1970 swb K10 Resurrection (AKA "The Chum Bucket") "Photos"
 

Ok, I am going to attempt to resurrect a 1970 115” wb K10 from the dead. Either I am a glutton for punishment or I just like a challenge. This truck is not a truck but a bunch of parts. Sort of like a fisherman’s chum bucket that contains a bunch of parts. However, the DNA of the original truck is still there. Original drive train, frame and glove box w/ build sticker is what I am starting with from the original truck. Having restored a few GM muscle cars in the past I am not new to the restoration game and know the challenges that await.

I just picked up this truck (bucket of parts) out of the Springfield Mass. area where it spent its life. Being from NY State it is only fitting that the truck was originally assembled in the Tarrytown assembly plant in downstate NY (yes, living in the Capital District Tarrytown is downstate). The gentleman I got it from received it from his uncle and started to restore it about 10 years ago. He stripped it down to the bare frame and rebuilt the tranny and transfer case. He also sourced a cab out of Arizona and a virtually rust free bed. Everything else needs rebuilding or replacement.

The goal for this project is to end up with a nice driver that I can use like a truck and yes plow my driveway with it in the winter. Although I love a clean show quality restoration, they are a lot of work to maintain at a high level. I am always concerned about taking out my ‘71 SS454 Monte in crappy weather and/or getting door dings. That takes some of the joy out of it. I plan on retaining most of the factory options on the build sticker like the red color but the red trim option will most likely be changed to black.

Since this is my first 67-72 K10 build I need some advice from the guys who have need to get parts for these trucks. I will need a few patches in the floor of the donor Arizona cab. See the photos below. Which suppliers have the best quality (thickness, fit ....) sheet metal out there. Specifically I need the outer floor section, lower kick panel and rockers. I do not plan to replace these areas in their entirety since the rust areas are concentrated in one area. The rest of the cab is rock solid including the corners and supports.

I am thinking about running 33” with a 4” spring lift. Any recommendations on the lift brand to get?

I am lucky enough to have a complete donor truck. It’s a ‘72 115” wb K15 that I found locally and saved it from the crusher. The truck is in real rough shape but has not been altered. I will be getting all the missing parts (the usable ones anyway) from it. Some of the items are the Meyers plow, front disc brake set up, gauges, glass exhaust manifolds....... If anyone is interested in the remains of this truck let me know. I have a good transferable registration, protect-o-plate and glove box build sticker for it. Short wheel base 4x4’s are tough to come by these days. If you have a 2wd chassis this could be a way of making it a matching #’s 4x4 with papers.

More to come.

Re: 1970 swb K10 Resurrection (AKA "The Chum Bucket") "Photos"
 

Here is the 1972 GMC K15 donor truck.

Re: 1970 swb K10 Resurrection (AKA "The Chum Bucket") "Photos"
 

I started to assess the areas of repair needed on the donor AZ cab. For us guys in the north east this cab will be an easy fix. I ran the DA over the passenger cab corner and it is rock solid.

Re: 1970 swb K10 Resurrection (AKA "The Chum Bucket") "Photos"
 

Here is the glove box option sticker. Does anyone know what D89 Paint Stripe would look like. I assume it is a pin stripe.

Re: 1970 swb K10 Resurrection (AKA "The Chum Bucket") "Photos"
 

I worked on the frame today a removed a bunch of brackets. Also did some repairs to the driver side front horn, passenger radiator support mount and passenger side rail behind the rear shock mount.

Re: 1970 swb K10 Resurrection (AKA "The Chum Bucket") "Photos"
 

Frame repairs.

Re: 1970 swb K10 Resurrection (AKA "The Chum Bucket") "Photos"
 

I ran out of welding wire just as I went to weld the back side. Will pick some up this week.

Re: 1970 swb K10 Resurrection (AKA "The Chum Bucket") "Photos"
 

Repaired radiator support frame mount.

Re: 1970 swb K10 Resurrection (AKA "The Chum Bucket") "Photos"
 

Here are the brackets I need to replace. Cross support beneath the bed. Its 32” center to center of rivet hole. The flat bed mount, rear upper shock mounts and parking brake cable mounts. Anyone out there have any of these parts?

Re: 1970 swb K10 Resurrection (AKA "The Chum Bucket") "Photos"
 

hi from johnstown!

Re: 1970 swb K10 Resurrection (AKA "The Chum Bucket") "Photos"
 

llaird,
I Checked out your build. Very nice! Love the craftsmanship you are putting into it. A custom 2wd c10 is on my must build list.
Jeff

Re: 1970 swb K10 Resurrection (AKA "The Chum Bucket") "Photos"
 

Great work on your project so far, and I'll keep checking back on it.
I really commend and admire the work you guys up north have to do to those frames. That is just unheard of here. The three in these pic have been without beds for years, and they all still have alot of the factory paint. When I was younger, I was under the impression that if a frame wasn't bent, it couldn't be damaged. I used to fuss when I had to sand the surface off like the last pic.

