Previous owner '68

[Roostre]

Originally Posted by raggedjim

I only started with the frame/drivetrain because I hate bodywork! The cab I'm using shoulda been scrapped...

I've felt that about my cab at different points. I guess someone needs to save them!

[raggedjim]

Originally Posted by Roostre

I've felt that about my cab at different points. I guess someone needs to save them!

It could be worse, the truck could have been crushed years ago. Someday someone will be glad we saved these trucks!

[Roostre]

Originally Posted by raggedjim

It could be worse, the truck could have been crushed years ago. Someday someone will be glad we saved these trucks!

That's a good way to look at it. I'm just hoping to build myself a decent driver for a reasonable price, given that I don't pay myself for my time.

[68 C10 Driver]

It would be interesting to know how many 68 C10s are still on the road.

[raggedjim]

Years... Decades... Yes, it's been a while since I've updated this thread and I apologize. I have been distracted by a side project. NEVER think a free vehicle is cheap! I'm an idiot, but I did get it running!

[raggedjim]

Anyway, back to the truck. I've been struggling with the back of the cab for a while. It had rust in places you usually don't see rust on these cabs. These pics will give you an idea how bad it was.

[raggedjim]

I welded in patches but would have been better to try to find a cab with a good rear wall. Unfortunately, in this area, everyone thinks these cabs are worth a fortune, even when they have the typical rust. So, being the stubborn fellow that I am, I just kept at it.

After I welded in the repair pieces I found the rear of the cab had been pushed in about 3/4 of an inch. I think the bed had been hit at some time. Great...

[raggedjim]

Using the Stinger and the Dent Killer 1000 I eventually got it pulled out to within 1/4". Dude, I know, I wish it was closer but I tried just about everything and it is as good as I can get it. Thank the gods for short-strand and bondo.

[loudchevy]

It would've taken me countless hours and even more expletives to get to the final pic, well done. That it an odd place to have rust. Keep the stubbornness flowing, you'll get to the finish.

[raggedjim]

Now, because I think most filler failures happen because of poor prep and not enough curing time between layers, I took my time trying to build the area to something resembling flat, not necessarily straight, but relatively flat. I'm still working at it.

To you guys who make a living doing body and paint work I say you deserve every penny you make doing this. It is a soul sucking endeavor... My truck is in paint prison and I'm the warden!

[raggedjim]

Originally Posted by loudchevy

It would've taken me countless hours and even more expletives to get to the final pic, well done. That it an odd place to have rust. Keep the stubbornness flowing, you'll get to the finish.

Oh trust me, I used words I haven't even thought of since my Navy days! I'm too stupid to quit...

[Roostre]

My brother in law gave me a "free" motorcycle one time.... Talk about a money pit! Anyway, cab's looking good. And you've definitely surpassed me with the time and energy sunk into the back. I kept telling myself that nobody would see it so it didn't need to be perfect.

[raggedjim]

Originally Posted by Roostre

My brother in law gave me a "free" motorcycle one time.... Talk about a money pit! Anyway, cab's looking good. And you've definitely surpassed me with the time and energy sunk into the back. I kept telling myself that nobody would see it so it didn't need to be perfect.

I wouldn't worry so much about it if it was a fleet but the steppers show a bit more rear cab than the fleets do.

The CRX is kinda a cool car, but the first gen is hard to find parts for.

[Roostre]

Originally Posted by raggedjim

I wouldn't worry so much about it if it was a fleet but the steppers show a bit more rear cab than the fleets do.

The CRX is kinda a cool car, but the first gen is hard to find parts for.

Ah yes, I forgot that yours is a stepper, definitely begs for more TLC that way.

[raggedjim]

Trust me, the center part that won't be seen is gonna look like @$$!

[zicc1835]

Originally Posted by raggedjim

Now, because I think most filler failures happen because of poor prep and not enough curing time between layers, I took my time trying to build the area to something resembling flat, not necessarily straight, but relatively flat. I'm still working at it.

To you guys who make a living doing body and paint work I say you deserve every penny you make doing this. It is a soul sucking endeavor... My truck is in paint prison and I'm the warden!

.....patients of a Saint .....looking gooood

[raggedjim]

Originally Posted by zicc1835

.....patients of a Saint .....looking gooood

Saints do not curse...

Thanks, hope you and your family are well during this holiday season.

[zicc1835]

Originally Posted by raggedjim

Saints do not curse...

Thanks, hope you and your family are well during this holiday season.

thanks for the holiday wishes and as well to you and your family ...St. Roger the Saint of patients & cursing we are doing well ....

[68 C10 Driver]

Originally Posted by raggedjim

I feel ya brother.

I have been working on the firewall, mostly spreading bondo and then sanding it all off. Sprayed it with a coat of primer (we all know primer hides a multitude of ills) and took a pic. At this blistering pace I should finish the work on the cab by November...









2031.

That firewall looks really great, I was debating on doing the same, but I decided on keeping the firewall as it was as it left the factory. Looks very clean, especially with the heater delete. I am keeping my heater as well, I plan on driving my truck in the winter as well.

[raggedjim]

Originally Posted by 68 C10 Driver

That firewall looks really great, I was debating on doing the same, but I decided on keeping the firewall as it was as it left the factory. Looks very clean, especially with the heater delete. I am keeping my heater as well, I plan on driving my truck in the winter as well.

Thanks, I'm shooting for a very clean, uncluttered look under the hood. I did struggle a bit with thinking I should keep it original but the truth is this is a cab that would have been scrapped if I hadn't come along (sucker!) so I'm taking some liberties with it.

I almost never drive any of the "toys" in the winter so I don't think I'll miss the heater. There's always aftermarket if I change my mind!

[raggedjim]

Still plugging away at the cab. It's getting better but I always think "one more day" which usually means another 2 weeks...

[raggedjim]

While messing around with the cab I decided to clean up the cowl. It's an original radio delete cowl (big whoop) that had a few dents I had to work out. I think it came out okay.

[raggedjim]

I did some work on the air cleaner but it still needs some love. Not really a great day for painting but it is coming around.

[raggedjim]

The air cleaner is getting closer to good. I sprayed it in a satin finish but am thinking I may need to go to semi-gloss instead.

[raggedjim]

I just realized I missed the 2 year start point comparision, so I'll post the progress point now.

I'm not even going to guess how much longer I'll be, I was looking at chewychevy67's thread and realized his cab was pretty much done by page 6! I keep thinking if I can get past this cab it'll all be downhill!