Project "Lucky 13"
 

Lucky 13 - I have been building mini-trucks for almost 16 years. My last one was a 1986 GMC S-15 that I was doing an pretty much frame off, yet budget, build. Static drop 5/6, 16" ZQ8 wheels, mild buit 350. My daughter dubbed it Lucky 13 because I own a couple Lucky 13 garage shirts and they are my favorites. Cool thing was, it just so happened to be my 13th truck.
Sold that truck last month, and bought the 1970 C-10 3 days later.
Looking back, we re-counted, and one of the trucks was my dad's that he let me use for a couple semesters in college. The title was never in my name, soooo....this one actually makes Lucky 13.

The pic on the trailer was the day I brought it home.
It is a 1970 C-10/CST, power brakes and A/C. It's a little rough, but it is all there and it runs. Brakes are bad - seems like all but the front driver is seized. That just moves the disc brake/5 lug conversion up in the schedule some. While I'm at it, I might as well lower it. The initial plan was just to get it running and driving, but now it is get it running and driving with a drop and new wheels/tires, and get the damn thing to stop LOL.


http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v4...psec19cfd2.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v4...ps2035713c.jpg

I'll get more pics soon. I keep forgetting as we work on it. I went to the boneyard last week and got front fenders, a hood, and a wiper cowl with no antenna hole (score!) for $140. Bed sides are probably 85%-90%. Bed floor is shot. Previous owner was going to race it and cut the wheel tubs out to put in bigger ones and never did it. Plus there are rust holes all over in various spots. So I just bought a 87 bed and we are going to use it for the floor. My buddy is taking the bed sides for his, so it only ended up costing me $50. I got rockers and cab corners for $85 from sokyclassis.com So at this time, I believe I have all the sheet metal. I'm in need of a driver door, but I believe I have that taken care of - a friend of a friend has one that he is giving me to get it out of his garage.

Re: Project "Lucky 13"
 

Nice project can't wait to see more :metal:

Re: Project "Lucky 13"
 

I'll follow along.
Sounds like you have quite a bit of experience flippin' trucks.:metal:
Welcome.

Re: Project "Lucky 13"
 

I need some guidance on the frame. Since I am going to 5 lug disc brake it, and swap axles, I'm going to run new brake lines and get the wires for the taillights and such all tucked into the frame, so I'm going to go ahead and pull the cab and engine and c-notch it, etc...
Other than the bump stops, what parts of the frame can I/should I get rid of at this stage? I don't have the option to sandblast, but I can wire brush the hell out of the frame and paint it, so I so now is the time to remove any useless frame stuff.

Re: Project "Lucky 13"
 

I just can't seem to stay happy with them...LOL, much to the disappointment of my wife (no one has ever said that before, right)

Re: Project "Lucky 13"
 

Sounds like the beginnings of a very aggressive project. Like it!!!

Are you putting a Porter-built front bolt in section in? Pancake the crossmember with dropped spindles or 'Z'ing the front?

I 'Z'd mine then went totally nuttz and re-fabbed and made a 'flowing 'Z',pancake,narrowed, its still a work in progress.


Which ever route you choose you'll find plenty of good information here, plenty of builds to research and guys willing to jump in and answer any questions you have.
Gotta have plenty of pictures though.
Good luck

Re: Project "Lucky 13"
 

I have to stay budget conscious here and a porter-built isn't in the immediate cards.

I'm looking at the ece disc and 5 lug swap with the 2.5" drop spindles for the front. Probably Moser axles for the rear. Can't decide on the rear drop, but I'm leaning towards 3" drop coils right now. This will get me a little lower and driveable pretty quick. I'm just going to do the frame work now so I don't have to do it later. The bed is already off while we get the new floor in.

I'm going to try to get the gas tank out of the cab at this point as well. Again, in the interest of costs and getting it on the road fast, I'm thinking I will just put the filler behind the license plate.

It's all kinda just floating around in my head - I haven't sat down and really planned out an attack yet...

Re: Project "Lucky 13"
 

Just ordered the 4.5/6 drop and 5 lug disc conversion from Early Classic - $1450 shipped.

Question on the drop - what's the wheel size I'm gonna have to run? Is it 17's or bigger?

Re: Project "Lucky 13"
 

moser axles arrived - everything else should be here middle of this week.
Not sure when I'll get a chance to get it on though...still lots of work to be done to frame.

