1981_c10 Step-Side

[LT7A]

Lots of progress, looks good. You mentioned a Subaru silver and I actually thought that it's too bad there wasn't a stock silver you could use instead of an offshore color. That's how rare they are, I don't recall ever seeing a silver one. I was also thinking today that I've had two vehicles repainted in a a color different than original. If I was doing them over, I would paint them the original color. Also, for what it's worth, I think stripes and stuff like that can be cool if done well, but I would recommend doing them in vinyl. Probably something you can do yourself and save on the painting costs. With mine, I figure when I want to go back to a stock looking rig, all I have to do is warm it up with a hair dryer and peel away.

[1981_c10]

Originally Posted by LT7A

Lots of progress, looks good. You mentioned a Subaru silver and I actually thought that it's too bad there wasn't a stock silver you could use instead of an offshore color. That's how rare, they are, I don't recall ever seeing a silver one. I was also thinking today that I've had two vehicles repainted in a a color different than original. If I was doing them over, I would paint them the original color. Also, for what it's worth, I think stripes and stuff like that can be cool if done well, but I would recommend doing them in vinyl. Probably something you can do yourself and save on the painting costs. With mine, I figure when I want to go back to a stock looking rig, all I have to do is warm it up with a hair dryer and peel away.

To be honest, i just have found a stock silver i like. I want one with more metallic than the GM colors offer. Good thoughts on the stripes. I will talk to my painter and get his thoughts. It is a friend of mine so it doesnt impact the cost too much.

[1981_c10]

Has anyone used POR15 kits to coat the frame? Since my frame is open right now i was going to wire wheel and brush on. I have no experience with the product but the current route i am leaning toward.

Is you have used it to you recommend gloss or semi to closest match stock? I am leaning semi.

[daddyjeep]

Originally Posted by 1981_c10

Has anyone used POR15 kits to coat the frame? Since my frame is open right now i was going to wire wheel and brush on. I have no experience with the product but the current route i am leaning toward.

Is you have used it to you recommend gloss or semi to closest match stock? I am leaning semi.

I have used it a couple times. Make sure that you use their prep and follow the directions, especially the part about wearing gloves. This crap will not come off your skin for a couple weeks. I used in on my Jeep frame and didn't use their prep and it is peeling off. My frame was mostly bare metal and it doesn't bond to that without their prep. My truck frame was just wire wheeled so it did have some light surface rust and it is working much better. Remember that this stuff needs topcoated so the gloss and color of that is up to you. I have found that gloss is easier to keep clean.

[1981_c10]

Originally Posted by daddyjeep

I have used it a couple times. Make sure that you use their prep and follow the directions, especially the part about wearing gloves. This crap will not come off your skin for a couple weeks. I used in on my Jeep frame and didn't use their prep and it is peeling off. My frame was mostly bare metal and it doesn't bond to that without their prep. My truck frame was just wire wheeled so it did have some light surface rust and it is working much better. Remember that this stuff needs topcoated so the gloss and color of that is up to you. I have found that gloss is easier to keep clean.

Thanks for the insight!

[LT7A]

Originally Posted by 1981_c10

Has anyone used POR15 kits to coat the frame? Since my frame is open right now i was going to wire wheel and brush on. I have no experience with the product but the current route i am leaning toward.

Is you have used it to you recommend gloss or semi to closest match stock? I am leaning semi.

Chances are that even with your buddy, you will save some pretty good money if you someday decide you don't want the stripes because you won't have to repaint anything.

I'm a big fan of Rustoleum since it is paint and go. Touch up and go. Although I think you can leave POR15 un-topcoated on your frame, if I understand correctly, it is the UV that affects it and on your frame it should be indirect, any UV that gets to it. That said, I never have used it so others who have left it uncoated could tell you more. It's beyond my budget for $ and time spent, given the location.

[Palf70Step]

MY buddy did his 70 with POR and it is holding up good. IT is very touchy and can be a mess. Wear Gloves and a good respirator. I have used on several trucks what I like better is Eastwood's Rust Encapsulater. It seems to do as well as the POR (to me), is easier, less toxic to apply andcan easily be top coated if you want.

As mentioned in my youth up north I have also used Rustoleium and it did OK also. Of the 3, nowadays, I like the Eastwood.

[1981_c10]

Thanks for all the insight. I think I will look into the eastwood products! I am picking up a power washer from a friend today to start cleaning the frame this weekend.

