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Rust Therapy - 62 C-10
I've been building my 62 C-10 for the last 15 months, and I have a thread on the HAMB too. The next posts will get you up to speed on my progress over the last year...
After a lot of watching Craigslist and other places, I've finally found my next project. This morning my friend Brian and I took a 3 1/2 hour drive down to La Junta, CO to pick up this 2 owner Colorado farm truck. http://i931.photobucket.com/albums/a...ps8eeb90c7.jpg Here are the basics: 283 - runs, but smokes. 3OTT - sloppy linkage, seems to be stuck in 3rd at the moment. 6 lug axles The truck has been parked since 2003. Everything seems to be virgin untouched stock. No weird radio cutouts, stock interior. I think the rear bumper is an aftermarket mod. I'm very impressed with how solid the body is. It looks like the driver door has been creased by opening too far, and there is a dent in the rear passenger quarter panel. |
Re: Rust Therapy - 62 C-10
The cab corners are clean and rust free. When I pulled up the flooring it looks like you can still see factory paint/primer on most of the floor. I saw some evidence of some rodent nests under the seat which I'll clean up soon.
The plan is to do a frame off rebuild of all things mechanical but try to keep as much of the body as close as possible to what it looks like right now. I want a very functional and mechanically reliable preservation of what it is now. It's a 51 year old truck so it should have some scars and grey hair. I'm just doing a hip and knee replacement. As long as the 283 is salvageable, I will be rebuilding it. Not sure yet what to think about the 3OTT. I love the cool factor, but I'm open to exploring a 5spd since this will be my DD when I'm done and I don't want to be stuck in the slow lane going 60MPH at WOT. I'm definitely doing 4 wheel disc brake conversion, and a moderate drop is also definitely going to happen. It's way too early to decide what I'm doing on wheel/tire combos, but I really like the idea of 17" or 18" matte black steelies or Torq-D's with either a tiny whitewall or black on black. I'm definitely ditching the fuel tank from inside the cab, and the bed will get a full on resto. We're moving in a couple weeks so I probably won't really get going on this project at full steam until we're settled. I have a shop where I can park it and work on it indoors this winter, so next week I'll drag it over there. |
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Re: Rust Therapy - 62 C-10
driver's side floor:
http://i931.photobucket.com/albums/a...ps27f78405.jpg passenger floor: http://i931.photobucket.com/albums/a...ps14b873e3.jpg Even the hood is really solid. (Ignore the way the panoramic shot stitched together. It's straight): http://i931.photobucket.com/albums/a...ps0a402d6f.jpg The bed wood is shot: http://i931.photobucket.com/albums/a...psbbc547dd.jpg But the sheetmetal is straight: http://i931.photobucket.com/albums/a...ps16986f7b.jpg |
Re: Rust Therapy - 62 C-10
The thread is called "rust therapy" because that's what my wife calls it when I disappear into the shop. We've had a tough run of it this year medically for both her dad and mine. The time spent getting my hands dirty is cathartic for me.
Happy Birthday to my pops yesterday. We didn't think he'd make it this far and we're sure glad to have him with us still. NOTE: These are posts from more than a year ago... just getting you caught up Got the brakes working enough to drag over to my shop safely. Gonna spend a couple bucks at the car wash on the way, and then get it into the shop. Can't wait to get it out of my head and start WRENCHIN! I got the truck into the shop last week. Yesterday I had a couple of hours of down time, so I began the strip down process. Here's a few shots I took while I was working. Hood off: http://i931.photobucket.com/albums/a...psdbb622b3.jpg Front Fenders & Supports off: http://i931.photobucket.com/albums/a...ps51fa1ea2.jpg A front view: http://i931.photobucket.com/albums/a...pseb53f599.jpg My helper, tool fetcher, and conversation partner, Elise, making vroom vroom noises! http://i931.photobucket.com/albums/a...ps0b38436b.jpg Got the rochester off and the water pump before it was time to quit. http://i931.photobucket.com/albums/a...ps91e03c37.jpg |
Re: Rust Therapy - 62 C-10
I wasn't really planning to get this far today, but my friend Christopher came over and lent a hand. We yanked the engine and tranny today! Woohoo! Got kind of busy so I didn't take many pics but I'll post what I got.
