Where do I even start
 

Well my dad and I are going to start working his 70 C10 this week. My plans for the first day are to get it out of the shop where it has sat for almost 20 years. I want to get it out and give it a good bath and that will allow us easier access to clean up the shop a bit also to make more room. I would like to get it back in the shop and get it on some jack stands to start evaluation. From then we will decide how we want to proceed. Should be a good time working on this with dad but I a little overwhelmed on where to even begin. I kind of want to take it down to the frame but I think dad just wants to make it safe and reliable to drive again. It will have to be a compromise between us since we are splitting the cost of everything. What would you guys do? Definately the bed rails, headache rack and brush guard will be trashed. I'm excited to get started and learn alot from all the knowledge here. Thanks,
Brent

http://i924.photobucket.com/albums/a...psx0p5ypil.jpg

http://i924.photobucket.com/albums/a...psvyhwlqwm.jpg

http://i924.photobucket.com/albums/a...psbyw0o3f7.jpg

http://i924.photobucket.com/albums/a...psczdhni6x.jpg

http://i924.photobucket.com/albums/a...psz1yuuxq9.jpg

Re: Where do I even start
 

To keep it fun and to not get burned out work on one area at a time and keep the truck operable. Get it running then stopping. Then maybe one side floor board rust repair. Then you and pops can take it for a ride and enjoy it while your working on it. If it’s totally torn apart it gets really expensive and no reward of driving it, that is overwhelming and will burn you guys out. My .02$

Re: Where do I even start
 

^^^ I agree, except, DON'T throw out any parts, the brush guard may be desireable to other people, I've seen them go for a considerable amount of money on the for sale board. I've been working on mine for 20 years, wish I didn't take it apart

Re: Where do I even start
 

That brush guard is the "Smash Hit" and is the same as the one on my short step. It was made right there in Waco by The Perry Company and it is SOLID steel bars no wimpy tube. Looks like it may be tweaked a little on drivers side but you may want to keep it. I was going to ditch mine but the lower braces modify the grill surround so I decided to keep it and it has grown on me.

Truck looks like a good solid project. Decide what your goals are for the truck and start by cleaning it up. Wash the outside, vacuum the inside and start fixing things you need to reach your goal!

Re: Where do I even start
 

Search CLR....after you wash it, scotch bright and CLR....let it sit a while and rinse. Sweet project.

Re: Where do I even start
 

I'm assuming you are talking about using CLR on the trim and grill along with the scotchbrite.

Re: Where do I even start
 

[quote=Mike C;8639335]That brush guard is the "Smash Hit" and is the same as the one on my short step. It was made right there in Waco by The Perry Company and it is SOLID steel bars no wimpy tube. Looks like it may be tweaked a little on drivers side but you may want to keep it. I was going to ditch mine but the lower braces modify the grill surround so I decided to keep it and it has grown on me.

Truck looks like a good solid project. Decide what your goals are for the truck and start by cleaning it up. Wash the outside, vacuum the inside and start fixing things you need to reach your

Interesting Information about the brush guard. I will keep that in mind and maybe see about selling it to put money back into the truck.

Re: Where do I even start
 

^^^ This! (0000 steel wool on that beautiful original paint...) Then get it roadworthy/safe. Enjoy some rides together as you work on more. As mentioned above it’s amazing how easy it is to teardown, and end up with a never ending project.

Oh, and start a build thread so we can all watch. Awesome truck!

Re: Where do I even start
 

No, no scotchbrite on the trim and grille. Use the scotchbrite and CLR on the sheet metal only. Once you read the threads about it you will understand.

You will see some good threads on the subject if you type "CLR" into the Google search box at the top of this page, click on the circle in front of "67-72chevytrucks.com and click on the "Google" button. I think one of them says something about CLR & Scotchbright. It's amazing how well it cleans up rusty sheet metal.

Here is a thread with some pictures:

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=503608

Looks like a nice short bed project.....

LockDoc

Re: Where do I even start
 

Thanks! I was just watching some videos on youtube. I may have to give that a try eventually. Maybe try a spot this week and see how in comes out.

Re: Where do I even start
 

The grill appears to be aluminum is that right? I was wondering how hard it would be to polish.

Re: Where do I even start
 

The grille and trim are aluminum but it has an anodized finish on it. The anodizing would have to be removed before you could polish it. I don't know how bad it is but I would try some Turtle Wax White Polishing Compound on it first.

