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#1 |
Moderator
![]() Join Date: Jun 2008
Location: Modesto, CA
Posts: 5,775
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1970 Chevy Longhorn Restoration progress
Hi there!
I am in the process of restoring a 1970 Chevy Longhorn. My 69 C10 was stolen a year and a half ago and I bought this one to build. I wish I had taken pictures of this truck before I started tearing into it. This truck was an upgrade from my C10 as my C10 was a 6cyl 3-speed...very basic. This truck has a 350 with air and a wood bed. However, all needed to be redone except for the engine. It was a crate engine with 2700 miles on it when I got it. However, it was very dirty so I needed to detail it. Here is the truck just after I removed the front clip, painted the firewall, and detailed the engine. You can see that this truck had the saddle tanks as many Longhorns did. I wound up welding them closed. I had purchased aftermarket doors and a tailgate...all junk. I eventually found some nice originals. The tailgate that I found was from a truck that the owner had put a camper on it when new, and stored the tailgate. It is near NOS. I also repaired the kick panels, and replaced the rockers with NOS GM rockers. The pics show some of the progress. I have done much more, and I will post more pics and keep you all posted of my progress, and dilemmas. Last edited by 70LonghornCST; 12-16-2010 at 02:46 AM. |
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#2 |
its all about the +6 inches
Join Date: Jan 2001
Location: Hilliard Ohio
Posts: 2,693
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Re: 1970 Chevy Longhorn Restoration progress
let me be the first to welocome you to the forums!
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#3 |
go cyclones
Join Date: Jun 2003
Location: Ames, IA
Posts: 1,885
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Re: 1970 Chevy Longhorn Restoration progress
Looking good, and welcome to the board
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#4 |
The Older Generation
![]() ![]() ![]() Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: Montezuma, Iowa
Posts: 25,480
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Re: 1970 Chevy Longhorn Restoration progress
![]() Looks like you will have a great truck when you're done. Any questions just ask, there are a lot of knowledgeable people on this board. LockDoc
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Leon Locksmith, Specializing In Antique Trucks, Automobiles, & Motorcycles (My Dually Pickup Project Thread) http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=829820 - Last edited by LockDoc; 06-09-2008 at 08:41 AM. |
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#5 |
72 LONGHORN OWNER
Join Date: Sep 2002
Location: Seattle Wash.
Posts: 963
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Re: 1970 Chevy Longhorn Restoration progress
Welcome................Oh Yea......Longhorns...........Rock...........
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72-SUPER CHEYENNE/20 LONGHORN 70-C/30 DUALLY |
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#6 |
Registered User
Join Date: Aug 2002
Location: wheatland, Ca
Posts: 427
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Re: 1970 Chevy Longhorn Restoration progress
welcome to the site, always good to see another longhorn
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Mike K Friend of Bill W |
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#7 |
Saving 1 truck at a time!
Join Date: Aug 2001
Location: Kent, WA
Posts: 6,465
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Re: 1970 Chevy Longhorn Restoration progress
Welcome from the land of liquid sunshine! I love to see another Longhorn restoration. Good luck and post more pictures.
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'68 C20 Longhorn 50th Anniversary 400/TH400 '68 C20 Longhorn 50th Anniversary 468/TH400w/buckets '72 C20 Halfhorn (Longhorn w/o cab and front clip) '69 Flxible Cruiser (look up ugly in the dictionary) |
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#8 |
Tot Roddin'
Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: Mid-MO
Posts: 24,461
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Re: 1970 Chevy Longhorn Restoration progress
![]() Great looking project!
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-Nate ![]() 1969 CST SWB - Project Blank Slate (4.5/6" ECE Static Drop, 6-lug disc brake upgrade (manual), Billet Specialties Vintec 20x8.5 255/40 (F) 20x10 295/40 (R), 250 I-6) 1960 AMF Skylark - Tot Roddin' (Lowered with custom frame; soon to include custom push bar and interior) 2008 Silverado CrewCab 1LT (5.3L, 3:73, 4x4, LT1, Z-71, Towing Package) |
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#9 |
its all about the +6 inches
Join Date: Jan 2001
Location: Hilliard Ohio
Posts: 2,693
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Re: 1970 Chevy Longhorn Restoration progress
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#10 |
They call me the Breeze...
![]() Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: New York
Posts: 2,251
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Re: 1970 Chevy Longhorn Restoration progress
Nice looking project, and welcome from NY!!
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Mike 69 K20 "Beer is proof God loves us and wants us to be happy"....Ben Franklin |
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#11 |
Moderator
![]() Join Date: Jun 2008
Location: Modesto, CA
Posts: 5,775
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Re: 1970 Chevy Longhorn Restoration progress
Thanks to all of you who have posted. Here are more pictures. The progress shown in this set shows that I am in the process of changing the color from Gold to White. I removed the gas tank and painted it white behind it. I guess I could have just covered the tank and painted around it, but it would bother me knowing there was gold paint behind it. I also prepped and primed the entire inside of the cab. The other pictures show that I have welded shut the gas doors on the bed, and did the major body work where needed. I also stripped the roof of the cab down to metal and etch primed it.