Re: Project "Lucky 13"
 

Pulled bed, remembered to take a pic
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v4...psfc2cba6e.jpg

Pulled front clip. All will be replaced except core support.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v4...psf4242154.jpg

Pulled seat and all the carpet and stuff. Floor is ok with a few exceptions and some wierd patch jobs.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v4...ps1a2b216d.jpg
Posted via Mobile Device

Re: Project "Lucky 13"
 

Tomorrow engine and trans will come out. Front suspension will be broken down for paint or powdercoating. Haven't decided yet. Frame cleanup will start as well.
Posted via Mobile Device

Re: Project "Lucky 13"
 

Welcome to the board.
If you are looking for some ideas on direction and keeping costs low then I can definately help you there.
If you are within an hour of a big city use it to your advantage, try and find a local mini-yard for chevy trucks because not everything you need to buy for the truck has to be new, craigslist will probably help you track it down.
Avoid powdercoating anything because it is a budget killer.

Go down to harbor freight and buy some 4-1/2" 11k RPM Polycarbide disks they are the next best thing to sand blasting, it will quickly and easily remove any contaminate it touches including paint, bondo, surface rust, heavy scale rust, It will clean up the metal and leave a nice clean shiny surface and most of the time it requires no pressure to do the job just the weight of the grinder will usually be enough, only on the heaviest of scale rust does it require any presure.
Reserve the use of your wire wheel on crevices and places you can't get to with the poly disk.

Eastwood sells a very nice house brand MIG welder that is bang for your buck.

Shipping charges will kill your budget faster than almost anything so pay attention when you buy your parts because a lot of places will ship your entire order free if it is over a specified amount, also some places like speedwaymotors.com or summitracing.com run shipping specials on items all the time where if you buy a certain item your entire order ships free, so take advantage of it and make a comprehensive parts list before you buy anything.
If you happen to forget something and need it really fast speedway motors is the fastest in the business.

There are lots more money saving tips but this is all I have time to share today.
Subscribed and I will be following along.

Re: Project "Lucky 13"
 

Xeen - didn't know about the polycarbide discs...good tip. Thank you.

I got new fenders, hood, wiper cowl at a small bone yard. A 71 longbed was sitting behind a few others and was t really touched except for the front suspension.

Having built a few minitrucks I've made friends with a couple hella good guys so I got a welder/paint/body man "on the payroll". He is unfortunately of of work right now, so he is helping me greatly when he isn't looking for a job. And hopefully some of my minitruck knowledge will help. Im pretty familiar with the static drops, which is what I am doing, but this is my first truck with trailing arms and coils so that'll be new :)

Anyway - Thanks for the advice and throw out more. I've learned a lot just lurking around already.
Posted via Mobile Device

Re: Project "Lucky 13"
 

A few pics of the fenders in primer

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v4...psc1ca3910.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v4...ps4693642d.jpg
Posted via Mobile Device

Re: Project "Lucky 13"
 

Anyone know what this white writing on the top section off the firewall is? Is it something historically neat? Or just someone taking some notes?

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v4...pse69c4863.jpg
Posted via Mobile Device

Re: Project "Lucky 13"
 

Look at what the big brown truck just brought me...:)
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v4...ps79f6ca67.jpg

Re: Project "Lucky 13"
 

Engine out
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v4...ps1faa5faa.jpg
Posted via Mobile Device

Re: Project "Lucky 13"
 

another
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v4...psd7cf46e2.jpg

Re: Project "Lucky 13"
 

If it were me I would run 18" Rims all the way around, there are alot of guys that will tell you to put 20's on it but since you are doing a static drop you have to pay close attention to clearances because you can't simply raise up the body like you can with air bags, so you will need clearance for steering which also means you can't go too wide in the front probably 8", also you will probably want to run a 45 tall tire, and probably 255 wide, backspace for the Rim is important you will have to measure.
To keep costs down check into Coys brand rims, and Hankook tires.
Rim: 18x8
Tire: P255/45R18

Re: Project "Lucky 13"
 

I was wondering about the width as well...the s-10's I've done have all usually been
16X8's with one exception when I went REALLY low and did a 6/7 drop and had to run 17's (tie rod ends hit the wheel).

Re: Project "Lucky 13"
 

You can probably run a 10" wide Rim and 285 to 315 wide tire on the back if you are going to be running a ton of horsepower and want to put the power to the ground.

Re: Project "Lucky 13"
 

I don't imagine it will be a lot of HP. I have a stock 350 with a mild cam, aluminum heads, edelbrock 600 carb and manifold - nothing to outrageous.

