86 K10 LWB - Frankie

[silverbear]

I just recently joined this forum. Heard great things about the people here I have already gleaned some valuable information from other builds.

I purchased this truck in January of 2013 and I have already completed a lot of work but I took pictures along the way so I can share my story. This is my second 86. The first was a C20 GMC who underwent lots of surgeries and when I sold it back in 1998 it had been converted to a 4 wheel drive and had body and drivetrain parts from about 6 different trucks. I called him Frankenstein. This Chevy K10 has earned the name Frankenstein Jr or Frankie. You will see in the pictures that from a distance the body did not look to bad but as I got into it, I found RUST and lots of it.

[silverbear]

I had a brake line bust and in the process of running all new steel tubing from the front proportioning valve out, I decided it was time to change out the front fenders. This seemed to be the easiest way to gain access to the front frame. Had to replace the fuel lines while running the brake lines as they were rusted out too. I did not take any pictures of the new lines, just lots of pics of RUST.

[silverbear]

I was trying to put the truck back together so I could actually use it but I was plagued with clutch issues.





These pictures were taken on 2-15-13

[silverbear]

I was being optimistic about fixing the clutch issues so I pressed on putting the front clip back together.



Pic taken 2-21-13

[silverbear]

My $100 craigslist find. Has a couple dents but no rust.

[silverbear]

Another craigslist find. Has some surface rust on the roof and pillars but at least the floor and firewall are solid.





Pics: 3-20-13

[Jeffp1979]

Do you still have the 3/4 front spindles and rear end?

[silverbear]

Sorry those parts are long gone.

[silverbear]

Weather cooperated a bit today so I was able to finish up prepping the gas tank to go back in. Maybe tomorrow if the ground is dry enough I will get this hanging off the frame once again.

[Greenlee]

Nice work! You have made a lot of progress.

[silverbear]

Got the exhaust welded up and temporarily hung. I need to make some mods to the bump stop brackets to give enough clearance for the mufflers to fit up higher in the frame. I was worried I would not have enough clearance for the X pipe, but even hanging low where it is at gives me almost 10 inches between the pipes and the drive shaft. I still have to add tail pipes but this is enough exhaust that I can run the truck until I figure out what I want to do. I am thinking about running the tail pipes straight out the back right through the bumper. My current bumper is rusted out so now will be a good time to experiment.




I also got the gas tank hung back in place.

[silverbear]

I was thinking silver but have also considered going back to the original copper.

[silverbear]

Problem: Tall radiator...short radiator shroud.


Solution: Had some scrap stainless laying around. I still need to polish it up but I want to make sure it fit.

[silverbear]

After sitting for about a year, I was very excited to turn the key and after priming up the fuel lines, the engine fired up. My new exhaust sounds excellent (even though it is not complete). So many details to address but I am anxious to actually drive this beast.

[bgood70]

Originally Posted by silverbear

I just recently joined this forum. Heard great things about the people here I have already gleaned some valuable information from other builds.

I purchased this truck in January of 2013 and I have already completed a lot of work but I took pictures along the way so I can share my story. This is my second 86. The first was a C20 GMC who underwent lots of surgeries and when I sold it back in 1998 it had been converted to a 4 wheel drive and had body and drivetrain parts from about 6 different trucks. I called him Frankenstein. This Chevy K10 has earned the name Frankenstein Jr or Frankie. You will see in the pictures that from a distance the body did not look to bad but as I got into it, I found RUST and lots of it.

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My Ford looks so good pulling that Chevy... Sorry just had to say that....

[silverbear]

I won't argue that. I did enjoy that trip even though we froze our butts off.

[silverbear]

After multiple attempts I finally got all of the air out of the clutch hydraulics. Sitting on the floor because I haven't installed the seat yet, I took it for about a 1/2 mile trip down the road and back. Felt good to have it moving on it's own power.

[silverbear]

Been a while since I posted. I got a few things done since then. Exhaust is now hanging from brackets instead of the strap.

[silverbear]

I installed my new windshield. New seal was a bit challenging to fit on the new glass but it turned out well.

[silverbear]

Al's liner HNR down on the floor.

[silverbear]

Got a few more things put back on. Seems like every time I check one item off of the to-do list, I discover two or three more to add to it.

[silverbear]

Progress has been slow but the miles are getting added to the odometer every week. I discovered a few minor issues that I have been addressing along the way. I have plans for a few more upgrades from my current parts. My entire front clip is cheap aftermarket parts that are very rusty on the inside. I have been collecting some good GM parts and now I have everything to replace the front clip. I found a pair of fenders on CL in Jacksonville. I also found a complete core support from an 89 Suburban in Ocala. When I went to pick that up, I also scored a hood. If it stops raining this weekend I will take a few pics and upload them.

[silverbear]

Step 1: Hood replacement. The new one has a couple of scratches and dents but it is RUST FREE!


Core support and fenders will get installed soon.

[bgood70]

Looks good.

[silverbear]

Originally Posted by bgood70

Looks good.

Thanks Brad.