1963 C-10 in NC

[markeb01]

Nice progress!

[1963c-10]

The belts and screens went in easy. The spotlight was fun to say the least. I have to take the handle off and figure why my lights not working now...tested before install and worked fine. Im sure its petty, but ill figure it out. Also....how does your light sit in the down position...does it rest on the truck or is there a stop to keep it rom going that far forward.

[1963c-10]

found a grill guard this weekend, but not sure that im going to use it or get rid of it yet.

[clemdaddy]

Originally Posted by 1963c-10

found a grill guard this weekend, but not sure that im going to use it or get rid of it yet.

those are the coolest grill guards and that one looks in good shape. would have to be plated and nice, with the level of build you're doing.
really good work...

[1963c-10]

Only problem is that with my bumper guards I cant use the grill guard. So now I have to decide which one I want to keep. Im leaning towards the bumper guards. Also...these are the seat belts that I used.

[1963c-10]

These are the mirror arms that Im going with. The 60-61 cast iron arms. Found an arm on a truck w/factory spare tire, never seen this style of mirror before.

[1963c-10]

This is the custom option gas pedal cover that I have. Also have tow hooks to put on the front. Will post pics of them soon.

[markeb01]

Originally Posted by 1963c-10

Also....how does your light sit in the down position...does it rest on the truck or is there a stop to keep it from going that far forward.

My spotlights park in the down position and the glass lenses are no more than 1/8”above the body at the nearest point. The gap looks much farther away in photos, but my lamps are just above touching the paint.





This can only be accomplished if the parking lug in the handle housing and the end of the outer tube remain in good condition. To set the parking position - with the handle lug against the stop on the outer tube, rotate the tube to the desired position and tighten the inner and outer brackets screws. If the lamp has received rough service, the handle lug and outer tube are likely damaged and the parking position cannot be set, and the lamp head will rest against the body. Here are close up photos showing both pieces with typical damage that prevents parking the lamp:

[1963c-10]

Im guessing the travel limit stop in mine is gone. Mine rests on the truck, which doesn't bother me for now, but one the primer is gone and new paint is there I might have to get another handle. I have another at home I ll check 1st, it has the black knob. The one I have in the truck is white. Was there a specific color for the trucks?

[markeb01]

To the best of my knowledge, if the Unity spotlight was purchased through GM, 60-66 Chevy trucks would have received the short black GM specific handle. GMC's received the same GM short handle, although it was Ivory in color. The standard "full length" ivory handle would have been supplied if the Unity spotlight was purchased outside the GM channel. I never saw a full size black standard Unity handle until the early 1970’s so I’m assuming everything prior was only produced in ivory. The only exceptions I’m aware of are the custom GM short handles, and some early 60’s Ford OEM applications that were black with a chrome bottom cap.

Here’s a comparison between a short GM and standard full size handle, and a photo of two short GM handles on new and old housings:





I had one photo of the ultra rare GMC short ivory handle, but apparently it was lost in a hard drive crash a while back.

[1963c-10]

Hmmm.. Il get pics of the black handle I have at home. So I have the long ivory handle. Im sure the one at home is the long black handle. Mine has the wire clip, so they are the older units?

[markeb01]

Yes, handle housings with a wire clip were standard from the 1940's to the late 1960's at least. Some time in the early 70's the clip was eliminated, and along with it the original 1 piece tapered wedge pin & nut was deleted and replaced with a taper plug and screw.

On the handles above it's apparent the lower handle has a recess for the wedge pin nut. The upper handle has a protruding boss, indicating it was designed for the two piece screw/wedge.

[1963c-10]

Ok, Im starting to get the hang of the spotlights...i think.

[clemdaddy]

Originally Posted by 1963c-10

Only problem is that with my bumper guards I cant use the grill guard. So now I have to decide which one I want to keep. Im leaning towards the bumper guards. Also...these are the seat belts that I used.

if you decide on the bumper guards and want to let the grill guard go... i would be interested in it. let me know. that way we keep it in fayetteville. ha

[1963c-10]

haha...right on. You'll be the 1st person I contact if I put it up for sale. Its nice and complete...could use a rechrome or powdercoat. But they are so hard to find complete and undamaged...had to pick it up. Had a buddy suggest using both, but I think it would make the front end to "busy" or "junked up". How many options can you bolt on the front end before it starts to look crazy? I have front and rear tow hooks to install yet also.