Empty Engine Bay! http://i931.photobucket.com/albums/a...ps852d03b1.jpg A greasy 283 http://i931.photobucket.com/albums/a...ps32f3907d.jpg A similarly greasy tranny. http://i931.photobucket.com/albums/a...ps53be9e29.jpg |
Re: Rust Therapy - 62 C-10
Well, it's been a bit since I've had a chance to work on the truck. Some of you know that my dad's been sick for the past year. I went home to be with him in his last days earlier this month. He left us on Dec 13 at 3:20 AM, after exactly 1 year and a day (down to the minute) from the time he was admitted to the hospital.
He was my mentor, my pal, and the person I most loved to work with. I'm going to miss you, Dad. Here's a pic of him in 1965 with his brother. http://i931.photobucket.com/albums/a...ps13c4c791.jpg Since I got home from the funeral, I have taken some time to be alone in the shop. Here's what I got done in the past week. Oil Pan off, showing a fairly solid bottom end, not too much crud, and no major issues: http://i931.photobucket.com/albums/a...ps81cdcb40.jpg A different view: http://i931.photobucket.com/albums/a...psda856571.jpg numbering the connecting rods and caps: http://i931.photobucket.com/albums/a...psb13ef1ef.jpg The timing chain was so loose it was almost freewheeling on the crank gear. The pic doesn't quite do it justice: http://i931.photobucket.com/albums/a...psf3c133f0.jpg just the bumpstick and a few small parts left to take off: http://i931.photobucket.com/albums/a...ps73df806a.jpg When I got the freeze plugs out, there was a LOT of sludge built up in the block. I went down to the local car wash and blew out close to 1/2 gallon of rusty gross crap. The machine shop will bake and shot peen the block but i wanted to give them a fighting chance. The heads are cast with a rectangle on them, showing that they are the stock 8.5:1 compression heads. They'll be replaced with something better when I put it back together. |
Re: Rust Therapy - 62 C-10
Today I brought the disassembled block and parts to the machine shop. They're going to bake it clean, shot peen it, then bore & hone the block and prep it for rebuild for me. I don't have any of the right tools or experience for installing cam bearings so they'll do that too. They said they'd look in their inventory for some different period correct (HAMB friendly) heads with larger valves and get back to me. The connecting rods will be resized and the crank will be ground & polished too.
When I got back to the shop I took the doors off, yanked the seat and then the gas tank, and vacuumed the crud off of the floor, including several rodent nests. There was a bit of rust underneath the trim piece at the bottom of the door on the driver side. http://i931.photobucket.com/albums/a...pscd57dceb.jpg With the seat gone, I vacuumed up the rust flakes from the threshold. You can see that it's not really that bad, but the vertical piece of steel that goes under the threshold trim piece is completely rotten: http://i931.photobucket.com/albums/a...ps786e282a.jpg No more fuel tank. http://i931.photobucket.com/albums/a...psf836b5db.jpg |
Re: Rust Therapy - 62 C-10
Today I got farther along on the disassembly of the cab, on both sides of the firewall. I pulled the vent cowl off, the wiper motor, heater core, front window, and the glovebox. I am really amazed by how little rust there is around the window. Being raised in Ontario where salt and humid weather eats everything, I'm used to seeing more rust after 5 years of existence, not 50.
Wiper control arms: http://i931.photobucket.com/albums/a...pshehp9tlf.jpg Windshield pulled: http://i931.photobucket.com/albums/a...psg6incwc8.jpg Heavy duty DeLUXE heater!! ;-) http://i931.photobucket.com/albums/a...psf9f95pjp.jpg http://i931.photobucket.com/albums/a...psf9f2evhx.jpg One other major difference living here in Colorado vs. Ontario is that every piece of rubber and plastic is dried out until it's ROCK hard. I don't remember that happening the same way on dad's old projects. When I pulled the rubber gasket from around the windshield it came out in small hard chunks almost like a piece of bondo or dried clay. |
Re: Rust Therapy - 62 C-10
Today I got the rest of the interior stripped down. All gauges, wiring harness, accessories, mirrors, and switches have been removed. I had some time to start washing off the dust and residue from the dash. I'm really happy with the condition of the steel around the window. Here are the pics.
