Junkyard rescue

[fourspeedwagon]

Hey 65- I'm on the cabover group on the HAMB too. Funny, I think I'm getting an orange 70 c20 this week in trade.
Nice work bumping that fender- Have fun

[65standard]

Originally Posted by mechanicalman

IMO, that's a unique rear bumper shaped like a sport bumper with a trailer hitch.

I was going to buy a new sport rear bumper, but I liked this design better. It took some work to get it ironed out, but it was worth it to me. It is one of the better looking step bumpers.

[65standard]

Getting the truck closer and closer. I removed the bed to weld in the cab corners, but something bad happened. I started my approach to a C20 short bed. It will be done completely different than all conversion I have seen on this forum. My idea for shortening the frame and bed will be unique and still keep 98% of the beds original paint. The whole truck will be 100% bondo free.

This is how she looks since her days in the junkyard.



Body lines and gaps are beautiful. The major dents are all ironed out.



The paint is worn thin and full is scratches, but polished up nicely. I see it as a nice original paint truck with good patina. Hard to find in my area.

[flashed]

Wow ,that is a sharp looking truck ,you have a magic touch .Im looking forward to the rest of your build .

[justin4260]

following this build. great job man

[swamp rat]

Cant wait to see the bed conversion process!

[57taskforce]

Dang man that is a gem you've got! I've been following this one every step of te way. You do nice work!

[chip46wis]

Thank you for saving this---have fun

[aod92]

Great save! If you don't mind me asking what junk yard did you save it from? I'm local to you and just curious. I actually bought my truck not far from you in Channahon

[MikeyMan]

Subscribed

[65standard]

Broadway auto salvage in braceville.

[alsriv2]

Fantastic work there. You have got some serious metal working skills. Great job on bringing this one back from the dead.

[doubleb's69]

Subscribed.

[SCHRUMGMC]

Awesome work man !!!

Love seeing trucks being saved

[BlueBullet]

Subscribed

[70 shop truck]

I'm in awe. I can't find a 67-72 for parts in a junk yard here and you have not only found one but already have it looking better than mine. Following this build and can't wait to see what you do next. Please continue to document with photos!!

[BigBlockBurris]

Would you please share your secrets on making the paint shine?

And thank you for documenting and sharing your build with us.
Love the truck!

BBB

[65standard]

I used a magic eraser to get the baked on grime off the paint, then just used polishing compound and a buffer. Old lacquer buffs out pretty easily, but it doesn't shine like a modern urethane finish. I hope to have the frame shortened by this weekend. Then I'll start to shrink the bed.

[BigBlockBurris]

You mentioned using a magic eraser.....
Like a Mr. Clean magic eraser from the grocery store, or is this a name brand automotive product? I googled it, but only came up with Mr. Clean.

Thank you for your replies.

BBB

[65standard]

Yes mr clean magic eraser

[MikeyMan]

Originally Posted by 65standard

Yes mr clean magic eraser

Tip: You can sometimes find the generic "magic eraser" at the dollar stores.

[65standard]

I got the frame shortened, driveshaft cut down and welded back up, exhaust shortened, and the electric harness all finished. Just need to reconnect the fuel line, flare the rear brake line, and bleed them to complete the conversion LWB to SWB.



Then off to shorten the bed.

[oldertruckfan]

so far so good. I'm liking it !

[mechanicalman]

Originally Posted by 65standard

I got the frame shortened, driveshaft cut down and welded back up, exhaust shortened, and the electric harness all finished. Just need to reconnect the fuel line, flare the rear brake line, and bleed them to complete the conversion LWB to SWB.

I assume you cut behind the rear cab mount, leaving the cab on? Could I talk you into some pictures of the welded area to get an idea how you did it? I assume you shifted the suspension cross-member forward 12"?

[65standard]

Originally Posted by mechanicalman

I assume you cut behind the rear cab mount, leaving the cab on? Could I talk you into some pictures of the welded area to get an idea how you did it? I assume you shifted the suspension cross-member forward 12"?

Yes, exactly what I did. Never removed the cab.