It was over before I got started! - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

ChadBice · 12-16-2008, 08:42 PM

Well, it looks like it was over before it even got started.

I took the box off from my ’71 SWB stepside last week and right away, noticed some things that didn’t look right. The rear end appears to be from something else (you can see where some brackets were cut off. The bed mounts are missing from the frame. There was 1 tow hook on the back and a hole where the other was cut from the frame. Nothing major, but just not right.

Tonight I had a friend come over and help me remove the front clip and cab. The clip came for fairly easily, but one of the mounts for the radiator support on the frame was rusted away. The clip (there were no inner fenders) was in pretty decent shape, for Michigan. There were two horizontally mounted tow hooks in the front.

Then there was the cab…

Apparently, there was nothing holding the cab in place except the bed and clip. All four mounting bolts (or should I say the floor around them) were rusted away. The cab is beyond repair. At least beyond my repair.

After looking at this disassembled pile of 37 year old rusted metal, I finally realized that I was in over my head.

I bought the truck with no engine or transmission. I figured I would put a drivetrain in it and drive it for a while, making improvements as my budget and time allowed. I figured wrong. I read the build threads on here and I think, “I can do that.” but, alas, I found I can’t. I guess the lesson learned is, “Know you abilities.”

So it looks like it’s on to the junk yard for my truck and the search is on for a nicer truck I can drive. I got clearance from the tower to head on a weekend trip to the southern states in search of a decent project to drive home as soon as I raise the needed $$$. I think the important part is that I need to find a driver to keep my morale up. I minutes of highway therapy in a running truck would help to keep me motivated. Looking at a pile of parts and not seeing an end in sight, well...doesn't.

thirdstreettito · 12-16-2008, 08:48 PM

Dont junk it, give it away to someone who will restore it and has the "patience" to do it ALL.

smoked68 · 12-16-2008, 09:01 PM

Tough break, good luck!

blazer72 · 12-16-2008, 09:10 PM

find a body man to put a complete floor pan in it.

joekewl_chevyfreak · 12-16-2008, 09:22 PM

Ya Lost Your Jesus Nuts! (Loose them and you'll see jesus) -cab mounts

**too much stuff** · 12-16-2008, 09:42 PM

It is a tough call to make, but i can relate. The guys down south have it made and don't know it.

big_al_71 · 12-16-2008, 09:53 PM

I am far south but I dont know if I have it "made"!!!!

I build them my self

72BlckButy · 12-16-2008, 10:18 PM

Tough break, hang in there with the project.

red69ss · 12-16-2008, 10:19 PM

yeah lucky us here in the south with our rust free trucks

Longhorn Man · 12-16-2008, 11:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by red69ss

yeah lucky us here in the south with our rust free trucks

Up here, I've seen fuel taniks FALL out through the floor... bed sides fall once the bed floor gives way all together, and as the OP mentioned, only gracity and a steering column holding the cab on.
Yeah, your rusted 'junk' is what we dream of up here.

Gray Ghost · 12-17-2008, 12:02 AM

There's a ton of rust free trucks in AZ and Cali and even a few in NM and Texas where I live. You'll find one, just don't give up!

**jerry moss** · 12-16-2008, 10:24 PM

Chad,
don't let it get you down. when the weather gets better take a road trip to california or arizona and pick up something with little or no rust and drive it home (or tow it if it's a project). you'll be money ahead to do it that way. you can have one of our members keep an eye open for something within your budget,skill level.

ChadBice · 12-16-2008, 10:29 PM

That's what I was thinking. I know that everything in the warmer climates isn't perfect, but finding a semi-rust free truck here is darn near impossible. Like you said, I would be money ahead!

Ol'Rover · 12-16-2008, 10:35 PM

haha no cab is beyond repair, you should see mine! "what floor?" and we are repairing it.

Dont scrap it, pick it up and giver!

hchad18 · 12-16-2008, 10:41 PM

Good luck in AZ. Maybe a little better but still the same. I've been there. Though it was too far but ended up fixing it anyway because I've got more time that money.

67ChevyRedneck · 12-17-2008, 02:04 AM

That sucks that you're truck is beyond repair, but I would like to make a suggestion... Don't send your current truck to the scrapper! You wouldn't believe all the parts you may be able to use off of it once you get your "new" truck. Being a '71 your truck has the more desirable 5 lug pattern and front disc brakes!!! You may find a super nice 67 and wish you had 5 lug discs and rear end. I don't know what your 71 has, but if you end up buying a straight six manual truck and your truck has the v8 and auto crossmember and mounts, you'll be ahead of the game... I think you get the idea.

