I'm driving my '52 3/4 ton flatbed from Klein (just north of Houston) to Southlake (just south of Dallas) and then back to Klein on Thursday, November 6. I'll have an empty 7' x 6' bed heading north and probably 3/4 of the bed empty coming back. If you have anything that you need to send in either direction of this trip let me know soon. I have a big tarp that we could wrap with if necessary.
Great! Got the leather seat back to Houston. I had been running my tires at 32 PSI. Decided to pump them up to 50 PSI (they are rated to 60 PSI) for the trip and see what happens. Got 15.72 MPG for the whole trip. But the best part was that the wandering back and forth I had at 70 MPH went away. I know you've been in Corpus. Did you drive your truck?
seat I'm interested in seeing that seat installed and to hear how it works out. I think a step-by-step with photos is in order. Andy
"But the best part was that the wandering back and forth I had at 70 MPH went away." Are we stretching the truth here just a little, Bill? Stock 228/4 speed and what kind of rear end??? I agree with Andy~ Pictures, pretty please. Glad to hear you made your trip just fine!
3.55:1 late 60's GM rear axle and 31" tall tires calculates to 2693 RPM at 70. Speedo verified with GPS.
Awesome, Bill! Well, my 3.73 may not enjoy 70, but that sounds encouraging. You do have a 228, right? How'd the engine temperature do?
Yes, stock 228 with a recent valve job and carb (Carter YF) overhaul. Engine temp stays about 185 unless I'm in heavy traffic with A/C on. A/C was NOT on for this trip.
I hear Ken followed you in his old pickup? I guess you have that truck of yours purring along like a kitten then, huh? Could you do me a favor and pull up the thread you started on your engine rebuild? My 228 hasn't been started now for 2-3 years? I would love to read over what you did to yours, but haven't hit the right search words to bring it up. Thank you, if you could do that for me. I'm sure you enjoyed seeing the looks on the faces of people you were passing.
I didn't pass many. The speed limit between here and Dallas is 75 for most of the trip which means most drivers were closer to 80. I didn't rebuild the engine Zig, just a valve job, carb overhaul and water pump. Here is the thread I posted about the valve job (which contains your comment that I should just drop in a 350). https://talk.classicparts.com/showthread.php?t=20268&highlight=guides
My truck turns about 2812 @ 60 mph... I plan on starting the swap out to 355 gears right after Thanksgiving. Don't know how long she'll be down though as I have several other jobs to do while I'm at it.
Looks like all my family is pushing for me to have the panels upholstered... Ill need my Wife to help with the sewing, then. Need to get some Grey, Yellow, and Red upholstery. Unfortunately, that's a low priority still... How's progress coming on Your truck? I watched the Chiefs game this week, and was reminded of your color choices ;O)
Good luck~ I have a pair of pants that are to be hemmed up by my wife. This is going on year 6 that this job has been on the "to do" list. Hey, your panels match your headliner. Leave it alone. Someone might want them there panels I sent you, however~ Feel free to gift someone. Oh Billllll~
Yeah~ I'm lucky that way. Of course, in order for my back to cooperate, I've found that exercising daily has allowed things to stay about the same, size wise, and best of all, my back has been like a "normal" 50 something back. The exercise is worth it. I never want to feel that feeling again of where I couldn't even get out of bed due to the knives being stuck into my lower back, just waiting for me to try and move.