[Palf70Step]

Go to the dollar store and get some cheap oven cleaner (3/4 cans) to spray on before you pressure wash it. It really helps clean up the grease and grime.

[1981_c10]

Great idea, i have 2 cans but could probably use one more.


I took out the after-market radio today...the big cut out in the dash is a bummer. I am wanting to go back to a stock looking radio. Does anyone have any experience in repairing the oversized whole the installers cut. (i am not a welder...)

[1981_c10]

Small update, i got the rest of the gauges, ac controls etc out of the truck. Only thing in the cab now is the steering column. I had to replace my column a few years ago after some dummies tried to steal my truck and broke my column to pieces. Well, i just noticed the plastic part that signals what gear is broke, so i guess i will have to pull the column again to replace that.

I also have been scrapping the glue from the windshield channel. I will try to get some pics.

[TKCR]

Originally Posted by 1981_c10

Great idea, i have 2 cans but could probably use one more.


I took out the after-market radio today...the big cut out in the dash is a bummer. I am wanting to go back to a stock looking radio. Does anyone have any experience in repairing the oversized whole the installers cut. (i am not a welder...)

Just read them your build thread. I really like what you have done so far. And looking at your interior, your door panels, it’s definitely CarmineRed.
Also for the radio repair, you can get a radio repair patch in. That way you can go back to a stock radio. Check out the parts section, they are on there every now & then. I see them on eBay also. Looking forward to seeing more of the work your doing on the stepside.

[1981_c10]

Small update, been sanding out the windshield adhesive and going to be prepping the interior for paint soon. Also been working through interior items and new parts needed.

Taking to the painter 11/17!!

[1981_c10]

Update, been gathering parts. Got some seat belts from a donor truck. some are good some are bad. Still looking for one should belt and two female belts in carmine red.

Also picked up two carmine red headliners and all the trim parts. Mine didnt come with a headliner so will be adding.

[1981_c10]

Truck officially got some paint on it friday. Did the gaps between the bed panels. I tried uploading pics but it didnt work. I am headed up there next monday to help out. Hopefully the bed will be pretty far then and i will take some pictures.

I also ordered the hidden latch kit we need to install. We are welding up all the unused holes in the bed too so should look clean.

Lastly, started getting some of my USA1 interior. Got lower carpet panels, paint, misc screws/fasterners, and inside window cranks and door latches. Swap meet at TMS is in a couple week and hope to pick a few more things up. Also picked up a stock hood.

[TKCR]

Originally Posted by 1981_c10

Truck officially got some paint on it friday. Did the gaps between the bed panels. I tried uploading pics but it didnt work. I am headed up there next monday to help out. Hopefully the bed will be pretty far then and i will take some pictures.

I also ordered the hidden latch kit we need to install. We are welding up all the unused holes in the bed too so should look clean.

Lastly, started getting some of my USA1 interior. Got lower carpet panels, paint, misc screws/fasterners, and inside window cranks and door latches. Swap meet at TMS is in a couple week and hope to pick a few more things up. Also picked up a stock hood.

Can’t wait to see the pics!

[1981_c10]

Well, the texas snow storm again delayed my cab getting to the painter. Hoping not this weekend but next weekend I can get it over there...

Anybody going to Pates Swap Meet next weekend? I knw LST is the same weekend.

[TKCR]

Well that's a bummer. Hope all is well down there in Texas. Seems that Texas is getting the raw end of the deal, and from all sides.

[1981_c10]

Originally Posted by TKCR

Well that's a bummer. Hope all is well down there in Texas. Seems that Texas is getting the raw end of the deal, and from all sides.

It is getting better. My pregnant wife and I were out of power for 40+ hours...end up going to my parents when it got into the 40's in our house. Very crazy experience for Texas.

At home now though.

[LT7A]

Wow that's cold! Glad you guys got through it okay.

[calvin78612]

Are you going to the LMC truck show at TMS ?

[1981_c10]

Originally Posted by calvin78612

Are you going to the LMC truck show at TMS ?

Yeah I am. Not sure my truck will be ready but hoping to be ready enough to take it. Are you?

[calvin78612]

Yes, going sat. but my 77 is not finished yet so maybe by C10's in the park it will be ready.

[TKCR]

Do you still have one of those behind the seat bags?

[Palf70Step]

Nice parts source. Did the thing start up and run?