Re: Project Old Blue, 1965 C10, Rebuild Version 2010
 

Took in a job to help found this project. I am installing a complete wire harness into an '80 C10. Got all the old harness out over the weekend. Some of the wiring was scary bad and could lead to a host of problems. Glad he decided to have a new harness installed. I will hook up his trailer brake controller in a much more reliable way...There were some wires with 2 or 3 cheap butt splices in them...

Did get some work done on my new power train, got the heads on finally and got the transmission cleaned up ready for paint and new external seals. No pictures of that work though...I will get some tonight, and hopefully paint the trans too.

Pictures of the rats nest of the wiring...

Re: Project Old Blue, 1965 C10, Rebuild Version 2010
 

Spent a few minutes in the garage last night squirting some paint on the transmission. Now to find my flex plate bolts and get the engine and trans put together...

Re: Project Old Blue, 1965 C10, Rebuild Version 2010
 

Well, had to order the flex plate bolts for the LS as the OE ones are MIA. Those came in, but this past weekend was more about the rewire for the customer than time for my own stuff.

Last night I got the factory wiper harness and delay control reworked to function with the universal AAW harness for his C10. The new harness only has a wiper motor power feed wire.

The only wires I have to hook once this is in the cab, is the power wire from the AAW harness, a ground wire, and the dash light wire. :metal:

Re: Project Old Blue, 1965 C10, Rebuild Version 2010
 

Might need to research your connections. I have a delay set-up as well & I'm deciding on the wiring options now as it seems like the best way to go vs. using the original stuff (although it actually didn't seem bad per say).

Re: Project Old Blue, 1965 C10, Rebuild Version 2010
 

Did plenty of research to get to this point. I had the OE diagrams to work from for the 1980 C10. In my head it should work as it is wired just like the original, luckily this will be easy to test out. I just hope all the OE parts are still in good working order...:lol:

Re: Project Old Blue, 1965 C10, Rebuild Version 2010
 

Just a couple update progress pictures of the rewire job I am doing on an '80 C-10.

Getting close to testing out the circuits...

Re: Project Old Blue, 1965 C10, Rebuild Version 2010
 

Still plugging away on the '80 C10 rewire. It is taking a bit longer than I had hoped on getting this one complete. Most of it is me not wanting to work in the heat after I get home from my day job.

Got nearly all the under hood items complete. Need to get a ring terminal for a 5/16" bolt for the grounds and hook up the 12V battery feed wires. PCM is mounted, Headlight wiring is complete with relay upgrade, fuse block for PCM is mounted and wired in. I put a Key Hot terminal strip and a Ground terminal strip on the inside of the fender for the owner to have some easy access to wire in future items.

As for the '65, I have been collection parts I need, a trans cooler, fittings, VSS connector to replace a broken one, new oil dip stick tube to replace the bent one I had, and a few other minor items.

Re: Project Old Blue, 1965 C10, Rebuild Version 2010
 

I'm betting that install is going to make a big difference in the trucks reliability from the electronics side of the coin.

Re: Project Old Blue, 1965 C10, Rebuild Version 2010
 

Thanks Scoti. Based on what I saw as I pulled out the old stuff, there was plenty of potential for some electrical issues...

I hope the end result of the install and the owner being happy with it results in some more side work for me.

Re: Project Old Blue, 1965 C10, Rebuild Version 2010
 

Here are some more pictures of the rewire job.

This is the finish up stage of getting the rear lights hooked up. I did not redo the taillight harness from the plug to the lights. I only fixed the issues where the new main harness gets to the plug and the connection to the trailer light plug.

There where splices of splices when I took it a part. Some were cheap crimp connectors, some just the wire stripped in the middle with a wire wrapped around it then covered with cheep electrical tape.

I did not have another plug set to use to tie the trailer plug together with the main harness, so I used good insulated spade connectors so that if needed the harnesses could be simply unplugged if the bed needed to come off for some reason in the future. All splices and connections are properly made with the correct parts and tools then protected with shrink tubing.

