1968 C10 Stepside Restoration Project

[68 C10 Driver]

That steering wheel is not too much different from my 65 El Camino wheel when you put them side-by-side.

@raggedjim, I like the colors you picked! Keep in mind that you will need to build out the base of the steering wheel where it meets the truck's steering column. Truck steering wheels are a larger diameter at the center. I used a product called "All Metal". It is a body filler that has metal (aluminum) in it and makes for a hard surface when done. If i remember you only need to build it out about 1/8 to 3/16 in.

[68 C10 Driver]

@raggedjim:

Here is what my 65 Camino steering wheel looked like before and after I built out the base. Note where the steering wheel and steering column meet.

[raggedjim]

Yeap, I've been building that base up and it is just about right. I hope I can get mine to the point yours is, it's a work of art.

Amazing how similar they are! I want to find a Chevy button that will fit in the same space as the Pontiac emblem.

[68 C10 Driver]

Originally Posted by raggedjim

Yeap, I've been building that base up and it is just about right. I hope I can get mine to the point yours is, it's a work of art.

Amazing how similar they are! I want to find a Chevy button that will fit in the same space as the Pontiac emblem.

The one for the 65 El Camino should be a match.

[raggedjim]

I'll look into it, thanks!

[68 C10 Driver]

So this weekend's main project was to install a pole barn style car port so I do not have to work on the frame in the blazing sun this year. Great product from a local builder.

First photo is the site for the car port, just next to my shed. Second photo shows the materials when delivered. Third is a little more than halfway through the process, and last photo is the completed carport. Car port is 20 x 20.

This car port will also be where I park the truck. The garage will not be big enough to handle having it, my MG, and our classic Mini when it is done.

[zicc1835]

nice....

[68bowtie]

Looks great!

[68 C10 Driver]

So I got out today to do some de-rusting of the frame, all the while enjoying the shade from my new car port. stripping rust off of a truck frame is not an easy task, especially when your primary weapon is a hand grinder with a wire wheel on it. Not only is it loud (had my ear protection on), but it really gets old fast. Those heavy duty wire wheels work great, but occasionally throw those wires at you. Definitely wear a face shield when doing that task.

Sprayed Rust Mort on the frame after I wire brushed it. Should not flash-rust. I will eventually use the Eastwood Rust Encapsulator and Satin Black 2k frame paint when the rust removal is done.

[zicc1835]

Originally Posted by 68 C10 Driver

So I got out today to do some de-rusting of the frame, all the while enjoying the shade from my new car port. stripping rust off of a truck frame is not an easy task, especially when your primary weapon is a hand grinder with a wire wheel on it. Not only is it loud (had my ear protection on), but it really gets old fast. Those heavy duty wire wheels work great, but occasionally throw those wires at you. Definitely wear a face shield when doing that task.

Sprayed Rust Mort on the frame after I wire brushed it. Should not flash-rust. I will eventually use the Eastwood Rust Encapsulator and Satin Black 2k frame paint when the rust removal is done.

looking good lots of work been there and done that .....I cheated and had the second one I did blasted keep at it.... and your right watch them flyin wires off the wheel you may want a blacksmiths apron

[raggedjim]

Wire wheels, I use them but I don't like them! Nice work!

[68 C10 Driver]

Finally got some time to get out and work on the frame. Had to do some rework of the area previously done due to surface rust. I got a little further, spraying with Rust Mort as I go trying to keep the rust at bay. Hoping to get the rest of the frame de-rusted, rust encapsulator applied, and the 2k epoxy frame paint applied before the cold weather sets in.

[zicc1835]

Originally Posted by 68 C10 Driver

Finally got some time to get out and work on the frame. Had to do some rework of the area previously done due to surface rust. I got a little further, spraying with Rust Mort as I go trying to keep the rust at bay. Hoping to get the rest of the frame de-rusted, rust encapsulator applied, and the 2k epoxy frame paint applied before the cold weather sets in.

I know you put the port up to work under how cold does it get by you?

[68 C10 Driver]

Originally Posted by zicc1835

I know you put the port up to work under how cold does it get by you?

It doesn't get too cold here...late January and into February we average about 48 degrees with lows into the upper 20s to lower/mid 30s. But we have periods it will climb into the 60s for a few days at a time. Just depends.

[68 C10 Driver]

Took a break from the frame and decided to strip down the bench seat. I removed the two bolts at the pivot joint to remove the seat back. Man, am I glad this truck has the seats that folds down, makes accessing the area behind the seat so much easier. I removed a butt load of hog rings and clips and was able to get the two layers of vinyl off of the seat. The foam for the seat bottom was toast on the driver's side, as were the edge springs. The springs that go front to back were broken on the driver's side, but ok on the rest of the seat, but I think they are a bit tired. While the original springs seem to be no longer available, I think I will just use the s-shaped springs like the later seats.

The frame required some welding as the front mounting channel for the springs was loose from the frame base...fixed. The seat back just has some surface rust, mostly at the bottom where the upper (back) section meets the seat bottom.

I have ordered the cotton batting for the seat back and will fit some foam to cover that, although the seat originally didn't have that. The seat back frame also needs welding at the bottom at the bottom rail and side rail weld joint

[68 C10 Driver]

Here are some photos to show the areas that needed rewarding. First photo shows how the channel that the springs connect to has pulled away from the seat frame. Second photo shoes the tack welds now securing it. Third photo shows where the seat back lower rail/side frame joint has broken. That will be my task for tomorrow.