Re: 1986 C10 Project "Flashback"
 

Finally a chance to update the thread. I cleaned and repainted all the old suspension and a full detail of the inner fenders upfront. The back received the same treatment including a rebuild of all the rear brake parts including the drums. New McGaughys 2-1/2 drop spindles, stock cut springs, Crown Suspension flip kit, 1" lowering, stock extenders, and new KYB shocks make up the 4.5" & 6" drop.

Re: 1986 C10 Project "Flashback"
 

So after waiting almost 3 weeks for my wheels they finally arrived late last week, but there was an issue. I had originally wanted the new Billet Specialty wheels in polished but was told they were not going to be available until May-June timeframe so I went on and ordered the grey with polished lip. My wheel shop called Friday and confirmed my tire size and let my know they were ready. And to my surprise when I showed up the wheels were the polished version and not the grey. I didn't ask too many questions on how, I just handed him a stack a bills and hit the road. I'm really pleased with the quality and think they will be a major player in the cast wheel market. So this brings this stage to completion and a start the a few exterior upgrades.

Re: 1986 C10 Project "Flashback"
 

Are your tire sizes 245/40-20 in the front and a 285/45-20 in the rear?

Re: 1986 C10 Project "Flashback"
 

245/40 and 275/45 with a 1" spacer in the rear. The front looks a little high but my driveway runs uphill and should settle some after driving it.

Re: 1986 C10 Project "Flashback"
 

Wow! They look good with the red on the truck. I am torn between those and the grey version for my red and white truck. Do they rub at all when turning?

Re: 1986 C10 Project "Flashback"
 

Do you have any straight side shots of the front clearance?

Re: 1986 C10 Project "Flashback"
 

No problems with rubbing.

Re: 1986 C10 Project "Flashback"
 

I've finally reached a point that I can break down task into small projects that I can work on each day or in between ball games. Last night I removed the grille and headlight trim for restoration and some cleanup on the core support.

Re: 1986 C10 Project "Flashback"
 

Todays project included bumper swap and new tail lights. No issues and completely simple task. The bumper brackets are from Rockauto and fit as well as any I've used. The bumper fit well but quality is what you would expect from an import. Small steps for sure but just trying to move forward everyday if possible.

Re: 1986 C10 Project "Flashback"
 

Nice!

Re: 1986 C10 Project "Flashback"
 

Dig It!!

Re: 1986 C10 Project "Flashback"
 

Those polished wheels turned out real nice. Looks great as usual.

Re: 1986 C10 Project "Flashback"
 

How’s it going?

Re: 1986 C10 Project "Flashback"
 

I know I'm way behind on updates but I have been busy on the truck. I did have one major failure with my progress and I'm still unsure as to why. I started the grille restoration with a simple 2 step cleaning process with mild cleaners and dish soap, followed by a complete scuffing with a red scotch brite pad. I then sprayed 2 light coats of bulldog followed by 3 coats of Argent silver paint. The end product looked good for about 2 days then I started noticing the dark spots coming through the paint. I kept thinking maybe I should have primed the dark areas first so I decided to do it over again. As I was taking the grille back out I ended up breaking one of the mounting tabs off and broke one of the studs the turn signals mount on. So after that failure I just ordered a new from RockAuto.

Re: 1986 C10 Project "Flashback"
 

So after the disaster of the grille refurb my new arrived from RockAuto. Its not OEM by any means but fairly nice out of the box. I had to tweak all the vertical
trim pieces to get the center moldings to lay flat. I also had the trim the grill to mount the bowtie flush. Overall I'm pleased with the end product. The new vinyl on the center moldings and the new headlight trim pieces really help the finished look.

Re: 1986 C10 Project "Flashback"
 

With the grille completed I jumped into the interior. The plan here is to replace the carpet, mats, door carpets, redye a few pieces and a major cleaning of everything else. The seat, dash pad, and door panels are only a year old and will be reused. I was stoked to find nothing hidden under the carpet but a little glue left from the factory padding. After some deep cleaning the carpet was installed and fit perfect.

Re: 1986 C10 Project "Flashback"
 

So this brings me up to date on the truck. I added new pedal covers, floor mats and reinstalled the seat. I will have the seal plates, door carpets and seat bets finished tonight and that will wrap up this stage.

Re: 1986 C10 Project "Flashback"
 

Too bad about the grill. Interior came out very nice! That is a clean solid floor too. Wow!

Re: 1986 C10 Project "Flashback"
 

Thanks.

Re: 1986 C10 Project "Flashback"
 

Truck looks great. Can't wait to get my interior finished on my C10.

Re: 1986 C10 Project "Flashback"
 

I took full advantage of this rainy and messy Saturday morning by finishing up the grille installation and polishing the front bumper. I followed that up with a 2 stage polish and buff. I’ll finish up the exterior with a hand wax after I finish the A/C.

Re: 1986 C10 Project "Flashback"
 

All finished up. Engine compartment and A/C is next.

Re: 1986 C10 Project "Flashback"
 

Once again you are on point with this build.....very nice.....with the Power Tour approaching your polishing skills has just peaked my interest about mine.....could give us a little detail on your polishing process, your tools, pads, and waxes......again on point.....I've just ordered shocked extenders and kybs for the rear of mine.......

Re: 1986 C10 Project "Flashback"
 

The truck looks great! Any reason to use the Blazer rear bumper? I'm in the market for a new rear bumper, and was just wondering what's the difference.

Re: 1986 C10 Project "Flashback"
 

Thanks Run. My process is by no means text book but it's extremely safe and yields great results. I usually start with a full wash with Ajax or any soap heavy enough to strip old wax. Follow that with a clay bar if the paint surface still feels rough.

Step 1: I start the polishing process first by taping off any decals, pinstrip, and the lower trim. I even tape the panel gaps to help with cleanup. I start with Meguiar's M105 on a red or orange foam cutting pad, brand of your choice but I like Lake county pads. I use the M105 with a rotary style buffer at 3000rpm on heavily scratched areas or panels (top of front fenders, bed rails, doors) as needed. Usually at this point deeper scratches will need to be wet sanded out and rebuffed or I roll on to step 2.

Step2: I switch to a DA style buffer with a black foam polishing pad and Meguiar's M205 finishing compound. I work a 2x2 area just to the point the M205 is trying to dry, you can feel the drag on the pad at that point. Temps will determine your final speed but between 3000-4500rpm with light pressure on the buffer works great. I don't let the 205 dry on the panel and remove it with a micro fiber cloth as soon as my 2x2 area is finished.

Step 3: One final buff with the DA using a Meguiar's machine glaze and a finish pad on 3000-4000rpm with light pressure. Buff it just to the point of starting to dry. Follow this step with a good hand wax and call it a day.

I'm not a big fan of wool pads and super aggressive compounds unless all other methods have failed. My process is safe and the results are great. Most of the Mequiar's products I use can be ordered from O'reillys and even my local Harbor freight carries the M205. I hope this was the info you wanted.