I wish I would have taken a picture or two of what I started with, because it was a mess.:waah:

Re: Project Old Blue, 1965 C10, Rebuild Version 2010
 

More on the '80 C10 rewire...

I am real close to finishing this one. I want it gone so I can put some attention to mine...

I hope to start testing out some of the circuits after work today.

Re: Project Old Blue, 1965 C10, Rebuild Version 2010
 

Dadgumint! Karl's updating and I missed it! Glad to see you're doing well.

Re: Project Old Blue, 1965 C10, Rebuild Version 2010
 

You have not missed much on the '65 at this point. I have been using this thread as a place to post up other stuff I have been doing, kinda like Grizz1963 does with his thread.

Got to get this '80 rewire out of my way and get a bit more done on the '65!

Re: Project Old Blue, 1965 C10, Rebuild Version 2010
 

The rewire of the '80 C10 is complete and the owner now has it back. Glad to see that one completed. Should be straight forward for him to get the LS running. Took in another LS Swap harness rework. Got about 30 minutes into it already just getting the loom and factory harness tape off on the wires.

We have named the red '86, Red Dawg. We figured out the starting issue after replacing the ignition switch, which when using a volt meter lead us to that being the issue, turns out the two fusible links at the starter where toast and the PO had made an attempt to repair, there was enough to read voltage, but the load was to much once you tried to start the truck. Got those replaced with new fusible links and the truck start fine now. The picture is the "fusible links" that the PO had repaired...

Re: Project Old Blue, 1965 C10, Rebuild Version 2010
 

Finished up another LS Swap Harness...
DBC, 6.0/4L80e, Relocate the PCM under the Dash, Move Alt connection to Passenger side, Move Coolant Temp to Passenger side

Mocked up on my Engine...

Re: Project Old Blue, 1965 C10, Rebuild Version 2010
 

We also moved my '65 to our shop in Tyler. Soon to have the 6.0 & 4L80e installed!

Re: Project Old Blue, 1965 C10, Rebuild Version 2010
 

Are you finding the used motors/set-ups easy enough? I've been watching for a 6.0/4l80e myself.

Re: Project Old Blue, 1965 C10, Rebuild Version 2010
 

I can find 5.3/4L60e setups just about any day of the week. The 6.0/4l80e is harder to find and fetch a bit more money around here. Sometime you have to get a complete donor vehicle to get a good price on the parts you need...I lucked out on my 6.0/4L80eset up. I bought a wrecked truck from a local street sweeping company, sold parts off it and kept what I needed and then scrapped the rest.

Re: Project Old Blue, 1965 C10, Rebuild Version 2010
 

Gotcha. I've been watching a box truck w/a 6.0/4l80e. Not sure what I can get for the carcass w/o the drivetrain as it's a fairly large object (not something you want just sitting around). While I know 5.3's get the job done, I have no desire to add boost/complexity & don't like the gearing of 4l60e's.

Re: Project Old Blue, 1965 C10, Rebuild Version 2010
 

Well, its been a couple months with little work getting done on this truck. I have been working on my custom harness for the engine/transmission, but back to waiting on parts for it to move forward.

We did move the truck to my shop in Tyler and I got to work on it over the holidays some. I tested positive for COVID 12/17, so I ended up being quarantine until 12/31 for work. I was to be on vacation and going to my parents for Christmas so that did not happen...

Owen was able to come home for about a week after graduating from RTC with the Navy. He started is 2 week quarantine before he begins his A-School in Great Lakes on Jan 11th.

Korbin and I have spent some quality shop time on our two project over the last few days. Seems we have both gotten a bit of motivation to work on our junk.

Re: Project Old Blue, 1965 C10, Rebuild Version 2010
 

My '65 is getting a rattle can make over of sorts, as much as I want to redo it 100%, it is not in the budget or time frame I can do right now. I want to have this as a driver again and plan to have it in a parade later this year when Gillespie County has their parade, the City of Fredericksburg is 175 year old this year, and our family farm is the oldest continually family owned farm in the county. My truck was bought new in Fredericksburg and was used on the farm for may years before I got it.

