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ACES · 07-08-2004, 04:31 PM

I was able to pick up this 1970 CST a couple of weeks ago. Its got posi, 350, set up for air conditioning (doesn't work), power brakes, power steering.
Here are a couple of pics.
Any suggestions on a first mod?

ACES · 07-08-2004, 04:32 PM

Engine

ACES · 07-08-2004, 04:33 PM

Another engine shot

ACES · 07-08-2004, 04:36 PM

Interior

Primed67 · 07-08-2004, 04:56 PM

That's a great looking truck. I say just do some detail work on it until you figure out what you want to do with it. Cleaning up the engine, etc. The small things always add up.

**smitty62** · 07-08-2004, 06:19 PM

While I have no qualms about modifying a rusty or a work truck, (as I'm doing now), IMO that truck appears too nice and stock to be modified. I think I would just do the things that would bring it back to showroom, including getting the A/C working. If you want to drastically modify one, why not look for a project truck that someone has quit on? They usually go cheap and some of the work done may be just what you want.

**FRENCHBLUE72** · 07-08-2004, 09:37 PM

I would have to agree with smitty on this that;s a pretty nice truck to not restore..

ChevelleChick · 07-08-2004, 09:41 PM

Nice looking truck!

Tx Firefighter · 07-08-2004, 09:57 PM

Fat tires on stock Rally wheels. Lots of detailing and you're done.

That truck doesn't need to be fooled with too much.

Quagmire · 07-08-2004, 11:10 PM

first mod? you really gonna let us spend your money??

first thing i would do is get some simple green and go to town underneath the hood. how long has it been since it has had a tuneup and change of fluids/filters/etc?

truck looks pretty good overall, i'd look for any potential future problem areas and start trying to figure out what's up with the ac, etc.

good find!

ACES · 07-09-2004, 10:38 AM

You guys are right, It is too close to stock to be fooled with.
The engine runs Great.
Is there a book on how to troubleshoot AC probs, or should I take it to a professional?

deth_1970 · 07-09-2004, 10:47 AM

my thoughts, first seeing that truck, wax and buff it, and some clean up, very nice truck, i would do the radiator tho, and maybe one mod, the altenator, to an internal regulated one, beside that id leave it alone

ChevLoRay · 07-09-2004, 10:47 AM

Looks good. Clean it up and detail those things that need it. There seems to be a nice carbon build-up in the spacer on the carburetor. Looks like the carburetor isn't stock, like it's an AFB or Edelbrock 1405-type. Is that carbon from some oil that is being re-routed to be "burned"?

As for your A/C question, there are books, but you also need tools. If you know someone who is savvy about A/C, talk to them. I suspect that your system is like mine: the compressor needs to be rebuilt, the dryer needs to be replaced; then, pull a vacuum and recharge the system with refrigerant and oil. Also, make sure all the vacuum hoses are in good shape and that the vacuum reservoir (black plastic ball-lookin' thing) is good. Check the vacuum-operated water control valve for the heating system, too.

You should get a shop manual, if you don't already have one.

But, you have a nice truck, for sure.

vtblazer · 07-09-2004, 11:31 AM

Nice truck,
I just got a 70 swb 4x4 myself. It's right in line with yours as far as "stock" condition goes. Motor and drive train all original.
My game plan is the same as what's being recommened to you on the post...keep it stock, fix the small stuff, polish it up and drive it

I just finished going through some if it, plugs (really bad), oil (really bad) and the radiator too, (had to be soldered) but with only 52,600 original miles it's pretty solid and drives out really well.
Mines been sitting for three years though

yours may not be quit so "stiff"

Great truck, good luck! 1970's a good year.

**smitty62** · 07-09-2004, 11:43 AM

If you plan on keeping the truck for some time, then do it right, take it to an A/C specialist. DON'T listen to buddies or relatives that tell you that all it needs is some freon and a belt. Replace the hoses, dryer & vacuum lines (They are 34 years old, you know) & have it flushed and converted to R-134 by someone knowledgeable--flushing is mandatory even if some will tell you it's not--you want it work longer than a week don't you?
Don't even think about adding R-12, It's gotten way too expensive. This will be costly ($400-$500??) but worth it in the long run.

71-longbed · 07-09-2004, 12:44 PM

looks nice and stock ... like others have said ..detail it and clean, clean clean ... then send us some more pics ....

does it have a front sway bar .... if not ..get one at a junkyard .... wonderful suspension upgrade

krue · 07-09-2004, 12:55 PM

Nice truck, just some detailing and fix the AC.

**CPNE** · 07-09-2004, 01:19 PM

Wow. I honestly can't believe the responses are in favor of keeping it relatively stock. Does that mean my small voice has turned into a loud chorus? Or could it have been the voice of the majority after all which was being drowned out by an even more vocal minority? Irregardless, the responses are refreshing to see.

