What's new
CK5
Register an account today to become a member! Once signed in, you'll be able to participate on this site by adding your own topics and posts, as well as connect with other members.

Newbie - looking for some guidance re: tops, external tire mount

P

PoundRidgeCK5

Newbie
Joined
Jan 8, 2022
Posts
1
Reaction score
0
Location
Pound Ridge NY
Hi All - new owner of a 71 cK5. truck has been through a good overall cleanup (will post a pic if I can figure that out).

Question 1 - comes with a nice white hard top but I'd like to get a soft top for summers. Looks like many have used SofToppers but the customer reviews have often been scathing. looking for thoughtful recommendations as to whether they really are the go to guys or if I should look elsewhere.
question 2 - also interested in a hoist for the garage to get the hard top off and hang it when not in use - anyone have a "go to" for that
Question 3 - I've been suggested to use 93 octane plus mix in some "race gas" to get the engine to purr (I do this with my 69 Camaro). Thoughts?
Question 4 - Truck is a 4 gear standard shift but my wife and kids are murderous on the clutch - would it be awful/super costly - to refit to a manual tranny?
Question 5 - spare is mounted in the back well behind the bench seat, I'd much rather have it out on the tail gate - is there a specific part to use/get for that? any line on where I can find one?

I think that's it for now but I'm sure I'll have more and any impromptu thoughts or advice much welcomed!! (pic of truck to follow, haven't quite figured that out)
 
#1 With shipping and time delays and quality problems with some of the top makers, I prefer to have an upholstery shop make my soft tops. Specialty top and soft toppers have been the go to guys for manufactured ones, I keep waiting for snug top to make one. Alot of people buy used and have a new top made and use the hardware from the used one.

#2 Several DIY hoist plans out there some searching on you tube and here should get you some ideas. If you pay the money to be a premium member you can see all the pics. Well worth it in my opinion.

#3 When I was carbed I used high octane fuel and added octane boost, I thought I could feel a little boost but mileage still sucks.

#4 I assume you mean you are thinking about switching from Manual transmission to an auto. Not terrible hard, you will need a new column with the shifter unless you go to a floor shifter for the auto, a new adapter for the T-case, and maybe output shaft change. Off road design is my go to on t case questions, depending on difference in Transmission length it may also require driveshaft changes, others here would have more info. Also a brake pedal and linkage, all of that stuff isn't too hard to find and you could probably do some horse trading for it.

#5 There are several manufactured spare tire mounts that mount on the aftermarket or homebuilt bumpers, lots of pics on here. Mine is from DIY4X and bumper was custom made by someone else. There are stock spare tire mounts that mount to the body but there are some drawbacks with wear on the body especially with oversize tires.

Welcome aboard the site and I look forward to seeing pics!!
 
Not sure why a softopper would get a scathing review. I have one and it is very well made. I love it in the summer. Its also made in the USA in Boulder CO. Last I heard they are the only ones that make a K5 top anyway. Lots of guys here have them and I have not heard any complaints.

Pouring high octane fuel into a stock 70's engine is a complete waste of money and does nothing. Octane prevents detonation in high compression situations, that is all.

What's your definition of "super costly"? You need a lot of parts to put an automatic in and then someone has to physically do the work.

Post up some pics, 1st gens are sweet.
 
Great information posted already.

I agree that you don't need high octane fuel, unless someone built a race engine and stuck in there. I would step down and see how it acts. If you are going to let it sit a lot, I would look for ethanol free.

You wouldn't have to change the brake pedal to go to an automatic transmission. You only have to pull the clutch pedal out. There isn't a difference in the '67-'72 brake pedals between transmissions like in the '73 and up.

You could spend time teaching them how to drive the manual transmission properly rather than swapping stuff out?? :dunno:
 
Yes teach them how to drive the manual. In my experience the truck clutches are much easier than a day sports car.
My wife daily drove a Sm465 in our k20 burb for years. She had a 4 speed Mustang when I meet her so there is that....
 
One of the car shows did dyno testing on 85 octane, 87, 91, and race gas on the same engine their result was less than one horsepower difference and the higher octane wasn't the most power, It was a roadkill episode a few weeks ago.

I have been conducting my own test on 2 of my vehicles and don't notice a difference whether its 85 or 91 octane, One vehicle is 78 Ford F-150 other is 2002 chevy blazer.
 
70jimmy said:
One of the car shows did dyno testing on 85 octane, 87, 91, and race gas on the same engine their result was less than one horsepower difference and the higher octane wasn't the most power, It was a roadkill episode a few weeks ago.

I have been conducting my own test on 2 of my vehicles and don't notice a difference whether its 85 or 91 octane, One vehicle is 78 Ford F-150 other is 2002 chevy blazer.
Click to expand...
The only time I had seen a difference is when there was carbon deposits causing higher compression, but a good cleaning additive took care of that.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Latest Posts

Top Bottom