Here We Go - 65 C10 LWB - For the Kid

[Chad215]

looks great!

[ctandc]

Well not much to report. I’ve been checking out the body on the truck more closely. Cab still looks really good. The bed has seen better days. I scored a patch panel (thanks to a member here) and it might end up being two patch panels for the driver’s side. It would replace the rusted part at the wheelwell and keep me from having to pull that monster dent. I’m going to have to cut and weld anyway, might as well try to save some time and money.

Discovered the front part of my fenders are rotted as well, where they sit behind the front bumper. I’m waiting on pictures of the possible replacements and I have a lead on another set of fenders as well.

Looks like I might keep my hood, since the only bad spot is the front lower, which seems VERY common. Since most hoods that aren’t rotted here go for $250 or more, seems like a the lower patch panel would be cost efficient.

But right now the focus is on getting the garage arranged so we can start stripping down the truck. After that I’m going to focus on the frame, and the power brakes / steering / suspension update. I’m taking this one phase at a time. I know how it is, if you look at everything that needs done you’ll get overwhelmed and depressed at the same time.

I’m waiting on a poster of a Craigslist ad to email / call me. They are selling a 8x10 metal shed kit, new in the box, for SUPER CHEAP and I already have a 13x13 concrete pad. A simple shed to keep my mowers, lawn stuff and other junk would free up enough room in the garage for the entire truck broken down.

[ctandc]

Well I didn't score the shed. But I did finally put a working lock on my storage area outside of the garage so I could make some room for parts and starting to take the truck apart.

Also scored a power steering pump and bracket setup. Donor was a mid - late 70's Camaro with a straight 6. I'll make it work if need be. Also grabbed the kick down bracket and some linkage, I'll need to rig something up when I start mocking up for the 700R4 swap.

This weekend was mainly yard work and honey do's so I can really dig into the truck later this week.

[ctandc]

So I’ve been doing a lot of research, and for the time / effort / cash outlay, the 700R4 is out for now, at least behind the 6 cylinder. I’m sure it can be adapted, I would just have to engineer a TV cable bracket setup for the factory Rochester 1bbl. Issue is cost effectiveness at this point. The mileage gains just don’t seem like they would be worth the initial investment.

Odds are once the chassis and suspension is done, then the body work is done, I’ll likely go back and want to update the drivetrain, AFTER he’s been driving the truck a while. I’m thinking 4.8 or 5.3 from a later model truck.

Right now I’m thinking the smartest route of attack is to find a later model 3.08 rear end (open or posi doesn’t matter) and install it.

This would help me across the board:

- I could install a Turbo 350 instead of an Overdrive for now
- I wouldn’t have to swap axles or redrill mine for the 5 lug setup

So I’m on the hunt for 71-72 3.08 rear.

[ctandc]

Well picked up some parts today and officially started tear down!!!
I'll take some pics in the next day or so.

The aluminum (custom cab option) grille and bezels on my '65 is in GREAT shape. Can't even find any dents or dings. Brackets are even in good shape. And since we're planning on blacking everything out, the grille and bezels will up be sale or trade for other parts shortly, as I snagged a steel painted grille in good shape. I'd hate to paint a perfectly good alum grille when someone might be looking for one.

Also picked up a couple of fenders, one is much better shape than mine, the other a bit better.

- Front grille support panel will need some patching it looks like, add it to the list

My Dad and Stepmom are in town until Tuesday, so full blown tear down won't start until next weekend.

I did drive the truck some this past week. Loaded up and went to the dump, the old girl ran better and better as I drove it. Then cleared off my concrete pad (future home of shed) and took another trip in the truck.

So it's the official last trip for the truck.

[Captainfab]

I agree that a TH350 and a 3.08 rear should do just fine. Good score on the PS pump and brackets.