I feel a bit duped here.....

[BigFishBobby]

I just bought this 69 C10 and I thinking I made a mistake. I realize there is going to be some things pop up unexpected, but geewiz. I have had this truck since Saturday and just keep finding what I find to be major problems (which I am hoping some of you can calm me down about).

Admittedly, this is my first older truck and I am not Mr. mechanic, but I want to be. The guy who sold it to me failed to mention (and I failed to notice which makes it worse) that water GUSHES into the cab on both sides when it rains from somewhere under the windshield seal (which is bad enough that I worry about the electrical stuff), the low beams do not function, the vent window on the driver side is broken, glove compartment push button is broke, and the master cylinder and wheel cylinders need replacing.

I understand that some things are going to inevitably be wrong with this truck with its age, and also that some of the items are VERY minor. The windshield is what is really worrying me. I fear that it is rusted out horribly under the windshield seal. Is this as major of a repair as I fear? Also, is there anyone local to me (Lakeland, FL) who would be kind enough to lend expertise and time to someone willing to learn and do the various repairs themself? I know I am asking alot, but this truck holds alot of sentimental value to me because my Dad bought it for me and he is battling emphazema.

By the way, this site is awesome. Thanks to everyone who contributes, as it is great reading for a newbie.

[Imacarguytoo]

All i can say is i know what your going thru. However i do know alot about cars and so on. I got my father in laws 67 and have had a few probs he failed to mention. But seeing as how its 39 yrs old i will deal with it. This site is awesome i will tell you that. I just went thru an ordeal with my truck and alot of people jumped in and helped.
Just take your time and pay attention and you will learn just like all of us have.
Good Luck with your Cool old truck!!

[Stano]

Welcome to the board and all that! There will be things pop up sometimes that can throw ya for a loop. Don't let that discourage you. I have built several cars and trucks as well as done collision repair for 12 years professionally and am now teaching at our local career center. I would be glad to give you any advice that I can online because it is a little more than a stones throw between us. The windshield leak is because there is some rot in the bottom corners of the window opening, it is repairable. The vent window can be replaced as well as the glove box lock. The low beams not working could be the dimmer switch,both lamps are burned out(had that happen) or a pinched or cut wire. All fixable. The master cylinder and wheel cylinders are a bit involved but can be done in a afternoon or weekend depending on your skills. First I would locate a factory service manual or a Haynes or Chiltons manual for your truck. You can find one at most parts stores or library. These trucks are simple to work on I started tinkering with them when I was a kid had my first one when I was about 11 years old and had it going in no time (had been sitting for 12 years prior and didn't run). Keep your head up and ask for help. This is a great site and thousands of very knowledgable folks here that were in your same shoes once.

[cowboy33713]

Howdy:
I live just over a piece from you, in the tampa bay area. Bought my nightmare back in '05 ; P.O. failed to mention a BUNCH of stuff, and screwed up a bunch of stuff he "fixed". Don't get too disappointed, almost anything is repairable given time, effort, and $$$. Good used parts can save you some bucks, but some things are better bought new- it just depends. I bought all new stuff for a stock front end rebuild, except for a drag link and A arms, did have to replace a lower a arm, got a good used one from another board member. Got a great used power steering box and pitman arm the same way.
, added a sway bar from another board member, bought brackets and bushings to install it. I had to replace both underhood wire harnesses, as well as the underdash harness. Not being highly experienced in this, I ordered complete stock-style stuff, except for the engine harness is wired for an HEI distributor.
Located a decent set of trailing arms for out back; the originals are BADLY rusted. Have fixed a bunch of "little" things. Need to install the complete Emergency brake set up,(gosh knows why all that was stripped off) most parts again obtained from other board members. It can get expensive to fix all this if you didn't buy the truck "right".
I know I have more in mine than I'd envisioned. You aren't alone. I'm guessing you couldn't afford to buy a totaly restored one either!
I still get lots of smiles when I take it to Hme Depot....
Guess anybody with a checkbook could buy a new one. This one really is mine now.
Just my 0.02
cowboy33713

PS to get your low beams working, try replacing the high beam switch.
Sounds funny, but is the usual cause.

