71 Crew Cab Questions.

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Oct 19, 2004 | 03:48 PM

holmie

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71 Crew Cab Questions.

Am new to this forum and hope some of you could give me some much needed insight. I bought a 71 2WD crew cab a few months back and am curious if these are valuable trucks. It is an automatic with a 390 that used to be owned by the California Dept of Natural Resources. It is in great shape with some surface body rust and some small rust spots on the lower door panels. Interior is in great shape. It is all original including owners manual and warranty information. Am trying to fix up certain items and need some tips.

1. Can't get valve covers off to replace gaskets, do not want to bend valve covers. Anyone have ideas?

2. Is missing Aux gas tank. Does anyone make a replacement?

Thanks in advance for any answers

Oct 19, 2004 | 04:01 PM

4x4Subaru

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Use a rubber mallet and (not hard) smack around the outside of the cover, but not the edges. Patients and a few kind words might help.

Gas tank I can't help.

Oct 20, 2004 | 11:07 AM

rebocardo

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From: Atlanta GA

Very valuable compared to other models. I looked high and low in my area and could not find one.

Oct 20, 2004 | 11:20 AM

7DF250

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From: socal

I 2nd that the gaskets are probably originals and on there good, tap away with a rubber mallet,maybe try to get some solvent in there to loosen the grip. I have put my gasket scraper/putty knife in between and tapped it in a few spots to break them loose. The gas tank was probably saddle style it hung outside the framerails in between the back of the cab and rear axle, if that is the case J.C.Whitney and Aero tanks have replacements. As far as value depends on whos looking for what, if this was a 4x4 I would be all over it but 2WD I walk right on by so value is relative. sounds like a great truck to hang on to.

Oct 20, 2004 | 02:03 PM

holmie

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Thanks for the rubber mallet tip. I will give it a try and also check out what Whitney has for sale. Only other concern with the truck is that when giving it gas initialy I get a puff of black smoke out of the tailpipe (ie when revving). Does not appear to be burning oil and repair manuals state it could be plug wires or a carb problem. Anyone able to shed some light?

Oct 20, 2004 | 08:53 PM

4x4Subaru

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The black smoke is probably unburnt fuel. A good tun up and carb cleaning or rebuild would probably do the trick. Is it still the stock carb?

Oct 21, 2004 | 11:27 AM

holmie

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I was hoping it was unburned fuel because compression test was good. It is the original Autolite 2100 carb and all I've done to it is use spray cleaner without removing it from the manifold. I gave it a good tune, plugs, points, new dist cap and rotor and set timing to specs. It runs well but having checked the plugs a few times since, they appear to be fouled. I plan on replacing plug wires once I get the valve cover gasket replaced. Is there way to clean the carb without removing it? Appreciate any suggs.