As many of these trucks have, this one had the radio slot hacked out for an aftermarket radio. Since beginning on this truck, I have gotten a little better with my welder. I managed to cut the missing parts from a donor truck at a wrecking yard. I cut pieces only the size of the missing chunks from the radio...kind of like puzzle pieces if you will. I then tacked them in, working slowly around, and cooling it off with a wet rag to prevent warping. And Walla! A repaired radio slot. That was one of my proudest moments in working on this truck. I also began to reassemble the front clip, and to put together the air conditioning unit. I managed to find a gorgeous POA valve with the date code/part number still vividly visible, and the unit cleaned up nice. I also found an NOS actuator for the firewall. I am trying to go for as much original parts as I can. Light lenses, sheet metal, and anything else I can get my hands on. I have spent so much money on parts already for this truck; it doesn't make sense to cut corners now. The next batch of tasks are: mount bucket seats; cut slots for cargo light; remove wood bed; finish all minor work on the body and block sand. I will post more pics as I make progress. -Richard
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2018 Chevy Crew Cab 2006 Impala SS 1965 Plymouth Sport Fury 1970 Chevy Longhorn
70 Longhorn CST Build Adding an AM/FM Decal |
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#12 |
Registered User
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: Petal, MS
Posts: 60
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Re: 1970 Chevy Longhorn Restoration progress
Nice looking project!! And welcome from southern Miss!
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72 S/W 350/700R4!! ![]() |
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#13 |
Moderator
![]() Join Date: Jun 2008
Location: Modesto, CA
Posts: 5,775
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Re: 1970 Chevy Longhorn Restoration progress
I got a little more done on the Longhorn. While the temperature here in Hughson California reached 106 degrees, I decided I'd go ahead and rip out the old wood bed. I got her all done with the help of an angle grinder with a cut off wheel. I even used the skill saw with a metal cutting blade when possible. No chance of working those old rusty carriage bolts free, especially with the rotted wood and rusty bed strips. I have all new oak and polished stainless to take its place when
the paint is done. I am going to use spray in liner on the inner walls and fender wells of the bed. If it's a good quality liner, it comes out quite sharp looking. I'll Por15 the frame and take care of any imperfections in the bed before moving on. The next step will be to mount the bucket seats into place where the old bench seat was...
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2018 Chevy Crew Cab 2006 Impala SS 1965 Plymouth Sport Fury 1970 Chevy Longhorn
70 Longhorn CST Build Adding an AM/FM Decal |
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#14 |
its all about the +6 inches
Join Date: Jan 2001
Location: Hilliard Ohio
Posts: 2,693
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Re: 1970 Chevy Longhorn Restoration progress
very impressive richard
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#15 |
Roadtrip!
![]() Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: Grand Rapids MN
Posts: 13,724
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Re: 1970 Chevy Longhorn Restoration progress
Looking good richard! Some of the lenses you are looking for may still be available from GM. I like what you did with the avatar. Looks kinda like mine... Eric
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67 gmc custom lwb dakota truck. Sold...And bought back 69 swb 4x4 project (in progress) 70 c-10 lwb texas truck 70 4x4/BB/bkts/posi/tach(retired) 70 swb (wifes) 70 jimmy camper 71 K-5 factory 2wd 71 cheyenne 4x4/tach/posi/ plow rig 71 Cheyenne20 BB, buckets, tach, tilt, 4 speed 72 jimmy CST wyoming rig 72 jimmy Colorado rig 72 lifted texas 4x4 3/4 ton burb 65 fury conv. 383/auto 65 chrysler 300 "L" 413 auto |
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#16 |
Registered User
Join Date: Apr 2008
Location: Gales Creek, Oregon
Posts: 619
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Re: 1970 Chevy Longhorn Restoration progress
Nice progress. Moving right along on the Longhorn.
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There are two kinds of people, those who finish what they start and so on. 70 GMC Longhorn (A.K.A Money Bucket) 57 Chev 3100 05 Chevy LLY Dmax. 67 Chevy Camaro Dad's Budget Build 55 My Longhorn Build |
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#17 |
Moderator
![]() Join Date: Jun 2008
Location: Modesto, CA
Posts: 5,775
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Re: 1970 Chevy Longhorn Restoration progress
Thanks for the compliments everyone. Eric, I'm looking for the red tail light lenses that are original NOS. Those are the only lenses I need. How do I locate them? Through a GM parts store? Or is there a vendor on here?
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2018 Chevy Crew Cab 2006 Impala SS 1965 Plymouth Sport Fury 1970 Chevy Longhorn
70 Longhorn CST Build Adding an AM/FM Decal |
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#18 |
Green club
Join Date: May 2002
Location: Central CA
Posts: 1,059
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Re: 1970 Chevy Longhorn Restoration progress
Welcome to the board
![]() I'm over next door to you in Turlock, howdy nieghbor ![]() Good looking truck, by brother in law had a longhorn for many years. I spent many hours under the hood on that truck....
