1969 C10 SWB - Big Block project

[NoNeck]

We finished up the installation of the new side windows and added the door panels, NOS arm rests and door handles and window rollers today. The PUI door panels have a small embossed Chevy bow tie at the top center. I'm not sure if that's the way the originals looked, but I sure do like it!

Question: Is there a specific way the window crank should be "clocked", or does it really matter? We're thinking about turning them to point to the 10 o'clock position.

POP

[smbrouss70]

Looks good!

The 69 only door panels had the bowtie embossed on them. I don't think there is a right way to have the window crank clocked, but I personally like the inside door handle and window crank to both be at 3 o'clock with the windows rolled up. I think it gives a cleaner appearance when people can see them at a show.

[knomadd]

Like Steven said, I think it's all on personal preference, but I usually put both my door handle and window crank at about 2 o'clock (window closed) so the door handle is easily pulled if your arm is on the armrest. I like having my window and door handles to be "parallel"

[VA72C10]

Looking great! Any serious interest yet?

[cericd]

Here's an artist's rendering (they didn't use photos in the brochures then) of the 1967 interior.

[cericd]

1968 brochure for comparison. I've seen guys on here set them like this.

[NoNeck]

I usually put both my door handle and window crank at about 2 o'clock (window closed) so the door handle is easily pulled if your arm is on the armrest. I like having my window and door handles to be "parallel"

Thanks Duane. I kinda like that idea.

Chris, I appreciate the sales literature photos. It looks like GM couldn't even make up their mind.

POP

[NoNeck]

QUESTION:

Has anyone found an alternative to drilling the four huge holes in the bottom of the door panel for the screws? Maybe double-stick tape... or Gorilla Glue... or wide 3-M red tape?

POP

[lolife99]

Do you think some super Velcro tape or magnetic tape would be strong enough?

[68Gold/white]

Originally Posted by NoNeck

QUESTION:

Has anyone found an alternative to drilling the four huge holes in the bottom of the door panel for the screws? Maybe double-stick tape... or Gorilla Glue... or wide 3-M red tape?

POP

3M makes some velcro that's super sticky. Most parts stores sell them. They come in 12" sticks. Not sure if the stuff is too thick, and would allow the panel to stick out too much.
3m also makes double sided tape that's used for emblems. It's pretty thin and sticks nicely! 06382 is part number.

[knomadd]

Double sided tape doesn't make it easy to remove and replace the panel if you need access to something. Velcro seems like a better option, but I believe the intent of having screws was for access to the window, lock and door latch mechanisms.

[NoNeck]

Thanks for all the ideas, but we decided to go with 3M Velcro strips on the bottom of the doors. Probably over kill, but we ran a strip the entire length of the door. It worked really well, and the panel is nice and flush.

POP

[68Gold/white]

So, what's left to do???

[NoNeck]

So, what's left to do???

Well, let's see... we are completing the electrical wiring for the Painless 18 Circuit Kit, the Painless Dual Fan Relays as well as the Vintage Air connections. We are taking our time to make sure the wiring is routed and wrapped professionally.

Next step is plumbing the Wilwood Master Cylinder, bleeding the brakes and adjusting the proportioning valve. Once the brakes are up and working we will be able to drive the truck around the neighborhood and check everything out.

We also are looking for an AC control unit and the "V" blending vent outlet. Once we locate these parts we will install all the Vintage Air vent hoses under the dash and install the glove box liner and drain tube.

I cut one wood board too short for the bed of the truck, so we will be making up a new board also.

Probably a lot I missed, too.

POP

[NoNeck]

We have all the vents installed for the Vintage Air system and ready to finish up under the dash. The copper oil pressure line has been installed (thanks LockDoc), the brake lines are complete and all the wiring is in. A new 100 amp one-wire alternator has been installed all the drive belts have been sorted out. The Painless Electric fan kit is wired and the thermostat installed to kick on at 195° and kick off at 185°. With the 4 core aluminum radiator and dual fans the truck should stay really cool.

We need to bleed the brakes, install a vacuum fitting on the intake for the brake booster and fill the tank with some 93 Octane non-ethanol gas.

Stay tuned...

POP

[GR8-68]

Very nice progress

[NoNeck]

We finished bolting up most of the stainless strips in the wood bed today. I cut one board too short, so Chad made up another one from Northern Red Oak to replace it. The first coat of stain will go on in the morning. Once the color matches the other boards we can finish up the bed and install the tailgate.

We installed a larger Hayden transmission cooler plus a new stainless battery hold down clamp. Now it's on to installing ground straps from the core support to the frame and from the engine to the cab. We have them from the engine to the frame, the cab to the frame, and the bed to the frame.

POP

[cericd]

Loooking Goood!!!

[68Gold/white]

No such thing as too many grounds!!!

[NoNeck]

The bed is finally finished! There has to be about a thousand bolts holding the stainless strips. We are going to put the tailgate on tomorrow and connect the Ididit wiring harness to the Painless wiring. A cool bow tie radio, AC Temp Control and Radio Antenna are on the way from Classic Industries.

Stay tuned...

POP

[aggie91]

Bed turned out great! Love that dark stain with the gold paint and polished strips!

[NoNeck]

Bed turned out great! Love that dark stain with the gold paint and polished strips!

Thanks Karl. We like the dark color too.

We got the Custom Autosound Bow Tie Radio installed in the dash today. This radio comes with a stock looking face plate that changes to digital when the radio is on. It also came complete with knobs that look like the '67-'68 CST knobs. Now to just configure some speakers and wire everything up.

Next is the installation of the new AC Temperature Control module and adapt the Vintage Air sensors to the slides.

We are also changing out the repro tailgate hinges and trunions for some NOS pieces I located just 2 miles from my house! The repro hinges are junk... they bind up when the tailgate is closed and there is no rounded corner for the spring loaded latches. The repro hinges have flat edges and make closing the gate very difficult. They also are about 1/8" taller when installed than the stock hinges. The repro trunions had to be trimmed to even fit into the pockets, but lack of adjustability makes them useless. Nothing like stock.

Now we need to locate a cigarette lighter and housing.

POP

[NoNeck]

Some progress over the weekend even with Tropical Storm Irma winds here in Tennessee for the first time in history.

We prepped the new AC Controller for the Vintage Air computer driven capsules and changed out the original GM face to the one supplied by Vintage Air.

We arranged the Painless wiring under the dash and under the hood for a cleaner look. It is amazing how time consuming re-wiring an entire truck can be.

We also finished mounting the console and bucket seats for the final time. I do have to replace one adjusting rod under the driver side seat.

Last but not least, we got the beefy front sway bar installed. Thanks Niped (Ed)!

POP

[nlped]

Originally Posted by NoNeck

Last but not least, we got the beefy front sway bar installed. Thanks Niped (Ed)!

POP

You know I'll do whatever I can to help POP!

[NoNeck]

Chad had a rare day off today so we finished up a few things on the truck. We got the AC control installed in the dash and routed the wiring around the vent hoses. We also put the headliner in and installed the sun visors and clips. The stereo is in and sounds awesome! The billet valve covers were removed so we could polish them. We plan on putting them back on this weekend then its time to fire this bad boy up!

POP