[bryanw1968]

No worries. None of that sounds too bad honestly.
Your leaking window problem is more than likely just bad window seal. Mine used to leak so bad that I would fill up my glove box with water every time it rained. There are drain holes that are supposed to let water drain out but somebody before me put some RTV in them and made it leak inside the truck. Also, if you rubber seal is old it will make it leak too. I had my window and rubber replaced for like $200 and it's fine now.

Brake cylinders are WAY cheap and easy to replace.

[49studebaker]

Two things come to mind here. Do you have a place to tear it apart and are you able to do the work? Secondly and more importantly, you won't fix it all at once. Take one project at a time and don't sweat the rest until you are ready to do something about it. Mine seems to be overwhelming once and awhile, but I take one aspect of the project at a time. I am not a professional mechanic but I have a few good friends that help when I get in a bind, I bought manuals, etc. Planning each stage gives me something to do when I get bored at work. If it was done tomorrow, I would not have anything to do. This picture could overwhelm some that have the same skills (or lack of) that I do, but currently it's back together, lowered and has a new engine and transmission and the cab is back on. Good Luck!

[BigSky71]

Originally Posted by 49studebaker

Two things come to mind here. Do you have a place to tear it apart and are you able to do the work? Good Luck!

That is a great picture. They should put those kind of picts on a magazine cover sometimes instead of just finished trucks!

[gator2511]

Hey Bobby! I live on the East side of brandon in Seffner. (ex home of Big Daddy Don Garlits) I am absolutely no good at body work but mechanical and electrical are my thing. I would be happy to help you out when we can both get the time. This Saturday I'll be in your neck of the woods in Green Swamp hunting. I'll pm you with my phone number and we can plan something. Just look at the problems as a hobby thing and take them one at a time.

[rsorrowjr]

I had the same problem with the water leaking on a 70 Gmc that i just bought. Check the channel that runs around the roof. I thought the water was coming through my windshield seal but it was actually coming through the channel where the top of the roof and inside of roof are welded together and then running down the inside of the roof to the windshield which caused rust holes on the inside of the cab right above the windshield. The sealer that was put in the channel had cracked and I guess the previous owner never got around to fixing it. I just scraped out all the old sealer and removed as much rust as possible. I ran another bead of sealer around the channel which solved the leaking problem. Hope this helps

[krue]

You picked a good vehicle to learn maintenance on, they are easy to work on and the stuff is easly to get to. If you're anywhere near Bradenton, member MOTHERTRUCKERS may be someone you'll want to get acquainted with. http://www.mothertruckers.net/

[BigFishBobby]

Thanks guys. I know these are probably pretty minor problems, but major when you are of my skill set currently. I have ordered the dimmer switch and couple other parts (supporting the guys on this site of course).

I am going to remove the windshield wiper arms and the plate below them tomorrow to see if I can detect where my leaky windshield problem is. I know the windshield seal is bad, but it does not look to be letting in nearly the amount of water I am seeing. I got a price on the seal replacement, but I am worried what I will find when they pull the windshield.

[Boog]

But ya have to find out sooner or later. Git er done!

[Fastfun]

I have a push button for the glove box if you want it, just pm your address and I will send it to you.

Don't get discouraged

[BigFishBobby]

FastFun, I really appreciate the offer but I already ordered one. Thank you very much for the generous offer.

[texas69truck]

My truck used to leak water whenever it ran. Leaves and other debrie got caught underneath the cowl and it had several good sized rust holes that acted like a drain for rain water. Hope that helps.

[BigFishBobby]

Texas, by the volume of water coming in I think you may be on to something. It looks like rain here for the next two days, so I am parking the truck under cover until I get time to diagnose it better. I am going to start by taking off the wiper arms and the vent cover doohickey and see if there are any holes or rust visible. Hopefully it will be a minor problem.