Andy4639 · 12-17-2008, 03:44 AM

Never give up on these old gold diggers. They just need a little time and care. You can spend this winter on reading how to put the cab mounts back in it and this summer doing it, and by the fall be driving it.

cdowns · 12-17-2008, 08:17 AM

try and sell off what you can then start a new search and before buying next time look with a very critical eye at what you're buying

jholley · 12-17-2008, 08:20 AM

I can definitely relate. The first one I got was as bad as yours sounds. I look at it as a learning experience though. Now I know what to look for. Good luck.

'68 C-20 · 12-17-2008, 09:29 AM

There are pleanty of parts in your truck that someone needs, i.e glass, doors, guages. Got a radio in it? Bumpers? Part it out if you need to. ONe mans trash is another's treasure. Save the money from the Parts towards the road trip., become a subsriber here and post WTB. Monitor the forums and your next project will materialize. Pleanty of folks here want to help you get a truck on the road.

**WIDESIDE72** · 12-17-2008, 10:02 AM

Everything in central Texas is rust free... yea...At least it is not rusted over the windshield. I have a couple that are rusted out there. Bad thing about that area is it does not matter what part of the country the truck is in,if it sat outside for 30 yrs, the filler between the two layers of steel cracks and lets water in and rusts out.

Jtrux · 12-17-2008, 10:13 AM

Body rot is one thing but frame rot is another. I love living down here, I never realized how good it was til I started looking at some of the rusted piles I see up north.

QKENUF4U · 12-17-2008, 11:35 AM

coming from rust hole pennsylvania i can relate. i moved to phoenix so i never have to deal with that crap again. heres what mine looked like,nice and solid all around......... just sell yours to someone who can fix it/wants to fix it and move on. i wont ever buy another project truck myself.......

rambler · 12-17-2008, 01:19 PM

Did you say something about "tow hooks" in your post????

joekewl_chevyfreak · 12-17-2008, 04:53 PM

Dont Give It The Death Penalty!

the original cab on mine is rusted out so bad that my gramps 'repaired' the holes with some shingles, duct tape, and sheet metal and cock and the sheet metal even rusted away

I plan on keeping the cab for practice and also to just buy a 4X4 toy for hunting and the like

12-16-2008, 08:42 PM	#1
ChadBice Registered User Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Sand Lake, MI Posts: 45	It was over before I got started! Well, it looks like it was over before it even got started. I took the box off from my ’71 SWB stepside last week and right away, noticed some things that didn’t look right. The rear end appears to be from something else (you can see where some brackets were cut off. The bed mounts are missing from the frame. There was 1 tow hook on the back and a hole where the other was cut from the frame. Nothing major, but just not right. Tonight I had a friend come over and help me remove the front clip and cab. The clip came for fairly easily, but one of the mounts for the radiator support on the frame was rusted away. The clip (there were no inner fenders) was in pretty decent shape, for Michigan. There were two horizontally mounted tow hooks in the front. Then there was the cab… Apparently, there was nothing holding the cab in place except the bed and clip. All four mounting bolts (or should I say the floor around them) were rusted away. The cab is beyond repair. At least beyond my repair. After looking at this disassembled pile of 37 year old rusted metal, I finally realized that I was in over my head. I bought the truck with no engine or transmission. I figured I would put a drivetrain in it and drive it for a while, making improvements as my budget and time allowed. I figured wrong. I read the build threads on here and I think, “I can do that.” but, alas, I found I can’t. I guess the lesson learned is, “Know you abilities.” So it looks like it’s on to the junk yard for my truck and the search is on for a nicer truck I can drive. I got clearance from the tower to head on a weekend trip to the southern states in search of a decent project to drive home as soon as I raise the needed $$$. I think the important part is that I need to find a driver to keep my morale up. I minutes of highway therapy in a running truck would help to keep me motivated. Looking at a pile of parts and not seeing an end in sight, well...doesn't. __________________ Chad '71 Chevy SWB

12-16-2008, 08:48 PM	#2
thirdstreettito Resident of Here Join Date: May 2008 Location: Wesley Chapel, FL, USA Posts: 7,716	Re: It was over before I got started! Dont junk it, give it away to someone who will restore it and has the "patience" to do it ALL. __________________ ~Bradley~ 2004 Black GTO LS2/T56 too much to list Miss having a truck

