Whats your list?

[Earlthe3rd]

When you first brought home your truck what did you do to it before taking it for a serious drive.
Im going to take a decent 500 mile road trip once the weather improves so my 69 and i get to know each other a little better.
I'd love to here what your guys rituals are to give you the confidence that your truck is good to go.

Cheers
Earl

[tommys72]

Normal things...fluids brakes belts...mine had sat for the better part of ten years, so it got the major tune up and the normal stuff. Drove it about a thousand miles (nc to mo) about 6 months ago. She didnt skip a beat

[imjeff]

I usually like to change fluids, belts and hoses. Look around underneath, make sure you've got good brakes and brake pedal, good battery cables, good battery and no fuel leaks. The good news is that road trips aren't too hard on equipment. Have fun!

Jeff

[Vintage Windmills]

On the latest K20, I started by yanking the seized engine and seized trans, then gutted the cab, followed by rebuilding pretty much everything. Still working on it. Brakes, driveline, heating system, fuel system, wiring, door handles, all replaced.

Before and how it looks now:

[tommys72]

^^ big difference already

[brad_man_72]

Put gas in it, I drove 300 miles home. Then BRAKES! It would stop but I thought I was going to rip the steering wheel off.

Fluids, tune up, and a good inspection.

[sKnNyPpY]

Plugs, fluids, filters, belts, pads, rotors, bearings, battery, alternator, wires, hei, shocks, tires, grounds, battery cables, rebuilt carb, exhaust manifolds, intake manifold...I guess I'm ready for a road trip!

[tommys72]

I guess I'm ready for a road trip!

Not with all the ice you're supposed to get....

Back to the regularly scheduled threa

[sKnNyPpY]

Doah! I forgot the snow tires!

[leftybass209]

When people say fluids, I also include differential fluid in that. The last 3 older vehicles I've worked on were either low, had horrible fluid, or a combination. Also I think it'd be obvious to change wheel bearings if you heard a noise on a short trip. My truck had the bearing race welded to the spindle from excessive heat.

[sKnNyPpY]

Yes, leftybass! I forgot ball joints and lube...lots of lube.

[Frkypunk70]

When I bought mine,I didn't have a list....and proceeded to drive it 1200 miles back home. So after 30 miles and realizing the cam was wiped I just had it towed the other 1170 live and learn

[Econman]

Mine had sat under trees for 3 yrs when I got it. I had to put new wheel cylinder in the rear, brake shoes and kits on both sides. I had to put a new carb on it to get it to run. The old Quadrapuke was toast. Then I limped it 20 miles home as the points were sticking and it would barely run.

Once I got it home, I TOTALLY disassembled the entire truck down to a rolling chassis before taking it to have a new suspension installed after having everything about the rolling chassis powder coated. Even the rally wheels, bumpers, brake drums, rear end, all of it...

Now after sitting for 2 yrs without touching it, I have taken the engine apart and have it at the machine shop. I am so ready to move this build forward so I can see daylight at the end of the tunnel and can style and profile!

[cafetony]

How about take it down to nothing and rebuild it with all new parts, just to make sure you don't forget anything. lol

[SS Tim]

If you do't have a factory service manual at least download a copy and review the proceedures and recommended services. My recommendation would be to perform a major service to baseline the truck. Remember the more difficult or bothersome a service line item seems to you, the less likely it has been done in a long time! All fluid levels and conditon are a must. Bearing lubrication/clearances and brake leaks or seepage should be high on the list.

[Earlthe3rd]

Originally Posted by SS Tim

If you do't have a factory service manual at least download a copy and review the proceedures and recommended services. My recommendation would be to perform a major service to baseline the truck. Remember the more difficult or bothersome a service line item seems to you, the less likely it has been done in a long time! All fluid levels and conditon are a must. Bearing lubrication/clearances and brake leaks or seepage should be high on the list.

Just downloaded a copy, thanks a TON!

Great responses everyone.