Project '64 Cheapskate

[65Pickup]

Originally Posted by chevyrestoguy

^^^Now that's a slick idea! I would put the 30 and 90 ohm guts next to each other and see what the difference is. From an electronics standpoint, an ohm difference could mean just a different resistor. This might be even simpler than it looks.

You might be surprised. GM was so good about utilizing the same basis component and making slight changes to satisfy all the brands that you might be able to just plug and play. If I recall, GM went to the 90 ohm set-ups in the mid-to-later '60s. I'm pretty certain that the Chevelles had them.

I would Google or do a little research and find out when GM changed from 30 to 90. I would start making "recon" trips to the wrecking yards and look for a suitable substitute that has a similar size and the "half-sweep" range like your truck's stock gauge. I would also research and see if a 30 ohm system can be changed to a 90 ohm using common Radio Shack components, like maybe a resistor.

Here's a link that might get you pointed in the right direction:
http://www.novas.net/forums/showthread.php?p=90006

Check this out. It's from a Ford truck forum, but look at Post #3. I think it has the answer you need:
http://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/96...ding-unit.html

Google is your friend.........Let us know what you come up with!
Alex

You got me thinking and this link says go to Radio Shack (The Source) for a potentiometer, and dial down the 90 ohm. Sounds simple, lets hope.

http://www.hotrodders.com/forum/gm-f...hm-106069.html

[chevyrestoguy]

I just got back from the wrecking yard with an incredible haul. I got work a little early yesterday, so I went on a recon mission to two of the yards that are on my way home. My commute is 68 miles each way, and both yards are self-service. The first yard was a complete bust, nothing. The second yard is substantially larger (Ecology Auto Wrecking) and lo and behold, there was a '65 C-10 that had just been put in the yard. The body was thrashed, but it had not been picked apart at all. While I was checking it out, a guy walked by and said, "If you wait until tomorrow, the yard is having a half-price day". Awesome! So, I pulled everything I needed and stashed it all in a Chevy van and showed up first thing this morning.

Here's what I got: a COMPLETE automatic steering column, with e-brake handle, all the auto trans linkage, a 3-core original V-8 radiator (!) AND a perfect fan shroud, 2 window cranks, 2 inside door handles, a huge bag of bolts, a GMC horn cap, and a horn for $85. And that includes the stupid $13 core charge for the radiator, column, and shroud. Man, I am one happy camper. It was total luck that I went by the yard and they actually had a 60-66, and also the fact that it was 1/2 price day.

I was racking my brain on what I was going to do about a column. My truck was originally a 4-speed, and I'm converting to an automatic. Auto columns are not easy to find, so I was in the process of modifying a 67-72 column to work. I was about 80% done and was about ready to mock it all up to see if it would work. This column I got today eliminates a bunch of headaches. Plus, I'm still keeping this build very effective, using all factory parts, and cheap.

[SFTorange]

That's awesome! It's great to find one that hasn't had anything of value pulled off yet!

[65Pickup]

Great fortune, must be karma...