1970 Chevy Longbed CST/10

[mud.man.rj]

Nice choice on the 2nd truck, I too like the grill better, doing some nice work. Well worth the extra disassembly by the looks of it, will be done right, looking forward to seeing more.
Mudman.

[WannaBe68]

Originally Posted by Jim70Chevy

Be happy to show you how it goes. Guessing there will some mistakes along the way but hey maybe I can learn them so someone else doesn't have to. I already started hammering some of the dents but I can get some pics together as I go.

Sweet... Thanks, Bro'

[Jim70Chevy]

Here are the first things I have been doing to the grill. I needed to work the biggest dent out which actually came out fairly easy with a little hammering. Then I really wanted to see what I was in for so I experimented on that specific area with a variety of sandpaper. 200, 400, 800, 1000 and 2500 grit.

[Jim70Chevy]

Then I started using aircraft aluminum polish with some steel wool as it recommends. That really turned the very dull grey color into a bit of a shine. Then I did a couple more passes with a cloth and the polish. I think we have some progress. All of this took a 3 hours or so.

One thing I can already see is that the new surface is going to be SO MUCH smoother. This means I will have to do the whole thing since the older finish really looks crappy in comparison.

Another thing that has occurred to me now is that I might be liking that "not quite fully polished" look. It has a nickle plate appearance that is pretty cool and might look good with the gunmetal grey I want to do the truck. We will see. More to come.

[Jim70Chevy]

Originally Posted by mud.man.rj

Nice choice on the 2nd truck, I too like the grill better, doing some nice work. Well worth the extra disassembly by the looks of it, will be done right, looking forward to seeing more.
Mudman.

Thanks. It has been a lot of fun so far. I can honestly say I wouldn't have the guts to do a lot of this without this board and the amazing posts to read. Now I can't wait to work on it every free day and weekend.

[WannaBe68]

Wow - I guess my days of kicking in doors doesn't translate into having the stomach to beat on my grill like that! You are the Man!
Seriously - I'm very relieved that this can be done...and apparently done very well. Keep Leading the Way, Bro' and I just might decide to do the same on mine. Thanks again!

[knomadd]

Nice work on the grille!

[Jim70Chevy]

Thank you both. Yes, it CAN be done (or so I am finding). I will continue to work on it over the holiday weekend and post pics of the progress. Happy Thanksgiving everyone BTW!

[Jim70Chevy]

So I was able to get a little more done over the holiday weekend. Not much because it was raining most of the time but I was able to get the rotted part of the seam cut out and a patch made. I got most of it welded (my wife caught me with her camera) but I wont be showing the finished welds until I get finished with the grinder (can you say UGLY?) I am NOT a good welder .... yet

[Jim70Chevy]

Well some goodies arrived today from brothers. I took advantage of the Black Friday weekend. Guess my project list for the near future is rather obvious. Also got a picture from my powder coater today with progress on my hinges and headers.

[Jason7121]

Great work powder coat looks awesome

[Jim70Chevy]

Thanks, Got my headers back from ceramic coating. Love that color.

[jimbosprint]

Cool truck, it looks like you are getting a lot done! And it's good to see another Norcal project (I'm in Chico).

What headers are those? I like the color. Did you get them done at "Powdercoat It"?

[Jim70Chevy]

Thanks. It is a lot of fun. I cant wait for it to be road worthy again. Maybe I will take a drive up to your neck of the woods then.

I think they are Headman headers. Yes I had them done at Powdercoat-it. Top notch work done at that shop. It's the only place I will take my stuff.

[Jim70Chevy]

Well there was finally a break in the rain over the last couple days and I figured I better get some Por15 down while I had the chance. I will add more later but I got a good coat on the fender wells, radiator support and the floor of the inside. I went ahead and coated the inner cowl area to protect it from further damage during the upcoming rains. I still need to finish repairs but at least the rest is coated.

[Jim70Chevy]

Working on the body now. Getting things straight and smooth. Filled in the gas filler neck, antennae hole and the trim holes. Things were starting to look good on my panel by panel progress until I came across that tool box built into the bed. I removed the door just fine, the inner box was a bit more difficult but done and then I see ... rust and lots of body filler. Now I'm no expert but I am pretty sure that's NOT how to do it.

[Jim70Chevy]

So out comes the bondo ... a lot of it. what I am left with is pretty much swiss cheese. So my question is ... do I repair this tool box and rework the door or do I just cut in a replacement panel and be done with the box. Any opinions? I already ordered the replacement panel since I will need at least part of it to rebuild this box opening. Just not sure if I want to keep the toolbox.

[Jim70Chevy]

And the plot thickens (just like the bondo) ... As I am moving forward on the side of the truck I am finding even more body filler mixed with rust. Looks like I need to remove the door and add in some patch panels. I already replaced the door sill as it was completely rotted out. I will post pictures of that process soon. On the hunt for more hidden body filler.

[68Gold/white]

Great job!!!

Carry on!!!

[Odaroloc]

Looks great! I cant wait to start on my 69 and 71!

[rsgt]

Here is how I fixed my rusted tool box. I got the panel from a board member that was parting out a truck, He cut it off and sent it to me.

[Jim70Chevy]

Cool. Thanks for posting. I ordered new panel and I think I will be doing the same. Actually the space left by the toolbox is just about the room I would need to hang a mini spare tire and jack. Just need to weld a winch type bracket from a newer truck and then I have a hidden spare tire. Wonder if anyone has done something similar.

[jimbosprint]

Originally Posted by rsgt

Here is how I fixed my rusted tool box. I got the panel from a board member that was parting out a truck, He cut it off and sent it to me.

I bought and sold an entire truck just for tool box parts. I totally understand why you went this way.

[Jim70Chevy]

so I got the bed removed this weekend and the blazer tank installed. Now I need to notch out the cross member and add a filler neck / door to the bed and I will be one step closer to driving it again. Can't wait.

[Jim70Chevy]

Got a little Por15 on the frame and the lowering kit installed. Next I get to start doing work on the bed.