So, I've been lurking while I searched for my first 40. In the last 6 months I've received sage advice from @wngrog, checked out @under_psi 's awesome rig and had a visit from @geologic (also, I know @pmccraney from college, but don't tell him I'm here ...).
About 3 weeks ago I brought this solid '74 home from Fayetteville, TN:
It was a nice, but long drive home.
It looks good parked [spoiler alert] in my garage:
It's a solid rig - straight - with very little rust. I had the PO work-over the brakes (drums) and install a new master cylinder because the clutch was 'loose'.
I'm no mechanic but I'm not afraid to break $%$#, so I began making my check list:
Mental note to self: the gas gauge is broken.
Add that to the list (no. 7).
The next morning (with a full tank of gas) I try again. I loaded the family up and off we went. Everything was great. I got it up to about 60 mph on Hwy 463. I traveled about 25 miles ... then it happened. We stopped to meet some friends and the rear drums seized ... I mean seized tight and started smokin'. Stranded again.
After a week of tinkering, it turns out the PO purchased the wrong master cylinder. After some shims and a booster adjustment I was back in business ... allegedly.
3rd time out is a charm, right? I loaded up the family and off we went. We stopped at the end of the driveway to buckle up ... died. Turns over fine but no fire. Joy! This time its the fuel pump (I think). So that goes to the top of the list.
Despite the challenges, I'm loving it.
I can't wait to see what the next 50 miles brings ...
About 3 weeks ago I brought this solid '74 home from Fayetteville, TN:
It was a nice, but long drive home.
It looks good parked [spoiler alert] in my garage:
It's a solid rig - straight - with very little rust. I had the PO work-over the brakes (drums) and install a new master cylinder because the clutch was 'loose'.
I'm no mechanic but I'm not afraid to break $%$#, so I began making my check list:
- OEM wheels
- New tires
- Passanger's side rear view
- New badging
- Carburetor is newish ... no housing
- New battery
Mental note to self: the gas gauge is broken.

The next morning (with a full tank of gas) I try again. I loaded the family up and off we went. Everything was great. I got it up to about 60 mph on Hwy 463. I traveled about 25 miles ... then it happened. We stopped to meet some friends and the rear drums seized ... I mean seized tight and started smokin'. Stranded again.
After a week of tinkering, it turns out the PO purchased the wrong master cylinder. After some shims and a booster adjustment I was back in business ... allegedly.
3rd time out is a charm, right? I loaded up the family and off we went. We stopped at the end of the driveway to buckle up ... died. Turns over fine but no fire. Joy! This time its the fuel pump (I think). So that goes to the top of the list.
Despite the challenges, I'm loving it.
I can't wait to see what the next 50 miles brings ...