What have you done to your square lately??

[JamesSam]

I still have not purchased new brackets, straps, or anti squeak because of the price, as you mentioned @Grit dog , for the brackets. I am still on the fence about buying new or restoring old.

I think you just talked me in to grinding down the old brackets clean and painting to save money.

 

[Grit dog]

I get ahead of myself. I am stockpiling to start a project that to me will improve the life of the truck. Yes it's true, I really don't know the exact problem but I assume, guilty. One of the first big projects I thought needed to be re-done was gas tanks but always was intimidated by the job from the physical act itself to the sticker shock of seeing what the cost is to pay someone to do this. Then the drivers tank died on me and now the truck is not running right and my mind circles back to the big things that will need to be taken care of.

The plan now is:
-Fuel pressure test the working tank to get numbers on paper. We will see what happens next from the outcome of the test, but I am guessing it will be weak and that will lead me to take off the old tank and check it out. A new tank will go on regardless one side or the other.
-If the pump is crap: new pump, new tank and I hope it works. If it's in good shape but the filter was clogged or something then I will keep it for possibly the other side.
-If the fuel pressure test shows the pressure is good then maybe we re-visit the catalytic converter. A new one will be put on at some point regardless.

Hopefully these steps will correct what is wrong and if not I hope I learn something in the process for what the problem could be.

I am not a mechanic and don't really have the workspace or time to do all the stuff I want when I want to so I have to bide my time. I hate this part the most. I want instant success but just have to wait it out and keep trying.

Along the way if it all caves then I guess I will take it to a mechanic that can hopefully help. I sure would like to be able to figure it out on my own though.

Trying to stay positive.

Ya dude, I know that part. The challenges of doing something new, nowhere good to do it, not alot of time and not the right tools.
I have 1 of those issues all the time and another of them sometimes.
But having a place to work on it and reasonably every tool I need and 2-3 buddies 10-30min away that literally have anything I don’t. Including a couple 3 auto lifts.
What you outlined above seems reasonable. And there’s virtue to having all the parts you need before starting in. Especially in your case.
Just trying to add helpful advice and willing to help answer any questions still. Along with the others here who some have squares memorized front to back and vast experience.
Keep after it. This is not a huge issue if you break it into smaller pieces and that starts with diagnosing to be pretty certain of the issue before diving in. Because it gets harder to diagnose when you have 3 repairs going, and 2 are half complete and your option is to finish them all and then just hope.

 

[Blue Ox]

The in-person Phil event, the movie, or both?!

I meant the in-person Phil event, but it's a lot easier to watch the movie these days. So, what the hey? Do both.

 

[Grit dog]

I still have not purchased new brackets, straps, or anti squeak because of the price, as you mentioned @Grit dog , for the brackets. I am still on the fence about buying new or restoring old.

I think you just talked me in to grinding down the old brackets clean and painting to save money.

Only putting myself in your shoes and thinking wwgd. What would Gritdog do?
And I’m cheap. As evidenced by its a challenge to redo an old car and end up with something worth more than you’ve spent $ on it.
Which I somehow managed to pull off with the blue truck. Some combo of luck and skill and a lot of hours invested of course.
Anti squeak? I’m sure it’s only like $20 but any host of materials can be substituted for free depending what you, your neighbor or buddy have laying around. I cut strips of ice n water shield leftover from roofing the house. But rubber strips like an inner tube or tar paper, sound deadening sheets, even a piece of thin plastic like cutting up one of the kids old plastic sleds.
Just an example of how to save a buck. And every buck you save is two you can justifiably spend on a tool to make this project or the next one easier!
But I get it, that in itself is a big expense.
I’ve been collecting buying and inheriting tools since I was in jr high. And I still probably spend $3-500/year avg on new tools. Even with freebies, garage sales and not many single large purchases.
if my 30 year old air compressor dies or I decide it’s time to upgrade to decent tool boxes or….that $ avg will go up.

 

[JamesSam]

Only putting myself in your shoes and thinking wwgd. What would Gritdog do?
And I’m cheap. As evidenced by its a challenge to redo an old car and end up with something worth more than you’ve spent $ on it.
Anti squeak? I’m sure it’s only like $20 but any host of materials can be substituted for free depending what you, your neighbor or buddy have laying around. I cut strips of ice n water shield leftover from roofing the house. But rubber strips like an inner tube or tar paper, sound deadening sheets, even a piece of thin plastic like cutting up one of the kids old plastic sleds.
Just an example of how to save a buck. And every buck you save is one you can justifiably spend on a tool to make this project or the next one easier.

I am brainstorming on a material to use instead of an "anti squeak kit" that cost $30. Probably going to try and source some tar paper from my father in law.

 

[fofiddyfo]

I am brainstorming on a material to use instead of an "anti squeak kit" that cost $30. Probably going to try and source some tar paper from my father in law.

If you want to PM me your address, I can mail you strips of EPDM rubber roofing membrane. Works like a charm and should last longer than most anything else. It’s what I used. Cuts with a utility knife; just use a piece of scrap lumber or a framing square for a straight edge.