Green Gus the 68 shortbed convert

[rusty76]

If you do sell old Gus at least buy another truck for the kids to ride in. Be it new or old they’ll have and hold onto memories of a truck much longer than some sedan. Me personally I’d end up being selfish and keeping Gus. I hope there’s some middle ground there.

[knomadd]

You know you can always upgrade things to make it safer, like brakes, headlights and taillights, things like that. If you're more worried about impacts, you can add bracing to things like the doors for side impact protection, but even a new car isn't completely safe. An airbag can injure someone too.

I'm not trying to downplay your concerns. I do understand where you're coming from. I don't have my own kids yet, but I grew up with these old vehicles and I know you have family that can tell you about how they used to ride around laying in the back window of a big car, or never wore a seatbelt in the back seat, or rode in the bed of a truck... Everyone has a relative that has done something most parents would freak out about today. Just make sure you aren't going to sell it without really trying to analyze it completely.

[Slowguy]

Wow. Also went through the entire thread last two days. What a journey. It’s funny, I had the same concerns with safety. I’m upgrading the brakes, shoulder belts, steering, and everything will be new but it still lacks airbags, traction control, abs, and head rest for rear impact. I guess it’s just one of those thing that you take a chance with. I remember being little, riding through Chicago with the driver having a beer in his hand sitting on a milk crate. Literally. I made it this far and it’s by shear chance but it is what it is. I don’t have children to consider so I hear you there. Don’t know where the market will go but it seems these trucks are at a premium right now? I’d think it’d be a good time to recoup your costs but man, you did some nice work.

I’ve also been in the Audi/vw world for the last few years. I’ve had 4-a6’s, s4, 3-rs6’s, Jetta tdi, and an s6. They make some really safe cars. I have an s6 right now. With winter tires, it’s the best vehicle I’ve ever driven on slick roads. I wanted the wife to have a super safe car so I got her that.

If you need the money for the next vehicle I’d sell it. But...if you don’t I’d hang on to it for a bit longer. I think it will be difficult to find one that has the exact modifications you wanted done to this one.

[hewittca]

Well, I think it's time to update my thread to put some closure on this C10 journey for me.

I ended up letting my photographer friend borrow the truck for two months. While she had it, we visited once to do our own photo session. I realized during this time that I could live without the truck and I didn't really miss it too much. I also healed up from surgery and now feel better than ever so I'm refocused and ready to work on something again.







I ended up getting the truck back this past Sunday and on the ride home I just didn't feel that rush to be driving it again like I thought I would. I decided to follow through with my thoughts of selling and threw it up on Craigslist to see what would happen. Well, within 30 minutes someone contacted me and asked to come by and see it later that afternoon. So he came by, looked it over, beamed with restrained excitement, and said he'd be back the next day with cash. And that he did. So within 24 hours of listing the truck, it was gone! I don't think I was ready for a lightning quick turn around but he did not haggle me on price and he seemed like a genuine guy so it didn't bother me to see it go. I think I'm still surprised, but I'm happy to have it move on to someone else who is going to be excited about it.

From it all, my biggest disappointment is that I've lost the connection that introduced me to so many great people at various events and random interactions while out and about. I plan to still check in from time to time here on the forum and contribute when I can, but I fear I will end up like I did with my participation on previous forums related to my other projects, fading into irrelevance. Well, I guess we all have to move on at some point. For now, I will consider at least this thread complete from my perspective as my truck rides off into the sunset. Farewell!

[preacher anthony]

Hated to read this, but I completely understand. Sometimes the building is the "fun" part of the project. Seems like that's all I get to do w/ the ones I've had. I fix them for someone else to enjoy.

[rusty76]

Hate to see the truck go. But some day you’ll be back. Trucks haul you back in. Just wait and see. Really glad we got to meet and look forward to seeing you around again soon. Stay in touch.

[Janz99]

Sad to see this truck go. I loved following the build.

Any idea if the new owner knows about or is a member of this forum? It would be great to see the transition and follow along with his build.

-Ryan

[Slowguy]

I used your build as inspiration for many of the things I was doing as well. Thanks again for the input offered. Just kinda figured out how you said the grind the welds off the transit wheels to reverse the centers. Kinda. Seems the welds don’t want to let loose.

I also used your plan to extend the rear hub bolts and purchased the same exact ones. I’m also using the exact same center caps. Only difference I think I’ll paint a white stripe on the outer edge of the wheel and the centers black.

I enjoyed reading through all your posts and seeing all the great pictures. I’m sure you made the new owner very happy to be getting something with so much of the work already complete.

[Janz99]

Originally Posted by Slowguy

I used your build as inspiration for many of the things I was doing as well. Thanks again for the input offered. Just kinda figured out how you said the grind the welds off the transit wheels to reverse the centers. Kinda. Seems the welds don’t want to let loose.

I also used your plan to extend the rear hub bolts and purchased the same exact ones. I’m also using the exact same center caps. Only difference I think I’ll paint a white stripe on the outer edge of the wheel and the centers black.

I enjoyed reading through all your posts and seeing all the great pictures. I’m sure you made the new owner very happy to be getting something with so much of the work already complete.

I was in the same boat, the welds penetrate into the hoops further than you would expect. You need to get past the weld penetration and then the center can be knocked free. I used a 1/2" thick by 2" wide piece of brass, then went along the welded lip and and hammered the center out little by little. It was a slow process but once its moving you can see it creep its way out.

Hope that helps.

-Ryan

[hewittca]

Well, it's been several years since I last posted here on the forum. After I sold the truck, I moved on to the next project and built another '63 Beetle. It was a really clean car to start with and had awesome patina. It also had some neat history with it being owned by a US Army soldier that purchased it originally in Germany. If you care to see any details on it, you can check out the build thread here.

While building the bug, I realized I may have made a mistake in selling the C10! Once I finished the bug, I listed it for sale and it was gone within three days. I had already been searching for another C10, so once the bug was gone I started to go look at some trucks. I will leave the details for the eventual build thread, but ultimately I settled on this super clean '71 GMC. Once I start the build thread I will leave a link here if you care to follow along. Feels good to be back in a truck!

[preacher anthony]

Good to see you back. My mom and stepfather have a white 74 VW, he loves it. I got "dibs" on it. I have a 67 C10 small window now, 355/700r/vintage air, buddy seats.

[LEEVON]

Welcome back! I loved that green truck, I bet the new one will be equally cool.

[Low Elco]

Good to see you back!

[hewittca]

New build thread is up for the 72 GMC. Follow along here. I'm going to call this one Sullii.

[FRCvette]

Welcome back. I was surprised to see you sell the c10 but I understand as I did the same 2 years ago. I bought a replacement c10 one year ago that is getting LS installed now. I will be watching for your build thread.

[ShortHaul]

Welcome back! headed over to check in on Sullii...