Re: Starting my first build - 1966 C10
 

Damn.. ship me the roof off the donor, lol.. :)

Re: Starting my first build - 1966 C10
 

I will cut parts off of it if you're serious - owner says it has an awesome roof / windshield area. Don't know what shipping would be or how much you need, but I wouldn't want much more than shipping to send it to you - depending on how much trouble it is. :)

Re: Starting my first build - 1966 C10
 

nice project and progress i know what you mean by trying to keep your garage warm nice work

Re: Starting my first build - 1966 C10
 

If there is anyway you could price it for me and shoot me a PM that would be great.. would like the whole roof, dont need the pillars, so just lopped off mid to upper a pillar.. and somewhere across the rear, lol

Re: Starting my first build - 1966 C10
 

That will probably fit on a pallet - when I get the truck, I'll shoot some pics and try to see if I can find a deal on shipping. I may even be able to box it. :D

Re: Starting my first build - 1966 C10
 

Nice...

Re: Starting my first build - 1966 C10
 

Good looking truck, especially for this area (I'm over in jackson) Can tell it's an out of state rig. Mine is from Missouri, just not many left native to our area.
I feel for you on that engine. I bought a 454 last summer for a 55 belair project and paid $900 for it. Very clean, good oval port heads, sitting on a garage floor so couldn't hear it run. Ended up being a boat achor. Learned my lesson, no more engine buys unless i can hear it run. Anyway, good luck, going through some of the same things you are. I'm also going to relocate the tank, don't know yet exactly where. Looking at the possibility of using a cell in the bed, boxed in with a wooden hand built box with some kind of old time lettering on it. I've already done the motor and transmission, and have very little sheet metal repair to do, got lucky here, no frame off needed. Anyway glad to see another local on here. Good luck

www.picturetrail.com/skysoldier173rd

Re: Starting my first build - 1966 C10
 

Hey! Good to see a local too! :D

Re: Starting my first build - 1966 C10
 

2" chop of the crossmember - just a bit more filling and grinding to go. This, plus drop spindles, should get me almost 5" of drop without losing travel (and hopefully, ride quality).

Insider trading tip: you may want to buy stock in dewalt, as I seem to be using *lots* of their grinding discs. :D

http://i52.photobucket.com/albums/g2...n/IMAG0076.jpg
http://i52.photobucket.com/albums/g2...n/IMAG0075.jpg
http://i52.photobucket.com/albums/g2...n/IMAG0074.jpg
http://i52.photobucket.com/albums/g2...n/IMAG0077.jpg

Re: Starting my first build - 1966 C10
 

Great Build!! Glad to see you don't get discouraged and quit when the road gets bumpy!! A true michigander!!!! Isn't a warm garage in the middle of winter nice? I'm just starting a 65 C10 SB Step side myself I'll try and get pictures. Just had it shipped here from Boone NC no rust :) p.s. finally someone else who drinks red beers!!!!!! :)

Re: Starting my first build - 1966 C10
 

LOL, Thanks! You forgot to mention that a "warm garage" in Michigan in the winter is a temperature just high enough yer beer don't freeze. :lol:

Shoot me a pm if you need anything for your build - I've found a few sources here and there along the way.

Re: Starting my first build - 1966 C10
 

Spending the first 18 years of my life in Ohio I understand the rust, but it looks like your makin quick work of it. I'll be keepin an eye on this one, Goodluck man

Re: Starting my first build - 1966 C10
 

Things have been a bit slow on the truck, as I got Fallout 3 for Christmas and have been busy shooting bad guise.


So, here are a few pictures:

Old & Busted:
http://i52.photobucket.com/albums/g2...n/DSC_0311.jpg

New Hottness:
http://i52.photobucket.com/albums/g2...n/DSC_0309.jpg

Notches cut for R&P steering & inner fish plates roughed out. These plates will be the base to tie in the top and bottom of the frame's cross-section. This is necessary because of the notches AND the added moment arm the upper A-arm will have since it is mounted higher.
http://i52.photobucket.com/albums/g2...n/DSC_0306.jpg


All I know is this: I want a plasma cutter so bad I can taste it. :waah:


Other developments:

I am now the proud owner of a Ford 8.8 IRS out of a T-bird supercoupe; stay tuned...

