1968 C10 Stepside Restoration Project

[68 C10 Driver]

So, I did a test fit of the new passenger side door, not a perfect fit, but I think I can get it to work. Bought a pair of door frame mount mirrors, I think they look pretty good and fit the style and period of the truck. I went this route as I really did not want to drill holes in the new door.

I did notice that the new door has this squirrely weld seam on the door, so I will have to fix that so it looks like the original door. Hinges were in great shape, no play in them at all and they feel nice and tight.

Not sure why the photos are horizontal, but you can get the gist of what's going on.

Cheers-
Shaun

[68 C10 Driver]

So, I was able to get out and work on the truck, one of the things I did was fix/modify the spare tire mount I have for the cut-out fender. It had a broken stud, so I removed it and I am installing a nut on the back side to accept the GM tire lock. Unfortunately folks aren't as honest as they used to be, the locking device will come in handy. Once I get the fender with the cut-out installed, I can then weld the upper mounting arms so they are at the correct geometry to the bed rail where it bolts on.

[68 C10 Driver]

Well, I was able to get out on Saturday and work on the truck. The driver's side floor patch is done and I have welded in the lower rear door pillar patch (photos coming soon). I still have the lower front door pillar patch to weld on in addition to the outer rocker, kick panel, and some repairs to the foot panel that sits just above and adjacent to the floor panel.

After all that, I will tackle that rusted-out inner cowl just above the driver's side floor vent.

[Trucknut57]

When you tackle that inner cowl panel, remember, we will need a bunch of pictures

[68 C10 Driver]

Originally Posted by Trucknut57

When you tackle that inner cowl panel, remember, we will need a bunch of pictures

Ok,no problem. But I can't promise that it will be pretty...

[68 C10 Driver]

So, we have been seeing a bit of a break in the weather and it has warmed up nicely. I decided to get out ant take advantage of the sunny weather and tinker with the truck some more.

I have been able to get the bottom patch panels on the lower A and B pillars along with the driverside cab corner. My welding isn't the prettiest, but I can grind down some more of the ugliness because I was able to do the welding on both sides for strength. I also was able to get the kick panel in and do a test fit of the outer rocker.

[68 C10 Driver]

Here are the latest pics...

[68 C10 Driver]

This is a test fit of the outer rocker...

[68 TT]

Nice project. I wish my stepside was as straight as yours when I got it.

Mine was a power company service truck and lead a rough life before they put it out to pasture.

[68 C10 Driver]

Originally Posted by 68 TT

Nice project. I wish my stepside was as straight as yours when I got it.

Mine was a power company service truck and lead a rough life before they put it out to pasture.

It was straight, but 15years of neglect sitting outside undriven took its toll. I am replacing a lot of metal.

Got a pic of your truck?

Cheers-

[68 C10 Driver]

So with the weather getting better and better (minus a day or two), I was able to get out and work on the truck. With the driver's side outer rocker finally welded on, I could move on to other things. Next task was to get it on end so I could clean-up the underside.

[68 C10 Driver]

Uploading one at a time due to file size.

[68 C10 Driver]

The underside before cleaning...

[zicc1835]

just found this build ...nice work very nice

[68 C10 Driver]

Started the cleaning and welding seams from underside.

[68 C10 Driver]

Cleaning 53 year-old undercoating is tough...this stuff was applied well. My goal is to remove the old stuff, seam seam what needs to be seam sealed, then epoxy prime and apply Raptor Liner to the cab underside.

[68Gold/white]

How are you going about cleaning the underside? Grinding, sanding?

[68 C10 Driver]

Originally Posted by zicc1835

just found this build ...nice work very nice

Thank you, I am learning a lot doing this truck.

[68 C10 Driver]

Originally Posted by 68Gold/white

How are you going about cleaning the underside? Grinding, sanding?

I start out with wire brush on the grinder to get as much of the loose stuff off, then I hit it with the 60 grit flapper wheel on the grinder.

I'm afraid I am going to eventually burn out the Porter Cable grinder, but it's still hanging tough...

[68 C10 Driver]

Another outstanding weekend and I was able to get the remaining cab corner supports welded on and the bottom of the cab epoxy primed. The Upol epoxy primer sprayed very well and went on smooth without any issues. I will seam seal the weld seams and gaps, then spray the Raptor Liner hopefully next weekend.

[zicc1835]

Originally Posted by 68 C10 Driver

Another outstanding weekend and I was able to get the remaining cab corner supports welded on and the bottom of the cab epoxy primed. The Upol epoxy primer sprayed very well and went on smooth without any issues. I will seam seal the weld seams and gaps, then spray the Raptor Liner hopefully next weekend.

great progress

[tucktuck]

Originally Posted by 68 C10 Driver

I start out with wire brush on the grinder to get as much of the loose stuff off, then I hit it with the 60 grit flapper wheel on the grinder.

I'm afraid I am going to eventually burn out the Porter Cable grinder, but it's still hanging tough...

Looking good! I'm about to tackle my cab as well...

I worked at a shop back in the day and did a lot of grinding, we killed every grinder except the Makita. Now thats all I'll buy.

[68 C10 Driver]

I took a day off yesterday and decided to take advantage of the clear skies and 85 degree weather and apply the Raptor Liner to the underside of the cab. It went on pretty good and quickly.

[68 C10 Driver]

Another shot right after the application.

[yj4000]

Looks great.