LockDoc

Re: Where do I even start
 

Change all fluids antifreeze, engine oil brake fluid, trans oil and rear-end. check brake shoes and wheel cylinders and pack wheel bearings.

Re: Where do I even start
 

I didn't go look at the links, but I'd think that the white Scotch-brite would be the one to use. The green is pretty aggressive.

Re: Where do I even start
 

A very high percentage of "frame off" projects never get finished.
First one? The percentage is even higher.

Get it running, stopping, driving and enjoy owning the truck.

Re: Where do I even start
 

Brent I would suggest you think again about removing all the aftermarket items your father installed. Those things where an investment he thought necessary to protect it. As others have stated get her running first safely and do one project at a time. Lots of us get a chance to work on dads old truck AFTER he passed, you get to while he’s still with you, enjoy the time together...:metal:

Re: Where do I even start
 

So update on our new project. We got her out of the shop this morning to make an attempt to try and clean up the shop to allow more room to work. We hauled off two full truck loads of junk so it was a start. This was the first time it had seen sun in about 20 years and I felt good to get to out. We both wanted to remove the bed rails and headache rack so while dad was sweeping in the shop I yanked off. I decided to go ahead and give it a good wash to clean up some of the 20 years of dirt on the paint. We moved it to the other bay of the shop where she will sit while being worked on. I am excited to jump in on tjeis project and I am on vacation until 2 Jan so I have some time to spend going over all aspects of the truck so we can decide on a game plan. Here are a few more pics!

http://i924.photobucket.com/albums/a...psozepyice.jpg

http://i924.photobucket.com/albums/a...ps5epzhhix.jpg

http://i924.photobucket.com/albums/a...psvcdtkrsy.jpg

http://i924.photobucket.com/albums/a...psuvpj7qpt.jpg

http://i924.photobucket.com/albums/a...psgn2o7cfn.jpg

http://i924.photobucket.com/albums/a...pszxxrxe25.jpg

http://i924.photobucket.com/albums/a...psszuwalak.jpg

http://i924.photobucket.com/albums/a...psofpufd7l.jpg

http://i924.photobucket.com/albums/a...pswtenmvgk.jpg

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Re: Where do I even start
 

You didnt say it was a short bed and it was hard to tell when it was stuffed the the garage, cool truck and a bit odd i think being a short bed and that smash hit grill guard on it.

Thats a very desirable and valuable grill guard.

Re: Where do I even start
 

Post a SPID pic

Re: Where do I even start
 

What is a SPID pic? Unfortunately the fruck is about 45 minutes away at my parents house and I won't be back that way until Monday.

Re: Where do I even start
 

It is an option label on the inside of the glove box. MAN those pics are BIG!

Re: Where do I even start
 

Will do. I saw it on the glovebox door yesterday.

Re: Where do I even start
 

A lot of elbow grease polishing and waxing and you'll be very surprised with the results.

Re: Where do I even start
 

I also have a project I bought off my neighbor. It did not run but he was slowly getting it there. The tanks and fuel were already purged and a new edelbrock intake and carb. I would love to do a restore but at the same time don't want to take 20 years to do it. In my case, im.calling it the rolling restore. I made.it run, and looking to get it road worthy so I can drive it when I want.. I am fixing and replacing parts as I go.
What I am saying is, basically go his route and get it driveable and fix as you go. Fresh fluids, get it running, fix leaks and go from there

Re: Where do I even start
 

Keep that left front 8" - 6 lug - 4 nub - steelie! That's $100+ all day long.

Re: Where do I even start
 

Here is a pic of the SPID. Hope its big enough to read.

http://i924.photobucket.com/albums/a...pstfi4dyxe.jpg

Re: Where do I even start
 

Well I went to mom and dafs this morning to get a good lool over the truck. Good news is the floor pand are not rusted out and only the passenger rocker panel will need to be replaced. There is a spot in the bed floor that had about 4 holes from rust and there is a support heam underneath the holes that is rusted out. Not too bad. Dad decided he wanted to take the bed off and start doing some body work. I guess we are going further into this than I originally thought. That is fine with me. He will start working on the bed while I start working on the mechanicals starting in the rear. New springs, shocks, wiring, brake lines, bushings and brakes are going to be in order as well as a rear end rebuild. I'm going to have my hands full but its going to be fun getting to take this on with my dad. I need to do more research on what rear end I have and where to buy rebuild parts. Also a lot of research on brakes. Also will need to clean up the frame somehow and paint it. I was thinking a wire brush wheel might work pretty good to clean the frame. Any ideas here? Here are a couple of pics from today.

