My 71 C10 Driver Rebuild/Update

[jones6826]

I bought this truck about 5 years ago and have finally got around to doing something with it. I have to work out in the driveway and leave the truck outside. So I have to cordinate working on it with the weather and all the other things that come along with a family and a home. But I've been able to start getting somethings done.

I wanted to start this thread to document the process, maybe keep me motivated, and gather any advice you'd be willing to share. This is the first time I've done this so I'm sure theres plenty I dont know about it yet.

These are my plans

1. Move the tank to the rear and fill it from the marker light without having to cut any of the bed up.
2. Paint the frame. I painted the back half with some rustoleum tractor paint this week. I dont have the equipment or experience to spray it so I did it with a brush. That took a looong time.
3. Replace the floor of the cab. Should probably do the rockers and cab corners to but I dont have the money for a paint job. May go ahead and do it and try to match the color with a rattle can. It's going to have the patina look anyway...
4. Rebuild the front end
5. Put a 5.3 LS and AR5 transmission
6. Update the speedometer to use the AR5 input. Similar to what LS1Nova71 did here. http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=512751

And I'm sure there will be more things come along.

[Getter-Done]

I will follow along with the build.

I like the A-frame you have.
You have a Good truck to start with

[jones6826]

Originally Posted by Getter-Done

I like the A-frame you have.

Thanks it's very handy

[Trucknut57]

Looks like a good start to your project. Was it a driver before the deconstruction?

I'm going to quess you didn't work on it today, just a tad chilly outside.

[jones6826]

Originally Posted by Trucknut57

Looks like a good start to your project. Was it a driver before the deconstruction?

I'm going to quess you didn't work on it today, just a tad chilly outside.

Yes, but the cab floor was so rusted that it was scary to drive

No, I definitely did not. It was COLD!!

[Trucknut57]

The cab floor isn't all that difficult to replace, just kind of a pain to get it set back in. Don't forget to brace it REALLY good before you pull it off the frame, this way nothing moves and you don't spend un-needed hours trying to get everything lined back up.

[jones6826]

I appreciate the advise. That's probably the next big project I'll try and tackle once I get the tank and bed squared away

[Trucknut57]

I take it you didn't find anyone to tackle the rebuild for you?

You've been on the board for awhile now, so you know you will be able to find almost anything on here. There are plenty of trucks that are/have been in WORSE condition than yours, so don't sweat it. Just take it one steep at a time and before you know it the truck will be done and you will be out driving it around.

[jones6826]

No, I never did find anyone. I probably never would have been able to afford it anyhow. I was just trying to get an idea of what it might cost.

I think I'll be happier doing it myself. Just going to take awhile.

I appreciate the advice

[Trucknut57]

At least yours started off in better shape than the one I picked up 6 years ago.

And today it sits in a million pieces until I put it back together.

[jones6826]

yea, that looks pretty rough

I like that truck you got on the lift

[Trucknut57]

Thanks, had that one since 1983. Been in the family since 1957.