Project Coca-Rustola: '67 C20 Longstepper

[Saclandman]

So, I've had this truck posted up on a couple of threads, but I thought I'd go ahead and start its own project thread.

I pulled this '67 C20 Longbed Stepside out of a field in Sacramento. From what I understand, it's been sitting since the late '70s. Last registered in 1977 according to the barely legible tags. It had been used as a Coca Cola vending machine delivery truck. It's got the remnants of the Coke paint scheme and a lift gate. Original Ivory truck with 283 V8 and 4-speed.

Here's where the fun begins:

No title
Not running
Rusted out doors, rockers, inner cowl, bottom cab corner, rear roof corner
Crunched drivers side fender, and bent radiator support.
Brakes not operating
Bed wood long gone
Rotted block expansion plug
Rotted radiator hoses

What I've done so far:

Replaced all ignition parts (plugs, wires, cap, rotor, points, and coil)
Replaced radiator hoses
Replaced expansion plug
Submitted docs to DMV for new title

Dumped some gas in the carb last week, and got her fired up. But only for a few seconds. Fuel pump is shot. Replacing fuel pump and filters this week.

The Plan:
Get it running
Get it to stop
Get the bed secured to the frame
New steelies and rubber
Get all lights working
Get new title and registration
Leave it ugly, for now
Decide to keep or sell

My last project was a 1965 Buick Skylark HT Coupe....when I was in high school 25 years ago. Relearning a lot about old rigs.

[Saclandman]

More pics of the problem areas.

[Saclandman]

I'd be interested in hearing any build/restore ideas and tips from the board members. Thanks.

[69gmcc10]

Congrats on getting it running, how long will the title work take to complete? are you gonna keep the drums on all 4 corners or do a disc upgrade?

[Saclandman]

I should have my new title next week or so. I'd love to get disc brakes on but not in the budget right now. Need to get some paychecks coming in.

Installed a new fuel pump, fuel filter, and battery cables today. But I still couldn't keep it running. Sounded like only a few of the cylinders were firing. Timing might be off.
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[Saclandman]

Spent the day tinkering on my truck. Here's what I did:

Installed new Master Cylinder;
Tried to bleed brakes- failed;
Traced out my ign. wires to make sure all were in the right spot;
Regapped the plugs;
Tried to blow out fuel sending unit. Pickup tube is completely plugged. Pulled it out of the tank;
Decided to give the truck a little rub down, take of the surface grime;
Bought new sending unit, still sitting in the box; and,
Decided it was too hot and late in the day to do anymore on the truck.

I'm kinda getting sold on the whole patina build thing. But I got a lot of sheetmetal patching and replacement to do. We'll see. Still have a long way to go.

[Saclandman]

On Sunday, took the new fuel sending unit to the truck. Unfortunately, the pick up line is bigger than the original. Instead of jerry-rigging the fittings, I decided to return the new part, and get the correct one. Of course, the shop I bought it from is closed on Sundays. Stopped by this morning and picked up the right one this time. For future reference, the inline 6 and 283 V8 with 2 bbl carb run the same size fuel lines and fittings. The other V8s with 4 bbl carbs run the larger lines. Makes sense.

Anyway, got it installed today. After some issues with flooding the carb, backed off the idle a bit, and she fired right up on new gasoline from the tank. Those old lifters were a'clickin' and a'clackin'. But after revving it up for a few minutes, the engine quieted right down. Let it idle for about 10 minutes or so, then shut it down. Spotted water coming out from another rotted block expansion plug. Plus, I have oil coming out at a pretty good drip from the front timing cover seal.

But the truck did move under it's own power today. Only about a foot....and in reverse. Dropped the tranny into reverse, and it starting moving, with the clutch still depressed. Obviously, I have some clutch issues also. Didn't feel like pressing my luck in a forward gear since my wife's BMW was sitting right in front of it.

Feeling pretty good about my progress though. Not too bad for sitting in a field for 30 years.

[69gmcc10]

nice work!

[Saclandman]

Thanks, man. Here's some video-proof.

http://youtu.be/gN6q_BW07Co
http://youtu.be/uSUEDbXiPlc

[Saclandman]

Yeah!! Got my new pink slip in the mail today.

But the VIN is screwed up. It's "CE", not "C3" ya bunch of DMV jackholes!