http://i924.photobucket.com/albums/a...pslkknnrfa.jpg

http://i924.photobucket.com/albums/a...psrdtwwx5s.jpg

http://i924.photobucket.com/albums/a...ps71bzqou6.jpg

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Re: Where do I even start
 

Do a search for posts on POR 15.

Re: Where do I even start
 

For the love of all that is even remotely holy please do yourself a favor and keep it original, at least until its up and running. That paint will have the absolute perfect patina after the CLR treatment. Just get her shining, meticulously clean the interior, and engine compartment then do a full fluid swap, empty the gas tank before you try to start it up, make sure it runs, shifts and stops well. If you still have time to work on it before you go back to work then address any rubber that needs replacing, like door seals and cab bushings.

You have a special truck there for sure. Not just because of the obvious rarity and condition of the truck, but the chance to do this with the man who put all the miles on it. I have no idea about the relationship you have with your dad, but I'd give my eye teeth to have had that chance.

Such a great truck man...:metal:

Re: Where do I even start
 

I'm with you on what you are saying but I am leaving the decisions on how far we take it up to my dad. We decided to take on this project so he and I could have something to do together. He and my brother have their hunting and fishing. I am a car guy and have always wanted this truck in the future. My dad and I have a great relationship and I am very fortunate to be able to take this on with him. I just want him to be able to enjoy this truck for many more years rather it be getting it running and driving or working on a bigger project. In the end I am happy. Just didn't want to see it sitting in the shop untouched and collecting junk any longer.

Re: Where do I even start
 

I get what Cornerstone was trying to recommend. Focus on cleaning up what's there before starting ANY paint/priming (especially on exterior surfaces of the panels) & plan it out from there. You said it yourself.... You're the car guy; he's the hunter. Help him understand the 'why' of your suggestions. If he doesn't care, then you made the preservation effort regardless.

Wire wheels on a drill work well for stripping the frame/suspension parts. They also sell a DIY sandblast set-up now the uses water-pressure w/sand media for road grime clean-up. Google 'Dustless Blasting' after the CLR process. And.... White or Lt Gray Scotch-Brite pads for the painted surfaces; 0000 steel wool for trim for the CLR process.

Re: Where do I even start
 

Don't get me wrong here. My dad is a car guy also and recently retired from a 42 year career in automotive paint and body. If he wants to do body an paint work I am more than happy letting him do it.

Re: Where do I even start
 

Understood. That additional background info makes a HUGE difference vs. someone slingin' a rattle can w/o understanding things.

Re: Where do I even start
 

100% agree.

We got our truck in January, drove it off the trailer and in to the garage and started tearing apart. Been frustrating seeing a partially built truck out there ever since. Finally starting to put things back on the cab and the frame/drive train is almost completely reassembled. Actually just got the exhaust in today.

It would have been much more fun to do it piecemeal and be able to enjoy driving it over the past several months.

Re: Where do I even start
 

Ok. Glad to hear more perspective. What an awesome opportunity for the both of yall!

Well said! Thanks SCOTI....


Wow! This really opens up some serious possibilities... Lots of pictures please! (although maybe a bit smaller?)

How about setting up a build thread?
Brian

Re: Where do I even start
 

I will try and set up a build thread once we really get moving.

Re: Where do I even start
 

Here is a quick update. I now have the frame cleaned and treated. I have been working on the front end and now have everything to heat the control arms and steering components back on. I also have a disc brake system I bought for the front as well as brake lines. I alsopicked up some 15x8 rally wheels today that I am going to steip down and refinish. Dad has been working on the bed still a little at a time but we are still having a great time doong this together.

Re: Where do I even start
 

Looking good. Keep at it

Re: Where do I even start
 

Here is another quick update. Got most of the front end put back together minus brake lines and steering components. My CPP disc brake kit I got from summit fit beautifully with no issues or mods required. I'm starting to get excited. Also I am very happy to report that my 15x8 rally wheels clear everything great.