Where do I start? 1970 C20 Rebuild

[CW4B]

I bought a pretty rough 70 C20. Looking to rebuild, not recondition. Don't know where to start. Are there any good books/references out there that could help me get started?
Thanks,

[rustytruck50]

Welcome! Best advice I could give is to use the search engine for the forums...there is a wealth of information here. I get a lot of good info from reading the builds & projects when I need some direction. Btw....we're going to need some pictures of your new/old truck!

[cornerstone]

Welcome aboard! I would recommend reading through several builds with multiple star ratings and a ton of pages to them. That will give you many ideas on where to start. Plus it will help you figure out the scope of what you want to do to your truck. If your not sure about the scope of your intentions you may end up in eternal "jackstand jail".... I would suggest you get a plan together is what I am saying. There are so many helpful people on this site and like rustytruck500 said the search function will become your go to!

[kwmech]

Start with the safety items if you are going to be driving while restoring. Steering, stopping etc.

[FirstOwner69]

Welcome aboard! This forum is a great place to start. You'll find more knowledge here than in any manual, book or other reference. Just ask away! And, as mentioned above, use the search function!

That said, here's a link to PDFs of factory service, and overhaul manuals. They have valuable info including torques for fasteners.
http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=558016

I'd also suggest you invest in a factory assembly manual. It's roughly organized by year and is a pain in the butt to use. Much of the info applies to all years. Some is year specific. However, in my opinion, it's indispensable. Here's a link to work done here on an index. It may help.
http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=351185

[stsalvage]

My one peace of advise on this Look on the broads an see if you can find some one on here that lives close to you offer to buy him lunch or pay for his time.And when he talks right down what you need to do.

Trust me if your a hands on person best thing to do is find some one thats been throw these trucks 2 guys that know these trucks cus they will look over your truck from top to bottom plus you can bounce Idea's on them to see if this would work.

They should know almost everything about your truck what to do and what not to do.

I know there are Veterans in here that know by now.Is not to tear your truck apart.You should replace the small things.BUT KEEP ON DRIVING YOUR truck.

Or you will lose interest and now its all in Boxes and for sale.

These guys will point out things that would take you 3 months to find they can find them in 10 mins.

Best thing to do is have your truck off the ground when they come and look at your truck have a creeper ready so they can roll under your truck to look to see what there looking for have the wheels off so they can check your brakes and other things.

This way you get a list of things that are major Fixes then less fixes.All that can be done in 1-2 hours.

You will save so much time money plus you will have people to talk to when you are getting them done Bouncing idea about headers to disc brakes to lowering to paint body work.

By doing this you would save your self over 3000.00 of time and money just by having a few guys come look at your truck.

Its priceless.If i had 2 guys look at my 1965 when i got it or my 1972 it would of saved me countless hours plus they will tell you where to go buy stuff and what stuff to guy.Some will have Parts magazines that they know they sell go quilty parts.

[CW4B]

Thanks cornerstone, hadn't thought of using this forum that way. Great idea.

[72LB]

Welcome.


By the way........

[CW4B]

Originally Posted by 72LB

Welcome.


By the way........

Pictures? Haven't figured that out yet but I'll give it a try. If you see a pic somewhere, I did something right. Also new to this forum way of communicating, interesting.

[CW4B]

OK, image attached. She looks so sad. LOL
I read through everyone's recommendations, all good - THANKS.
I've already started on the "make it safely drivable" fixes, including brakes, fuel line, all fluids, belts, rotor, wires, plugs, tires OK. Ran into a snag that's got me stumped with ignition wiring or starter, but that's in another string. This will be my 3 mile commuter when its raining, which coincides when I don't like to ride my motorcycle.
Cheers!

[CW4B]

Here is what I drive when it's dry outside.

[stsalvage]

she has a good paint choice.We all like to see pics of the engine bay that will help us to tell you want the PO put in or token out the cab needs pictures like the rocker pull up the rubber mat to show the floor to tell us if you have a long project or a rather short and simple one take a pic's of the dash both sides standing on ether side of the doors looking in at the dash.That will help us know witch modal it is

Take a pic from bedind the truck even showing the top of the truck and tail gate Open glove box take a good pic of the options your truck came with take as clear picture as possible

[CW4B]

Originally Posted by stsalvage

she has a good paint choice.We all like to see pics of the engine bay that will help us to tell you want the PO put in or token out the cab needs pictures like the rocker pull up the rubber mat to show the floor to tell us if you have a long project or a rather short and simple one take a pic's of the dash both sides standing on ether side of the doors looking in at the dash.That will help us know witch modal it is

Take a pic from bedind the truck even showing the top of the truck and tail gate Open glove box take a good pic of the options your truck came with take as clear picture as possible

Will do, soonest.

[CW4B]

Originally Posted by stsalvage

she has a good paint choice.we all like to see pics of the engine bay that will help us to tell you want the po put in or token out the cab needs pictures like the rocker pull up the rubber mat to show the floor to tell us if you have a long project or a rather short and simple one take a pic's of the dash both sides standing on ether side of the doors looking in at the dash.that will help us know witch modal it is

take a pic from bedind the truck even showing the top of the truck and tail gate open glove box take a good pic of the options your truck came with take as clear picture as possible

[jocko]

Has good bones, welcome! Lotsa good stuff there, big block longhorn, what's not to like!

[yuccales]

Originally Posted by jocko

big block longhorn, what's not to like!

X2! I'm liking that truck.

[rustytruck50]

Oh wow!! You were holding a winner of a hand and just playin' with us!!! Nice score with the big block Longhorn!

[CW4B]

Selection thanks to my buddy. He happened on it and knew I was looking for a project and vwalah, C20 big block longhorn owner. LOL I had a reconditioned 69 c10 a few years ago. Sold it to my buddy's dad who sold it to a museum somewhere up north. Was a circumstantial sell though, was sorry as soon as it left the drive. If I loved that one so much, I figure reconditioning one on my own (and perhaps in addition to everyone on this forum's help) - over time - will result in an even more enjoyable experience. Not in a hurry though, mainly want to make it safely and reliably drivable for now until I decide what I want to accomplish and then plan everything out and get the funds lined up. I don't think I'll want a show room truck this time though. Something that everyone else will steer clear of because they think I'll run'm over if they don't get outta the way. Maybe a rat rod! Love having so many choices to begin with.

[Southpaw69]

Very cool truck. It looks very similar to the one I got condition wise...mine is much more average though. Sounds like you're on the right track getting it safe and mechanically sound. What I've found with mine is that everything I do leads to finding more worn out parts, just the way a 50 year old truck goes. Better than a previous owner "customizing" it shortcut style. Good luck getting that beast going, it'll be worth the effort.

edit: how's the cab on that thing rust wise? That can be a fun part.

[35boulder]

Welcome to the board fellow Texan. Like all have said above you have a great start there. Looking forward to your progress.

[Jacoby]

I'm in the same boat as you with a 68 C10 I just inherited

My plan is:
brakes and suspension 1st
wheels & tires 2nd
powertrain & drivetrain 3rd
interior 4th
exterior 5th

[Steeveedee]

I like it! That is the paint scheme before my father in law painted what is now our truck. Same- Longhorn with a 402. Mine seems to have lost the Longhorn logos off the rear fenders, though.

[Longhorn 69]

Hope you enjoy your build as much as I have mine so far. It looks to be in better condition than mine was after sitting for 20+ years. My engine is rebuilt, and frame and parts have been blasted and epoxy primed and ready to bring home from body shop tomorrow. Now it is time to start piecing it back together. This forum is a wealth of info.
On another note I opened the Factory Assembly Manual Index that these fine members put together, but I do not see the heading. Do I need to do something different?

[stsalvage]

Now that is a find.Finding one with all the Brackets still attached. Man so many of us would only dream of being so lucky.If your looking to make this a really nice driver.And plan on putting some real miles on this truck.I've found out that CCP makes a 1/2 ton spindle that take the 3/4 ton ball joint and swapping out the rear end is a joy cus there all leaf springs.The new trucks from 1973--95 had leaf spring.

Lately i have found out that the 4L80E will bolt up to all are small block and big block engines.Tci makes a stand alone computer hook up that you can buy for around 600.00 a it will get you 16-to 20 miles per gallon .Plus the 4L80E has no floes,Not one bad review unless you did not changed the oil or filter ever them you have problems.But its a system that all of us should jump on and plus it has over drive And you need to do nothing Put put a trans cooler on it.I'm looking at 3 of them to put them in all my chevy trucks

[stsalvage]

The longhorn is a over looked truck.Most people use to steer clear of them.Now they are the ones coming to light.I have a 1968 longhorn with the same chrome package as yours.I've found out with in the last 5 years the bed is not to my truck But it has the tool box and is not cancer out has all the side trim I have a few dings around the tail like but easy to fix.My cab is spotless no cancer.In side its perfect.Plus it has the one paint combo that most guys are looking for the metallic Blue.Plus mine is AC as well Plus it has the 396 Full power .