12-16-2008, 09:01 PM	#3
smoked68 Registered User Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Rock Hill, SC Posts: 421	Re: It was over before I got started! Tough break, good luck! __________________ 1968 chevy shortbed, Dark Shadow Gray 4 bolt 383 Stroker,Weiand Super Charger, disc brakes, 9 inch, 391 gear, 20" Eagle wheels, muncie 4 speed/ Hurst shifter, 4/7 drop, Hedman midlengths, 3 inch exhaust w/ 2 chamber flows. 1966 Mustang with 306 roller, c-4, 9 inch Detroit locker rear. 1965 Fastback Mustang w/347 stroker, top loader 4spd, 9 inch detroit locker. 1966 Mustang coup, 306 roller, c4, 9 inch. 65 Cobra, 427, T6oo, 9inch, of course. First gen Hayabusa, airbox mod and running 2 exhaust cams.. Zoom Zoom Zoom

12-16-2008, 09:10 PM	#4
blazer72 Freedom isn't Free Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: OKC Posts: 393	Re: It was over before I got started! find a body man to put a complete floor pan in it.

12-16-2008, 09:22 PM	#5
joekewl_chevyfreak Registered User Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Polk County, Mo Posts: 112	Re: It was over before I got started! Ya Lost Your Jesus Nuts! (Loose them and you'll see jesus) -cab mounts __________________ '68 chevy c10 1/2 ton inline 6, 250 2wd stock everything. exposed to elements for 40 years '87 Dodge D150, 318 auto stock; D.D. God meant for rubber to be burnt, not for an ear of corn Myspace

12-16-2008, 09:42 PM	#6
too much stuff Roadtrip! Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: Grand Rapids MN Posts: 13,769	Re: It was over before I got started! It is a tough call to make, but i can relate. The guys down south have it made and don't know it. __________________ 67 gmc custom lwb dakota truck. Sold...And bought back 69 swb 4x4 project (in progress) 70 c-10 lwb texas truck 70 4x4/BB/bkts/posi/tach(retired) 70 swb (wifes) 70 jimmy camper 71 K-5 factory 2wd 71 cheyenne 4x4/tach/posi/ plow rig 71 Cheyenne20 BB, buckets, tach, tilt, 4 speed 72 jimmy CST wyoming rig 72 jimmy Colorado rig 72 lifted texas 4x4 3/4 ton burb 65 fury conv. 383/auto 65 chrysler 300 "L" 413 auto

12-16-2008, 09:53 PM	#7
big_al_71 Registered User Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: South Florida Posts: 11,375	Re: It was over before I got started! I am far south but I dont know if I have it "made"!!!! I build them my self __________________ Get your facts first, and then you can distort them as much as you please!!!!!. Sylvester's build thread >>>http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...ht=big+rebuild

12-16-2008, 10:18 PM	#8
72BlckButy Tot Roddin' Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Mid-MO Posts: 24,461	Re: It was over before I got started! Tough break, hang in there with the project. __________________ -Nate 1969 CST SWB - Project Blank Slate (4.5/6" ECE Static Drop, 6-lug disc brake upgrade (manual), Billet Specialties Vintec 20x8.5 255/40 (F) 20x10 295/40 (R), 250 I-6) 1960 AMF Skylark - Tot Roddin' (Lowered with custom frame; soon to include custom push bar and interior) 2008 Silverado CrewCab 1LT (5.3L, 3:73, 4x4, LT1, Z-71, Towing Package)

12-16-2008, 10:19 PM	#9
red69ss Burnouts are therapeutic Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: lancaster, south carolina Posts: 852	Re: It was over before I got started! yeah lucky us here in the south with our rust free trucks Attached Images __________________ 1969 CHEVELLE SS 1972 C10 ALMOST DAILY DRIVER 1968 C10 RUSTBUCKET (MISSION IMPOSSIBLE) 1972 PONTIAC LEMANS CONVERTIBLE (WIFE'S CAR) "My wife and I were happy for twenty years. Then we met." - Rodney Dangerfield "The difference between genius and stupidity is that genius has its limits." - Einstein

12-17-2008, 12:02 AM	#11
Gray Ghost Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: Terrell, TX Posts: 1,967	Re: It was over before I got started! There's a ton of rust free trucks in AZ and Cali and even a few in NM and Texas where I live. You'll find one, just don't give up! __________________ Kelly '05 GMC Sierra SLE Z71 Bone stock except for new bed rail caps.

