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.

 

[82sbshortbed]

Got the quadrajet on and he's running like a champ! Had to do a little fabrication to the throttle cable bracket and carb spacer but it works great. Gonna pick up another throttle spring and that should be it.

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Had to grind clearance for the throttle linkage because it was hitting the spacer and wouldn't move.

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Now it runs smooth with the right carb to fit the intake. No more shaking in gear with the brake on. So happy about that. That was annoying.

Now I have a oil leak at the passenger valve cover that smokes bad when it's running. Always something huh

 

[Tank6x2]

Started the driverside rear section. Not done still have to finish the welding, but it's in a good place.

Nicely done

 

[TotalyHucked]

@TotalyHucked Zach, do you recommend AMD brackets, straps, and anti squeak kits? I want to support our passion through the community. It looks like AMD has all the remaining peices to my puzzle. Give me some insight.

Sure thing. So our tanks are $90/ea, we offer both sides and have the fuel injection "basket" in the bottom to keep fuel around the pickup just like the OE. I've got one in my truck and they're super nice, I can tell you.

Gas Tank (Side Mount, 16 Gallon) - 87 Chevy GMC C/K Short Bed Pickup (Gas)

Gas Tank (Side Mount, 16 Gallon) - 87 Chevy GMC C/K Short Bed Pickup (Gas) Reproduction fuel tank for the 1987 Chevrolet and GMC C/K Pickup. This tank is correct for use on short bed models equipped with a gasoline engine with electronic fuel injection (EFI) only. This tank is not for use on...

www.autometaldirect.com

We also have both sides for the sending units @ $80/ea. That has everything you need other than the pump (we don't sell pumps).

Driver Side Gas Tank Sending Unit - 3 Outlet with EFI - 87-89 Chevy GMC R/V Pickup

Driver Side Gas Tank Sending Unit - 3 Outlet with EFI - 87-89 Chevy GMC R/V Pickup Reproduction driver side fuel tank sending unit with 3 outlets for 87-89 Chevy / GMC R/V Pickup. Correct for use on gasoline models with electronic fuel injection (EFI) only. AMD sending units are designed to...

www.autometaldirect.com

Passenger Side Gas Tank Sending Unit - 3 Outlet with EFI - 87-89 Chevy GMC R/V Pickup

Reproduction fuel tank sending unit for 77-79 Ford F100, F150, F250 & F350. Correct for use on 4 wheel drive models equipped with a mid-mount plastic tank only. Designed to meet or exceed the performance of the original equipment they replace. Sending units are constructed from premium...

www.autometaldirect.com

The brackets are $55/ea (you need 4 obviously) and are very nice pieces.

Gas Tank Support Bracket with Strap - Front - 73-91 Chevy GMC CK Squarebody Truck

Gas Tank Support Bracket w/ Strap - Front - 73-91 Chevy GMC C/K Truck Reproduction gas tank front support with strap for the 1973-1991 Chevy GMC C/K Squarebody trucks. This premium reproduction comes with complete accomodations for installation including weld nuts pre-attached, making...

www.autometaldirect.com

Gas Tank Support Bracket with Strap - Rear - 73-91 Chevy GMC CK Squarebody Truck

Gas Tank Support Bracket w/ Strap - Rear - 73-91 Chevy GMC C/K Truck Reproduction gas tank rear support bracket with strap for the 1973-1991 Chevy GMC C/K trucks. This premium reproduction comes with complete accomodations for installation including weld nuts pre-attached, making installation...

www.autometaldirect.com

And the anti squeak kit for $28

Gas Tank Anti-Squeak 5-Piece Kit - 59-88 GM Cars

Gas Tank Anti-Squeak 5-Piece Kit - 59-88 GM Cars Used to cushion gas tank from body and straps to reduce metal to metal noise. Cushions are 38" long and include anti-pop pad for top of fuel tank. 5 piece high-quality neoprene straps to cushion your gas tank from further tank-to-body vibrations...

www.autometaldirect.com

All of these are very nice pieces, reverse engineered off originals so they match everything the OE has. All that said though, I also agree with @Grit dog about reusing most of your stuff. Your straps, unless they're rusted or broken, I'd just wire wheel and repaint. I'd likely reuse the tanks as well as long as they're not rusty or really nasty inside (which you won't know that till you get them down, but since you've been driving this thing with no problem until recently, I HIGHLY doubt you need new tanks). Senders wouldn't be a bad idea, if they're original, they may be cruddy but again I'd probably wait to inspect what's there. The only thing I would go ahead and buy if I were in your shoes is new pumps and new anti-squeak rubbers. And all of this stuff ships via FedEx Ground, we're pretty dang quick at getting that out the door so you being in VA, you'd have it in 2-4 days typically.

 

[ChuckN]

Spent a good amount of time inquiring about stall converters today. Then it dawned on me to stop by the driveline shop that did my rear end.

Rich said he purposefully steers clear of transmissions, but pointed me to a gentleman at Skagit transmissions. I told him my setup and he recommended a 2200-2500 stall. When I asked him about reputable manufacturers, he said “none”. Well, besides Circle D, but he said the price would be eye watering.

He had a guy that will take and modify my converter to my needs, and will cost about $350. Has been doing work for him for years, and will stand by it.

So, first chance I have a stretch of time, I guess I’m pulling my converter.

 

[ChuckN]

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.

Darn it! I was gonna give him my spare feathers to go along with it!