke and rod ratio is very impressive. It's like a highly skilled Morrocan sword fighter with a Damascus Steel Scimitar..... *Cubic inches is like Indiana Jones with a cheap pistol.*

01-19-2011, 01:22 AM	#99
N2TRUX Happy to be here Join Date: Mar 2000 Location: Cypress, TX Posts: 39,023	Re: My '74 build- "Clifford" Thats rockin buddy. I love the fresh grill, and the dual snorkel air cleaner. Now take the grill back out before it gets scratched. __________________ Follow me on Facebook and Instagram @N2trux.com Articles- "Jake" the 84 to 74 crewcab "Elwood" the77_Remix 85 GMC Sierra "Scarlett" "Refining Sierra"

Register or Log In To remove these advertisements.