1949 Chevy 3600 into a daily driver

[99 to Life]

issues are always an issue! Its all apart of what we do. My buddy has been trying to figure out his clutch for a month. Turns out they make a bunch of different size throw out bearings, I never knew that, so his drama is my lesson learned for free. Like yours like mine etc.

I'd suggest different offset rims and possibly even 14" rims. My same friend has the same problem as his car came with a camaro clip (I personally am not a fan).

As for timing vacuum method is a good idea, permitting no vacuum leaks. you could also advance the timing so much to where it almost won't start. Then back it off a degree each time. this way you know you gave it as much advance as it can handle. all depends on your cam, cylinder pressure etc. Don't follow the ol' give it 10* like a small block likes. Keep in mind, this is timing with vac advance disconnected. So say you are at 12 or 15* initial. Once you hook that vac up, it should put you more like 22-25* initial. Your total timing should be 32-36* so that means, when vac advance is disconnected, you rev engine to 3k or so and you should be maxed out around 32-36.
So give it as much advance as it will take and work off that. Very tiny adjustments.
Your initial timing or base timing (no vac) added to the mechanical timing (distributors springs) give you a total timing.

If going in unsure or blind, starting it up will be a huge tale of too much or little timing, then also turning it off (you may get diesling with too much timing). Vacuum method is a great method too. If you could pull 15-20hg at idle, that is good. Be careful though because your carb adjustments can effect vacuum. For example. turn your idle up and watch your vac go up.