Re: Purchased a 1969 C10 Short Bed - Pleasanton, CA
 

Don't give up! ;)

Re: Purchased a 1969 C10 Short Bed - Pleasanton, CA
 

Did pick up a very nice set of 15x8 (4.0” BS) Rally wheels locally here today.

Now I need to find a set of 275/60/15 tires to go on em.

Re: Purchased a 1969 C10 Short Bed - Pleasanton, CA
 

Perhaps you can register it as a non-running vehicle to get things up to date, then upgrade that when it's ready to roll.
You can also get "moving permits" from the DMV to make it legal to roll from shop to shop, but most folks don't bother.
At least the office in the mall is pretty quick and they've always been courteous there

Re: Purchased a 1969 C10 Short Bed - Pleasanton, CA
 

Huh? No bulb or wiring? Any ideas?

😀

Re: Purchased a 1969 C10 Short Bed - Pleasanton, CA
 

'69 has reflectors rather than actual lights from the factory.

.....or maybe an option depending on the package: https://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/...d.php?t=503138

Re: Purchased a 1969 C10 Short Bed - Pleasanton, CA
 

Thank you for the confirmation

I was worried lol

Re: Purchased a 1969 C10 Short Bed - Pleasanton, CA
 

I was able to get the truck registered yesterday and received plates.

After providing the vin verification form (which cost me $160), I went back to the dmv. I was anticipating that they were going to send me to the scales and I would need to figure out how to get the truck there when it isn’t running well.

When we got to that part (I was holding my breath), she asked me how much the truck weighed, I told her my estimate, she entered it into the computer, and she handed me plates/sticker.

Phew, dodged one there! :)

Re: Purchased a 1969 C10 Short Bed - Pleasanton, CA
 

Nice!!

Re: Purchased a 1969 C10 Short Bed - Pleasanton, CA
 

Just for reference, annual weight registration fee:

0-2999lbs: $8
3000-4000lbs: $24
4001-5000lbs: $80
5001-6000lbs: $154

What a joke CA

Re: Purchased a 1969 C10 Short Bed - Pleasanton, CA
 

I picked up a pair of 275/60/15 BFGs this weekend. Now I need to find a couple more and then I’ll get the truck rallys on.

Also, I’m going to try to get the i6 250 running well. But if I can’t, I will try to find a complete 350 or 396 from someone that moved on to an LS swap.

I’m wondering if you guys could steer me to what to look for, what to stay away from when it comes to stock take-off 350 or 396 engines? Any years more desirable than others? Any years that will be drop in replacement as opposed to others?

Thank you

Re: Purchased a 1969 C10 Short Bed - Pleasanton, CA
 

About the oil. The industry went to multi-grade for a reason. Cold 30W oil is thick and moves slowly throughout the engine, not protecting parts as well as it should. I'd start with 10W-30, or 5W-30, but not straight 30W. Then if the oil pressure gets a little low when the engine is warmed up to 180-200F, jump up to 10W-40 at the next oil change to compensate for large clearances.

Re: Purchased a 1969 C10 Short Bed - Pleasanton, CA
 

My 69 doors didn't look that nice 35 years ago when I bought it! Rust was already at work on the bottom inside of the passenger's door. And both rocker panels had perforations.

Re: Purchased a 1969 C10 Short Bed - Pleasanton, CA
 

So today I decide to take my 5yr old son out to help me change the oil in the C10.

Routine right? I’ve changed oil 100 times in my life on all kinds of makes/models.

Well, evidently the previous owner before me (or oil changers) decided to overtighten the hell out of the oil filter.

I put my oil filter wrench on the filter and instead of loosening, it just crushed the filter as I applied torque. Granted it was a cheap Fram filter which I’ve learned to never use because the casing is too thin. My life flashes before my eyes thinking of the hassle this could turn into. The more I try to loosen, the more the filter is crushing with the tool as it just slides against the filter.

I stare at it for 15min and come up with an idea… I put gritty sand paper between the oil filter tool and the oil filter along with a long pry bar. Thankfully it did the trick but badly bent the oil filter wrench.

When I took off the oil filter, I noticed that it came off because the threaded rod actually loosened from the engine. In 25yrs of wrenching, that was a first for me.

I put back and tightened the threaded rod as tight as I could get with with my fingers. Does anyone know the torque spec on the threaded oil filter rod? I need to torque that back down. Also, the size of the hex nut would be helpful to know too.

Next, once I drained the oil, I quickly noticed a very strong smell of gasoline in the oil. Can anyone provide any guidance as to what that could mean? I have been complaining that my garage smelled like fumes since I bought this truck but it got much stronger with the oil drain.

All is well, that could have turned into a massive hassle if the sandpaper trick didn’t work

I guess it’s all part of getting acquainted with a new classic :)

Re: Purchased a 1969 C10 Short Bed - Pleasanton, CA
 

First thing I would do is replace that plastic filter with a metal version….:metal:

Re: Purchased a 1969 C10 Short Bed - Pleasanton, CA
 

The gasoline smell in the oil is from the carburetor is leaking internally, allowing unburned fuel to drain into the oil pan. Gasoline in the oil, if left to remain can and will wipeout engine bearings. You have a very nice pickup. I had one very similar but stupid me sold it. You will really enjoy how simple it is to work on…Jack

Re: Purchased a 1969 C10 Short Bed - Pleasanton, CA
 

Here is a pic of the threaded bung that got loose as I loosened the oil filter.

Is there a seal there I need to replace? If someone can confirm the torque spec for that bung, that would help! Thanks

Re: Purchased a 1969 C10 Short Bed - Pleasanton, CA
 

Well, my Jegs steering wheel arrived.

I love the look but can’t say I’m thrilled with the super cheap/hard plastic perimeter.

I’ll give it a shot but at $240, I’m really disappointed with the feel in your hand.

Re: Purchased a 1969 C10 Short Bed - Pleasanton, CA
 

Duplicate

Re: Purchased a 1969 C10 Short Bed - Pleasanton, CA
 

I installed one of those in my truck a year or two ago. It had a ridge of extra molded grip rubber sticking out around the perimeter that I wasn't too thrilled about. It has since worn off from use.

Re: Purchased a 1969 C10 Short Bed - Pleasanton, CA
 

yeah, maybe go with the wood option for that style? IDHAFC what they cost though

Re: Purchased a 1969 C10 Short Bed - Pleasanton, CA
 

I actually had wood and it was fine but thought black fit my truck better. Didn’t realize the perimeter would be so cheap.

Re: Purchased a 1969 C10 Short Bed - Pleasanton, CA
 

The wood ones are about $300 from LMC. Mine split at a glue joint after a year. I'm looking for an old school leather wrap to cover that abomination.

Re: Purchased a 1969 C10 Short Bed - Pleasanton, CA
 

Any more pictures of the truck?

Re: Purchased a 1969 C10 Short Bed - Pleasanton, CA
 

You know, I actually haven’t fired it up or had it out of the garage since the day it arrived. Here are a couple more pics. I promise I’ll take some proper pics once it’s running well enough to drive around the neighborhood confidently.

I did manage to get the oil filter on today and started draining the coolant in anticipation of the radiator arriving tomorrow.

Oh, and rear bumper arrived. Just need to find time to slowly make progress on these things.

Re: Purchased a 1969 C10 Short Bed - Pleasanton, CA
 

Looks good!