65 C10 Family Connection

[FamilyTruckster65]

I have been working on the 65 C10 that my folks bought brand new. This truck is the first vehicle that I had ever ridden in and what I learned to drive. This was my familys only vehicle from 65 to 74. It took dad to work, mom to the grocery store and our family on every road trip until the late 80's.

Dad ordered it with the better seat, chrome side moldings, 230 six cylinder and the 4 speed. In the 80's we had a same vintage Aristocrat Lo-Liner for camping. I has been all over the West.

In 1995 with well over 300K documented miles it tossed the harmonic balancer for the umpteenth time and was parked. My Father had always kept meticulous records of fuel and maintence. I have these little notebooks that log every fuel stop that he made, how much was used, what it cost, where it was from, and if it was a special trip like vacation. I could only find back to about 1972, but I am sure earlier ones existed.

As a teen I got to use it sparingly from about '84 to '87. Other than a few things is was very original and well used having to put up with 4 teenagers learning to drive.

In 96 my parents moved to a new home and I towed the Chevy over to the new place and parked it in the back yard. I was the last person to be in it until December of 2021, when with the help of my 87 year old father and a couple of dear friends we pulled it from the dirt and began the journey of getting a C10 back on the road for the next chapter of enjoyment for our family.

[FamilyTruckster65]

In its resting place.

[FamilyTruckster65]

Poor Thing

[FamilyTruckster65]

I do not have a garage or a shop. I do have very good friends that do. So for that last year there has been much cleanup, head scratching, bench racing, and elbow grease expended. This picture is from the day that it arrived at the Spa for rejuvination.

This will not be a numbers matching period correct restoration. I guess it would be more along the lines of a restomod. The truck will have all the things that dad has wanted but never got around to.

It is first and foremost to be a driver. Something that will bring enjoyment.

[bigmoe]

Alright! I'm subbed. Can't wait to see the progress.

[FamilyTruckster65]

Is this what is meant by "RAT MOTOR"?

[cwcarpenter98]

Not exactly, but I sure know how much fun you won't have cleaning that out! My 81 had a big nest similar to that as well. Hopefully your wiring hasn't been all chewed up, but don't be surprised if it has.

I love the story behind this truck and can't wait to see it back on the road!

[FamilyTruckster65]

The back was full of 25 odd years of parts collecting. 2 small blocks and various goodies like Mickey Thompson valve cover, etc.

Unfortunaly the cap leaked, and beings that it is Oregon...

At least the aluminum stuff is salvageable.

[FamilyTruckster65]

The Squirrels were evicted. But since we have rent control laws we had to pay for there relocation expenses...

[PowerdbyChevy79]

Subscribed!!

[rbruno68]

That will be a great project especially with the family history. And for sitting, it looks like it is in very good shape.

[Braunschweiger]

What a great story

[FamilyTruckster65]

Next the front clip was removed for engine and trans removal. I usually like to take them in/out in one lump if possible.

[FamilyTruckster65]

Thank you for the comments and feedback. I have lots of pictures to share to get cought up to the present time.

[jweb]

Great truck & story. I did the same to my dad's 51 that sat for 25 years.

It's a great feeling to get projects like this on the road again.

[FamilyTruckster65]

Next up was removing the front crossmember and cleaning the front part of the frame.

[FamilyTruckster65]

Sitting so long in the dirt did a number on the lower control arms.

[bigmoe]

You haven't really said what your plans are for the truck. Keep it original? A few upgrades?

[88Stanger]

Oh heck yes, subscribed! This is a great start!!! Great job so far!!! Keep up the great job. If you have a question, ask.... there are so many great individuals on here willing to help where they can

[FamilyTruckster65]

Originally Posted by bigmoe

You haven't really said what your plans are for the truck. Keep it original? A few upgrades?

Hi BigMoe,

I have not shared any details yet. On the wish list is for this to be a fun driver. Something you want to take just because.

On that note, I have put many miles on this truck in the stock configuration. While I have many great memories; I do want it to be more modern feeling. I want more comfort with the look and flavor of the origional. In the 1980's the 230 with the granny low 4 speed and 4.10 gears that howled louder than the AM radio at 55 mph were fine. It was on a comfort parallel with my VW bug that was older than I. But to fit the current (my) definition of fun it needs to be reliable enough, brake, steer and handle well enough that you can drive it 600 miles a day on a road trip when the mood strikes you. Was it that way before? Yeah, but expectations change.

So I guess we could call this a resto-mod? Or Belly button build. I am not breaking new ground it will be like thousands that have come before, it will just be ours..

I hope you understand.

[FamilyTruckster65]

Originally Posted by 88Stanger

Oh heck yes, subscribed! This is a great start!!! Great job so far!!! Keep up the great job. If you have a question, ask.... there are so many great individuals on here willing to help where they can

Thank you! I have been following along with your build. Keep up the momentum!

[FamilyTruckster65]

Originally Posted by jweb

Great truck & story. I did the same to my dad's 51 that sat for 25 years.

It's a great feeling to get projects like this on the road again.

Your truck is beautiful. You have my fathers dream truck.

[FamilyTruckster65]

So as I alluded to earlier this project has been a long time in the making. I started collecting parts in the early 1990's and squirreled them away in various places as squirrels are want to do. In doing so sometimes a guys kinda forgets what he has and where it is..Many of you can understand that "life" happens and time slips away.

So when I brought the truck out to work on it, it was like and archological dig "finding" all the goodies. For instance I bought wheels, the receipt says in September of 1995! The company isn't even in business now!

Remember this part, It comes back to bite me in the butt.

[FamilyTruckster65]

A wrecking yard motor and transmission showed up about this time after the trucking company held it hostage for 6 weeks. It originated in Texas and just needed to make it to Oregon.

Somewhere along the line it broke loose from the pallet and rolled around some amount. It was bruised to put it mildly.

[Arne]

Definitely watching to see how this turns out. If it would be helpful to look at or compare anything on my truck down in Eugene, just ping me.