So, I started under the cab getting rid of the early '90's body colored frame and suspension. See pics below...

Re: Project Old Blue, 1965 C10, Rebuild Version 2010
 

while I worked under my truck, Korbin worked on getting his front suspension back together. He has some touch up painting to do, but I think it looks good. He prefers the Flat Black look on his stuff...

Re: Project Old Blue, 1965 C10, Rebuild Version 2010
 

The next day, we both went back to the shop for a few hours, he stayed longer than I did and was able to get more done on his truck. I got my front suspension partially disassembled to make cleaning and painting it easier. Glad I did too, both outer tie rods where shot...the rest was in good shape! Worked on the center link with a wire wheel and a flap disc to smooth it up and blend in 55 years worth of beatings...

Next time I head to the shop, will be with some more DA paper to smooth out the rails a bit more where it has been chipped and damaged over the years since the frame off was done. Then clean and paint with some gloss black rattle can.

Re: Project Old Blue, 1965 C10, Rebuild Version 2010
 

Korbin work on cleaning the rear end housing and the rear frame rails. He got the rails cleaned up with a wire wheel and got the C-Notches welded in and blended smooth. Shot some flat black paint on all that.

Sorry the pics are upside down. This happens when he uses his phone to take them. They look right on my phone and on my laptop, but end up side down when I load them on here...

Re: Project Old Blue, 1965 C10, Rebuild Version 2010
 

One more post today, not truck related, but Family Farm related. A few years ago my sister and her husband had a logo designed and shirts made. The logo in the first pic that is what the back of the shirts look like. So this year I had some hats made. We had to modify the logo slightly to make it work with the embroidery. These are the hats I gave to my sister and her family. I will need to get a picture of the other hats I had made.

Re: Project Old Blue, 1965 C10, Rebuild Version 2010
 

Glad to see some updates. I like your 'enjoy it now' vs. the wait to make it the 'show winner' philosophy. While I like & appreciate the top-tier builds w/all the details, my budget is more regular driver. Rattle-cans, well thought out stockish updated assemblies, & build/assembly details on a project go a long way toward the 'sooner rather than later' push while keeping it a very attractive ride.

I like the VHT Epoxy Satin Black (or similar) for my stuff. Gloss tends to show imperfections easier & flat seems like a sponge for contaminates post-paint. I also use Rustoleum Low Gloss Black as a good match for the low gloss powder coat on stuff as well.

Hope Owen & the Navy are adjusting to each other well. he's a good kid so I feel he's going to excel. Stay well my friend!

Re: Project Old Blue, 1965 C10, Rebuild Version 2010
 

Thanks Scoti! Owen is really liking it so far. Next week he should be starting his A-school for his job.

I too like the VHT Epoxy Satin Black, I might be using it for some contrast. Korbin talked me into using the Rustoleum Professional in the silver can. They have a flat and a gloss black. Not a fan of the flat, so I am using the gloss. I have used the Krylon ColorMAX satin black with good result (Ken recommends this one).

I am going to use a VHT that is a cast stainless/iron color for my steering components an should compliment the gloss black nicely.

Plan to go to the shop after work today. I finish prepping the frame rails and control arms, but not paint, it is raining now and forecasted to rain into the night. Paint might have to wait till this weekend.

Re: Project Old Blue, 1965 C10, Rebuild Version 2010
 

Ken & I both were big fans of the OG Krylon Satin Black. Once the formula was changed (for our safety :rolleyes: ) Ken was ok w/the 'new' stuff... I wasn't. To me, the VHT is the closest thing; it just isn't as 'driveway engineer' friendly.

I'll check my cans but I'm pretty sure there's a 'Low Gloss' Rustoleum. It strikes the balance between the flat vs gloss. I am getting older so you have me wondering now.

Re: Project Old Blue, 1965 C10, Rebuild Version 2010
 

I did not have pictures the other day of the Richardson 112 hats I had done for me and my boys. Here is what I came up with. General consensus is that the brown/kaki hat is the best color combo of the bunch.