Re: Starting my first build - 1966 C10
 

Hey Scott, what kind of shape is the chrome GMC grill in. I noticed you keep calling it a chevrolet, if it is in good shape how much will you sell if for. If it is a chevy you will not be using the GMC headlight grill. Kieth

918-446-2245 :gmc2:

Re: Starting my first build - 1966 C10
 

It's a Chevy, for certain, with a GMC grille. The grille is actually in great shape, there's a mild dent that needs worked out of it, but no crease. Chrome seems in good shape, except for on the headlight covers/panels.

I'm not sure if I want to keep it or not - I like the look of the GMC grille, but might consider a trade even-up for a serviceable 1960 :chevy: grille. :D

Re: Starting my first build - 1966 C10
 

Front end fabrication almost done

Comparison of the "chopped" crossmember vs. stock:
http://i52.photobucket.com/albums/g2...0/DSC_0313.jpg
http://i52.photobucket.com/albums/g2...0/DSC_0312.jpg

Backing plates in, notches cut out and reinforced:
http://i52.photobucket.com/albums/g2...0/DSC_0320.jpg
http://i52.photobucket.com/albums/g2...0/DSC_0317.jpg

Reinforcement for upper a-arms completed:
http://i52.photobucket.com/albums/g2...0/DSC_0325.jpg
http://i52.photobucket.com/albums/g2...0/DSC_0323.jpg
http://i52.photobucket.com/albums/g2...0/DSC_0322.jpg

Next is to order the drop spindles and front-end crap, along with a mustang II steering rack and get it set up.

Re: Starting my first build - 1966 C10
 

I have all the suspension parts in - and ended up going with an 87 T-bird PS rack. Hindsight being 20/20, shaving your front crossmember makes your steering components crowd your engine. :lol:

Rack and engine are near their final spots - ended up having to move the engine back an inch and I need to order a smaller crank pulley and damper. The current ones are 8" in diameter and the ones I'm getting are 6". This becomes very important with respect to where the rack wants to be for the steering geometry to work out.

http://i52.photobucket.com/albums/g2...n/DSC_0326.jpg


High-dollar spacers to match alignment with the serpentine setup - temporary, of course.
http://i52.photobucket.com/albums/g2...n/DSC_0328.jpg


Looking at the blurry spots - you can see where the rack would benefit from more clearance from a smaller damper and pulley.
http://i52.photobucket.com/albums/g2...n/DSC_0327.jpg


I got these headers for like $5, and with the current mounting location of the engine (and ditching the mechanical clutch linkage) - these fit and will be used. Once I cut off the air injection tubing, there is plenty of room to run the steering shaft to the rack input (blurry silver spot in the photo)
http://i52.photobucket.com/albums/g2...n/DSC_0331.jpg

I'm hoping that the 1" I moved the engine back doesn't mess with my distributor clearance too much. I can add clearance to the cab, but I may just move the cab rearward an inch to help compensate the front wheel placement in the well. I guess we'll see... :D

Re: Starting my first build - 1966 C10
 

These are on the way:
http://static.upillar.com/pictures/r...jpg?1287070880

Blatantly copying this:
http://pictures.topspeed.com/IMG/cro...-1_1024x0w.jpg


Less than 1000 miles, $575 shipped to my door. Can't beat that price with a stick.


:D

Re: Starting my first build - 1966 C10
 

What's that? IRS under an old pickup truck!?
http://i52.photobucket.com/albums/g2...n/DSC_0822.jpg

****, more Ford parts on a Chevy - FWIW, this is just getting stored in a convenient place for the moment; I need to massage the frame and the cradle to make it look less like an abomination when I fit it in there.
http://i52.photobucket.com/albums/g2...n/DSC_0823.jpg

Small damper on, rack in it's final spot, but I have to deal with tierod ends; for the best geometry, they need to mount from the underside. Looking into heavy-duty rod-ends and grade 8 hardware or drilling and reaming the steering arm from the bottom.
http://i52.photobucket.com/albums/g2...n/DSC_0824.jpg

Air injection crap cut out and holes welded up. Plenty of room for the steering shaft.
http://i52.photobucket.com/albums/g2...n/DSC_0825.jpg

Re: Starting my first build - 1966 C10
 

Starting on the "rebuild" of the rear half of the frame. The frame rails above the control arms are going to interfere, so they're going away.
http://i52.photobucket.com/albums/g2...n/DSC_0347.jpg

