Freshening up my 1970 Sport Custom

[cdnwillyg]

Nice build, keep it up!

[Manny]

Nice build, keep it up!

Agreed you are doing a fantastic job on the thing don't let anybody tell you otherwise.

[popeyes71]

Sounds good to me. Looks like you maybe ready to slide the motor back into the truck soon.

[SMH1970]

Thanks guys. I've been travelling for work the past couple of weeks, so haven't made much progress. (I did get to see some nice old vehicles in AZ - no bumps though - amazing what a low humidity environment can do to help preserve vehicles). I'm finally getting some time to work on it again this weekend. This evening I've managed to get the new tie rods installed, and everything is linked to the steering box and spindles.

I've also started tackling the engine again and got the oil filter adapter and fuel pump attached, and the push rods and rockers installed and torqued down. It's starting to look like a working motor again.

IMG_2480.jpg

Next step is the distributor, and I have a question for you all. I am 'rebuilding the original engine, but have a spare for parts (both were running well when I started this project). The original engine has a stock (I think) distributor with points, while the other had a Mallory E-spark electronic ignition. I'm wondering which one I should install. As far as i know, both were working equally well when removed from their respective engines.

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Any suggestions or tips on which might be easiest for me to set up? (this is my first rebuild project, so I'm trying to keep things simple - at least until I get more familiar with everything).

[hfdco4]

First question is where on the east coast are you?
Second one is, are you going to send out the original heads to be redone with hardened exhaust seats?

OK now USE THE ELECTRONIC Dist.

[Manny]

Motor looks great and yes electronic distributor.

[SMH1970]

.
thanks for the replies - I'll go with the electronic setup in the distributor.

First question is where on the east coast are you?

1) I'm in Prince Edward Island

Second one is, are you going to send out the original heads to be redone with hardened exhaust seats?

2) My initial plan to is run the engine I have in her for now, as I'll only be driving it occasionally, when weather permits. If I do decide to rebuild the engine, I'll have hardened seats put in, and do a full upgrade to a 390. That's not in the immediate plans, as once I get it on the road, I need to think about body/paint, window seals, etc. I'll probably drive it this summer without the body work done (assuming I finish all the mechanical bits).

[hfdco4]

Great plan. Have fun with the project!

[SMH1970]

Alright... a bit of an update from the weekend. Here's where the engine is at now:

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I'm pretty happy with the results so far, but most of it has been cleaning and painting. Unfortunately a lot of the of the easy/fun work is done, and now I have to put some real effort into the project.

Before I drop the motor back in, I have the following major tasks I'd like to complete:
1. flip the flywheel ring gear (it's chewed on one edge) and attach flywheel & new clutch to engine, then replace gear on the starter and install
2. clean and attach 3-speed manual transmission
3. clean and install old PS pump and SHORTEN THE STEERING COLUMN (3 on the tree) - I'm anxious about this one, as there only appears to be a few people that have done it Getting the transmission linkages to work smoothly seems like the biggest issue
4. source and install affordable brake booster and MC, then run new lines and bleed brakes
5. rebuild the carburetor

Overall, things are coming together, although a bit slower than I'd like (I thought I'd have the engine in by now). Oh well, I'm having lots of fun, and learning lots, so I'll just keep working away at it. More updates (and questions) will follow

[hfdco4]

Very nice job on the engine.

[crazyhorse]

Mr SMH, you sure are doing a good job.

Enjoy all the posts and information. Thank you.

[popeyes71]

Good choice on which distributer to use. Looks like things are coming along well, keep up the good work! Just remember, if you have any questions or doubts, the good folks here will steer you in the right direction.

[SMH1970]

Very nice job on the engine.

thanks - I appreciate the comments

Mr SMH, you sure are doing a good job. Enjoy all the posts and information. Thank you.

Thank you - I am very much enjoying the information here. If it weren't for this site, and the vast amount of knowledge here, I'd be lost

Good choice on which distributer to use. Looks like things are coming along well, keep up the good work! Just remember, if you have any questions or doubts, the good folks here will steer you in the right direction.

thanks again. I'm relying heavily on the community here

and to prove it.....I have another question (or maybe just an observation).

I am in the middle of the PS swap, and have everything from the steering box to the wheels in place - everything is fitting well, and I'm pleased so far. I was just getting around to painting and installing my motor mounts, and was preparing to 'notch' the left perch to fit around the Ford PS steering box. I set the perch in place and here's what I saw:

IMG_2491.jpg

IMG_2490.jpg

the engine perch does not have to be notched! - how is this possible? My truck originally had manual steering and a 360, so I assume the motor mounts are the originals. From everything I have read, the motor mount should not fit, and I should have to notch it, or find the proper mount from a truck with PS.

Oh well - I'm not complaining, as this saves me another job... guess I'll just paint it and bolt it in. YAY

[SMH1970]

Ok. False alarm. I read the PS upgrade article a little more carefully and saw this:

If you have an FE engine (352/360/390/428) and opt for the Saginaw PS box, be aware the driver's-side engine mount is shaped a little differently on a PS-equipped truck vs. a non-PS truck. For a true bolt-in, you'll need to get the perch from a PS-equipped FE pickup. (The '70-'72 FE-equipped pickups already have the correct piece in place, regardless of manual or power steering or engine size.)

I guess I never had to think about notching the left perch.

[cdnwillyg]

Looking like new, great work! Nice when things fall into place versus fighting with them!