Novice - 6066 (1960-1966) GMC Truck Club

WadeS · #1 July 13th, 2022, 08:02 PM

Hello, I recently became the owner of a 1960 GMC K1000 (3rd Generation) with 74,108 original miles. This beauty has been gathering dust in Grandpa's barn for the last 20 years and I have decided to start restoring myself. I originally wanted to have a professional restoration shop do the work to expedite the process but ran into so many roadblocks with every shop I spoke with (no call backs, 2+ years wait, no look estimates for 150K). The engine runs smooth at idle, but it sputters for a couple seconds when you touch the gas pedal which is why I need to find a carb rebuild kit for the leaking 1904 Holley 1 barrel. Thus far I have replaced the water pump, fuel pump/filter/line, tires, rebuilt transfer case. I'm new to any type of restoration and doing my best to make this a weekend driver. I'll probably need to replace the wiring since none of the lights work either. This will most likely turn out to be a labor of love for the foreseeable future but am really excited. Looking forward to talking with the many experts here on the forum and sharing a passion for such a remarkable and unique truck.

Prowbar · #2 July 13th, 2022, 09:14 PM

Welcome! Seems you are on the right track with your truck. As you said, rebuilt the carb and pay attention to the accelerator pump and its correct settings according to the GMC manual for 1960. That should improve the throttle response. Also, check the points and condenser of the ignition. It is best to take the distributor out and mark how it came out position-wise to get good access. Clean up and check the advance mechanisms.

Invest in a 1960 GMC maintenance manual I might add.

As for the lights not working, I suspect poor ground or a failing light switch. Check the ground first, they are a little hard to get to as they are in the grille up front. You can check for 12 volts at the plug that goes into the sealed beam.

Good luck and if you have any questions feel free to ask here on the forum. No such thing as stupid questions, only stupid answers

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snazzypig · #3 July 14th, 2022, 04:26 AM

Nice original truck! For your leaking 1904 Holley, Mike's Carburetor Parts in Washington state has kits and parts and also good videos. These carbs tend to leak at the float bowl cover due to overtightening and warping. I fixed mine using a technique shown in one of his videos. You could change manifolds and use a 1962 and later Stromberg or even convert to a new Holley. I chose to keep my 60 stock and it runs just fine.

Funky61 · #4 July 14th, 2022, 05:11 AM

Welcome WadeS!
Like the grill guard and original wheels with hubcaps and that hood! Please post some interior photos and under hood images when you can.

WadeS · #5 July 14th, 2022, 01:39 PM

Thank you all for your help and insight! I have ordered the carb kit from Mike’s and it should arrive soon. It is leaking at the float bowl. I’ve traced the loss of voltage to the steering column turn signal… will need to get inside that to see the disconnect. Couple more pics attached and I haven’t been able to find any info on the push guard whether it was a factory option or not.

Funky61 · #6 July 14th, 2022, 11:02 PM

GMC Accessory

63gmc4x4 · #7 July 14th, 2022, 11:09 PM

I would ditch the 1 barrel , get a 2 barrel manifold and holley 500 , unelss your trying to keep it all orgrinal , but the holley will benifit driveablity , other wise keep it just like that , thats one awesome truck you got!

lizziemeister'sV6 · #8 July 14th, 2022, 11:41 PM

Couple ideals have been mentioned about your carburetor choices - if your truck was mine - I am speaking this because I have been thru where you are - get your kit and follow the rebuild recipe from "Mikes" and hope your problem is over for a while - or get a later 2 barrel intake and rebuild the original 2 barrel carburetor that would come on it. While the Holley 500 is a GREAT carburetor and runs as well on a engine that can digest the amount of gas offered - putting one on a STOCK 305 V6 is a recipe for sleepless nights and fouled spark plugs. I run a Holley 500 on my 351 Magnum with good results BUT the engine has been tricked with a custom camshaft, shaved heads and block decked, full flow dual exhaust with a H pipe and multiple "trail and error" carb jet changes and accelerator ramps. Short story is the Holley 500 will make your 305 fall flat on its face.

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63gmc4x4 · #9 July 14th, 2022, 11:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lizziemeister'sV6

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Couple ideals have been mentioned about your carburetor choices - if your truck was mine - I am speaking this because I have been thru where you are - get your kit and follow the rebuild recipe from "Mikes" and hope your problem is over for a while - or get a later 2 barrel intake and rebuild the original 2 barrel carburetor that would come on it. While the Holley 500 is a GREAT carburetor and runs as well on a engine that can digest the amount of gas offered - putting one on a STOCK 305 V6 is a recipe for sleepless nights and fouled spark plugs. I run a Holley 500 on my 351 Magnum with good results BUT the engine has been tricked with a custom camshaft, shaved heads and block decked, full flow dual exhaust with a H pipe and multiple "trail and error" carb jet changes and accelerator ramps. Short story is the Holley 500 will make your 305 fall flat on its face.

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I don't what planet your on but, both my stock 305s run great with the Holley, and also my 351E and my brothers 305 in fact one is my daily driver and I just returned from a 250 mile road trip with it not one in problem even has stock y pipe, plenty of power and reliability, there's lots of guys on here running them and few even running a 4 barrel.

lizziemeister'sV6 · #10 July 15th, 2022, 12:12 AM

Glad you and others have good results - this is what makes a good forum better - people learn from trail and error and sharing gives everybody benefit.

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