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Just picked up my 1963 1500 3/4ton about two weeks ago and can say this truck is more reliable than I anticipated. The previous owner said the engine was rebuilt which made me more confident driving it home. When I first drove home on the back roads which was about a 30mile trip she barely made it after noticing a pinhole leak on the lower radiator hose as I pulled into my drive way. Lucky for me I called Napa that next morning and picked up a new one in stock and have since been driving it daily about 5 miles to and from work. No over heating, or idling issues at all, fires up mostly every time but struggles a bit when I fill up with a good amount of gas. It’s got the original 305 v6 4 speed which is really growing on me. I plan on adding P/S and a better breaking system pretty soon due to how much driving I will be doing with it.Thanks for any advice in advance about this truck. I’ve definitely committed myself to a slow and steady restoration and already love how it currently looks and runs!

-Cheers and happy Tuesday !

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Re: New to forum
 

Welcome to the forum! Sounds like you found a good one. Glad to hear you're starting a slow and steady restoration. You should get helpful answers here to specific questions, so ask away!

Re: New to forum
 

Thanks Ed, I really look forward to all the help ! One question i have in particular is that I’d like to address the gas smell. I’ve been getting used to it but my passengers really notice it, I’m thinking to to replace the gas cap and any other hoses that may be weathered first. Or Possibly relocating the tank all together from the cabin?


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I believe I do have some type of fuel issue ever since I filled up about 20 gallons the night before on Sunday night and the next early morning had to use starter fluid to get her going. The in line fuel filter was full of gas when I tried starting it and normally is half way filled when driving. Or less than 25% full when low on gas.


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could be trash inside the carb--it should have a WW Stromberg.

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Welcome to the GMC V-6 forum. You guys out in California have no idea what most of Us in the other 49 states put up with. I bet my 3-1/2 year old Ram 1500 has more rust than your 61 year old truck!
Yes, trucks had fuel tanks behind the seat back then. If your getting gas fumes in the cab you have a potential leak. Relocating the tank is very possible but not without risk. Side or rear impacts could rupture the tank with deadly results. Somewhere between the back of cab and rear axle and between the frame rails is preferred, and under the bed floor. Tank filler could be behind a small door, or extended to a rear wheelwell, and I see lots of fillers in bed floors on TV shows now days.

Re: New to forum
 

Congrats on getting a "new" truck with many miles left to go.
I think you may get used to the steering and the braking.
I've had the brakes (they are big) do exciting things after fording deep water, never from heating (fading).
And you'll find it steers better with a load, which is what it is made for.
The filler hose is the probable source of the gas leak. Easy to locate and very fixable.
Slow and steady is great advice.

Re: New to forum
 

I appreciate all the advice you guys have given so far. I am still driving daily and the whole no power steering thing isn’t too bad, brakes are not much of an issue either as I am only traveling at a max speed of 45-50 around town. I also feel blessed that the rust is at a minimal since hearing about how much of a struggle it is everywhere else ! Finally took some pics I wanted to share about how she’s looking under the hood. Would love to either buy a carb rebuild kit but maybe a replacement would do me better in the long run.https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/202...1abf184d81.jpg
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Very nice progress Uncmn!

Yes do give that rebuild a chance and see how it goes. I got a lot from Fetch’s thread on the rebuild (Very Helpful as always) and even though yours is different, it can’t be too much more difficult. Just get yourself a good comprehensive kit.

Re: New to forum
 

Hello there,

Good looking truck. I would recommend getting a rebuild kit for the carb and rebuild it. I did too and mine ran much better.
With a little gas in the tank my fuel filter is the same as yours regarding fuel level. I'm getting sufficient gas to the carburetor though.

I had the gas fumes in the cab thing as well, I contributed it to the fuel gauge gasket. After tightening the screws it got much better, will be replaced soon as the gauge don't work.

Interesting are the knobs left and right from the ignition, is the right one a cigarette lighter? What does the left one do?

Re: New to forum
 

Thx funk61 , will definitely be using that thread as a reference. I’ve played with the carb on a motorcycle and was able to find a basic rebuild kit online, Got it running again but seems to be a bit too lean and still needs adjustments...Im hoping it will all be much easier on the 63 once I locate a good rebuild kit for the Rochester.


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What’s up Prowbar,
Glad you had good results after rebuilding the carb. Have yet to pin point the gas smell but maybe the rebuild will do some good after also inspecting the fuel gauge and other hoses. As for the knobs Starting from the far left knob it goes ; headlights , wipers , (steeringwheel) choke, cigarette lighter. https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/202...ddba46ec4e.jpg


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Someone moved the choke because they have 2 rights hands - usually people are cussed with 2 left hands. Bet the previous owner found out the choke cable was to short for the different carb application. :rowdybeer: