Project El Viejito, '66 C10 LWB BBW Build

[19SIKtySix]

So this is going to be a slow build, but I'm looking forward to documenting this build as I go. There are numerous builds on this site, that help keep me motivated and get me excited to make progress on my project. Here's how the truck looks currently.

[19SIKtySix]

Not sure how the top pic got flipped upside down. I had a rendering done about 12 years ago by Craig Fraser of Kal Koncepts/Air Syndicate in Bakersfield, CA. Here's the rendering:

[Grizz1963]

Originally Posted by 19SIKtySix

Not sure how the top pick got flipped upside down. I had a rendering done about 12 years ago by Craig Fraser of Kal Koncepts/Air Syndicate in Bakersfield, CA. Here's the rendering:

Attachment 1418315

That remodelled hood looks quite mean and animal like with the side lights deleted.

I am often surprised people do not modify their hoods more.

I had a problem between my iPhone and iPad for a while where the photos inverted themselves and even if I edited them and then uploaded, they would still turn upside down on certain forums where I have threads running.

Welcome to the board.

Look forward to your truck evolving.

[19SIKtySix]

Grizz1963, you may be right...some of these pictures are from a digi cam and others from my iPhone. I have to go back and forth between folders, so maybe somewhere in that mix, the iPhone pics got wonky....oh yeah, wonky is a word.

[19SIKtySix]

First order of business was to pull out the 250 I6/3 Spd.



Then I installed my CPP tubular motor mounts and transmission mount.





Now it looks much better...such an improvement.



Oh, I can't forget this addition to my project

[19SIKtySix]

I'm real thankful for CPP helping me out, they make a great product and it showed up in no time! Next on the to-do-list, is install my CPP c-notches.

[65sub]

welcome to the forum. I really like the grill in your rendering. Are you planing to build it.

[19SIKtySix]

Originally Posted by 65sub

welcome to the forum. I really like the grill in your rendering. Are you planing to build it.

Thanks 65Sub, I've been on this site for awhile...change names a couple of times and finally started to put together a build thread.

Yes, I've always loved the look of the '54 Bel Air tooth grille. Depending on how my luck goes, if I can't find teeth, then I'll see if something similar could be fabricated.

[19SIKtySix]

[IMG]H:\My Pictures\My Truck[/IMG]

[19SIKtySix]

Here's the pic I was trying to post...this was before I cut the retainer off.

[19SIKtySix]

Also, I came across a guy who had a spare '54 Bel Air grille and offered it to me for free! He said it needed some work, but was mine if I wanted it. I made the hour trip this past weekend and picked it up and it came with 7 teeth including the hard to find center tooth.

I couldn't wait to put it up to the truck to get an idea of the look.

[19SIKtySix]

So I'm currently working on installing the c-notches and it's been a big pain...I sheared 3 of the 4 coil spring bolts and stripped the other while trying to remove the coil springs. I got the upper bolts out finally, but still left with the broken bolts thru the trailing arms. I got the pass side ground down flush and tried to drill a hole and use an extractor...wouldn't you know that snapped too.

Anybody have any ideas on how to remove the stubborn bolts??

[tinydb84]

That grill will look great once it has some bodywork done to it

[19SIKtySix]

Originally Posted by tinydb84

That grill will look great once it has some bodywork done to it

Tinydb84, thanks...I've always loved these grills, I know it has to be cleaned up quite a bit and I also have to make some braces for the teeth that were missing.

I checked out your build, really nice work. Impressive fab skills, your truck is making big progress in a short time! I like your 60-66 that you got. Looking forward to watch your progress.


-Chuck

[aggie91]

Nice Project, can't wait to see more.

Where did you get the C10 Era stickers from? I really like that black and red one...

[19SIKtySix]

Originally Posted by aggie91

Nice Project, can't wait to see more.

Where did you get the C10 Era stickers from? I really like that black and red one...

Thanks aggie91, it's going to be a slow process but all the builds on here really help motivate me!

I got the stickers and also a 60-66 T Shirt from www.C10Era.com (hopefully I'm not breaking any rules by posting that, sorry forum admin if I am).

[19SIKtySix]

Well it's been awhile since I've done updates, I've been jumping back and forth on a couple little items, I got the notches installed and waiting to get new springs and lowering block before I get it buttoned back up and post pics.

The other thing I've been working on is the one man cab/bed lift by Kevin (Rokcrln). I got the plans from him several months ago, still have a little left to finish but here's the progress pics so far. Nice work on the lift and instructions Kevin, it's been fun building this when I have some time.








I'll be working on this some more tonight and post pics when I'm finished

[jonzcustomshop]

63-64 olds has a nice looking headlight that would work great with that grille.

the housings are separate from the grille and are cast/plated

[19SIKtySix]

Originally Posted by jonzcustomshop

63-64 olds has a nice looking headlight that would work great with that grille.

the housings are separate from the grille and are cast/plated

Jonz,

Thanks for that heads up, I do really like the look of the dual headlight. I had a dual headlight in my rendering, but never knew about the Olds lights. I'll have to keep an eye out for them, see how they would work.

By the way, I enjoy looking at your build, killer work!

[step65]

I hope you get that grill sorted out it will look awesome. Looking forward to watching your build.

[19SIKtySix]

Originally Posted by step65

I hope you get that grill sorted out it will look awesome. Looking forward to watching your build.

Step,

Thanks, using that grille was one of the first ideas I had when it came to this truck. I've never been a fan of the grilles on these trucks, even though some others love them.

I've loved the look of the tooth grilles, especially a Desoto grille on Mercs, such a classy and custom look. I don't think this idea is on that level, but I think that grille will give it some character. Thanks for your motivation, it's going to be a slow process, but I'm going to try to keep progress (even if it is a little progress).

[19SIKtySix]

So here's my latest update, it's been finished for a few weeks, however there's still a couple parts I need to button it all up and be 100% complete.






The biggest PITA was I broke both lower bolts for the springs, 1 upper and rounded the other upper. I still haven't dealt with getting the bolts out of the trailing arms. Good thing is I was able to locate some arms on CL and they are already powdercoated black. Once I get new springs and lowering block, then the rear will be finished.









I took the truck of the jackstands to see how much room the CPP notch allowed, and I was stoked to see 15" wheel tucking. It just inspires me to get this thing bagged and throw a bigger wheel under it.

I know there's a long road left to this thing, but the little things give me motivation. Plus, I had never installed a notch before this...it's been fun to get familiar with these trucks and learn some basic skills.

[aggie91]

That looks pretty cool!

[19SIKtySix]

Originally Posted by aggie91

That looks pretty cool!

Thanks, I wasn't sure how it was going to turn out...but I'm happy with it.

[jchav62]

Coming along great! Nothing like having family and friends for help...
The wheels/tires look awesome! Love the "white walls".