Re: 1970 swb K10 Resurrection (AKA "The Chum Bucket") "Photos"
 

Thanks for the encouragement. You guys in dry regions of the country got it good when it comes to restoration projects. Took a trip to Utah (Bonneville) last year and was amazed at how many of these trucks are still around. I see about 5 a year around here and that is in the summer. The last three muscle cars I’ve owned have been out of New Mexico, Colorado and Oregon for a reason. Rust repair sucks. I would not have even considered this project without having a good cab and bed to start with.
If you know of anyone who is willing to cut up and sell some of the frame components I need let me know.

Re: 1970 swb K10 Resurrection (AKA "The Chum Bucket") "Photos"
 

Would that X member and shock mounts be the same as a leaf spring 2WD?

Re: 1970 swb K10 Resurrection (AKA "The Chum Bucket") "Photos"
 

I think so. If it measures 32” from center of rivet to center of rivet between the rails it will work.

Re: 1970 swb K10 Resurrection (AKA "The Chum Bucket") "Photos"
 

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=329859 This guy has some frame parts for sale.

Re: 1970 swb K10 Resurrection (AKA "The Chum Bucket") "Photos"
 

Thanks, I will check it out.

Re: 1970 swb K10 Resurrection (AKA "The Chum Bucket") "Photos"
 

Got some welding and grinding time in today. Repaired the driver side rear tail where some one got after it with a cutting torch. I used a piece of frame that was attached to one of the donor cab mounts out of AZ. Still need to drill out the bed bolt hole.

Re: 1970 swb K10 Resurrection (AKA "The Chum Bucket") "Photos"
 

Good evening
I just registered tonight and this is my first post. I remenber looking at this truck on ebay in MA if I remember correctly. I was interested in the frame only for my project an have since found another one in even better shape. However, I have another frame in fair shape that still has that cross member in good shape from what I can remember. I will check tomorrow. I am in Higganum CT.
Landon

Re: 1970 swb K10 Resurrection (AKA "The Chum Bucket") "Photos"
 

I have only been on this site for about 5 days myself. There are some cool projects being posted on this site. The truck (or should I say parts) were posted on ebay about a month back. I needed see what condition everything was in before I committed so I went and looked at it after the auction. If it weren’t for the cab, doors and bed being in such good condition I would have passed. As you know, it’s tough to find solid sheet metal in the north east. Let me know what condition the brackets are in.

Re: 1970 swb K10 Resurrection (AKA "The Chum Bucket") "Photos"
 

vv

Re: 1970 swb K10 Resurrection (AKA "The Chum Bucket") "Photos"
 

Welcome fropm the great white north, although you are not all that far from us, that frame definetly has some rust issues i see, but you have a good start on it, i would love to find a s/b 4x4 around here, but that will never happen, oh well, keep up the great work and lets see some pics of that monte.

Re: 1970 swb K10 Resurrection (AKA "The Chum Bucket") "Photos"
 

Yes, northern trucks do develop rust issues. That’s why I usually start with projects from out west. Its well worth the transportation cost. Here is some photos of the ss454 monte. It was out of New Mexico and required no rust repair. It’s restoration was features in the November ’08 issue of Hemmings Muscle Machines . Here is a Link http://www.hemmings.com/mus/stories/...feature14.html

Re: 1970 swb K10 Resurrection (AKA "The Chum Bucket") "Photos"
 

This site is great. I don't know if these are any better than yours. Take a look. I know you've done alot of work to yours already but maybe you want the whole thing? I just bought a really nice frame to repalce the one under my truck and really don't need this one. It came with the axles trans and trans case.
See what you think.

Re: 1970 swb K10 Resurrection (AKA "The Chum Bucket") "Photos"
 

interesting project...

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Hi Landon, Thanks for the photos of your frame. It may be an option down the road. What are you looking to get out of it? Tomorrow I am going to go and look at a 67-68 k10 swb rolling chassis. The guy claims it’s good. I have heard that before.

Re: 1970 swb K10 Resurrection (AKA "The Chum Bucket") "Photos"
 

Hi Mike,
I checked out your build a few weeks ago. You have done a lot of work. Looks like you are in the home stretch and it looks great. I had to laugh when your wife wanted to park in the garage. It’s a running joke in my house that if your vehicle is not at least 35 years old it does not get a stall. She drives a ’08 so it’s going to be some time before she is eligible for a spot.
What’s the deal with power steering on these trucks? Does a 70 frame need modification or adapter to mount the steering box?

Re: 1970 swb K10 Resurrection (AKA "The Chum Bucket") "Photos"
 

a 70 frame shouldn't need modified... it's all about the "raised pads" under the steering box... 67's and most 68's were smooth frames and need an adapter to run a newer steering box... No big deal either way...

I would say my "home stretch" is still a year away! thanks though...