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71 short/fleet ECE 4/6 drop, LQ4/700r4/3.42 gears 70 SS396 Chevelle 427/200-4R/3.73posi 61 Lincoln Continental, black on black Son you are going to drive me to drinkin if you don't stop drivin that hot rod lincoln |
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#19 |
Senior Member
Join Date: Feb 2001
Location: Ridgecrest. CA, USA
Posts: 1,715
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Re: 1970 Chevy Longhorn Restoration progress
Hello Richard,
Nice build and it is good to see a LONGHORN LIVE ON!!!!! It is looking really nice. I can't wait to see it done. Oh Yea, I got my Red tail light lences for my Longhorn at Napa!!! Good Luck and we all patiently await the new looking Longhorn when it is done.
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Billy ![]() ![]() 1970 GMC Sierra Grande 402/TH400 (Longhorn)14 years and counting rebuild! 1975 (Build) Chevrolet SWB 4X4 350 SB Lifted 6 inches 1970 Ford F250 Ranger 390 BB 2010 Ford Super Duty F250 XLT W/4 inch lift kit and Pro Comp Tires Hub Cap Freak! ![]() ![]() ![]() I'M IN THE MARKET...AS IT WERE! |
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#20 |
Registered User
Join Date: Apr 2002
Location: New Carlisle, Ohio,USA
Posts: 1,404
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Looks like yer moving right along. I'd like to see it when yer done.
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![]() ![]() ![]() LIFE AIN'T EASY WHEN YER FAT AND GREASY! GMC= Got More Class! ![]() ![]() |
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#21 |
Moderator
![]() Join Date: Jun 2008
Location: Modesto, CA
Posts: 5,775
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Re: 1970 Chevy Longhorn Restoration progress
Temperatures were in the high 90's to 100's again, so I waited until late this afternoon to do any work. I got the buckets pretty much figured out. My first problem was the mounting holes. I had bench holes, and now I needed bucket holes. I measured and drilled the extra holes in the floor for mounting the bucket seats. All in all, it was pretty simple. I just wanted to have all of this part figured out before I paint the inside of the cab. I don't want to be trouble shooting anything with new paint and risk scratching anything.
My next problem was that one of the right front driver seat track mount tabs was hitting the center hump in the cab, making it difficult to mount the seat where I needed. So, I bent the tab 180 degrees in the opposite direction, and drilled a bolt hole there. I still need to flatten out that tab to make it perfect. I will paint these seat tracks a semi-gloss, as they are only covered with an self-etching primer now.
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2018 Chevy Crew Cab 2006 Impala SS 1965 Plymouth Sport Fury 1970 Chevy Longhorn
70 Longhorn CST Build Adding an AM/FM Decal |
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#22 |
Moderator
![]() Join Date: Jun 2008
Location: Modesto, CA
Posts: 5,775
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Re: 1970 Chevy Longhorn Restoration progress
Another (big) problem was the driver seat brackets. The driver seat bracket appeared to be from a 73 or later blazer seat track, as it was too tall when compared to the console and the other passenger with the stationary brackets. Thank goodness for cutting wheels and welders.
I cut the top perch in half, overlapped it 1.5 inches, and it gave me the needed 3" reduction in height. I had to do this to all four of the perches. I drilled two holes in the overlapping area of each perch and ran bolts through them. Then, I welded all the seams for added strength. They're not going anywhere! I have new foam and black seat covers for these seats, but I'll wait to cover them until the cab is ready to accept them. So here you have it, bench to bucket conversion.
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2018 Chevy Crew Cab 2006 Impala SS 1965 Plymouth Sport Fury 1970 Chevy Longhorn
70 Longhorn CST Build Adding an AM/FM Decal |
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#23 |
turbo enthusiast
Join Date: Jan 2004
Location: carmichael, ca.
Posts: 1,826
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Re: 1970 Chevy Longhorn Restoration progress
Very nice work and welcome from arizona.
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"But daddy, I didn't hit them all with a stick"...what my 6 year old tells me when I pick him up from school early for fighting ![]() |
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#24 |
6>8 Plugless........
![]() Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: Prairie City, Ia
Posts: 17,140
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Re: 1970 Chevy Longhorn Restoration progress
Nice truck. Can't wait to see the finished product. It's nice to see pics of one not all rotted out when the wood is removed. LOL
Last edited by Dieselwrencher; 07-11-2008 at 03:56 PM. Reason: Fat fingers |
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#25 |
Moderator
![]() Join Date: Jun 2008
Location: Modesto, CA
Posts: 5,775
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Re: 1970 Chevy Longhorn Restoration progress
Finally, just recently having a newborn enter my family, I got some work done on the Longhorn. More pictures to follow as I am motivated and am starting to find some time to get moving along once again. I got started on, but not finished, Por15'ing the frame. I coated the cross rails with rubberized undercoating. I replaced the front bed panel with a new, thick Goodmark replacement. I got the outer skins of my doors perfect, stripped to the metal, and metal etched. I will remove them to finish them shortly. The inner bed has been partiall stripped to the metal and some filler added to where I will need some perfecting. A new rear wiring harness has been installed as well.
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2018 Chevy Crew Cab 2006 Impala SS 1965 Plymouth Sport Fury 1970 Chevy Longhorn
70 Longhorn CST Build Adding an AM/FM Decal |
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