Got the spacers in for the wheels and had to test fit at least one. :D This is sitting at the proposed ride height (5" drop) - basically, the equivalent of the stock rear axle sitting on the bumpstops
http://i52.photobucket.com/albums/g2...n/DSC_0345.jpg

I really like these wheels.
http://i52.photobucket.com/albums/g2...n/DSC_0344.jpg

Avortec AV3X Plasma/TIG/ARC. I love this thing.
http://i52.photobucket.com/albums/g2...n/DSC_0343.jpg
http://i52.photobucket.com/albums/g2...n/DSC_0342.jpg

This shows a better angle of where the frame rails will be cut out. I'm going to plate-in the rear subframe front and rear where it connects to the new rails I'm adding. When that is finished, the original frame rails will be cut fore and aft of the suspension and I'll blend in the coil perches and shock mounts.
http://i52.photobucket.com/albums/g2...n/DSC_0341.jpg
http://i52.photobucket.com/albums/g2...n/DSC_0340.jpg

Steering is done - well, close. :D Rack is in its final spot, the knuckles are drilled and tapered from the bottom and the rod ends just need some 1" I.D. DOM to tie the two bushings together on each side.
http://i52.photobucket.com/albums/g2...n/DSC_0339.jpg
http://i52.photobucket.com/albums/g2...n/DSC_0338.jpg


More boxing, one side of the rear rails replaced. Now I've got to build up the top spring perches, box that into the rear subframe and add some shock mounts.


http://i52.photobucket.com/albums/g2...n/DSC_0356.jpg


http://i52.photobucket.com/albums/g2...n/DSC_0355.jpg

Re: Starting my first build - 1966 C10
 

Aahhhha ha haa!!!!

http://i52.photobucket.com/albums/g2...n/DSC_0002.jpg

http://i52.photobucket.com/albums/g2...n/DSC_0001.jpg

Coil buckets from a Jeep TJ, and XJ front springs seem to work well. Still have a LOT of grinding to do and fit the fuel tank, but I couldn't help myself...

http://i52.photobucket.com/albums/g2...n/DSC_0008.jpg

http://i52.photobucket.com/albums/g2...n/DSC_0007.jpg

...and now...STANCE! :D

http://i52.photobucket.com/albums/g2...n/DSC_0010.jpg

http://i52.photobucket.com/albums/g2...n/DSC_0009.jpg

http://i52.photobucket.com/albums/g2...n/DSC_0004.jpg

http://i52.photobucket.com/albums/g2...n/DSC_0003.jpg

Re: Starting my first build - 1966 C10
 

You'll be driving it in no time ..... Whats up with the 377???

Re: Starting my first build - 1966 C10
 

It's junk.

Well, it's a good 4-bolt 350 block with a 400 crank - but that's about it. the vortec engine I picked up should be plenty of power and might spare the transmission. :D

Re: Starting my first build - 1966 C10
 

Minor update:

The IRS needed some clearance for the upper arms, so I cut down the fenderwells from the stepside box and "mini-tubbed" the inside of the box. If I ever find a 2WD AX-15, this will let me run 305/45R18 tires.
http://i52.photobucket.com/albums/g2...0/DSC_0035.jpg

The tub is 4 1/2" deep and is the same width as the outside board on the stepside box; it should make for a clean look. I'll weld it from the outside in the fenderwell and use seam sealer to blend it at the box for (hopefully) a stock look.
http://i52.photobucket.com/albums/g2...0/DSC_0034.jpg
http://i52.photobucket.com/albums/g2...0/DSC_0033.jpg

Rear shock mounts in, swaybar location mocked up and initial positioning of the fuel tank.
http://i52.photobucket.com/albums/g2...0/DSC_0032.jpg
http://i52.photobucket.com/albums/g2...0/DSC_0031.jpg
http://i52.photobucket.com/albums/g2...0/DSC_0030.jpg
http://i52.photobucket.com/albums/g2...0/DSC_0029.jpg
http://i52.photobucket.com/albums/g2...0/DSC_0028.jpg

Re: Starting my first build - 1966 C10
 

man a very cool build i might say!! lots of custom work going on and yet i think its gonna look stock just will be lowered awesome!! what did you do to the long bed? and would you be willing to cut it??