I will be doing more of these for the guys that lease our farm for hunting and running cattle. They will all get the brown/kaki version. My oldest boy likes the black/charcoal and the charcoal/ black hats the best. My favorites are the brown/kaki and the loden(olive green)/black hats.

Re: Project Old Blue, 1965 C10, Rebuild Version 2010
 

I have used Eastwood paint for most of my build especially their chassis paints. They are a little more expensive but I have had excellent results.

Re: Project Old Blue, 1965 C10, Rebuild Version 2010
 

Spent some time out at the shop on Saturday. Helped Korbin a bit with his, but got work done on my frame. It is not a perfect 100 point restoration, but not meant to be either at this time. I am very happy with my results. Used the Krylon Truck Bed liner for the lower firewall on both sides in the fender well. Was only $6/can at Walmart, figured I would see what it looks like. I like the look and will use it inside the rest of the front fenders when they go back on. Here are pics of the prep work on the frame and the Krylon on the lower firewall. I used a DA to feather out the chips in the 30 year old blue paint.

Re: Project Old Blue, 1965 C10, Rebuild Version 2010
 

Before I left the shop, I got my Gloss Black Rustoleum on the frame rails and center part of the front cross member. Pretty happy with the results.
Snow was in the forecast for Sunday, so we stayed home. We got 3.5"-4" of snow here in East Texas, Korbin and his sister messed around in it for a bit and shot off some fireworks. I came out to the front porch to watch and supervise...

Re: Project Old Blue, 1965 C10, Rebuild Version 2010
 

We got some of that white stuff in DFW but nothing measurable. I was outside on Saturday am/afternoon enjoying the sun finishing up some tweaks to my OBS '99 & would never have thought there was going to be snow less than 24hrs later....

Re: Project Old Blue, 1965 C10, Rebuild Version 2010
 

Please keep that white crap to yourselves.... lol i will take the warm and sunnier sky.... well for now.....

Re: Project Old Blue, 1965 C10, Rebuild Version 2010
 

It's coming right along. Thanks for the updates. :)

Re: Project Old Blue, 1965 C10, Rebuild Version 2010
 

Well, got a short time at the shop yesterday to finish up the mess I started back on the 11th. Well, last week I worked on it but did not get any pictures. Last week I noticed a few spots with some large runs in and also had a brake line leaking that messed up the paint on the driver side frame rail. So I ended up sanding out the runs, fixing the brake line, and taking the A-arms off to paint them and do more on the frame. Kinda got carried away, did not intend to go that far...:lol: It started raining and yesterday was the best day we have had in a good number of days.

So last night the weather was nice. I got the front frame completely resprayed with the gloss black. Now to paint the spindles, arms, and steering components so that I can put it all back together.

Re: Project Old Blue, 1965 C10, Rebuild Version 2010
 

I know some like the body colored frames but the blacks contrast is 100x better to me. I hope you ride this momentum as the new year continues!

Re: Project Old Blue, 1965 C10, Rebuild Version 2010
 

Mine had a purple frame, I think the guys mind was in the 80's?
The black looks so much cleaner.

Re: Project Old Blue, 1965 C10, Rebuild Version 2010
 

Thanks guys!

The body colored frame was cool back in the day, but it is dated. I like the black much better now.

Re: Project Old Blue, 1965 C10, Rebuild Version 2010
 

Got too work on it some more last week. Got only one picture to show as I spent more time helping Korbin on his project then actually working on mine.

Once I took the A-arms off to fix the crack and get them ready to paint, I decided on a change in direction. I have always wanted to do an air ride set up on something, I have the parts needed to do it for the suspension items, I have PD Fab Forward Lowers and a set up tube uppers.

Now just need to pick a control system. Cost will be a MAJOR part of the decision. So electronic automated controls are out.

Who/What do you guys suggest for a basic manual up/down switch/gauge set up? A compressor and tank are not a big issue. I am thinking of hitting up Thorbros at LST if they are there on a simple set up if I actually get to go to LST.