86 K10 LWB - Frankie

[silverbear]

I just recently joined this forum. Heard great things about the people here I have already gleaned some valuable information from other builds.

I purchased this truck in January of 2013 and I have already completed a lot of work but I took pictures along the way so I can share my story. This is my second 86. The first was a C20 GMC who underwent lots of surgeries and when I sold it back in 1998 it had been converted to a 4 wheel drive and had body and drivetrain parts from about 6 different trucks. I called him Frankenstein. This Chevy K10 has earned the name Frankenstein Jr or Frankie. You will see in the pictures that from a distance the body did not look to bad but as I got into it, I found RUST and lots of it.

[silverbear]

I had a brake line bust and in the process of running all new steel tubing from the front proportioning valve out, I decided it was time to change out the front fenders. This seemed to be the easiest way to gain access to the front frame. Had to replace the fuel lines while running the brake lines as they were rusted out too. I did not take any pictures of the new lines, just lots of pics of RUST.

[silverbear]

I was trying to put the truck back together so I could actually use it but I was plagued with clutch issues.





These pictures were taken on 2-15-13

[silverbear]

I was being optimistic about fixing the clutch issues so I pressed on putting the front clip back together.



Pic taken 2-21-13

[silverbear]

My $100 craigslist find. Has a couple dents but no rust.

[silverbear]

Another craigslist find. Has some surface rust on the roof and pillars but at least the floor and firewall are solid.





Pics: 3-20-13

[silverbear]

With a replacement cab sitting on the trailer, I decided the easiest way to work on the trans/clutch was just to get rid of the old cab. Front clip came back off. I started to sand the frame and paint it.






Pics: 4-8-13

[silverbear]

Got the bed out of the way.





Pics: 4-13-13

My wife "convinced me" that I should just sand blast the frame instead of sanding it.





Frame sand blasted and primed

Pics: 6-16-13

[silverbear]

And a little paint.




Pics:6-17-13

[silverbear]

Set the new cab on the frame. Now onto the body work.





Pics: 6-22-13

[silverbear]

A little rust to address.




Progress.




Pics: July to August 2013

[silverbear]

Lots of sanding and a little bit of primer.

Pic: 11-16-13

Had to do something to make me feel like the project is still moving along even though the budget has vanished.





Pics: 1-5-14

[silverbear]

Got a few more parts put on. I know the core support is not want I wanted to re-use but the budget says that's what I have to do for now.




Pics: 1-11-14

[silverbear]

This is where I am at currently and you may be understanding why I have name this truck Frankie (Frankenstein Jr).




More to come...

[Jeffp1979]

Do you still have the 3/4 front spindles and rear end?

[silverbear]

Sorry those parts are long gone.

[silverbear]

Weather cooperated a bit today so I was able to finish up prepping the gas tank to go back in. Maybe tomorrow if the ground is dry enough I will get this hanging off the frame once again.

[Greenlee]

Nice work! You have made a lot of progress.

[silverbear]

Got the exhaust welded up and temporarily hung. I need to make some mods to the bump stop brackets to give enough clearance for the mufflers to fit up higher in the frame. I was worried I would not have enough clearance for the X pipe, but even hanging low where it is at gives me almost 10 inches between the pipes and the drive shaft. I still have to add tail pipes but this is enough exhaust that I can run the truck until I figure out what I want to do. I am thinking about running the tail pipes straight out the back right through the bumper. My current bumper is rusted out so now will be a good time to experiment.




I also got the gas tank hung back in place.

[rs74]

Looks like you have done quite a bit of work on it already. What color do you plan on painting it. The Midnight Blue on the bed is a nice color that I would like to see on a truck of mine.

[silverbear]

I was thinking silver but have also considered going back to the original copper.

[silverbear]

Problem: Tall radiator...short radiator shroud.


Solution: Had some scrap stainless laying around. I still need to polish it up but I want to make sure it fit.

[silverbear]

After sitting for about a year, I was very excited to turn the key and after priming up the fuel lines, the engine fired up. My new exhaust sounds excellent (even though it is not complete). So many details to address but I am anxious to actually drive this beast.

[bgood70]

Originally Posted by silverbear

I just recently joined this forum. Heard great things about the people here I have already gleaned some valuable information from other builds.

I purchased this truck in January of 2013 and I have already completed a lot of work but I took pictures along the way so I can share my story. This is my second 86. The first was a C20 GMC who underwent lots of surgeries and when I sold it back in 1998 it had been converted to a 4 wheel drive and had body and drivetrain parts from about 6 different trucks. I called him Frankenstein. This Chevy K10 has earned the name Frankenstein Jr or Frankie. You will see in the pictures that from a distance the body did not look to bad but as I got into it, I found RUST and lots of it.

Attachment 1210795

Attachment 1210799

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My Ford looks so good pulling that Chevy... Sorry just had to say that....

[silverbear]

I won't argue that. I did enjoy that trip even though we froze our butts off.