Engine Mechanical:
Engine assembly, disassembly, inspection, repair, lubrication, cooling, fuel delivery (carburetor), exhaust, emissions control (if applicable).
Engine Electrical:
Ignition system (distributor, spark plugs, coils), starting system (starter motor), charging system (alternator), wiring diagrams, component testing.
Transmission:
Manual transmission (Muncie 4-speed) and Automatic transmission (Powerglide/Turbo Hydramatic 400) service, including disassembly, assembly, adjustments, and fluid specifications.
Drivetrain:
Clutch system, driveshaft, universal joints, rear axle assembly (limited-slip differential), half-shafts, wheel bearings.
Suspension:
Front independent suspension (upper/lower control arms, ball joints, kingpins), rear multi-link suspension, springs, shock absorbers, sway bars.
Steering:
Steering column, steering linkage, power steering system (if equipped), steering gear (worm and roller type).
Brakes:
Front disc brakes, rear disc brakes, master cylinder, brake lines, calipers, parking brake system, brake fluid specifications.
Electrical System:
Headlights, taillights, interior lighting, turn signals, horn, windshield wipers, defroster, power windows (if equipped), instrument cluster, wiring harness schematics.
Body And Chassis:
Chassis frame, fiberglass body panels, doors, hood, bumpers, convertible top (if equipped), interior trim, glass replacement.
HVAC:
Heater core, blower motor, defrost system (basic functionality).
Maintenance:
Lubrication schedule, oil changes, filter replacement, tune-up procedures, fluid level checks, belt adjustments.
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic charts for common symptoms (e.g., no-start conditions, poor performance, braking issues), electrical diagnostic guides.
Repair:
Step-by-step instructions for component removal, disassembly, cleaning, inspection, repair, reassembly, and installation.
Overhaul:
Complete engine overhaul procedures, transmission rebuild instructions.
Adjustments:
Carburetor idle speed and mixture adjustments, ignition timing, clutch pedal adjustment, brake adjustments.
Specifications:
Torque specifications for critical fasteners, engine clearances, alignment specifications.
Diagnostics:
Detailed guides for diagnosing electrical faults using wiring diagrams and multimeter testing.
Depth:
Comprehensive from basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds, including detailed diagnostic procedures.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 3,000 miles or 6 months (recommended for vehicles of this era).
Tune Up Interval:
Every 12,000-15,000 miles (spark plugs, points, condenser, carburetor adjustment).
Transmission Fluid:
Check and change fluid every 24,000-36,000 miles (automatic) or as per manual for manual.
Engine Oil:
API SE/CD, SAE 10W-30 or 10W-40 (depending on climate). High-zinc content oil recommended for flat-tappet camshafts.
Coolant:
50/50 mix of ethylene glycol antifreeze and distilled water.
Brake Fluid:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 heavy-duty brake fluid.
Transmission Fluid Auto:
Dexron-III (or equivalent) for THM400.
Transmission Fluid Manual:
GL-4 gear oil, SAE 80W-90.
Rear Axle Fluid:
GL-5, SAE 90 hypoid gear oil (with limited-slip additive if Posi-traction equipped).
Engine Carburetion:
Holley carburetor can be finicky and require frequent tuning. Vacuum leaks are common.
Electrical System:
Aging wiring harnesses can degrade, leading to intermittent electrical faults. Corrosion at terminals is common.
Fiberglass Body:
Fiberglass body panels can develop cracks, especially around stress points. Repair requires specialized knowledge.
Suspension Bushings:
Rubber bushings in suspension and steering components degrade over time, affecting handling and ride quality.
Chassis Corrosion:
Despite fiberglass body, the underlying chassis and birdcage structure can be susceptible to rust and corrosion, especially in humid climates.
Cooling System:
Radiator and hoses can degrade. Big-block engines generate significant heat, requiring a well-maintained cooling system.