Re: 1970 swb K10 Resurrection (AKA "The Chum Bucket") "Photos"
 

Take a look at that other set up (67-68 frame) and see what you think. I think I may have inquired about that one back in Jan. Never made it to look at it. Craigs List? Mine isn't going anywhere. If your interested the price for the whole thing will be more than fair. My wife would really like it out of the yard!
PS Nice Monte
Landon

Re: 1970 swb K10 Resurrection (AKA "The Chum Bucket") "Photos"
 

Landon, Took the 45 min ride to check out the frame today and it turned out to be in great shape. I could not pass it up for $450 bucks. This will make this build so much cleaner. It’s all about having a good foundation. Thanks for offering your extra frame. I am sure someone else will need it. You should post it in the parts section.

Re: 1970 swb K10 Resurrection (AKA "The Chum Bucket") "Photos"
 

wow, you found that frame in NY????

Looks just like mine except 100% cleaner... that things is ready for the road...good buy!

Re: 1970 swb K10 Resurrection (AKA "The Chum Bucket") "Photos"
 

Glad you found a good one. Looks a lot nicer than the one I showed you pics. of. Just remember that the rear springs are longer on a 67-68 than that of a 69-72 frame. I learned the hard way. I ended up buying the newer springs and moving my sping mounts in. Lucky for me I had a patteren/measurements off the frame I pictured. Good luck. To bad you put all that time into the other frame.
Happy truckin
Landon

Re: 1970 swb K10 Resurrection (AKA "The Chum Bucket") "Photos"
 

god bless ya 115, my cab had rust issues like that, its heartbreaking as you sandblast to watch the rust dissapear and the holes start, I live out in ID now, the trucks are a little more solid that the ones back in in MO, no salt on the roads and little humidity helps, good luck on your build.

Re: 1970 swb K10 Resurrection (AKA "The Chum Bucket") "Photos"
 

I went with no expectations and figured it would be a “Wally World” trip so I was pleasantly surprised when I saw it. It’s all about timing. I will most likely sand blast it and put POR-15 on it to be sure I will not have corrosion issues with it down the road since I plan on pushing snow with it. I used that stuff on my Monte chassis and it has held up without any issues for 10 years now.

Re: 1970 swb K10 Resurrection (AKA "The Chum Bucket") "Photos"
 

What was the guys name you bought it from? I think I may have spoke with him on this one also. It was going to be quite a ride for me just to go and look at it. Long story short I went with the one that was a little closer. But still in NY and almost a 2 hr. ride.

Re: 1970 swb K10 Resurrection (AKA "The Chum Bucket") "Photos"
 

Landon, Great looking truck. I am leaning toward the 67-68 front clip. It’s such a clean classic design. Ya, I knew the spring were longer on the early chassis. I am not sure if I am going to use the 56” springs or go to the 52”. I want to lift it a little but not too much. I am now thinking about bumping it up 2”-3” vs. a full 4”. Your truck height looks good. How much lift is under it? This chassis came with the 16.5 wheels too. They are cool looking. I hope to find 33” rubber for them and run the dog dish caps. The guys name was Lou. Seemed like a decent guy.

Re: 1970 swb K10 Resurrection (AKA "The Chum Bucket") "Photos"
 

that frame you picked up was deffiantely a nice score for 450
i only wish i was lukky enough to have a nice cab and a nice ready to go frame like that
i cant tell from the pictures but if that frame still has the original front axle you may want to replace it, trucks 69 and older came factory with a closed nuckle set up which has a bad turning radius by design, to make the truck more driveable/ menuverable you should consider replacing the closed nuckle front axle(69 down) with an open nuckle (70 up) also as a added advantage for swaping front axles, if you get a 71- 87 front axle it will have disk brakes
nice project
nate

Re: 1970 swb K10 Resurrection (AKA "The Chum Bucket") "Photos"
 

JC in Jersey is selling a 67 front clip...

You can do a shackle flip in the rear for 4" of lift or you can use aftermarket spring and relocate the mounts too. That's the same flat frame issue that I have dealing with the power steering box, I picked up an adapter (Brothers has them online for 60-66 trucks but they will work) to mount the newer gearbox for the newer drag link for the newer front axle.

Re: 1970 swb K10 Resurrection (AKA "The Chum Bucket") "Photos"
 

Nate, Thanks for the info on the closed front axels, and yes that is what is on the chassis now. Love the look of the closed version but for function I will most likely be using the open version. I have three front axels now 67, 70 drum & 72 disc. The 70 drum is in better shape than the 72 disc axel. Will the disc setup mount on the 70 knuckle or will I need to swap them out? Out of curiosity can you put the disc set up on a close Knuckle?

Re: 1970 swb K10 Resurrection (AKA "The Chum Bucket") "Photos"
 

Mike, thanks for the heads up on the front clip. I will check it out and the PS adapter plate.

I have not reconciled in my head how high to go or what method. I Know I do not want to go more than 4”. Sort of want to run the old school 56” springs. Other than a shackle flip are guys adding leafs to the 56” springs?