Mike's 66 C10 Short Step Build

[markeb01]

Nice progress. Too bad about the poor fit of the aftermarket sheet metal. My front fenders came from the very first batch produced and were horrible. I had to eliminate the seam on the front end of both fenders, and the back of the fenders stuck out about an inch from the door. A lot of judicious bending finally got them lined up, but fenders that actually fit sure would have been nicer.

Hopefully they've improved quality in the years since, and you won't have too much trouble.

[Mikes66ChevyC10]

Originally Posted by markeb01

Nice progress. Too bad about the poor fit of the aftermarket sheet metal. My front fenders came from the very first batch produced and were horrible. I had to eliminate the seam on the front end of both fenders, and the back of the fenders stuck out about an inch from the door. A lot of judicious bending finally got them lined up, but fenders that actually fit sure would have been nicer.

Hopefully they've improved quality in the years since, and you won't have too much trouble.

Thanks! Slowly working through all the issues with the panels as I'm not a body guy but I think it's going to come out ok.

[Mikes66ChevyC10]

A little progress. Got the floor in the cab all finished. Also picked up the new heart for the 66!! 454 big block! Going to start tearing it down soon and freshen it up with a rebuild and a new cam and valve train. Can't wait to get it in the truck.

[TJ's Chevy]

CooL!

[Ta2Don]

Nice work on the floor...

…and a Big Block...

[ol_skool_chevy]

454 ?............this i have to follow

[Mikes66ChevyC10]

Thanks guys!! Yep 454.

Got the intake off and it looks really clean inside. Only issue I've run into is 5 broken exhaust manifold bolts on the passenger side head. Was able to get 3 of the studs out but ended up breaking an easy out bolt extractor in 2 of the holes! Bummed out not sure what I'm going to do now. Those bolt extractors are hardened steel. Might have to have the machine shop get them out.

[dwcardfan]

Nice!! 454 Sweet

[Mikes66ChevyC10]

Originally Posted by dwcardfan

Nice!! 454 Sweet

Thanks!

[TJ's Chevy]

Someone may have loctited them in. I had to drill a hole in one on a mower axle...tried getting it out...no luck...heated the sucker up really hot and I could watch that stuff coming out...after that I could almost twist it out by hand. Little heat ain't gonna hurt those heads either.

[Boedean1981]

Yeah just got my heads off with help from a 6ft cheater bar and half inch drive break over bar. good luck my friend looks like a really great project!

[Mikes66ChevyC10]

Originally Posted by TJ's Chevy

Someone may have loctited them in. I had to drill a hole in one on a mower axle...tried getting it out...no luck...heated the sucker up really hot and I could watch that stuff coming out...after that I could almost twist it out by hand. Little heat ain't gonna hurt those heads either.

Thanks for the help TJ. Tried heat on them and it didn't help. Heads need to be redone so I think I'll let the shop get them out.

[Mikes66ChevyC10]

Originally Posted by Boedean1981

Yeah just got my heads off with help from a 6ft cheater bar and half inch drive break over bar. good luck my friend looks like a really great project!

Yep they can be a bear sometimes! Thanks I've really enjoyed the project so far. can't wait to see how she turns out!

[Grizz1963]

All I can say is that your progress over time is amazing.

When I look at builds like yours, mjh1965 Martin's and others on here, I am thankful I managed t buy a California originated truck.

It has issues, like all do, but you guys are heroes.

[mjh1965]

Originally Posted by Grizz1963

All I can say is that your progress over time is amazing.

When I look at builds like yours, mjh1965 Martin's and others on here, I am thankful I managed t buy a California originated truck.

It has issues, like all do, but you guys are heroes.

Grizz All I can say is so am I

Nice work on the floor. Getting aftermarket panels too fit is always a challenge but with time patients oh and a Big hammer it can be done

[Mikes66ChevyC10]

Thanks guys!!! It's been a very rewarding experience so far! The best part though is having my wife and son helping right beside me. I also feel good that I saved this truck from the scrap yard. It will now be part of my family for years to come.

[Mikes66ChevyC10]

Picked up a "Mini Me" to the C10! It's a 97 S10 short box step side in orange just like my C10 is going to be. Wanted something fun for the summer months and got an awesome deal on it. Here are some pictures. Can't wait to park the C10 and the s10 next to each other when the C10 is done!!

[mjh1965]

I have always liked the S10 , Cool colour and nice interior . The size is more suited to our smaller roads . I would love one in the UK but the tax and insurance is expensive .
We don't pay road tax on pre 1973 vehicles and get cheaper insurance on older classic vehicles So the C10 is great .

[Mikes66ChevyC10]

Originally Posted by mjh1965

I have always liked the S10 , Cool colour and nice interior . The size is more suited to our smaller roads . I would love one in the UK but the tax and insurance is expensive .
We don't pay road tax on pre 1973 vehicles and get cheaper insurance on older classic vehicles So the C10 is great .

Thanks !

[Mikes66ChevyC10]

Haven't posted in a while so I thought I'd do an update of my progress or lack there of. Didn't get that much done over the summer unfortunately but I'm starting to get out in the garage more now.

Picked up some nice rust free original front end panels from a swap meet near me and a nice rust free front fender from Perro13 here on the forum. Sold off most of the new reproduction parts I had bought. The original panels fit beautifully and everything lines up great so I'm super happy about that. I media blasted the panels and painted them up and they came out nice. Also picked up a gas tank relocation kit and a few other things I'll post later. I hope to get a lot done over the winter.

[TJ's Chevy]

Updates!

[Mikes66ChevyC10]

Got a little work done on the truck yesterday. Mounted up the rear gas tank and put the Porterbuilt rear cross member in place. The cross member lines up with the holes already in the frame pretty good. Just have to drill them out a little bit to make them perfect. Man porterbuilt makes some pretty nice parts though!

[dwcardfan]

Tank looks like it was meant to be there. Nice work.

[Mikes66ChevyC10]

Originally Posted by dwcardfan

Tank looks like it was meant to be there. Nice work.

Thanks!