Grandpa's OG 1978

[olrosa]

I've had my late grandpas 1978 C10 LWB hanging around for the past 15 years. I knew someday the squares would get popular. He originally bought it at the same dealership that I now work for. Probably has 85k original miles. Very clean truck with cool patina. Only problem is that it's a long bed. However I think that keeps me from going all out on the truck. For now I think I am going to keep it stock and just bring it back to life a little. IDK, I go back and forth. I will update some picture with a little history soon. Thought I would start a little build thread just to keep track of the progress...

Better pictures to follow

[3drburb]

That's a nice solid looking truck.
I always like to see these type of family / vehicle stories, I am curious to see how you freshen it up.

[olrosa]

Interior is just as it was 40 yrs ago, with a couple small additions. Altimeter on the dash, a keypad that plays 30 different tunes (always fun) and a different stereo. I want to find an OG stereo. The seat has had this seat cover on it since new. Unfortunately a hole wore in the driver spot and deteriorated the factory upholstery some.

I just ordered new seals from Precision Replacement Parts! First step.

The bed floor is as nice as you could ask for. I remember the truck having a camper shell on it for a lot of its life. The current tool box is full of tools and camping stuff that we used to use 30+ years ago. A true time capsule!

[olrosa]

Getting started on the New rubber parts from Precision Replacement Parts. Quick question, who makes the best replacement door panels? Unfortunately the sun has rotted the tops of mine. Or, does anyone have a near perfect set of OG they would sell me. I can paint them to match, so color doesn't matter

[olrosa]

Took a picture of the SPID for yall. Started polishing the old paint as well. Coming along nicely. And lastly, this most (not all) of the stuff Grandpa had behind the seat incase of a break down or problem. Interesting all of the old school stuff. It's hard to go through all of this stuff. Brings back a ton of memories.

[3drburb]

Your Grandpa was prepared for road trips.
Nowadays some people only carry their cellphones.

The polishing is looking very nice. Are you doing this by hand only?

[olrosa]

Originally Posted by 3drburb

Your Grandpa was prepared for road trips.
Nowadays some people only carry their cellphones.

Exactly!

The polishing is looking very nice. Are you doing this by hand only?

I'm using my Adam's 3" polisher and their compounds/polishes

[Whamo]

I'm digging this....

and remember...long beds need love too...

[olrosa]

Originally Posted by Whamo

I'm digging this....

and remember...long beds need love too...

Thanks dude!

[olrosa]

Found a NOS radio. It was a bit of a pain to install. Also cleaned up the gauges while i was in there.

[LT7A]

CB radio back in FTW! I really like builds like this. A truck that means something to you. Cleaning, tweaking, making the best of what's there. Low cost, high enjoyment. Keep us in on it.

I was amazed how my sun-baked door panels looked after some quality time with dish soap, steel wool, and 3M scuff pads where needed. I just used some ext. trim sealer on them after rinsing off the desiccated plastic sludge that the scrubbing removed. Next time I'll use car wash soap to leave as many of the oils in the plastic as I can, just enough to lubricate the steel wool and do some cleaning. And then a plastic bristle brush and a brass bristle brush where needed. That way, more of the stamped in graining will remain than if sandpaper was used. Yours came out nice!

[olrosa]

Originally Posted by LT7A

CB radio back in FTW! I really like builds like this. A truck that means something to you. Cleaning, tweaking, making the best of what's there. Low cost, high enjoyment. Keep us in on it.

I was amazed how my sun-baked door panels looked after some quality time with dish soap, steel wool, and 3M scuff pads where needed. I just used some ext. trim sealer on them after rinsing off the desiccated plastic sludge that the scrubbing removed. Next time I'll use car wash soap to leave as many of the oils in the plastic as I can, just enough to lubricate the steel wool and do some cleaning. And then a plastic bristle brush and a brass bristle brush where needed. That way, more of the stamped in graining will remain than if sandpaper was used. Yours came out nice!

Thank you! The CB cable was broke in half and it didn't work, so I removed it. Believe me it was a hard decision. I kept it though. I will never toss it out.
Ya, I just used grey Scotchbrite on my door panels and the coated them with SEM paint/dye. Even though they are a little deteriorated from the sun, they are still better than the aftermarket junk.
I'm glad you enjoy the thread

[aggie91]

Nice work on this one. I wish I still had my Dad's '77. He bought it new in late '76. I ended up selling it while in college to help fund my last year of school.

I'm digging the bias ply spare!

[olrosa]

Originally Posted by aggie91

Nice work on this one. I wish I still had my Dad's '77. He bought it new in late '76. I ended up selling it while in college to help fund my last year of school.

I'm digging the bias ply spare!

Thanks Karl. That is the original spare tire. I think it has about 5 miles on it from 1 use! lol

[olrosa]

New vinyl flooring in and new saddle blanket seat cover. I wanted the same seat cover as grandpa had 40 years ago.

[olrosa]

A little more progress. Got the seat installed, the other door seals on and installed, some sound-deadening in the door and on the door panel.

[lowbrow454]

This truck is sweet, I dig it! It wouldn't be as cool if it wasn't a long bed. Good work on those door panels. Pretty sure they don't make repops of those with the chrome insert. I have the same ones on my bonanza but they are in bad shape.

[olrosa]

Originally Posted by lowbrow454

This truck is sweet, I dig it! It wouldn't be as cool if it wasn't a long bed. Good work on those door panels. Pretty sure they don't make repops of those with the chrome insert. I have the same ones on my bonanza but they are in bad shape.

Thank you, I appreciate it

[olrosa]

Couple more small steps. Removed the front grill guard and finally got the passenger side polished. Still need to do the roof and tailgate.

I also found this interesting seatbelt in the toolbox.

[aggie91]

Seth, I am looking for that same seat cover that you got above. I looks like it has the slits for the center belts to come up through. The one we bought did not have the slits and I don't want to cut them because it might start coming apart. Where did you order it from?

Could that seat belt have been for his dog maybe? I've seen people buckle their pets in using harnesses made for that these days...

[olrosa]

Originally Posted by aggie91

Seth, I am looking for that same seat cover that you got above. I looks like it has the slits for the center belts to come up through. The one we bought did not have the slits and I don't want to cut them because it might start coming apart. Where did you order it from?

Could that seat belt have been for his dog maybe? I've seen people buckle their pets in using harnesses made for that these days...

I ordered it from seatcoverman.com

[LT7A]

Good progress! It looks like your door panels and armrests came out really well. I find that I am content to do cleaning, patching, painting, gluing or whatever it takes to use original stuff. No judgment on anyone else's approach, but I don't mind cracks and wear and tear if I can have original parts.

[olrosa]

OG parts are the way to go if you can. For sure!
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[olrosa]

Well its been quite awhile. I moved up to Washington state and sold the truck because I had no where to put it.
The new owner modified it a bit and still had the truck. I couldn't stand it. i bought it back last week. LOL.
Going to pick it up soon. I'll send some new pictures.... The bed is a lot shorter now

[LT7A]

I really liked this one - glad you got it back. And welcome to the state!