Not the air cleaner I am running - just a mock up one we had laying around.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v4...BFDDFF9A7C.jpg

Re: Project "Lucky 13"
 

I broke a few links, so I'll update all pics

bed and engine off
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v4...psd7cf46e2.jpg

Seat and carpet out - a few wierd patches
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v4...psc04ba468.jpg

cab off
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v4...ps80ac7eca.jpg

frame on trailer to go to my house - I will clean up as much as possible and prepare for paint
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v4...ps6e933543.jpg

cab in my buddies garage - I don't know how to weld, so he is taking care of the cab corners and rockers, and the floor patches that need fixed. I also need to buy the cab supports, which he will do as well.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v4...ps6b306a1e.jpg

Re: Project "Lucky 13"
 

A word of advice insist on Tabco brand parts for your patch and replacement panels they are the best fitting parts on the market.
http://www.tabcobodyparts.com/index.html

Re: Project "Lucky 13"
 

I already have cab corners and rockers from SoKyclassics. I'll look into tabco for the rest. Thanks
Posted via Mobile Device

Re: Project "Lucky 13"
 

Cab supports ordered. Body mounts and radiator mounts arrived yesterday.
Frame is about ready to paint. Another 3-4 hours of wire brushing and power washing and it will be done. It is all broke down in my backyard now. Just the front crossmember and control arms are still attached.

Finally broke the front end down...discovered the bottom of the radiator core support and the front parts of the inner fenders are rusted pieces of crap, so I'm going to need new ones. Ever time I think I have all the sheet metal ready, another piece pops up to piss me off. No turning back now though with every thing apart.
Posted via Mobile Device

Re: Project "Lucky 13"
 

I know it isn't perfect, but 8-10 hours over the course of a week and 2 wire wheels later, and it's pretty much ready for paint.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v4...6fdea132-1.jpg

Re: Project "Lucky 13"
 

Yeah this is the dirty hard work part and the uphill battle with rust is just starting but just tune out everything and drone through it and it will be over before you know it.
Then the fun starts when everything is painted and assembly is a pleasure because she stops fighting you every step of the way and everything goes back together so easy it's like a dream.

Re: Project "Lucky 13"
 

c-notch in, frame cleaned, primed, painted, and cleared...

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v4...psb5597edf.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v4...psc9e5f123.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v4...ps7270fc02.jpg

Re: Project "Lucky 13"
 

In case anyone is following....update teaser pic
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v4...ps6a79f81d.jpg

Re: Project "Lucky 13"
 

Nice! Like the color

Re: Project "Lucky 13"
 

Some new updates....rear end 100% in and 5 lug conversion complete all around. I picked the color now so we sprayed the firewall just to get an idea of what it will look like. We scrapped the color, re-primed, and re-sprayed the engine and valve covers...then dropped it in. Threw on some front end sheet metal and the bed (not bolted in, just mocked up to see how it is coming together.
Pics in no particular order...

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v4...ps4e1190ec.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v4...psb9765ab1.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v4...psc0862f83.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v4...ps382d995b.jpg

Re: Project "Lucky 13"
 

I learned some welding. Welded up stake pocket holes and ground them down.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v4...psa73b6f69.jpg

Cheap sandblasting of hood hinges before
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v4...ps44e5b6a3.jpg

After
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v4...psf389fab8.jpg

And primed then painted.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v4...ps509d74aa.jpg


I think they look good considering I'm an amateur.

Re: Project "Lucky 13"
 

Also sanded, primed and painted the visor rods and hood latch, and got the inner fenders sand blasted and primed.

Re: Project "Lucky 13"
 

It looks like you are making some good progress, the engine looks nice.

Re: Project "Lucky 13"
 

There is a lot of other stuff I just didn't document. Interior is all out and the seats, visors, and headliner are at the upholstery shop. Inside of cab is like 95% ready for paint. I bought an RCI gas tank and it will go into a tool box I'm building in the bed. Rear bed light has been removed and tacked in to smooth it out. Core support is almost ready for primer.

There is some other stuff I'm forgetting, but it's moving along. A little slower than I want, but still moving.

Re: Project "Lucky 13"
 

Some updates

Seats - cut down and recovered 2001 Grand Prix seats
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v4...psda09e326.jpg

Re: Project "Lucky 13"
 

1 inner fender
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v4...s25d9c2e2.jpeg

tailgate
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v4...s8d30839b.jpeg

fender
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v4...sb03a6b26.jpeg

inner door panel
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v4...sffcc40eb.jpeg

wiper cowl
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v4...s821ba165.jpeg

they aren't done - still need wet sanded. But progress is being made.
Visors have also been recovered and a new headliner has been made.

Re: Project "Lucky 13"
 

A little update....as she sits right now

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v4...sse2jqgme.jpeghttp://img.photobucket.com/albums/v4...sociwxhdx.jpeg

Re: Project "Lucky 13"
 

update - passenger bed rail was wavy and funky, so we sanded it all back down, along with the rest of the bed and the cab, doors, and all the inner cab. we are a little body work and some sanding away from painting the whole thing