new guy lookin for some info!!!

[jercon51]

hello everyone. i am from wisconsin and i am looking to restore a 68-72 chevy c-10. a few questions i have are. what are some important things to look for when looking at c-10 pickup for restoration. one of the things i really want to add to the truck is air bags and i was wondering how difficult this can be to install and what kit is the best and how much can i expect to spend on a kit. this truck isnt gonna be a show truck or anything extreme.

[Sinister]

Look it over for rust, especially the cab. Rockers, kick panels, cab corners, around the windshield. Try to get the straightest body you can. Mechanical issues are, for a lot of us, easier to deal with then a whole lot of rust. Can't help on the bags.

[68gmsee]

I agree... Rust is the enemy. Engines can be had fairly cheap so don't worry about whether it runs good or not unless you want to start driving it right away. But if it's a restoration or want something to fix up check those tips sinister mentioned.

I usually stay away from trucks that have a lot of rust around the windshield. The drip rail sealant cracks and lets water rust the top. It's hard to fix -at least in my case.

[stllookn]

If you can get an "unmolested" truck...meaning: original paint and only minor modifications you are much better off. So many new or old paint jobs hide rust and bodywork you cannot see. Beware of any bubbles in any paint whatsoever...massive rust hides under there.

Good luck and welcome to the board.

[72 Super]

Welcome from Maryland! For me when I look at a truck, I am mainly concered with the rust issues (cab mounts,floors, inner and outter rockers, cowl area etc) I can't help with bag question as I haven't ever done one. I'm sure someone will chim with an answer for you though.

Ray

[leddzepp]

Avoid rust at all costs. It is far easier, IMO, to deal with mechanical issues. Engine parts are abundant, fairly cheap, and easy to come by. Original GM sheet metal is not.

[tucnnuts]

well looks like we got the rust covered , ill talk air bags...lol there are alot of people putting out stuff to do these trucks now, suicide doors makes the plates and cups to do the front and brakets for the rear, smc makes valves that are like 25 bucks, how much do you want to spend in doing the air bags...cause if you can fab or now someone who can cut steel, i can give you i idea of how i did mine, i made my whole kit the first time on the cheap..lol

[PanelDeland]

Read/look thru the bulds threads.The info there will give you an idea of where the rust is and what it takes to fix it.The rockers are nearly always gone.The other areas depend on where the truck is from and what kind of life it led.

[john02fxdl]

Other guys have chimed in on what to look for with rust issues so I won't touch on that. Many guys have custom fabbed brackets, cups and plates to make their bagged suspension work and has cost them considerably less since they are doing all the work. I respect that and commend all of them on the fine work, I on the other hand don't have the time nor the knowledge and patience to pull that off. So if you're looking for a true bolt on system without major modifications, I suggest a complete setup from air ride technologies. Great stuff, great tech support, and direct bolt on. Only one catch......very expensive.