12-16-2008, 10:24 PM	#12
jerry moss Born Psycho Join Date: Feb 2001 Location: brentwood,cal,usa Posts: 4,916	Re: It was over before I got started! Chad, don't let it get you down. when the weather gets better take a road trip to california or arizona and pick up something with little or no rust and drive it home (or tow it if it's a project). you'll be money ahead to do it that way. you can have one of our members keep an eye open for something within your budget,skill level. __________________ jerry moss 72 cheyenne super K20- tilt,tach,vacuum,speedwarning,buckets,shoulder belts,am/fm,tow hooks,bumper guards,toolbox,aux. fuel tank,posi front and rear,plus other goodies!!! SOLD 69 suburban K20-tilt,tach,vacuum,speedwarning,buckets,shoulder belts,am/fm,4 inch all spring lift,4 speed, 14 bolt full floater, dana 44 HD,warn winch,posi front and rear,tow hooks,plus other goodies. 73/80 chevy/gmc K20 SB400,turbo 400,205,tilt,a-c,gas hog. 77 K/5 cheyenne blazer-daily driver/beater. SON HAS IT NOW BRENTWOOD,CALIFORNIA

12-16-2008, 10:29 PM	#13
ChadBice Registered User Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Sand Lake, MI Posts: 45	Re: It was over before I got started! That's what I was thinking. I know that everything in the warmer climates isn't perfect, but finding a semi-rust free truck here is darn near impossible. Like you said, I would be money ahead! __________________ Chad '71 Chevy SWB

12-16-2008, 10:35 PM	#14
Ol'Rover Project: years too late. Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Almonte,ON,Canada Posts: 550	Re: It was over before I got started! haha no cab is beyond repair, you should see mine! "what floor?" and we are repairing it. Dont scrap it, pick it up and giver! __________________ 1971 C10 Stepper LSX 5.3/4L60E 3.73 12bolt posi. Father Son Project. In Memory of Bruce C. Shorten. Rest easy Dad. Ill take it fryom here.

12-16-2008, 10:41 PM	#15
hchad18 Registered User Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: AZ Posts: 372	Re: It was over before I got started! Good luck in AZ. Maybe a little better but still the same. I've been there. Though it was too far but ended up fixing it anyway because I've got more time that money. Attached Images

12-17-2008, 02:04 AM	#16
67ChevyRedneck Hittin E-Z Street on Mud Tires Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Greenville, SC Posts: 23,090	Re: It was over before I got started! That sucks that you're truck is beyond repair, but I would like to make a suggestion... Don't send your current truck to the scrapper! You wouldn't believe all the parts you may be able to use off of it once you get your "new" truck. Being a '71 your truck has the more desirable 5 lug pattern and front disc brakes!!! You may find a super nice 67 and wish you had 5 lug discs and rear end. I don't know what your 71 has, but if you end up buying a straight six manual truck and your truck has the v8 and auto crossmember and mounts, you'll be ahead of the game... I think you get the idea. __________________ Jesse James 1967 C10 SWB Stepside: 350/700R4/3.73 1965 Ford Mustang: 289/T5-5spd/3.25 Trac-Loc 1968 Pontiac Firebird: Project Fire Chicken! 2015 Silverado Double Cab 5.3L Z71 2001 Jeep Wrangler Sport 4.0L 5spd 2020 Chevrolet Equinox Premium 2.0L Turbo 2011 Mustang V6 ~ Wife's ride American Born, Country by the Grace of God 1967 CST Shop Truck Rebuild! My 1967 C-10 Build Thread My Vintage Air A/C Install Project "On a Dime" Trying my hand at Home Renovation! 1965 Mustang Modifications! Last edited by 67ChevyRedneck; 12-17-2008 at 10:49 AM.



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12-17-2008, 03:44 AM	#17
Andy4639 Old member Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: Liberty, & Garden City S.C. , U.S. Posts: 19,945	Re: It was over before I got started! Never give up on these old gold diggers. They just need a little time and care. You can spend this winter on reading how to put the cab mounts back in it and this summer doing it, and by the fall be driving it. __________________ 1971 LWB Custom, 6.0LS & 4L80E, Speedhut.com GPS speedometer & gauges with A/C. 20" Boss 338's Grey wheels 4 wheel disc brakes. My Driver Seeing the USA in a 71 Upstate SC GM Truck Club 2013,14 and 2016 Hot Rod Pour Tour http://upstategmtrucks.com/ Get out and drive the truck this summer and have some fun! It sucks not being able to hear! LWB trucks rule, if you don't think so measure your SWB! After talking to tech support at Air Lift I have found out that the kit I need is 60811. Per the measurements I gave them. Ride height of truck inside spring and inside diameter of springs.

