baclay9's 83' SWB Build

[baclay9]

Well I figured it was a good time to get a build thread going. I will give you guys a little background. I bought this 83' Chevy C10 SWB about a month ago. I had one in highschool and have wanted another one ever since I sold it. Anyway, I had been searching for a project and this one looked like the one.

The pics are pretty forgiving, it doesn't seem to have any rust on it except in the cab corners but it needs some body work. The paint job on it is really bad. Looks as if they did no prep work to the undercoat.

Here are a few pics of what I am starting with.


By claypool782 at 2010-04-27


By claypool782 at 2010-04-27


By claypool782 at 2010-04-27


By claypool782 at 2010-04-27

I am wanting to eventually redo the entire interior. I already scored a bench seat for it as I really like the benches in these trucks.

I began tearing into it and started noticing something wasn't right. Something about the way it sits. After pulling the front bumper off it started to become apparent. The frame is twisted. Not only that but it had actually been cut off behind the driver side control arm and replaced with a piece of frame off of an earlier model Chevy.

The PO had actually heated just the passenger side spring to drop that side of the truck so it would sit level. There are a ton of shims in the driver side upper control arm. Here are some pics.

Passenger side

By claypool782 at 2010-05-05

Drivers side

By claypool782 at 2010-05-05


By claypool782 at 2010-05-05

Weld in frame

By claypool782 at 2010-05-05

After throwing a fit I finally relaxed and started planning my next move. I came to the conclusion I would just have to come up with another truck. I jumped on craigslist and started looking. Lo and behold there sat a rolling frame from an 81'. Had to drive to Texas to pick it up but I scored it and 4 rally wheels for $150. Guess I must be livin right.


By claypool782 at 2010-05-09


By claypool782 at 2010-05-09


By claypool782 at 2010-05-09


By claypool782 at 2010-05-15

So my little project is going to turn into a frame off. My Dad and I will be doing this together and I am really looking forward to it. My progress will be slow because I am always gone working away from home. I will definately keep you guys updated on my progress with lots of pics.