http://i931.photobucket.com/albums/a...ps9a741bf5.jpg http://i931.photobucket.com/albums/a...psab0951e2.jpg http://i931.photobucket.com/albums/a...psc1b09ba1.jpg http://i931.photobucket.com/albums/a...pse0ea282d.jpg http://i931.photobucket.com/albums/a...ps1aa1dc98.jpg http://i931.photobucket.com/albums/a...psf2d0a601.jpg http://i931.photobucket.com/albums/a...ps838bb861.jpg |
Re: Rust Therapy - 62 C-10
I've been picking away at the engine rebuild on my truck by spending an hour here and there when I can. It's kind of boring stuff to post on here but I've been working on reconditioning the non moving parts for the 283. My PO kindly drilled a hole in the middle of one of the original valve covers with a great deal of precision and care using what I can only presume was a dull pickaxe. But I found a different set on a 72 C10 at the junk yard last week ($5 each) so I yanked them and sandblasted them. I hammered out a couple small dings, and then applied a couple coats of Chevy Orange VHT Engine Enamel and they're as good as new. I got a used Weiand intake manifold on Craigslist for $30, sandblasted through 3 different colors of paint and then clear coated it, and I cleaned and sandblasted the timing cover with some more orange. The Oil pan is next.
Gotta watch the budget so I'm just waiting to get parts when I can. So far, Craigslist and junk yard finds have been successful. I got a pretty big sandblasting cabinet on Craigslist which came with a pressurized tank, a separate 40lb siphon tank, a small hand held mini blaster, and a brand new 40 lb jug of aluminum oxide for $100. I'll post some pics of my dust collection system too. I normally use it for woodworking at the shop but I connected it to the sandblaster cabinet and it works like a charm. Most of the media falls down into the bottom of the cabinet, but the fine dust gets sucked right out. Even after a couple days of sandblasting, the shop has no (new) dust on anything. Here's the Sandblasting Cabinet and Dust collector: http://i931.photobucket.com/albums/a...ps26b681ef.jpg I drilled a 4" hole in the top of the sandblast cabinet, and then a smaller 2" hole on the back to create a place for air to enter. The clean air comes directly across the viewing window and picks up the fine airborne dust inside the cabinet. Then it goes directly through a cyclone filter which normally filters out the larger sawdust (or in this case, sandblasting media that happens to get sucked up). I wasn't happy with the fine dust that used to blow by the cyclone so I added a water filter stage. There are no paper filters in this system but the air that comes out has no dust left. I never lose suction in the system and I only have to empty the catch basin once every couple months if I'm doing a bunch of woodwork. Weiand Intake: http://i931.photobucket.com/albums/a...ps4b6fb88a.jpg Valve Covers wet sanded once: http://i931.photobucket.com/albums/a...ps419936e0.jpg Timing Cover: http://i931.photobucket.com/albums/a...psc9a05727.jpg http://i931.photobucket.com/albums/a...psbb153207.jpg |
Re: Rust Therapy - 62 C-10
This will probably go down in history as the slowest engine rebuild in history, but I'm making progress. I've been collecting parts and pieces this month, and I had some time this afternoon, so I began the reassembly today. The key to doing this is to be methodical, clinically clean, and double check your process and tolerances all the way through.
I followed behind the machine shop to retap all of the threads, blew out all of the oil galleys, and then used a rifle cleaning brush to make sure there was no metal left from the shop. I used ATF on a lint free rag to super clean the cylinder bores. I installed all the freeze plugs. The machine shop had installed the cam bearings already so I didn't have to do that. This is what the block looked like at this point. http://i931.photobucket.com/albums/a...ps759fe52e.jpg Before I started with the crankshaft, I carefully dropped the cam with a bit of oil on the bearing surfaces to make sure the cam spins freely, and then pulled it back out for later. http://i931.photobucket.com/albums/a...psd8f7c0f7.jpg One last check of the bare block before I start reassembly. Looking good! http://i931.photobucket.com/albums/a...pse4dfb7a4.jpg |
Re: Rust Therapy - 62 C-10
Looks like the truck is in really nice condition.
