My father picked up this 1971 C10 but it needed more work than we initially thought, so I'm taking over the project. The previous owners made some changes that will need to be fixed/cleaned up before any performance modifications can be made, such as poor wiring throughout, gauges not working properly, and maintenance items that were neglected. This will be a long-term project and will be updated slowly.
First things that will be taken care of are:
- Convert manual steering and brakes to powered
- Basic maintenance items like plugs, wires, valve lash
- Re-doing the wiring and the gauge panel so that the gauges, horn, and lights work properly
- Replacement of worn components like bushings and brake parts
The PO shaved the front bumper and moved the signal lights behind the grille, installed a new intake and carb, installed long-tube headers with side-exit exhaust, swapped the powerglide out for a TH350, and installed a B&M ratchet shifter on the floor. They also cut holes into the existing gauge panel to fit aftermarket gauges, which don't work (maybe sometimes).
After the truck is in a good running state, I'll be looking into replacing all exterior lights, replacing bad gaskets on the engine and transmission (pans are leaking, possibly the rear main seal), and replacing the gauges and gauge panel.
Eventually I want to C-notch the rear frame and install air bags all around, install Air Conditioning, and will have to decide on whether to keep the existing 350 and TH350 or replace it with an LQ4 and 4L60e/80e. Paint will be last and a color has not yet been decided on.