Over the years Jim has been asked countless questions regarding repairs for old Chevy and GMC trucks. In this section (Ask Jim) you will find a wealth of knowledge on how to's and little know facts that will help you with your restoration project.
Checking Brake Drum Wear
by Jim Carter
Using a specialized gauge to show wear levels on brake drums is the best way to indicate wear, however there is a visual method.
To give an easy indication of wear, GM builds a taper into their drums. The attached photos show this taper. When the drum is turned, the taper becomes smaller. Beware of drums that have been turned so much that the taper is no longer visible.
Updating your 1955 - 1959 Seats
by Jim Carter
For those not requiring the original seat cushions on their 1955-59 Task Force truck, a roomy comfortable substitute is available. This unit is from a 1988 and newer Chevrolet or GMC truck and is almost a bolt-in.
The legs or side brackets on this newer seat comes attached to the cushions from a used truck and sets nicely by the floor edge of the 1955-59 cab. It almost looks factory installed! Yes, the cushion edge will slightly touch the doors but cause no closing problems.
The result is a much softer seat and a definite increase in distance between your middle and the stock steering wheel. No interference with the in cab fuel tank.
Speed Up Six Volt Starting
by Jim Carter
One of the more common reasons for slow engine turnover using an original six volt system is under size battery cables. Most of today’s auto parts stores only stock the smaller diameter 12 volt design. Unknowing owners mistakenly replace their original worn cables with shinny new ones that are as much as half the diameter as needed. Two ground cables are also required: One from the battery to the frame and one from a starter mounting bolt to the frame.
Six volt starters require twice the electrical flow to operate properly. Don’t blame your six volt system for slow unacceptable starter motor speed! Many restorers go to the expense of changing their 6 volt system to 12 volts. They feel their original system was inferior and believe what they did was necessary. The problem could have been corrected with just adding the three proper cables.
Remember: Millions of cars and trucks were made with 6 volt electrical systems each year. If they had not operated correctly they would have been built with 12 volt systems!