Greg. |
Re: Rust Therapy - 62 C-10
Bearings:
http://i931.photobucket.com/albums/a...ps6d64e74d.jpg Bearings installed: http://i931.photobucket.com/albums/a...psd1263eeb.jpg Thrust Bearing http://i931.photobucket.com/albums/a...ps9d36a166.jpg And the rear main seal: http://i931.photobucket.com/albums/a...psd11b8f1b.jpg Carefully oil the bearings - Not too much, but definitely not too dry. Plus a drop or two on the rear main seal. http://i931.photobucket.com/albums/a...psbb04495c.jpg One last check of the crank, blow out all the oil passageways, wiped down again. CLEAN CLEAN CLEAN!!! http://i931.photobucket.com/albums/a...psf58a8876.jpg |
Re: Rust Therapy - 62 C-10
First of all my condolences on your dad.May he rest in peace .and keep up the great work on your build
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Re: Rust Therapy - 62 C-10
Time to drop the crank into the block, and check how smoothly it spins. It should have almost no resistance at this point.
http://i931.photobucket.com/albums/a...ps076b7191.jpg Checking Endplay - we're at .007" gap between the thrust bearing and the crank. That's on the loose side of what is acceptable, but within spec. http://i931.photobucket.com/albums/a...ps409375a5.jpg Rear bearing cap installed and torqued to 75 ft lbs. Endplay is now .005", so we know we're OK there. One thing to watch is not to use too much sealant on the bearing cap or the block at the rear main seal so that you don't fill the block up with silicone that gets squeezed out and eventually plugs oil galleys. I also spin the crank every time I add a bearing cap so I know right away if something is binding. http://i931.photobucket.com/albums/a...ps59287a7f.jpg Here's where we are at the end of my time today. All 5 bearing caps are now torqued down to 75 ft lbs. Everything is spinning freely and there's just the right amount of RTV squeezing out from the rear main seal. (It looks like about 1/16" of excess) http://i931.photobucket.com/albums/a...ps1bc7298f.jpg |
Re: Rust Therapy - 62 C-10
I had a some more time available today so I picked up where I left off yesterday. I double checked the end gap on the piston rings in the correct cylinder before installing all of them onto the pistons. It might be extra work but I prefer to double check. It turned out that the block is machined .030 over and the piston ring set was meant for that size, but there were some minor differences in the end gap overall. Nothing over .003 different from one to another. Maybe in times gone by this was more important.
Here's Piston #5 showing the way that I clock the gap. Top Ring: http://i931.photobucket.com/albums/a...ps18503509.jpg Ring #2: http://i931.photobucket.com/albums/a...pscdc9aa3c.jpg Oil Scraping ring: http://i931.photobucket.com/albums/a...ps86995e83.jpg |
Re: Rust Therapy - 62 C-10
After I get the ring compressor loosely around the piston, everything goes for an oil bath while I install the rod bearing:
http://i931.photobucket.com/albums/a...psf9b1132b.jpg I sleeved a piece of 5/16" fuel line over the bare threads and dropped the piston into place: http://i931.photobucket.com/albums/a...psf563c5c2.jpg My friend Craig let me use his ring compressor. He said it was his grandfather's from back in the 50's. It's way better than the cheapo POS that I bought last week. I wish they made tools as good as this these days. This is Craig's Gramps from back in the day. He's second from the left. http://i931.photobucket.com/albums/a...pse8f4667b.jpg A little lube on the bearing, and in she goes. http://i931.photobucket.com/albums/a...ps4efb2927.jpg |
Re: Rust Therapy - 62 C-10
After torquing down the connecting rod bolts to 35 ft lbs, I turned the crank 1 full revolution to check for clearance and to make sure nothing was binding.
