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  1. PhotonFanatic

    How to refurbish hood ornament?

    What steps do you take to make sure its at least as durable as the original? Not that they were particularly durable. Being in direct sun took its toll of course. But I would be curious to know if yours has any improvements over the original in that regard. Even the anodizing on the metal...
  2. PhotonFanatic

    I hate the power window and door lock switches

  3. PhotonFanatic

    What's the factory rear view mirror size?

    It seems to vary. Some of the trucks had 9", and others had 10". Depending on the truck, some even had bigger but they were work trucks of various types. I went with 10" and it looks fine, it looks like the right size.
  4. PhotonFanatic

    I hate the power window and door lock switches

    The topic of soldering versus crimping is often debated. Those who prefer crimping are in the good company of aerospace, military, Forumla 1, and medical. A key advantage of crimping over soldering is the ease and speed with which a properly formed connection can be consistently performed. I...
  5. PhotonFanatic

    I hate the power window and door lock switches

    My next try was going to be soldering. But I was told that generally speaking you shouldn't solder on vehicles, and that crimping is always better. The reason being is that solder isn't rated for the vibration and will sometimes crack. Found that out firsthand when I rigged up some LED...
  6. PhotonFanatic

    I hate the power window and door lock switches

    Maybe just take the switches out and make your own little panel. Would look pretty good if the little panel you made was chrome, just like the factory switches. I think that's a key part of this, making it look as though it might have come that way from the factory.
  7. PhotonFanatic

    I hate the power window and door lock switches

    Never heard of Autolocs before till now It has been over 10 years since I had to work on manuals. IIRC the little wheels wear out. Had one come loose and that's all she wrote, no more worky. Back in the day I rode in some friend's cars where a manual was stuck. They just lock up completely when...
  8. PhotonFanatic

    I hate the power window and door lock switches

    Been looking for this for awhile. Might eventually hire someone to design them. Then maybe sell enough copies to cover the cost. Finally have a normal plug for the back of the switch. And having them light up dimly would be an excellent idea.
  9. PhotonFanatic

    I hate the power window and door lock switches

    I don't think it's the switch itself. It's the connector that sits behind them. That's what I've always had to fix. I've had this truck for 15 years, and I've only had to replace the actual switches once. And who knows how old the previous ones really were. Maybe they were from 1987. But I...
  10. PhotonFanatic

    I hate the power window and door lock switches

    Anyone else have problems with these repeatedly breaking? I got new switches from LMC Truck. They work for awhile after I fix something but I keep having to take them back apart. There's always a new problem. Anyone else ever replace these switches with something better? Maybe a different...
  11. PhotonFanatic

    What's the factory rear view mirror size?

    Thanks! Anyone know if they're for sure 10" from the factory?
  12. PhotonFanatic

    What's the factory rear view mirror size?

    Hi all, I got into the old 87 R10 today and the rear view mirror was laying in the floor. I guess the glue just finally gave out. It's not the factory mirror, someone had installed some 1980's (or maybe 90's) upgrade with little switches and dials on the mirror. Never used them since the power...
  13. PhotonFanatic

    Engine mount replacement?

    Did you notice any reduction in vibration or noise immediately after you changed them? And if so, how long did the improved condition last?
  14. PhotonFanatic

    Engine mount replacement?

    I've heard of people using a 2x4 between the frame and the exhaust manifold, when jacking from the oil pan wouldn't work. My experience has been the opposite. Over the past 10 years I've ordered a ton of parts from them and I've had to send things back to them maybe 4 times. Each time it was...
  15. PhotonFanatic

    Engine mount replacement?

    Typically Rockauto has reliable brands. Imo they're the go-to for real parts from a real supplier who cares about their reputation to the normal degree. Unfortunately that has become a problem. As many here have said, much cheaper parts can be had on amazon, but they're fakes. Claiming to be the...
  16. PhotonFanatic

    Engine mount replacement?

    The ones on Rockauto are all in the $10 range. Then for the fake GM one it (but has an AC Delco sticker) jumps up to $90. Quite a price jump for solid metal with a chunk of rubber.
  17. PhotonFanatic

    Engine mount replacement?

    Here's a $96 mount: https://www.rockauto.com/en/moreinfo.php?pk=6437748&cc=1059825&pt=5552 and here's the $13 mount: https://www.rockauto.com/en/moreinfo.php?pk=6620704&cc=1059825&pt=5552 The Garage Journal told me to beware this "GM Genuine" brand name. They said they're not made by GM...
  18. PhotonFanatic

    Engine mount replacement?

    I'm looking to kill some of the NVH in my 87 (noise vibration and harshness). It occurred to me that it probably has the stock engine mounts. Figured I'd better stop by and ask if it's a hard job to replace them. And what the procedure is. I read another thread saying you only replace one at a...
  19. PhotonFanatic

    Pulling all the smog stuff

    I don't have any problem with polluting less. It's the smarter thing to do seeing as how we have to live where we pollute. If all the pollution got teleported to venus then I'd disagree. Never really knew if it was doing all that much on my particular vehicle though. Replacing a dead cat seemed...
  20. PhotonFanatic

    Pulling all the smog stuff

    If I could have a TBI that actually came close to LS stats, I'd stick with the TBI. Cause why not, it will be cheaper. But with the LS you get what; 110 more hp before you do any modifications? The LS can be 380 hp and still seem like it's a stock engine in terms of road manners. I'm not one for...
  21. PhotonFanatic

    Pulling all the smog stuff

    At age 40 I'm the same way. I've had my fill of noisy exhaust and now I value peace and quiet. When I changed out the giant factory cat because it apparently stopped working, the smaller replacement added noise. A downgrade imo. So how do you get good flow without the noise? I think flowmaster...
  22. PhotonFanatic

    Pulling all the smog stuff

    I've also heard that the cat will get glowing hot. Not sure about that one though. I was just trying to accomplish a cleaner engine bay and to pick up whatever small amount of power could be had. But it sounds like all that stuff needs to stay there. I'll rely on a 5.3L to delete it.
  23. PhotonFanatic

    Pulling all the smog stuff

    I heard that back in the 1980's people would remove all the smog stuff from their trucks. I have an 87 with the TBI 350, so here's my questions: 1. They said the trucks would run better after that. Is this true? 2. What exactly do they mean by "run better"? Is it smoother, less noisy, or just...
  24. PhotonFanatic

    Help me figure out what to do with this truck

    Yeah I'd fix it and sell it. Unless you just really need another truck for your land. But either way, fix the wrecked parts and have a good running truck to either sell or use. It would be a waste of a good truck and money to let it rot away.
  25. PhotonFanatic

    I guess I give up on the windows

    When I was 20 I was a security guard, and I avoided a lot of work simply by avoiding the bosses! LOL

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