The pusher

[notsolo]

Brilliant, (machine work) as for the truck Awesome....

[endlessearth]

I finally got around to using CLR to remove the rust from the tailgate. I need to get it all pretty for Dino's party next month. Here are before and after pics.

[endlessearth]

I also did the same to the grill. It has been suggested that I powder coat the front bumper and the grill with white paint to make them "pop." What do you all think? Leave it as-is or do a little powder coating?

[bullwinkle3331]

Hello,
I have been following thread for a while, what a phenominal build!

I personally like the way that the grill looks after you applied the CLR and it looks "Great" with the rest of the body. I also like the way that the white lettering stands out in the grill - looks wonderful.

Do you have any plans for a rear bumber(paint or chrome maybe)and if so, would you be able to find one that has a similar patina to the front bumper and grill? Just a thought.
My truck has powdercoating but has a little different paint scheme.

Good luck with your decision.......It's a "Great Truck".

[endlessearth]

Thank you everyone for the positive compliments on the build. I discovered this forum right after I had bought the truck. I bought the truck because it was for sale down the street and it looked cool with the patina and was a rust-free survivor. At that time I had never owned a C10 and had no idea what to do with it. I did know Chip from a previous build and he introduced me to guys like Alex (Chevyrestoguy) and Dino. I also read all the build threads n this forum and learned a lot. Over time my vision of doing the truck as if it was a vintage Bonneville-style pusher truck was shaped and it that vision that guides the steps. First was making it reliable and equipping it for modern speed limits. Second was making it comfortable in the cab. Next will be disk brakes, lowering it and swapping the rear-end for better gearing. After that will come interior work to make it more soundproof.

- G

[need louvers ?]

Well, you know how I stand on the bumper grill question!

When Bodi did his grill/bumper in white a couple of years ago, I absolutely couldn't believe the difference it made on his also "patina" truck. It seems to subtly "clean" the overall look of the truck up without looking too "blingy" and overdone... You know, not contrived. Kinda the same way putting a nice set of tires and wheels changes things for the better.

If your truck had all the Custom Cab trim and such, I'd be the first to say chrome, but I think in this case keeping it "unluxe" and clean would keep the vibe that stirs my soul.... I dig Bodi's front bumper on the back idea, too.

I might still have that number for the aluminum grill on my desk somewhere, too. I could still see that brushed to match the caps with white bumpers, too.

[SIR]

found some "push-truck" photos from "back in the day"....great truck!!

[endlessearth]

Originally Posted by SIR

found some "push-truck" photos from "back in the day"....great truck!!

That's awesome! Thanks!

[endlessearth]

I found a local guy who does some good hammer and dolly work for cheap money. My truck had some major dents and creases in both doors. I don't intend to paint it or do any body work as I love the original look but I felt that the truck could still look a little better. I knew it wouldn't come out perfect but I am very satisfied with the results and the job cost was extremely low. PM me if you are in Phoenix area and want a referral for inexpensive metal work. Here is a before and after pic. I will tell you that the "before" pic does not really do justice to how deep the dent was or how heavily it was creased. The two vertical creases below the mirror are completely gone even though the marks left are still there. This was all done while the doors remained on the truck.

[need louvers ?]

Wow! Much better!

[bullwinkle3331]

Wow, pretty awsome! Does he travel to Virginia?

[endlessearth]

I have had a pretty hectic schedule the last few months so I haven't had time to post much but I wanted to provide an update on my truck.

Firstly, I have put over 3,500 miles on it since Chip built the motor and it has been fairly seamless. I did have to replace the distributor some time ago because the original wasn't properly retarding and the truck would sometimes idle too high when stopped at an intersection and other times it would bog and stall (usually right when the light turned green.) Every stop light I approached (and we have a million here in Phoenix) was an adventure. Since then, it has been flawless and it has a noticeable pick-up in power.

I love the 5-speed. Chip told me to go Tremec and it was the best decision made.

I did neuter it a bit. It is no longer really a C20. It has brand new front-end with disk brakes and the rear end is now a 1971 12-bolt with 3.73 gears and a posi. The 3.73 gears make all the difference in the world over the 4.56s in the Easton. It still launches like a demon thanks to the posi and the low first gear in the TKO500 but it can now cruise at 75 all day long with the AC cranking nice and cold.

The cab floor is now covered in Dynamat and a rubber mat has been installed on top of it. It isn't whisper quiet but it blocks a lot of noise and all the heat that was coming off the firewall and tranny tunnel. The AC is far more efficient now.

Here are some recent pics:

New stance:


With the moon discs remounted:
[IMG][/IMG]

The interior:


Found that one badge I was missing:
[IMG][/IMG]

Resting after a day of work:
[IMG][/IMG]

Making friends:
[IMG][/IMG]

Scoring chicks:

[endlessearth]

Forgot one more thing: The only "moment" I had with the truck in the last few months was when the crank pulley took off on me and headed into the desert. It made a quite a racket on the way out and as far as I can tell the bolt that held the pulley onto the crank must have backed out. There were a few sheared threads at the end that came out looking like little metal onion rings when I put my finger into the hole in the crank but other than that all was fine. O'Reilly Auto Parts was luckily close by so I limped in. A new bolt for the crank plus three more to attach it to the harmonic balancer for good measure and I was on my way. It was by far the most complex roadside repair I have ever undertaken and I was pretty proud to get it all sorted out without calling in air support.

[slammerd]

I have had the pleasure to see this truck in person and it is one sweet truck!! You guys did a great job Grant.

[endlessearth]

Originally Posted by slammerd

I have had the pleasure to see this truck in person and it is one sweet truck!! You guys did a great job Grant.

Thanks Doc. You are one of the only people to drive it besides myself. Looking forward to seeing your truck on the road.