http://i931.photobucket.com/albums/a...ps23dcf8fd.jpg http://i931.photobucket.com/albums/a...ps33b5a775.jpg After I got all 8 pistons in, it was time to install the cam and the timing chain. http://i931.photobucket.com/albums/a...ps7b74147e.jpg http://i931.photobucket.com/albums/a...ps43df3060.jpg I got the oil pump mounted today too, but I forgot to take a picture before I left the shop. If I get time tomorrow I'll work on getting the timing cover and the oil pan ASAP on so I can keep the dust out of the crankcase when I'm not working on it. Right now there's a big plastic bag over the entire block. |
Re: Rust Therapy - 62 C-10
Due to a bunch of outside (work and personal) crap, I let the thread slide for a whole year, but I've recently picked up the tools again to continue my project. I have spent a lot of time lurking on here and the 47-present Chevy forum, and have learned a lot from watching threads on both forums from Endlessearth, Flat N Low (chevyrestoguy), the Astronaut, 65 Standard, 65 Gregg, and Alan's Classic. I can't say I'll be able to contribute a their level of proficiency, but I'm going to pick my build thread back up again to pay it forward. Hopefully, somebody will be able to learn something from my thread as I fake my way through this.
Last week I stripped everything down to the frame and began a front crossmember conversion. I picked up a 78 crossmember and ordered new ball joints, tie rod ends, and 3" drop spindles. After I mocked everything up and drilled the holes in my frame, I sent the chassis off to media blast. Torsion bars and old crossmember out. http://i931.photobucket.com/albums/a...ps101c2a3a.jpg Mocking up the '78 Crossmember http://i931.photobucket.com/albums/a...ps7e755621.jpg http://i931.photobucket.com/albums/a...ps1861fa5c.jpg |
Re: Rust Therapy - 62 C-10
I didn't get any pics of pulling the bed off, but it was kind of fun to rip off the old lumber.
I don't have a lift at my shop, but we do have Box Truss and Genie Towers. I figure they're just as good. http://i931.photobucket.com/albums/a...ps3d4ac431.jpg http://i931.photobucket.com/albums/a...ps1b73b4fe.jpg http://i931.photobucket.com/albums/a...pse1c3a739.jpg http://i931.photobucket.com/albums/a...ps79dbc7d0.jpg |
Re: Rust Therapy - 62 C-10
So now you're up to date: I did complete the engine rebuild but wasn't taking many pictures. I did rework some tall Edelbrock valve covers because I installed roller rockers and the stock valve covers didn't have enough clearance, I'll see if I can dig up the pics.
My plan is to build the drivetrain this winter and begin my first real body work project as soon as I can. Thanks for coming along for the ride! |
Re: Rust Therapy - 62 C-10
Here's the only pic I took last summer when I was finishing the engine rebuild:
http://i931.photobucket.com/albums/a...pse9ca6bf5.jpg |
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Re: Rust Therapy - 62 C-10
Sparky, sorry to hear about your Dad. Keep plugging in his honor. You have a nice truck and I look forward to the build. BTW, I like you cab removal system...very nice.
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Re: Rust Therapy - 62 C-10
Looks good....
I also lost my father this year to cancer and a very close friend also passed away un-expectantly. I also found myself in the shop finishing my 62 build clearing my head. Sometimes life puts things in perspective and reminds us to be better people...I'm glad to see this thread and will follow along with admiration...Take care |
Re: Rust Therapy - 62 C-10
Sorry to hear about your Dad. It looks like you found a great truck to start with. Keep up the great work and keep posting updates.
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Re: Rust Therapy - 62 C-10
Sorry to hear about your Dad. It's been a little over 11 years since mine passed.
You have a very nice truck to work with and a great plan followed by some excellent work. I would definitely recommend going with a 5 speed of some sort. IMO it will make the truck more enjoyable to drive since the rear gears are more than likely 3.90's. |
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Re: Rust Therapy - 62 C-10
Question for you suspension types:
The drivers side LCA I got from a '78 C10 parts truck has a ding in it near the sway bar mount. Is this OK or do I need to repair/replace it? I don't think that it has affected any of the geometry anywhere relevant in the LCA. The donor truck drove OK but I didn't get the alignment checked before I stripped it. http://i931.photobucket.com/albums/a...psa6446b35.jpg |
Re: Rust Therapy - 62 C-10
Got the frame and a lot of the inner fender parts off to the sand blaster today.
