Re: 1968 C10 Stepside Restoration Project
 

Thanks, I appreciate it. I keep looking at some of the other builds going on and I am constantly impressed with the level of talent and attention to detail I see (and sometimes plagiarize into my build) on these build blogs here. Just trying to keep up with everyone else.

Re: 1968 C10 Stepside Restoration Project
 

So a little bit of an update. I took the accelerator control back off and removed the metal rod and did the cold bluing. I think it turned out pretty good. First photo is the 'before and the subsequent are 'after' photos.

Re: 1968 C10 Stepside Restoration Project
 

So not much to report this weekend other than getting the accelerator control installed on the firewall. Much better than before. I'll install the washer and cotter pins when it is connected to the carb.

Re: 1968 C10 Stepside Restoration Project
 

Great work. Really like how thorough you were with the interior. Looks great

Re: 1968 C10 Stepside Restoration Project
 

Thanks. I was hoping to get the frame done over the last few weeks, but life keeps getting in the way. Kid's activities, rain, and then we all passed some crud around and finally got that licked. Seems like there is always something to distract you from doing what you want to do. It'll all come together one day, main thing is to not rush it. Rushing only leads to doing something half-assed or worse. I definitely want to do everything right the first time.

Re: 1968 C10 Stepside Restoration Project
 

So this past weekend I was able to get out and tinker with the truck. The new addition to the cab was a set of NOS San Angelo gun racks. I picked these up on eBay a couple years ago and thought it would make a nice addition to my ranch truck. I know my Uncle's trucks all had gun racks in them...come to think about everyone who had a truck in high school had a gun rack in it with rifles on them. Boy, times have changed. I sure miss the good 'Ole days.

Re: 1968 C10 Stepside Restoration Project
 

I've been looking for a decent set as well.

Re: 1968 C10 Stepside Restoration Project
 

My dad had an old 66 stepside with a set of these in it.. Cant remember the rifles he had hanging from them though... I do remember always wondering if they were going to fall down and hit me in the head.

Re: 1968 C10 Stepside Restoration Project
 

I used riv-nuts as a way to get them attached, I just don't like to rely on sheet metal screws as a way to secure something that holds firearms. Besides, if I do remove the gun rack, the riv-nuts look better than simple holes that will be somewhat pulled out due to the sheet metal screws...just a more finished and secured way to attach.

Re: 1968 C10 Stepside Restoration Project
 

Just read thru your complete build, great job on it. I am fighting a Pontiac steering wheel now, I hope it turns out as nice as yours. I also converted my 3 on the tree column to floor shift.

Good luck, Rg

Re: 1968 C10 Stepside Restoration Project
 

Well, the brake master cylinder started getting surface rust on it. I don't want to battle with wire brushing rust off of this for the rest of my life either. I do not want to paint it, the brake fluid will just eat it and I will have to repaint the master cylinder every few years either. Then it came to me...gun bluing!

I wire brushed the surface rust off and applied the 44/40 bluing solution I used on the throttle rod set-up. I applied it, allowed it to dry, buffed it, then oiled the master cylinder. Now incidental fluid splash won't matter.

Re: 1968 C10 Stepside Restoration Project
 

nice.... real nice

Re: 1968 C10 Stepside Restoration Project
 

Thats a good idea. Looks great.

Re: 1968 C10 Stepside Restoration Project
 

That’s genius. I never thought of using blue like that.

Re: 1968 C10 Stepside Restoration Project
 

Thanks for the kind words all, I hope I start a new trend.

The bluing will not totally remove the potential for rust, but my hope is that with weekly oiling of the blued metal, the rust will be held at bay. As stated earlier, my rationale for using the cold bluing is to provide a protective finish that the brake fluid will not destroy if it comes in contact with the master cylinder.

Re: 1968 C10 Stepside Restoration Project
 

Best of luck on your Pontiac steering wheel restoration. I would love to see some photos of it! Is the steering wheel for your C10?

Cheers-

Re: 1968 C10 Stepside Restoration Project
 

Yeap, I posted this in my thread https://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/...&postcount=177 Still working at it.

It is more oval than round, I think that was part of their wide track image.

Re: 1968 C10 Stepside Restoration Project
 

I want to see the Pontiac :)

Re: 1968 C10 Stepside Restoration Project
 

The wheel is for my 68 truck, only Pontiacs I have are f-bodies.

Re: 1968 C10 Stepside Restoration Project
 

@ Raggedjim, nice steering wheel!

Re: 1968 C10 Stepside Restoration Project
 

That steering wheel is not too much different from my 65 El Camino wheel when you put them side-by-side.

@raggedjim, I like the colors you picked! ;) Keep in mind that you will need to build out the base of the steering wheel where it meets the truck's steering column. Truck steering wheels are a larger diameter at the center. I used a product called "All Metal". It is a body filler that has metal (aluminum) in it and makes for a hard surface when done. If i remember you only need to build it out about 1/8 to 3/16 in.

Re: 1968 C10 Stepside Restoration Project
 

@raggedjim:

Here is what my 65 Camino steering wheel looked like before and after I built out the base. Note where the steering wheel and steering column meet.

Re: 1968 C10 Stepside Restoration Project
 

Yeap, I've been building that base up and it is just about right. I hope I can get mine to the point yours is, it's a work of art.

Amazing how similar they are! I want to find a Chevy button that will fit in the same space as the Pontiac emblem.

Re: 1968 C10 Stepside Restoration Project
 

The one for the 65 El Camino should be a match.

Re: 1968 C10 Stepside Restoration Project
 

I'll look into it, thanks!

Re: 1968 C10 Stepside Restoration Project
 

So this weekend's main project was to install a pole barn style car port so I do not have to work on the frame in the blazing sun this year. Great product from a local builder.

First photo is the site for the car port, just next to my shed. Second photo shows the materials when delivered. Third is a little more than halfway through the process, and last photo is the completed carport. Car port is 20 x 20.

This car port will also be where I park the truck. The garage will not be big enough to handle having it, my MG, and our classic Mini when it is done.

Re: 1968 C10 Stepside Restoration Project
 

nice....

Re: 1968 C10 Stepside Restoration Project
 

Looks great!

Re: 1968 C10 Stepside Restoration Project
 

So I got out today to do some de-rusting of the frame, all the while enjoying the shade from my new car port. stripping rust off of a truck frame is not an easy task, especially when your primary weapon is a hand grinder with a wire wheel on it. Not only is it loud (had my ear protection on), but it really gets old fast. Those heavy duty wire wheels work great, but occasionally throw those wires at you. Definitely wear a face shield when doing that task.

Sprayed Rust Mort on the frame after I wire brushed it. Should not flash-rust. I will eventually use the Eastwood Rust Encapsulator and Satin Black 2k frame paint when the rust removal is done.

Re: 1968 C10 Stepside Restoration Project
 

looking good lots of work been there and done that .....I cheated and had the second one I did blasted keep at it.... and your right watch them flyin wires off the wheel you may want a blacksmiths apron:devil:

Re: 1968 C10 Stepside Restoration Project
 

Wire wheels, I use them but I don't like them! Nice work!