You would think that giving them a copy of the old registration card from 1977 with the VIN clearly legible with the paperwork would make getting new title go smooth. Nope.

Gotta get it fixed now.

[zellway]

Looking good. I will be keeping a eye on this one.

[keh27]

just want to follow, love the coke truck

[Saclandman]

Here's the latest:

After I shut it down after it ran for the first time in years, I noticed water coming out of one of the expansion plugs. I had already replaced one, but realized with 2 being rotted, they're probably all rotted. In fact, after poking around a little bit, I was able to shove a screwdriver through one on the front of the block. So I've pulled off the exhaust manifolds to get better access to the block. While I was doing that, I busted off a couple of studs, and had to grind off the head of one of the bolts on the manifold. I'm going to replace all the bolts and studs since they have pretty much rusted away and I don't trust them. So waiting for the bolt set to come in so I can put everything back together.

And I still need to decide on the clutch.

[Saclandman]

Did some work on the truck on Sunday. Nothing too glorious or picture worthy. After pulling out the radiator for access, I was able to replace the expansion plugs that needed to be replaced. I then remounted the driver's side exhaust manifold. Previously, I was able to remove the old broken off studs and replace with new. Went in nice and smooth. After employing a 4-ft crowbar and a sawzall to cut the remaining bolt, I was able to pull off the passanger side manifold. With the busted studs, I ground them down flush, and redrilled and tapped to accept the new studs.

Everything was going fine until I threaded in one of the new studs. I wrenched it in a little too deep, and the hole blew out the side. Many f-bombs were then thrown. So now I need to get a new manifold. Other than that, everything is almost back together. After working all afternoon in 95+ degree heat, I had had enough and called it a day as the sun went down.

Just have to replace the manifold, re-install the radiator, and bolt up the exhaust, and the old boy should be ready to fire back up again.

But I'm still waiting on my new and corrected pink slip, and I need to finish bleeding the brakes. Then, I need to get all the lights working. And install something for a bed. Probably just throw in a sheet of 3/4 plywood and bolt down. I'd really like to get this truck rolling to the Norcal meetup in September.

[Saclandman]

And, a new clutch. Dammit, my punch list keeps growing.

[Saclandman]

Paid a visit to Joe's Chevy Truck Parts in Orangevale today. Was soooo tempted just to throw some cash around and buy all the stuff on my wish list, but baby steps, baby steps. Did pick up an exhaust manifold to replace the one I busted though. Good little purchase. Thanks, Joe, for the manifold, showing me all your stuff, and for our conversation.

I also received my new pink slip in the mail today. I am now the titled owner. Yay!!!

[502ms]

Great start! It's me Leon from FB. Hope you have fun bringing her back to life!
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[Saclandman]

Originally Posted by 502ms

Great start! It's me Leon from FB. Hope you have fun bringing her back to life!
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Thanks. It would be more fun if I stopped breaking stuff and spending money.
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[Saclandman]

Found some new shoes for my old boy. OK, they're used, off a 76 GMC, and they're 16.5's. But for $50 for all 4 corners and a spare with some tread left, good enough. Clean em up and repaint. New tires might be a problem. Now I can get rid of those split wheels.

[zellway]

Keep a eye out and I bet you can find some 16" on Cragslist. but getting away from the split rim's in not a bad idea. I got rim's off a 08 Dodge for my truck.

[Saclandman]

Originally Posted by zellway

Keep a eye out and I bet you can find some 16" on Cragslist. but getting away from the split rim's in not a bad idea. I got rim's off a 08 Dodge for my truck.

Found a nice set of black steelies with good tires from an 08 Chevy 1 ton on CL for cheap. But just have not been able to meet up with the guy. Anyway, these give me a good set of rollers for now. I cleaned them up and rattle-canned them last night.

[abebummy26]

I like where this truck is going. I worked on a vending truck for about a month during an internship last month.

[502ms]

This is going to be awesome
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[Hardesty454]

Cool build. I almost feel like you should restore it back to the coca-cola paint and all! That would be pretty rad. Keep up the good work!

[Saclandman]

Originally Posted by 502ms

This is going to be awesome
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Leon- You have great enthusiasm and positivity. And your truck is very cool. It's inspiring. Now stop it before I have to get mean.