Passing C10 to 16yo son.

[softballnrd27]

I've gone back and forth on this a lot and I finally settled on passing down my 85 to my oldest son when we get back from Okinawa. He will be 15 so I will have a year to make sure everything is good. Paint and body work are going to be done the last year that I am here so that will be good. It has an 04 5.3l/th350 w/completely stock 10 bolt.
Plans before passing:
Better exhaust system headers to tailpipes
American Autowire Harness
4l80e trans
Rebuilt 10 bolt with posi and 3.73ish gears rear disc brakes
Tires and wheels of his choice
New weatherstripping
Possible A/C heater at a minimum
New carpet
Nice stereo system
Auto meter gauges
Spray in Berliner
What am I missing? I want it reliable and as safe as can be. I am open to any/all suggestions or constructive criticism.

As for me I am going to start looking for a 64-66 swb, that was my 1st truck and I really want one!!

[nekkidhillbilly]

keep a few extra fenders and things around for when he tears it up. thats alot of truck for a 16 yo. i was 16 once too. i think a 4 banger s10 is more idea.

[Kurt L]

i agree with nekkidhillbilly. my first vechile was given to me and it lasted a year.just saying.

[gchemist]

With FI and programming, limit the top speed!! I was a good kid driving while growing, but even I had a lead foot. Replaced engine and a trans in my old high school truck. With a harness, you can plug in a ODBII reader in the port.

[Low84]

Originally Posted by gchemist

With FI and programming, limit the top speed!! I was a good kid driving while growing, but even I had a lead foot. Replaced engine and a trans in my old high school truck. With a harness, you can plug in a ODBII reader in the port.

This

[KQQL IT]

A GPS so you can see what really happens...
Or a cheap S-10 my 1st car lasted almost 3 weeks before I wrecked it.

[softballnrd27]

He has put in some time wrenching on the truck and it won't be 100% free or his per say. I am leaning towards a S10 now that everyone is mentioning it. That might be the best thing to do.

[TheBlueBomber]

Originally Posted by softballnrd27

He has put in some time wrenching on the truck and it won't be 100% free or his per say. I am leaning towards a S10 now that everyone is mentioning it. That might be the best thing to do.

My friend has an s10 he worked for in high school. He's Dad helped him buy and then paint the truck (works at a body shop). Just this past year he bought the 79 his Dad restored for a price only a son could get and is careful with both trucks.

On the other hand I have several friends who are on their 3rd or 4th trucks/numerous motors/transmissions/etc who have all had their vehicles given to them

With that being said, if I had been given the trucks I have now at 16 they wouldn't be in any condition like they are now...

If your son is responsible and doesn't have the need to show off all the time and one up everyone then he should be okay. But ask yourself "what would I have done with a fast car at 16"

[Low Elco]

I would have hauled ass over half the county, while keeping my shine on and my game tight, like I did with my 72 Cutlass Supreme.



My 14 year old is getting an S10, probably in the next year, which his dirtbag hotrodder dad will help him fix up if he stays on the up and up. He really wants my '87.

[Rich84]

There is no scarier feeling in the world then watching them drive away for the first time by themselves..

[gchemist]

I met a father and son racing team a few years ago. The son was driving a nice 67-72 SWB truck with a 350 modified stock block. It was running fast enough to beat a C4 Vette at the track. The father would let his son run it all weekend to get the speed bug out of him. They had an agreement. If the he was caught speeding, wrecked it, or was irresponsible with it, the truck was taken away and not to be given back at anytime. I think they had a good agreement.

[fastlane]

The difference between my brothers and I other than 5 & 7 years is I bought all of my vehicles. Mine lasted several years, where I watched my brothers destroy car after car my dad bought them... even though they were his. the first time my sone drives my truck (he's 2!) and scratches it... there will be beatings!!

[nekkidhillbilly]

well even in my case even if i wasnt being stupid someone else the places id go ie school the local hangouts etc.... you had a bunch of other kids that where stupid. my 1st car i hit a deer 6 days after i got it which no one could avoid so thats not really a big thing. i could drive good had since i was 12. i fixed it back after the deer. 6 months later some idiot driving a lifted ranger trying toshow out for some girls in the school parking lot t boned and knocked it about 20 feet. totaled my car almost took my face of with a bumper. he did this in reverse trying to j turn a truck i guess.