1965 LWB Stepside Build

[roll_the_dice]

OK, I have never done a build thread before, so here goes.

A little background. I have always admired mid 60's Chevy C10's for their usefulness and timeless looks. About 4 years ago I finally started looking for a solid truck that I could drive until I had time to start a restoration. I wanted a 1966 since that is the year I was born, but found this 1965...close enough!

Three years ago in August I found the truck on craigslist in Atlanta. I called the guy and my wife and I drove from Savannah to look at it and drive it. We made the deal and he delivered it the next week with new tires!

Background on the truck...PO bought the truck about 5 years prior and was now going to college and didn't have time to restore the truck, but it was in good condition with rust in the normal places (door corners). The wood he had milled himself, but didn't stain/protect the wood so it is raw, but in good condition.

This is the good and bad from when I received it as I saw it.

The good--
Long wheel base
stepside
gas tank moved from behind seat to under bed
front disc brakes
power steering
new tires
5 lug wheel conversion
LED tail lights/blinkers/brake lights installed 2 weeks prior to me purchasing
starter rebuilt??

The Bad--
10 gallon fuel tank
Didn't turn over 2 days after I bought it!
small side view mirrors (hate them)
tailgate bent
underside of hood peeling where someone airbrushed flames!
engine burns oil
not matching #s truck
electrical leak drains battery (unplug battery after I drive it) theft deterrent system!
blinkers don't work

So 2 days after I bought it, I pulled the "rebuilt" starter and had it tested and rebuilt...good to go.

It has a SBC 350 from a 1973 Camaro with a 5 speed manual gearbox with 1st gear being low (granny) gear.

I started formulating a "plan" of what I wanted to do to the truck...then my dad got sick, I basically took care of him for 1 1/2 years until he passed away. Unfortunately, he didn't get to enjoy the truck. Part of my loving this truck was my dad had a 63 that I remembered when I was a kid and he eventually sold it to my grandfather...I think that is where I remember it... my grandfather, since I was born in 66, but I might just remember pictures. haha

Debated over a new crate engine vs rebuild. Ultimately decided to eventually order crate engine since this one is not original to the truck. If it were, I would rebuild. I eventually want to try and sell the current engine, but right now still using it.

Plans for the truck--
New crate engine 350 SBC 300HP with FI Tech EFI (ordered)
Tremec T56 magnum 6 speed manual transmission (ordered)
New serpentine system (ordered)
rewire to alleviate electrical gremlins
new larger fuel tank (www.boydwelding.com) (received)
New aluminum radiator from www.rndfabrication.com (ordered)
Vintage air a/c system (ordered)
a/c vents from Corvettejim1968
spare tire hanger (purchased from board member)
restore a instrument cluster (ebay purchase)
replace steering wheel
recover bench seat

So as I have been accumulating parts, I have also been building my garage tools. I bought a Tptools skat blast media cabinet. I also have an eastwood powder coating kit I hope to use when I start cleaning up the engine bay. I am looking for a larger air compressor also.

I have already received the a/c vents from corvettejim1968, the spare tire hanger, and a instrument cluster that I purchased on ebay.

I received the new fuel tank yesterday.

Anyway, I know I am forgetting tons of things...so I will post as I remember. I will also post pics as I start working on the truck.

My plan is to remove the engine and start cleaning up and painting/powder coating items in the engine bay to make it worthy of a new engine. Fortunately a buddy of mine was a personal mechanic for a guy that has lots of vintage vehicles...so he is going to help me with the engine/trans, wiring, etc. I don't know a ton about doing this work, but I am reading/researching and I am eager and willing to learn and am looking forward to it.

Cosmetically, I want to repair any rust issues, but a paint job will have to be phase 2. This will be a semi DD and used as a truck, so I don't care about a show quality paint job. I want a mechanically sound truck first and foremost.

Without further adieu, here are some pics of the truck when I first got it. Also a picture of my new boyd welding 20 gallon fuel tank with fuel pump for EFI systems. The toolbox has been removed off the back of the truck. Looks much better without it, IMO.