Crusty 66 C10 Short Step

[Rodent]

Just picked up this 66 Chevy yesterday. Traded a Chevette to it. This is my second 60-66, so I'm starting to think I'm developing a problem. Isn't very rusty underneath and it runs. The only issues it has is the massive surface/panel rust and the brakes are locked up.



Truck is a base model, only option it appears to have is a factory spot light.





I'm going to tune it up, fix the brakes, and spray some primer on it and see how it does. I'd like to eventually lower it and convert to a floor shifter.

[LostMy65]

Originally Posted by Rodent

Just picked up this 66 Chevy yesterday. Traded a Chevette to it. This is my second 60-66, so I'm starting to think I'm developing a problem. Isn't very rusty underneath and it runs. The only issues it has is the massive surface/panel rust and the brakes are locked up.



Truck is a base model, only option it appears to have is a factory spot light.





I'm going to tune it up, fix the brakes, and spray some primer on it and see how it does. I'd like to eventually lower it and convert to a floor shifter.

Truck looks solid and complete - the interior looks complete also.

Welcome.
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[k1rodeoboater]

I foresee many hours of scotchbrite and CLR in your future...but on the plus side it doesn't look to far gone, just a ton of surface rust.

[Rodent]

Haha yeah.

The motor is just begging for a good cleaning and a krylon rebuild too.

[Rodent]

Took it for a drive today. Poured some brake fluid in it and pumped the brakes a little, and finnaly just put it in first and eased out of the clutch and hammered on the throttle. Rear wheels broke free and it took off like a dream.

Changed the oil, it was pretty much gasoline. My exhaust manifold is cracked somewhere towards the firewall, and the water pump pulley is wobbling around and some water is leaking out.

Truck holds good oil pressure, but I noticed a scarpeing/clattering noise coming from the passenger side of the engine. I figure its dry lifters, but is there anything else it could be? Doesn't seem to have any knocks or rattles.

[Alan's Classic]

Nice find and welcome aboard. Since it looks like you will be driving it. One definate safety item to think about is the condition of the brake lines. I have seen several in these old trucks just crumble when touched.

[Rodent]

Yeah I'm definetly going to be doing some brake line work, haha. One has already crumbled. Are all the lines on the truck 3/16"?

[Rodent]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iq2t8U96fkU

Proof that it will atleast start and run.

[Alan's Classic]

Originally Posted by Rodent

Yeah I'm definetly going to be doing some brake line work, haha. One has already crumbled. Are all the lines on the truck 3/16"?

There are two differrent sizes, I think 1/4 and 3/16, but you need to double check that.

[Southcity]

That's called "Patina" and there are many that spend a lot of time and money to get that look artificially (Fauxtina). One possible option: get all the mechanical's in a safe working order and just drive it for awhile. Factory spot light=Sweet!

[Rodent]

I may have to tack weld the bottom fender skins to something to keep them from flapping and the door skins to the inner structure together, but as of right now my plans are to sand it lightly, CLR it, and possibly just clear over the body. My '54 F-100 had some nice patina, and I covered it up with about 10 cans of Wally-World flat black and regretted it.

I can't get the Unity to work just yet, but can't wait to, haha.

[Rodent]

Got the water pump off today, ready for the new one to be stuck on. Pulled the front brake lines to be replaced. Only one had busted, but the rest looked pretty rough. Still reusing the passenger side rubber hose. It looks to be in better shape than the one on my daily driver. Hope to have the truck on the road soon.

[Rodent]

Replaced all the brake lines and master cylinder. Now I'm working on the wheel cylinders on all four corners.

Bolted up the waterpump I got, and it didn't have enough water outlets. Looked one up for a 292, and guess what? Right number of water outlets. Looked a little closer and I've got the off-set motor mounts and some pretty tall lifter covers. Fairly sure I've got a 292.

Gave the interior a good cleaning, and zip tied some foam to the bare springs in the driverside seatback, and covered it all up with some saddle blankets. The old farm truck smell fermented into a damp cow manure smell, so I emptied a can of old spice deoderant inside with a little febreeze so my girlfriend would be tempted to ride with me.

I cobbled up an exhaust out of scrap laying around the shop. Stick welded together with 6013 rod. The old down pipe ended by the transmission and was twisted around akwardly. Fumes were pretty bad, and you couldn't hear anything while the truck was running. Much quieter now, and the exhaust pukes out under the bed and instead of under the cab.

[Rodent]

Took it for about a mile drive today.

Got the brakes fixed. New wheel cylinders and shoes in the back. Front seemed to be fine so I just left them alone for now.

Radiator has a bad leak in the center, right in front of the fan. Ran some stop leak through it and its went from leaking to bubbling, so I guess thats something. Motor never ran long enough on my short drive to get to full operating temperature.

Once the truck gets under load, it has some issues with flooding/black smoking. I picked up a new, not rebuilt, replacement. I'll change the plugs at the same time and see if it clears up a little bit.

Steering seems to be tight, ride is excellent, and it seems to track pretty straight. With a little more time and money hopefully I can get it fully roadworthy.

[Rodent]

Figured out my flooding issue. Choke was sticking closed, someone had it rigged with some old speaker wire.

[Rodent]

Haven't had alot of time to work on the truck lately, but did manage to start it and let it run a little the other day. Radiator has serious leakage issues right in the middle row.

I can get a new aluminum unit for about $150 at work, anyone know of any cheaper source for our trucks?

[Bradydz]

Originally Posted by Rodent

Haven't had alot of time to work on the truck lately, but did manage to start it and let it run a little the other day. Radiator has serious leakage issues right in the middle row.

I can get a new aluminum unit for about $150 at work, anyone know of any cheaper source for our trucks?

Junkyards seem to hold onto them, a few I've been to have at a wall full of radiators. Just gotta hope there is one that'll work.

[DLOE65]

Dude that is nice patina! Don't paint that beauty!
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[Rodent]

Man, you should see it now after a little CLR, scotchbrite, and rainwater.

I've got a line on a good radiator too. If not, I'm just going to buy a new one and be done with it. Can't wait to start driving this old truck.

[C@rnut001]

sounds great...do you have any pictures of it after the CLR and scotchbrite? Keep it up and good luck with it.

[Rodent]

Haven't touched the truck since June. Lol, looks like it did before now.

[markeb01]

If you're still looking to rebuild your spotlight, the following thread may be helpful:

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...ighlight=unity