1968 C10 Stepside Restoration Project

[72c20customcamper]

Very nice work

[72bowtiestepper]

Excellent job...home builds take a long time..you will have it done soon & be proud that you did the work yourself !

[68 C10 Driver]

Thanks everyone for the kind words. I am trying to take my time on this build, the last thing I want is to rush and have to take steps backwards to fix. I will likely take a break from the cab and start working on the frame...disassembly, rust removal/stripping, paint, and reassembly. Following that, I will work on the stepside bed.

[68 C10 Driver]

So this week, I have been able to put in some quality time on the truck after work. I was able to disassemble and refurbish the steering column. I am waiting on new bearings, but after cleaning the old ones and repacking them, they feel pretty good. I will paint the column, but wait to assemble it after the new bearings arrive. I just want to see if the new bearings are any better.

I also am starting to get the dash electrical together. Today's additions (while primer was drying, was the new headlight switch (but using old knob at the moment), the old wiper switch (new one is on order), and the new heater controls.

[68 C10 Driver]

So my steering column parts came in today, but I noticed that the new lower bearing and carrier/spacer is different. The new one is about 1/8 in taller. I am thinking it is ok and it will work out if I use the new spring that looks pretty anemic compared to the old one. I guess I need to decide whether or not to just keep the old parts going. Like I said in a previous post, the old lower bearing was de-rusted using vinegar and cleaned out using PB Blaster and WD-40. I then rinsed in acetone then I repacked the bearing using wheel bearing grease. Not sure if the new design isn't because it is better, or if it is cheap Chinese manufacturing...not sure why these parts can't just be reproduced like the old ones.

I also got the new know for the headlamp switch, but had to modify it. It wouldn't lock into the switch, so I looked at it and noticed that at the "pointy" end they didn't reduce the shift near the groove where it locks into place, I had to file that down by hand and it works as advertised now. The one in the background is the new one after I filed it.

[68 C10 Driver]

I forgot to mention that I was able to paint the steering column today...I know that the color of the steering shaft is different from the normal black, but I want to see how that looks under the hood. If it doesn't give me the look I am after, it will be no big deal to paint it black. I just thought it would be a nice personalization.

[68 C10 Driver]

Trying to at least do a little something every few days to keep progress rolling. So part of that progress was to strip down the jack, and remove all the rust, then repaint and lube. Also moved the mounting to the back due to not being able to mount it in the factory location. Here is my solution.

[68 C10 Driver]

Today's task was to disassemble the pedal box and sandblast it and the parking brake handle mechanism. Much better than using a wire wheel! Thanks to my friend/neighbor Rich for allowing me to use his blast cabinet.

Tomorrow's task will be to paint.

[68 C10 Driver]

Pulled all of the parts out of the box, wiped them down with xylene, and then hit them with some Rust Mort. There was a hint of rust even after the sand blasting, so the Rust Mort treatment should keep that from coming back.

The parking brake handle cleaned up great, hit that with self etching primer, then applied the black paint. All-in-all it is looking pretty decent. I needed to get these parts done so I can get things ready to install the steering column...but before that goes in, I need to paint the firewall. I ordered new bushings for the pedal box, so I will have to wait to reassemble the unit. Parts should be in on Tuesday.

[68 C10 Driver]

Pedal box reassembled and I decided to do a test fit to see how everything fits together. I also have the steering column somewhat together, you would never know this was a 3-on-the-tree column.

[68 C10 Driver]

Figured I would test fit the instrument panel in today to see how things will look. I have ordered new dash mounting screws, but all in all it is looking more like a truck. I also need to get a new choke cable.

[68 C10 Driver]

So, being a little impatient, I decided to test fit the steering column and wheel. I was pretty amazed how well it all fit together, but then again all of the parts have been cleaned and repainted so it should go together like it is supposed to. I also dug out the old sill plates and gave those a good cleaning...they look a lot better, but you can tell they are not new. I like the old ones because they are a heavy gauge steel with chrome plate. I think the new ones are thinner, and stainless.

I will repair and paint the steering wheel...I also have a different one that I may test fit. Pictures will follow.

[regan wilson]

Originally Posted by 68 C10 Driver

So, being a little impatient, I decided to test fit the steering column and wheel. I was pretty amazed how well it all fit together, but then again all of the parts have been cleaned and repainted so it should go together like it is supposed to. I also dug out the old sill plates and gave those a good cleaning...they look a lot better, but you can tell they are not new. I like the old ones because they are a heavy gauge steel with chrome plate. I think the new ones are thinner, and stainless.

I will repair and paint the steering wheel...I also have a different one that I may test fit. Pictures will follow.

That steering wheel is cool.

[zicc1835]

lots of progress to say the least since I last checked in 2021 love the medium green pick

[68 C10 Driver]

Originally Posted by zicc1835

lots of progress to say the least since I last checked in 2021 love the medium green pick

Thanks, trying to keep pressing on, a little each day if I can.

[68 C10 Driver]

So which steering wheel, the gray one, or red one? I will restore and repaint them to match the interior.

[A1971Blazer]

Shaun....I vote for the gray....

[Kronald_70GMC]

I'd have to say red one.

[68 C10 Driver]

Thanks for the inputs, it's a tough pick...

[68 C10 Driver]

Well, this evening I decided to start on the last big job with the cab interiot...modifying the interior heater box. Because the underdash A/C unit takes up so much under dash space, the heater box needs to be modified. Of the three sections one will remain unchanged the part that mounts to the inside of the firewall. The middle section will be cut down and will be the part the heater hoses for the defroster will attach. The end piece that was the connection for the defroster will be used for parts.

[68 C10 Driver]

Today's progress consists of getting the middle part of the interior heater box modified. I welded an end plate on it, then cut two holes. I then welded the hose fittings onto the end plate. There was quite a bit of surface rust, but a wire wheel on a drill made quick work of that. Any rust inside the box that I can't get I used hand brushes the best I could, then sprayed Rust Mort to take care of things. I was fortunate that my son took an interest and wanted to get into the wire wheel action.

[72bowtiestepper]

Nice work...Glad to see your son has a face shield on in the second pic. Those wire wheels have been known to throw debris & wire straight into eyes. Great to involve your Son in your project !

[68 C10 Driver]

72Bowtiestepper, yeah he jumped right in there as I was taking a pic, then realized he didn't have the faceshield. After he put it on, he soon realized the importance of the faceshield when a piece of the wire brush flew out and hit him in the neck. I told him 'safety first' when working in the garage.

[68 C10 Driver]

So yesterday I finished up the wire brushing and rust removal, then pressed on to the paint. The interior heater box was painted the same color as the rest of the interior, but seeing how my father-in-law looked to have the truck painted many moons ago, I wasn't sure that was right, or if it should be black. I painted it black based on other pics I have seen of refurbished trucks.

It was late, so I will take some photos and post them later so you can see the results.

[68 C10 Driver]

So everything is pained and installed to see how it fits, I had to shorten the control cable, and I will need to get a longer hose for the driver's side defroster vent.