I figure it's ignition. Tomorrow I'll go there with my wife so I can try and set the timing. Never worked on a GM HEI ignition before, but it was running the day I took it home so I'm hoping the timing is just miles off. When I went to replace the vacuum hose the distributor turned freely so who know where the timing is.

Ira

 

lazaino- Pull # 1 spark plug & roll the engine till that piston is at TDC. Aim the rotor at it. Should get you in the ball park or 180 out.. But I think you know this..

 

Well, it ran when I took it home. First I tried hooking up my Craftsman timing light to see if there was spark and it didn't flash so I thought about replacing it. Next trip to the shop I took it apart and it all looked OK. In the process I discovered that the cables unplugged which I'm guessing is what made it work again. I guess leaving a cheap connector sitting on a shelf for 20 years or so let the contacts loose contact. Next time I tried it, it flashed. so I just cranked the distributor from hitting the firewall forward about 10 or 15 degrees at a time till it started. Then taught the wife how to use a timing light and stood on the other side turning the distributor till she said stop. Need to get a choke cable, but it starts easy and needs about 20 seconds to get to idling without a choke. I'm guessing that means the idle is a bit rich. Time to bring the wideband to the shop and see how well the carb is actually set up. Supposed to take it out for a short drive today or tomorrow. Don't want to go to far as it still needs some things fixed. But the first round of hard stuff is done now. Next round is replace the rear springs with the spare nice riding set that came with it followed by new transmission and axles. Don't really want 4 wheel drive and would like a decent rear end ratio for the new shorter tires.

Ira

 

Ira- Cool you got it running.. Sounds like it might be a bit rich.. Nice to have a good helper too..

On engines that have some hi miles I time them with a vacuum gauge, this compensates for any slack in the timing chain.

Question: Does that have a dump bed ? Neighbor way long ago had one similar & it had one.. Just curious.

 

it looks sturdy and clean...

I didn't notice rust
I see some of the body panels have been replaced and it's done well
the engine is not native, this is a six-cylinder Chevrolet unit.
New steering. A small piece of the front suspension (visible in the photo) is in excellent condition too, I can wobble, but it looks like not native, like the engine. But it's not scary at all.

All in all, everything looks very good and is well done. I am happy for you and congratulations on your successful purchase. After a little more work, you will be the owner of an amazing car.

 

Id gladly trade you my 08HHR 2LT !