Back Under the Bed

The Friday night quiet was ended when the 351w started up with open headers.  It runs surprisingly well given how old it is and that I almost destroyed it by trying to over heat it.  Apparently 3 gallons wasn't quiet enough for the 3 row radiator to fill the engine for circulation.  Long story short, I bought another gallon of Evans and that did the trick.

The serpentine system, clutch fan, power steering, power brakes, and water pump all seem to work.  Outside of a lose transmission line that was tightened, it is drip free.

Now that the engine is running, it is back to the gas tank.  We pulled the bed off and got the gas tank out.  Lowering the truck caused it to tilt backward so I lengthened the tank frame closest to the cab.  There also was the issue of the bumper bolts.  One of them needs a nut on the inside of the frame which is trapped by the gas tank.   So I welded a nut in place.  

The exhaust has been a mental challenge.  It drove me nuts the rest of the day and I have found a very unconventional way to do it.  It is the only thing I know to do and if it doesn't work, I guess I will chalk up the adventure as a stupid tax and run it out the side.  Other than patch jobs, this is my first full system to build.