Update on Grandpa's truck!

[White70C20]

A lot has happened since I was last on this forum.
First off, my classes are going well.

Second, I got my grandfather's '70 C20 running on Thursday.
Third, I've got about half of the interior stripped.

About 3 weeks ago, I went out to my uncle's farm and put new plugs, wires, distributor cap and rotor on the truck. I also soaked the cylinders with penetrating oil before installing the new plugs.

Fast forward to this past Thursday.
I installed a new fuel pump and coil on the truck. I attached a funnel and a long hose to the fuel pump since I'm not sure what all is in the tank. After discovering that the wiring from the key switch to the coil was bad, I decided to start it by arcing across the starter (kids, don't try this at home). After messing around with different adjustments on the distributor (dang points), I finally got it to start. It ran great for an engine that had been sitting for 20 years. Then my uncle decided to rev it up, I guess to clear out the cobwebs or something. Anyway, it died. At that point, I decided to call it a day.

Ok,
On Saturday, I went out and was determined to remove the fuel tank. Well, in order to do that, I had to remove the seat. After I did that, I noticed all the crap that was under it. So I vacuumed up all the old seat foam and mouse poop that had collected since 1994. After that, I removed all the old rotten rubber floor mat and cleaned up the floor. I got the fuel tank unbolted, but it was too dang heavy to move by myself, so I left it for next Saturday when I can have some help.
Here are the pictures!

The truck as it sits, with new wheels.


The ratty interior.


The distributor that was a pain in the tail to get adjusted.


The interior as it is today.

[RANDY COX]

I know it's a good feeling to finally getter going.I take it that it's a 292 six..

[slow-1]

Good work! Nothing like working on your Grandpa's truck.

[oklalawnboy]

Great job! Your Saturday's are filled up for the next 20 years......

[White70C20]

Yes, it's good to know the engine runs. I think I will have plenty to do for quite a while. My plans are to rent a shed at the storage units near the college I'm at, then I can work on it anytime I have some spare time.

Originally Posted by RANDY COX

I know it's a good feeling to finally getter going.I take it that it's a 292 six..

Actually it's the 250 six. This truck was bought in the fall of 1970 by my grandfather. It was probably the last '70 model on the lot. It is a basic, "plain Jane" truck with no power steering, no power brakes, and a 4 spd manual transmission. They had the dealer install the GM AM radio because it originally came with the radio delete panel.
We got it to run, and surprisingly it runs halfway decent. The muffler is even still there.

[MARKDTN]

Neat story!

[White70C20]

Hey all!
I've got an update on my grandfather's '70 C20.
I rented a shed with a couple of my classmates. One of the other guys is getting a 1940 Plymouth Pickup over Thanksgiving break.

Anyway, over the course of 1 week I was able to get the front end off (hood, grille, radiator support) and pull the engine/transmission. It's been a lot of fun so far. I'm looking forward to getting it back in running condition.

As of now, my plans are to rebuild the engine, front suspension/steering, pop out as many dents as I can, and replace the rotten rocker panels and cab corners. I also want to replace the entire wiring system since who knows what happened in the last 20 years since it was parked.

I know you guys like pics, so here you go!

[swamp rat]

Subscribed!

[yuccales]

Lookin' good! Keep those pics coming.

[1970 Bowtie]

Subscribed.

[70cst]

Looks like you are making good progress ...

[White70C20]

Hey all, while I've been home visiting family I've been thinking about my grandfather's truck. I'd like to get you guys' opinion on what to do with the body. I'm rebuilding the engine, transmission, and steering. I'm running all new wiring. Look at the pictures I put earlier in this thread. I want to keep as much of the original paint as possible. Can any of the dents be removed without having to repaint the truck? I'm wanting to keep it looking like a farm truck but at the same time have it respectable looking.
Any ideas and suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

[GASoline71]

If you're pullin' desnts and cutin' out rust... you'll need to at least primer the areas that are taken down to bare metal. I can still look like a farm truck with the original paint. It'll just have a few primer spots on it. Could be pretty cool!

Great job so far.

It's refreshing to finally see a young gun on here that has a plan and is sticking to it. Not scattered all over the place with no direction. Keep plugging away. Get it running and safe to drive first... then worry about the cosmetics.

Gary

[White70C20]

Thanks.
Yes, my plans are to get it running and driving before I start to work on the body.

[Mathew21]

Subscribed.

[White70C20]

Hi all,
Just an update on my grandfather's truck. Spring semester starts on Monday and I'll be rebuilding the old 250 straight six in class. I've started making an assessment of what parts I'm going to need to order. Looks like the steering linkages are decent. I just need to replace wheel bearings and adjust the steering box. After I get the engine back to the shed I'll get it and the transmission installed and hopefully be able to drive it around.
During my spare time this semester I'm going to be rebuilding the brakes and running new wiring.

[White70C20]

Hey all,

Just wanted to update you all on my progress. I am still in the process of rebuilding the 250 inline 6 in class. I knew it had been rebuilt back in the late 70s but it was a surprise when I opened it up to find .060" over pistons in it!
My guess is, the guy my grandfather had rebuild the engine made a mistake and when boring it out .030 over and decided to correct it by boring them all .060. It also needed a new cam and lifters. Luckily, the crankshaft and valve train were still good. I have a lot of the new stuff installed and on Monday I'll be putting the head back on.

As for the rest of the truck, I have disassembling the brakes removing the front sheet metal. Next is new brake parts and rebuilding the transmission.

Thanks for the support. I'm looking forward to driving this truck soon..... someday.

[dads longhorn]

Fantastic job! You can be very proud of yourself for doing all this, and so fast! The fact that it's your grandfathers makes it even more special. He'd be proud of you too. When you cruise Main Street you can have a big smile on your face knowing you did it!