More parts questions

[72GMCSierra]

Thanks sublver72 for the response on the seatbelts. I'll try that out and see how it works. But I do have some more part questions.

1) I want to replace the headers and exhaust system on this 72 GMC, but it has a 402 Chevy BB. How would I go about trying to find headers that would fit this combo? I didn't see and headers on this site so I went to Jegs but they really don't have them listed by year, make, and model. I want to get a nice sound out of the truck, and since it is a 72 I don't need to worry about passing smog tests. Plus I want to see if the aftermarket headers will give me more clearance around the starter. I am having hot start problems because the stock headers place the catalytic converter almost touching the solenoid on the starter. Which brings me to part number 2.

2.) I tried putting on a aftermarket starter to get rid of the hot start problem and it did just that for two days then then it started to have problem turning the flexplate. Hence, now I have a flexplate and ring gear that are missing a few teeth and I will need to replace that before I try this again. Anyways, I pulled the aftermarket starter out and discovered that the bolts were bent, now they were not bent when I put them in! Has anybody heard of this. Seemed trange to me. Also, does anybody now of good quality aftermarket starter that will not do this and will be tough enough to handle the big block. I have since re-installed the stock starter and put a heat shield on it but it still sometimes has problems, but I think it might be because now the flexplate ring gear is damaged. Do the re-manufatured stock starters handle the heat better?

3.) Another set of parts I am looking for is the hardware to bolt on the chrome trim pieces around the tail lights. The guy I bought the truck from gave me the chrome pieces but no hardware. I was just going to go to a hardware store and try find some screws that would fit, but I was wondering if there were kits out there especially if they had maybe GMC stamped on them or something really nice to dress it up.

4.) one other thing, sorry, I lock for the rear sliding window. I've tried looking this up on a couple of websites and I get zero.

Sorry for the long post but it seems this is the only forum I get a response on. Thanks everyone.

Patrick

[WES]

Let me take a swing at this... At least part of it.
1) Headers... I don't advise using them because they will only heat the starter worse than the origanal set up and will give you leaking exaust problems. Now if you do want to use headers, I strongly recoment Headman headers. Buy them locally and that way if they don't fit you are not waiting 2 weaks to get replacements. Headman makes a header for your aplication. Next once you buy your headers, take them to have them ceramic coated. This will help to keep your starter cool. Do not buy coated headers... They have a much thinner coating and do not insolate the heat as well. My way is more expencive, but is also the most trouble free.. Different people have different experiences and I advise from my persoal experience.
2) You can either buy another rebuilt starter or buy a mini starter. If you buy rebuilt, get a high quallity rebuilt one, and not the $39.95 Shuck's auto special. They may offer a lifetime warrantee on their starter, but that means that it will take you a lifetime to get a good one from them...LOL Mini starters are high torque starters, that are expencive also, but seem to do the job well. I think the reason your starter bolts are bent, because either the bolts backed out some or the starter needed shimming. (I have had that happen to me) The rebuilt starters will not handle the heat any better than the origanal did, this is why you must either ceramic coat the headers or insolate and shield the starter from the heat. (Remember headers make that problem worce.)
3) We carry the taillight bezel clip sets, you will find them in our on-line catolog, in the clip section. (Sorry none embossed with GMC)
4) We also carry some verry nice rear window sliders. (Great prices also) You will find them in the custom and accessories section of this website.

Hope this helps.... We try to be the one stop website with everything you need... WES www.ClassicHeartbeat.com (http://www.ClassicHeartbeat.com)

[72GMCSierra]

Wes, Thanks for the info. As for ceramic coating, where would I go for something like that? A machine shop? Also, thanks for the info on rear sliding window, but I just need a lock? I have a rear slider that has the two windows sliding and meet in the middle, It is hard to describe, if you want I could send you some pics, just email me at stieverpp@hotmail.com. Thanks, I apprecitate it.

[longhorn71]

do not go with headers unless you really really need to!! like wes said your just going to have more starter problems! i had headers on my 402 and took them off ! it was way to loud, especialy if you plan on running performance mufflers, i ran turbo tubes way to loud! took off the turbo tubes and put on 2 chamber flowmasters ! still to loud!! put stock manifolds back on! now its perfect! you could run into clutch linkage problems if its a manual trans also, good luck

[Squaw2]

Well, since the main guru's of truck fixin', have checked in, I see where it a good idea to scrap my headers also---dont need any more problems with this truck,Thanks Wes and Longhorn71--for the great info------

[sublvr72]

Glad to help with the seatbelts, let us know how it turns out.

Personally, I would make the switch to headers. I like the sound, and it gets air moving a little easier through the exhaust system. I will not disagree with you about headers making your exhaust louder, but that is how I want my exhaust to sound. I plan on purchasing a new set of headers soon, my next set will be a pair of 3/4 length headers that are ceramic coated. They are manufactured and ceramic coated by the same guy, and this guy does ceramic coatings in house also, so I am hoping that they will have a nice thick coating. And the headers should give you easier access to the starter, and should make changing it or reparing it easier.

Just my 2 cents.

__________________________________________________
Work in progress-
72 Chevrolet Suburban 1/2 ton, 20" Eagle 221's
6/5 drop, new 350ci w/ HEI, K&N, Edelbrock Carb, Cam, Headers, B&M Truck Mega Shifter.
Grey Leather Interor from 97 Tahoe (Buckets, Center Console, middle seat, electric rearview mirror)
Saving up for Bags and a new tranny as we speak
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Daily Driver-
95 Chevrolet Silverado X-Cab
4" lift, 33"x12.50 BFG A/T KO,
Eagle Alloy 15x8 058, 350ci, K&N Gen II,
Flowmaster 2 chamber, Hypertech Chip
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http://www.cardomain.com/id/sublvr72
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[This message has been edited by sublvr72 (edited 06-23-2003).]

[GJORGENSEN]

I had the heat soak problems on both of my trucks that have headers. Altough theyt aree small blocks the problem is the same. The fix after a heat sheild is to get the remote solenoid like is used on f***s. You can get a kit with all the info from Summit Racing for about $25. Since I started using that no more problem in over 2 years on one and 4 on the other.

[72GMCSierra]

Thanks everyone. I actually think that the heat shield solved the problem on the starter, now the only problem is that there is spot on the flexplate ring gear that is got some teeth worn down. I got a new flexplate, just not looking forward to having to pull the trans to replace it. Don't you hate when you have to do hours worth of work just to replace a part that really only takes a couple of minutes? So much for riding the harley this weekend! Thanks again see you around!