Agreed on the header option... on a work truck/hunting rig, its just not worth the hassle of constant exhaust leaks (expect to tighten all the bolts weekly, if not more). My 2 cents, if it were mine... I'd be on the lookout for a Mopar 360 long block at the local u-pull it. a refresh with an edelbrock performer cam and intake would seriously wake up the truck and work wonderful with the carb you got. Plus, it would bolt right up to the existing drivetrain. That being on the wish list, just start with simple tune parts... cap, rotor, wires, plugs... and yes, rebuild the carb! as to the gas, i would hate to drain it too! you might pour some heet (water remover) in there and just run it for a bit... I had the same issue with a '95 chevy 2500 that had sat for 15 months... just knuckled down and ran it till it ran right!
Bottom line on gasser recovery order of ops... If it even LOOKS like it might leak, replace it(hoses, etc). If a fluid is in any way questionable, change it. Ignition parts for optimal efficiency, and a carb rebuild to deal with the bad gas issue (and the heet!). Accessory drive belts would not be a bad idea. If you have a timing light, set the timing to stock (not sure of spec for this vehicle) and then advance till you get pinging, then retard about 3 degrees. If you have a vacuum guage, you can tune the carb (looking for appx. 14" vacuum). Check brakes for safety, and do a full bleed for fresh fluid once all leaks are addressed. This is just an off the cuff list of what I've done pulling some old hotrod out of a field in the past. If you have some more specific questions, feel free to PM. Best wishes in getting it on the road ASAP!
JP
I recently bought a 1976 M880 from a car wholesaler in North Georgia for $1200. It sat for a year and it ran but didn't quite roll so the seller delivered it to my house. For trucks, I have owned a 1993 Dodge D350 (Cummins) and a 2006 Dodge 2500 (Cummins). I have NEVER owned a carb vehicle before and I feel the water just under my eyebrows. Unfortunately, the previous real owner (not my seller) used it as a hunting rig and really made some modifications that are now outdated which also took it away from true restoration being an option at this time. It has some 9 year old mud tires on it with 16 1/2 rims which I hate due to the lack of options.I will turn it into a nice truck that does what I need but going all out finding original parts to bring it back may be difficult right now. My focus is under the hood, going for reliability and updating. First, I am going to list the things I have done, then continue with the parts I already bought and plan to put on. I appreciate any suggestions, especially with the wiring which is so far cobbed, I am not sure where to begin or just take it all out and start anew. 1. oil, wires, plugs, cap, rotor, battery, battery connectors 2. idled good, checked timing, drove and stalled intermittently with acceleration, read this forum. 3. drained cleaned and refilled rear differential and other obvious areas. 4. Bought Edelbrock 4bbl 1406 carb. Do I need an adapter plate??? What else should I get to put this in? I did get a edelbrock fuel line kit, breather, air cleaner already to go with the carb. 5. Bought an ignition coil and fuel pump. 6. After going through this forum, I am going to buy a ignition control module tomorrow. 7. Bought stock mirrors. 8. Probably going to buy a dual exhaust system with headers from summit racing, seems like a good deal. 9. Will replace all hoses while putting on these parts as well. -I seem to have bought a lot of parts right? Well, I am still on budget below 1000 dollars to get it running tip top before I look at appearances. I have a lot of fun work ahead of me before I show up in uniform next month for an Airborne operation. I sure would appreciate any advice, I would love to pull up in this truck then. It would be great if someone could give me an order of operations for these parts and if I should replace wiring before/during anything else. Thanks.
The bolts for the exhaust manifolds go directly into the water jackets on most chrysler engines that also makes for a fun place to have a coolant leak.
Not to mention having to buy a mini starter also because you fried your regular one with header heat. Header heat another fun thing to have in a vehicle with no a/c or insulation.