The UPS guy brought me some goodies today - new trailing arms, tie rod ends, and ball joints. I also began looking at rear ends. Well, actually, I've been looking at rear ends for a while, but the ones I'm talking about right now are somewhat less pleasing to look at. ;). From what I've seen on the web, most 1962 Chevy trucks didn't have a dana 44, although I understand that most 1962 GMC's did. Mine appears to be the Eaton, and i've heard that parts to rebuild it are difficult to find. It is leaking at every one of the seals. Any suggestions for a donor? |
Re: Rust Therapy - 62 C-10
I love the pics! Keep it up!
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Re: Rust Therapy - 62 C-10
That is correct. The '60-'62 Chevy's came with the Eaton HO32/33 differential. Personally I would go with a '63-'82 truck 12 bolt. No matter which differential you go with, you will have to either add, or relocate the trailing arm mounts. The mounts on the '60-'62's are farther apart than on the '63-'72's. The '63 & '64 12 bolt will have the same panhard bar mount, but the trailing arm mounts will need to be moved and likely an adjustable panhard bar. A '65-'70 12 bolt will need your original panhard bar mount transferred and the TA mounts moved. These will all be 6 lug unless you purchase aftermarket conversion axles. The '71-'82 12 bolts will be 1.5" wider and have the 5 x 5" wheel stud pattern. These will need both the panhard bar mount and TA mounts added. If you need a set of trailing arm mounts, I do make those.
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Re: Rust Therapy - 62 C-10
Today I went to a junkyard in Longmont.
I picked up 2 better doors, a deluxe 60-63 gauge cluster, a 3:73 12 bolt, a high hump, reverse lights, driver and passenger round mirrors, a long fleet bedside, and a really good chrome GMC grill. http://i931.photobucket.com/albums/a...pstknwtnno.jpg http://i931.photobucket.com/albums/a...pseiz6zmg6.jpg |
Re: Rust Therapy - 62 C-10
My condolences to you for the loss of your father. Your story kinda hit home with me. I'm currently working on a 65C10 with my father. I still have a lot to learn from my father and hope to be at least half the builder he is. I also had just read a story on here about a junk yard going out of business in Colorado. Then I see you were the one that actually went, took the pictures and reported back here. That's awesome! I live in Florida and only dream about "old iron junk yards", with trucks all in one place, and in that good of shape. I would like to travel out west one day with a trailer and a pocket full of money! I subscribed to your thread and really dig your truck selection.
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Re: Rust Therapy - 62 C-10
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Treasure your time with your dad - the days are limited. Make sure to look me up when you get to Colorado. I've stalled a little on my project because work keeps getting in the way. Gotta feed those kids every day. ;) |
Re: Rust Therapy - 62 C-10
Today I went to the salvage yard in Longmont and met up with fellow member Lee64. He helped me and the owner of the lot, Dave, cut the 12 bolt rear end free that I purchased last week. I'll need to double check the gear ratio, but the stamp on the outside indicates that it is the correct gear ratio. Lee 64 also helped me pull a driver side door for my '62, and then we found and pulled an underseat jack kit for another member on this forum, _mg. Dave really understands the importance of keeping these parts out of the crusher and opened up more once he knew I was legitimately interested in using the parts to preserve their history.
After we left the salvage yard, I went over to Lee 64's house to see his project. He has a sweet 64 short step with a 383 stroker that is well on its way to completion. It was good to meet another guy who appreciates these trucks. He showed me a really trick fuel filler door and a secret security HEI shutoff setup to deter theft. He also left me with a parting gift: he had the glass lens that I needed to complete my reverse light parts search. A great day! |
Re: Rust Therapy - 62 C-10
Thanks SPARKY, had a great time too. It's always cool to meet someone in person that is a member on this board. I had the opportunity to meet YELMER as well several months ago. Made me a GREAT deal on a windshield, door glass and back glass. Thanks again for that YELMER.
So far as an additional theft deterrent goes, I'm going to use a simple push/pull - on/off switch to run my switched HEI lead through. Used my old heater control bezel and knob and mounting it where the manual choke used to be. Hopefully I hear them cranking the hell out of it if they try the traditional hotwiring. |
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