[BigFishBobby]

Jaros, thats what I did to emliminate the windshield as my main culprit. I cannot see where the water is coming from because it is behind the dashboard, so I assume it is from under the windshield most likely.

[jaros44sr]

How about someone turning on the garden hose while your inside the cab, might help. J.

[Huck]

Might want to stick you head upside down under the dash with a flashlight looking up like we all do!!hehehehehe These truck all seam to filer water rather then hold it back. First I would look for cracked caulk on the roof around the front rail---any cracks mean leaks which can rust out the windshield frame. It will show above the sun visors.
Next pull back a bit on the windshield weatherstrip both on the inner and outer--you may be able to see significant rust. Don't get hyper as all fo this is pretty easily fixed~~so go after one problem at a time to avoid getting overwhelmed. And as mentioned above--Mothertruckers--is an excellent local source for parts, advice and repairs. Great guys, extremely knowledgeable, fair prices.

[PanelDeland]

Bobby, Take a deep breath and exhale slowly.On either side of the truck is a vent.These vents run from under the cowl panel(between the windsheild and the hood)over the side and down into the footwell area where there are vent doors.In these side vent passages there is a bottom that should have drain holes.On every truck I have ever met leaves,pine needles and other assorted debris has clogged these drains.Since it seems like you water is coming from under the dash this is a likely spot.When the drains clog and fill up the water runs in thru the vent.There may also be some rust there(Don't Panic) It's fixable.Most of the trucks that have floors that get wet in the rain have this problem.Remove the wipers and cowl panel and clear the drains.Even if this is not your problem it probably needs doing anyway.Reach down the side of the cowl into the fender and pull the trash out.If you have a small hose on a shop vac it may help.Once you can feel the bottom and have as much crap out of there as possible flush it out with water.Make sure you close the vents before doing this.You may be able to reach some trash from inside the truck thru the vents,also.Most of the vendors will carry cowl vent screens to help keep the trash out from now on.I have seen many people think they had a major problem and this solved it.Good luck and let us know if any of this helps.If it doesn't someone else will come up with other ideas.

Another thing to check out while you are cleaning drains are the ones in the bottoms of the doors.They will clog the same way since the window seals(Known as felts and fuzzies) will wear and weather enough to let the debris in the doors also.They consist of two small slots on the bottom of the door.You can usually tell after a rain by the sloshing in the door.

[1968SWBBigBlock]

Buy some books on our trucks.Get the assembly guide, an OLD motor manual and read thru them. They are wealth of information. Trust me the satisfaction that you will feel the first time you make a repair and it works.
Remember this is your own rolling art work

[Hutch]

BigFishBobby
On your water leak start at the top.
If your driprail sealer is cracked and dryed out then gravity will play a role.
There are body seams that come together at the top and bottom of the winshield.
This pic will help explain:

[longhorn72]

I looks as if everyone else has covered allmost all the possile problems. Roof & pillar body sealent, window seal and crap built up in the cowl vents are good places to start but you can also get some leakage from a bad wiper motor seal as it and the vents are the only things that comes through from the cowl into the cab. Unless your truck has A/C then there is a small plastic retainer on the passenger side that holds the vacumn opperated vent flap in place I wouldn't think this could let in much water though. Good luck and like averyone else has said keep your chin up and dont get too discouraged. Everything on these trucks is fixable.

[BigFishBobby]

Thanks guys I will check it out on Saturday when it will hopefully dry up around here. All of the input is appreciated.

[68GMC454]

good luck with your truck..dont get discouraged with it..somer guys fail to mention rpoblems when they sell something...i had a s10 blazer that was so rusted around the winshield,,it took 3 tubes of sealant to get it sealed up...just buy some manuals on these trucks,,and take one project at a time so you dont get overwhelmed or discouraged..yo might want to keep your eye out for a parts truck..i know when i lived in orlando i found out the hard way they didnt have anything older than 10 yrs old in the junkyards...i know the salt air will make trucks and cars rust in places you would never think of runsting out...gool luck
billy