Newbie 2 wrenchin -- Looking for a Mentor

[ajgriffin]

Hey everyone! I just recently inherited a 69 Chevy C-10 SB from my Dad who passed away before he was able to finish what he started. He was the ultimate gearhead and did everything short of body work. Well unfortunately I wasn't the best son growing up and although I spent tons of time in the shop with him when he was working.................never did much of the work myself so now I'm stuck with this truck that I have some many ideas for and no idea how to do it.

So I've decided that to pay proper respects to the one who built me I've at least got to put the engine & tranny together for the project. I know its a lot to chew on for a first timer, but I really don't care how long it takes...so long as its me doing the work. I'm paying folks to do all of the paint, suspension & interior work but I've got to do the engine tranny myself.

Are there any folks out in Southern California who have the time to work with a youngster who looking to put together a 454 with a overdrive tranny in a 69 Chevy truck? I live in Carson, CA and am even willing to drop a little scratch for helping me get it right the first time -- I'm sure the Mrs will appreciate me not having to come back to the well.

I've posted some pictures of the truck as is. Ignore the ugly silver on the hood -- my cousin didn't listen to me about the color so its being sprayed again to a much much darker grey. May even take it back to all maroon b/c its not looking as nice and I had originally hoped.

[desertPOS]

I'll help you as much as you want, AND i live in Socal. But only if the engine goes in MY 69 truck when we're done

[krue]

Welcome to the board!

[JimKshortstep4x4]

Welcome to the board from West Michigan!

Good luck on your project!

JIm

[Palf70Step]

Welcome to the board from southern Mississippi. You'll pick up a lot of mentors around here. Good start on your truck.

[BigDaddyDave]

Welcome to the board from North Carolina.

[72BlckButy]

to the board from Mid-MO!!!

Great looking project, if you need help, this is the place to come. Good luck!

[jsbgump]

Welcome to the board from Texas

[68gmsee]

Welcome, from Texas... I agree it's a shame you didn't take advantage of your dad's knowledge. Speaking from experience, I know most teenagers don't particularly want to help ol' dad and get all greasy and grungy. Especially if it's hard work...

I'd take advantage of the knowledge of the guys/gals in this forum. Amazing what you can find out.

But, to begin with, the first thing you want to do is buy a service manual and find out what it is you want or need to learn. Some of us have been working on these old (and newer) vehicles for a long, long time and have picked up tidbits here and there over the years by experience, reading and asking.

Also, there's a tremendous amount of information on the net. Auto Zone site has information on how to do your own repairs. "How Stuff Works" gives you a good description (with pics in some cases!) of the inner workings of the engine and related components in the vehicle, like disc or drum brakes, power steering, etc... You just have to be willing to dive in and do some research.

The main thing is that people here are willing to help and don't be afraid to ask. If the answers seem simplistic, it's because we don't know what the knowledge level of the person asking is.

Good luck...

[68gmsee]

Forgot to add... my condolences to you. Getting that truck going is a nice gesture and I'm sure your dad would be proud. I have a 69 and wish it looked that nice.

[Chevyholic]

^^^
I agree whole-heartedly. I had the opposite problem, I was interested in cars/trucks, but my Dad was a high school football coach and all he was interested in was sports. I love sports, but would have loved to get some mechanical education.

What you're experiencing is why hindsight is 20/20. I think it is great that you appear to be willing to put the past behind you and concentrate on making things right with yourself via Dad's old truck.

Best of luck and come back often, as there is much to be learned right here on this board!

[Orange]

Looks like you have an excellent starting point.
I am sure you'll find plenty of help. There are several SoCal members.

Welcome from North Georgia.

DLB

[ajgriffin]

Thanks for the well wishes everyone & thanks for the starting point 68gmsee. I found a class at a local trade school that I'm thinking about taking. Its only $175 and the course description says you get to teardown, build up and install an engine. Doesn't say what kind or in what, but I figure the experience would be worth it if I can get my own hands on it. I've seen my Dad do it at least 10 times on various cars so I'm not totally clueless, but never got in there and tried any of it myself. My experience is more like...."Hold the light up! No over here! Ok now bump the starter...."

Still looking for some good help though.

I attached a copy of the course description that shows what's taught in the class. Do you all thinks its worth taking the time or no? It says that the removal will be in a "late model FWD and RWD" but doesn't get any more specific than that. I guess that means I won't get any carb experience...

[68gmsee]

Originally Posted by ajgriffin

My experience is more like...."Hold the light up! No over here! Ok now bump the starter...."

Still looking for some good help though. ...

Sounds like me and my dad when I was growing up in the 50's. I actually learned about how engines work with a 4 cycle Briggs and Straton engine out of a gas pump when I was in FFA in high school.

I'm sure you'll get some help out there.. Best thing I can tell you is to get together with some of the guys there when they have a "truck fest" and meet them. Or maybe you can send an all out bulletin to the locals to have a weekend meet at a park or something...