Project Pops (1980 C10 Build Project)

[palposity]

I didn't snap a pic yet, but I finished dismantling the frame. It is toast. I have a donor truck from I will be using to start the build, but am puting this on hold for now to focus on my "Cletus" project as I need that truck ready to roll for plowing this winter.

[87 chevy silverado]

u look busy

[palposity]

Originally Posted by 87 chevy silverado

u look busy

I wish I was busier fixing up these 2 trucks, but Yes...busy!

Here are a couple of pics to show how bad the frame rot was on Pops. The one shot is under where the CAT converter was (heat shield still on frame). The other is a shot of where my father-in-law had to bolt an angle iron on the frame to support it just behind where the driver sits.

[palposity]

Here is a shot of the frame and bed that will be used for Pops. (minus all the scrap metal in the bed--I'll haul that away soon)

The drivetrain is shot and will be pulled in favor of Pops' original drivetrain after it's been cleaned and painted thouroughly. The frame and bed on this donor are absolutely rust free!

[palposity]

Slow progress on this build. Cletus is my priority because it is my only method of snow removal so I have to get that one done first before the snow flies.

On this one I got the motor and tranny pulled recently though. The frame is in awesome shape! Very solid!

[Stitch]

Looking good Charlie.

[palposity]

Thanks my friend!

[Coreyterry]

Originally Posted by palposity

I wish I was busier fixing up these 2 trucks, but Yes...busy!

Here are a couple of pics to show how bad the frame rot was on Pops. The one shot is under where the CAT converter was (heat shield still on frame). The other is a shot of where my father-in-law had to bolt an angle iron on the frame to support it just behind where the driver sits.

haha your father in law must have had a lot of angle iron laying around, seems likst thats what most of the truck was held togther by also

anyways sweet build thus far, hope too see it move forward quik and painless, well as painless as the wallet allows anyways

[palposity]

Yes, my father-in-law is very effective and creative at keeping vehicles running long past the point where most of us would ditch them.

I'll get rolling on this one again after I finish my Cletus project.

[Pop's C-10]

coming alone nice

[87 chevy silverado]

its almost summer so when are you going to start this one back up??

[palposity]

I am only short 3 things before starting Pops back up.

1.) Time
2.) Money (after spending more than I care to admit on Cletus)
3.) Motivation

[87 chevy silverado]

ohh i know what you mean!

[my4by2]

Always good to see another square body saved man! Build is coming along good & look forward to seeing how it all turns out!

[spudz]

............................. any updates?? :-) If you need anything let me know. I love stuff like this.

[Squareforceone]

any updates/?

[palposity]

So I'm thinking about bringing this project out of the mothballs it has been in for the past 5 years. It's funny how life can get away from you, but this truck build is meant to be a tribute to my father-in-law so I really want to get it done this summer while he is still young and healthy enough to enjoy it. I have most of the parts I need (not counting small parts, nuts, bolts, ball joints, bearings, etc) The only big thing I still need for sure is a gas tank (maybe two) and perhaps a few trim pieces. So no reason I can't pick this back up!

[Matt Man]

Looking forward to you continuing, man that cab was rusty before.

[palposity]

Got working on stripping the donor frame down. It is amazingly rust free as we deal with rust terribly in the Central NY area. This donor is from Delaware. I got the front suspension off pretty easily except for a stubborn nut on the drag link.

Next I need to remove the rear suspension and all the fuel/brake lines so I can start sandblasting and painting. Also of note - all of the original fuel and brake lines will be reusable. They just need to be thoroughly cleaned. I am shocked how solid they are.

I am a bit concerned about making sure the frame is straight and true. I measured from the floor to the tip of the rear frame on both sides and there is a 1/4 inch difference. Of course that difference could be in the leaf springs as I have not removed the rear suspension. I don't know anything about checking a frame and straightening it so any thoughts/advice would be appreciated. I want to make sure to get it right since I am this deep in the project.

[palposity]

making another attempt to upload pics - didn't work last post.

[palposity]

Truck frame minus front suspension.

[palposity]

I took some measurements of the frame today. Looks pretty much dead on. I've included a pic of the original cab from this truck next to the donor cab. Notice a difference in height? Any guesses why? If you guessed a rotted out floor you would be correct. I had considered using the donor cab as a whole, but I really want to keep as much of the original truck as possible so I'm going to cut the floor out of the donor and restore the original. Also thought I would include a shot of the original drivetrain. I have a lot of work to do there to get that presentable, plus replacing all the seals and such.

[palposity]

Back on this project after a break of 3 years. Frame being painted...

[LT7A]

What a great last update! I'm betting at least some good stuff has happened on the truck since then.