12-17-2008, 08:17 AM	#18
cdowns Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: daytonabeach Posts: 22,956	Re: It was over before I got started! try and sell off what you can then start a new search and before buying next time look with a very critical eye at what you're buying __________________ 71c-10 350/2004r/4:11 lowered3/4 longbed/dead by hurricane MEANING OF DEATH::::: SOMEBODY ELSE GETS YOUR STUFF DONT BELIEVE EVERYTHING YOU THINK TAKE MY ADVISE;I DON'T USE IT ANYWAY

12-17-2008, 08:20 AM	#19
jholley Registered User Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: TX Posts: 737	Re: It was over before I got started! I can definitely relate. The first one I got was as bad as yours sounds. I look at it as a learning experience though. Now I know what to look for. Good luck. __________________ ------------------------------------------------- Jim Garage fillers... 85 Chevy C10 Silverado LWB 07 Nissan Altima 2006 Mini Cooper S

12-17-2008, 09:29 AM	#20
'68 C-20 Registered User Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Dansville, NY Posts: 248	Re: It was over before I got started! There are pleanty of parts in your truck that someone needs, i.e glass, doors, guages. Got a radio in it? Bumpers? Part it out if you need to. ONe mans trash is another's treasure. Save the money from the Parts towards the road trip., become a subsriber here and post WTB. Monitor the forums and your next project will materialize. Pleanty of folks here want to help you get a truck on the road. __________________ DIY body and paint work is cheap, making it look good... priceless -------------------------------------------- My Toys; ’26 Ford Model T ‘72 Triumph Spitfire 1500 '09 "The Briggs Flyer" Gettin' High.

12-17-2008, 10:02 AM	#21
WIDESIDE72 Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Cedar Park, Texas Posts: 7,500	Re: It was over before I got started! Everything in central Texas is rust free... yea...At least it is not rusted over the windshield. I have a couple that are rusted out there. Bad thing about that area is it does not matter what part of the country the truck is in,if it sat outside for 30 yrs, the filler between the two layers of steel cracks and lets water in and rusts out. Attached Images

12-17-2008, 10:13 AM	#22
Jtrux I'm a poor spectator Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: San Antonio, Tx Posts: 2,287	Re: It was over before I got started! Body rot is one thing but frame rot is another. I love living down here, I never realized how good it was til I started looking at some of the rusted piles I see up north. __________________ 2006 Jeep Unlimited IMPACT ORANGE 1993 Chevy 2500 4x4 ExCab LWB 454/NV4500 Tow rig 1977 Ford F100 2x4 LWB 1st truck I owned, still have it!!! 1979 Ford F150 4x4 SWB Built Ford Tough!!! 1971 Chevy Blazer 350 / SM465 / NP205 UNDER CONSTRUCTION Soon to have a LQ4 6.0!!!

12-17-2008, 11:35 AM	#23
QKENUF4U Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: SUNNY WARM BIKE RIDING COTTONWOOD ARIZONA Posts: 2,097	Re: It was over before I got started! coming from rust hole pennsylvania i can relate. i moved to phoenix so i never have to deal with that crap again. heres what mine looked like,nice and solid all around......... just sell yours to someone who can fix it/wants to fix it and move on. i wont ever buy another project truck myself....... Attached Images

12-17-2008, 01:19 PM	#24
rambler MOVE OVER Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Warrensburg, MO Posts: 5,470	Re: It was over before I got started! Did you say something about "tow hooks" in your post???? __________________ No matter where you are..... There you are... Buckaroo Banzi

12-17-2008, 04:53 PM	#25
joekewl_chevyfreak Registered User Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Polk County, Mo Posts: 112	Re: It was over before I got started! Dont Give It The Death Penalty! the original cab on mine is rusted out so bad that my gramps 'repaired' the holes with some shingles, duct tape, and sheet metal and cock and the sheet metal even rusted away I plan on keeping the cab for practice and also to just buy a 4X4 toy for hunting and the like __________________ '68 chevy c10 1/2 ton inline 6, 250 2wd stock everything. exposed to elements for 40 years '87 Dodge D150, 318 auto stock; D.D. God meant for rubber to be burnt, not for an ear of corn Myspace

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