[1963c-10]

Know its a little late, but no computer at home. Just want to thank all the military...active duty, retired and those that are no longer with us for their support and service to our country.

[1963c-10]

Rear 60-66 chevy tow hooks

[McMurphy]

Originally Posted by 1963c-10

Know its a little late, but no computer at home. Just want to thank all the military...active duty, retired and those that are no longer with us for their support and service to our country.

Thanks.
My Dad was in WWII, and is buried in San Bruno National Cemetary.
Speaking for myself, and my wife, it is an honor to serve.

[1963c-10]

My Grandfather lived with me for the last 6 years until his passing at the age of 86 in Sept 2011. He served 33 years in the Navy from 1942-1974, serving in WWII, Korean Conflict and Vietnam. He was buried here at Ft. Bragg in Sandhillls Veterns Cemetary. I miss his stories of the War and the times, they are a truely lost generation. Anybody who has the opportunity to speak to WWII vets should take up the honor as we lose more everyday. He is missed greatly. My father is reitred Army 24years. He retired out of 3rd Group Special Forces here at Bragg. So I have always been a military brat. Im proud of my family members anbd there service and I appreciate the sacrifice that all service members have made. I thank you for your service also....and any other members who read this.

[McMurphy]

Originally Posted by 1963c-10

My Grandfather lived with me for the last 6 years until his passing at the age of 86 in Sept 2011. He served 33 years in the Navy from 1942-1974, serving in WWII, Korean Conflict and Vietnam. He was buried here at Ft. Bragg in Sandhillls Veterns Cemetary. I miss his stories of the War and the times, they are a truely lost generation. Anybody who has the opportunity to speak to WWII vets should take up the honor as we lose more everyday. He is missed greatly. My father is reitred Army 24years. He retired out of 3rd Group Special Forces here at Bragg. So I have always been a military brat. Im proud of my family members anbd there service and I appreciate the sacrifice that all service members have made. I thank you for your service also....and any other members who read this.

I could not agree more with what you are saying!
I wish now I had paid more attention on those few occasions when my dad would talk about it. I can only remember a few stories that he had told of his time in the Navy, now all those tales and experiences are gone forever.

[1963c-10]

I spent alot of time with my grandfather. I am a state certified Paramedic, so I have the most medical experience in my family. My Grandfather had congestive heart failure, beat prostate cancer at 84, and had a pace maker installed. I didn't hesitate when the day came that he either needed to go to a home for healt care reasons or have a nurse come to the house. My Grandfather moved in with me. I took care of him til the day he passed. I would not put him in a home as long as I could provide for him medically, which isn't easy...especially since I was 27 at the time. Life and my truck went on the back burner. In 2011, I spent some time on the truck and included my Grandfather who was an ADJC, which is advanced jet mechanic is civilian terms. He was thrilled that even at 84-85 to be able to turn wrenches, and alot of the two man jobs I couldn't have done without him. I wish he was still here to watch and help with the progression of the truck. But I know hes smiling as he watches down on me, and I cant help but feel that sometimes hes sitting next to me when I take my solo trips to the country for a cruise.

[1963c-10]

Got the grill final polish done and decals installed.

[1963c-10]

more pics of grill /decal install

[1963c-10]

Completed grill...

[1963c-10]

Also had my buddy do the gasket on the back glass. Went with the chrome lock strip...came out awesome. Be doing the front windshield and wide 1960 trim next. The truck still had the original glass and ribbed gasket, which was in poor shape. My glass had some scratches, so the donar glass came from my 61 parts truck which had a perfect piece of glass and its OEM. Gasket came from Classic Parts and he had no problem with install. 1st one hes done like this and 40min start to finish. Th epinch weld under the gasket was still in factory condition, no rust or issues so out with the old and in with the new.