New '66 Owner - In Over My Head?

[Island66]

Thanks, Pepsi. Reading your build thread has given me a bit of confidence, since like you I am not experienced and am tight with my money!

I've got a few questions today, hope someone can take the time...

Long one first...

So yesterday I wanted to start the truck up to see if I could figure out exactly where my leaks are coming from. Nothing. I pull the hood to pretend like I know what I am doing while the wife turns her over. Gas starts shooting out of the accelerator pump (yep, found out the name all by myself!). I've got no clue what to do at this point, so I call the PO (who has been a decent guy about my dumb questions) and he says to give it a few light taps with a wrench. Something about the float not seating.... blah, blah, blah. He also said that the carb was rebuilt in the last 500 miles, but this problem happened often. So I give it a few taps and it fires up. Can I do anything to fix this? I had to do the same thing again this morning to get it to start. I looked over several carb rebuilds, but didn't see anything addressing this. I plan on swapping her over to a Holley 500, but that will probably have to wait until after the first of the year, unless one of my kids wants an old Stromberg carb for Christmas.

Second, can someone provide me a list of shop manuals, etc. that I should try and pick up for a '66? I saw a 65-66 Maintenance Manual on eBay for $35. Is this one I should have?

[WDShaffer]

We will help as much as we can, for sure. Many of your damaged body parts are bolt-on; the cab bits, however, will have you learning to use cutting tools and a welder...down the road. I will check where I got my manual. It was about $80, but an exact reprint of the GM service manual--I will get back to you on that tonight,

[Island66]

Thanks, WDShaffer. I know that the body work will be a big learning curve (and expensive).

On another note, I can get a Holley 4160 cheap. Would this work with a 305?

[FetchMeAPepsi]

Originally Posted by Island66

Thanks, WDShaffer. I know that the body work will be a big learning curve (and expensive).

On another note, I can get a Holley 4160 cheap. Would this work with a 305?

You can get a $80 hammer and dolly set and do your own bodywork. It's not crazy hard just time consuming. Good thinking time
I just hammered a good sized dent in my flywheel cover and it came out really smooth. It's pretty fun, if a little noisy.

About your float prob, theres a little metal stopper at the tail end of the float in the carburetor. sometimes those are too big/short/flimsy in the rebuild kits so they don't seat. If youre lucky he just didnt adjust the float right and you can just tear it apart one weekend and fix it easily with a spoon. You might be able to bend it so it seats better.

wish I could help more with the book. I'd get this one

http://www.ebay.com/itm/1966-Chevrol...117d0b&vxp=mtr

and this one

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Original-GMC...0b9301&vxp=mtr

That's the main manual and the supplement. It should cover most of your truck, I'd think

[WDShaffer]

I have purchased many auto manuals from Faxon. They sell the original dealer service manuals, and other literature. Well worth the price.

http://www.faxonautoliterature.com/S...manual&c=24846

[Andice]

Welcome Brandon. Best of luck to you. This group can help quite a bit since most of us have been in the same boat as you. Just ask and post pictures when possible. Here are some before and after shots of mine. It took four years and is still not completely done. As long as your wife is on board with the project you should be good.

[karls 61]

Looks like the tires are great! Have a cocktail, and work out the driveability before you worry about the body, these trucks are alot of fun, and easy to work on especially with all the great info on this fourm, so welcome and enjoy, and thank you for your service to our country!

Karl