Regarding the truck, nice survivor. Since you asked, if it were mine I'd freshen it up, put on a set of correct mirrors and OE steel wheels and full wheelcovers, and HEI. But then again, even if it were a thrashed truck begging for a makeover, my choice would be to return it to near-stock anyway.

vtblazer · 07-09-2004, 03:33 PM

ACES,
Another good idea or two...
Take out a rubber mallet and a creeper, then start thumping around underneath your truck, it's a good way to find any rattles.
Next go from one end to the other again underneath your truck and tighten EVERYTHING you can find to tighten.
I say this because I just did exactly those two things and was surprised how many things I found that I was able to turn and tighten.
Stuff I found loose/rattling: front bumber bolts, grill, steering box, oil pan, tranny pan, exhaust pipe<rattle and tranny mount all took a turn or two!
Top mount of rear shock was just plain loose.

**smitty62** · 07-09-2004, 03:39 PM

Believe somone's put HEI on it. Don't recognize that carburetor tho-----? That plug wiring REALLY sucks! Get some '75 Corvette plug wires--they'll fit properly.

**guyryan100** · 07-09-2004, 03:50 PM

Very sharp truck!
vtblazer has very good advise. In addition, make sure your brake lines are reliable and aren't falling apart (especially the rubber but the metal lines could be suspect too) and make sure you're wheel lugs are in good shape. My truck apparently came with loose wheel lugs because I lost a wheel while driving - you don't want to do that!

**guyryan100** · 07-09-2004, 03:51 PM

could also stand to drop the inner fenders and give them a quick coat of paint - would improve the engine compartment and extend their life a while....

sactoC10 · 07-09-2004, 05:29 PM

dash is even intact...very nice

1-PU70 · 07-09-2004, 05:45 PM

After belts hoses and fluids I would find some new side mirrors

70short · 07-10-2004, 01:13 PM

Personally I would clean it up good. Get the A/C fixed do all repair's needed. Then drop it nice meaty wheels and tires!

07-08-2004, 04:31 PM	#1
ACES Life is a gamble Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: Lee's Summit, MO Posts: 796	My new 70 I was able to pick up this 1970 CST a couple of weeks ago. Its got posi, 350, set up for air conditioning (doesn't work), power brakes, power steering. Here are a couple of pics. Any suggestions on a first mod? __________________ 1970 Orange CST C-10 w/350, posi, Longbed The torpid artist seeks inspiration at any cost, by virtue or by vice, by friend or by fiend, by prayer or by wine. -- Ralph Waldo Emerson Last edited by ACES; 07-08-2004 at 04:51 PM.

07-08-2004, 04:32 PM	#2
ACES Life is a gamble Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: Lee's Summit, MO Posts: 796	Engine Engine __________________ 1970 Orange CST C-10 w/350, posi, Longbed The torpid artist seeks inspiration at any cost, by virtue or by vice, by friend or by fiend, by prayer or by wine. -- Ralph Waldo Emerson

07-08-2004, 04:33 PM	#3
ACES Life is a gamble Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: Lee's Summit, MO Posts: 796	another shot Another engine shot __________________ 1970 Orange CST C-10 w/350, posi, Longbed The torpid artist seeks inspiration at any cost, by virtue or by vice, by friend or by fiend, by prayer or by wine. -- Ralph Waldo Emerson

07-08-2004, 04:36 PM	#4
ACES Life is a gamble Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: Lee's Summit, MO Posts: 796	Interior Interior __________________ 1970 Orange CST C-10 w/350, posi, Longbed The torpid artist seeks inspiration at any cost, by virtue or by vice, by friend or by fiend, by prayer or by wine. -- Ralph Waldo Emerson

07-08-2004, 04:56 PM	#5
Primed67 Registered User Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: Tyler Posts: 575	That's a great looking truck. I say just do some detail work on it until you figure out what you want to do with it. Cleaning up the engine, etc. The small things always add up. __________________ 1969 Chevrolet SWB Stepside 1959 Chevrolet apache * Sold 1967 Prostreet Chevy SWB Fleetside *Sold 2014 1/2 ton Crew Cab Chevrolet 4x4

07-08-2004, 06:19 PM	#6
smitty62 Registered User Join Date: May 2002 Location: North Carolina Posts: 1,234	While I have no qualms about modifying a rusty or a work truck, (as I'm doing now), IMO that truck appears too nice and stock to be modified. I think I would just do the things that would bring it back to showroom, including getting the A/C working. If you want to drastically modify one, why not look for a project truck that someone has quit on? They usually go cheap and some of the work done may be just what you want. __________________ Stepsides look like real trucks! Smitty

07-08-2004, 09:37 PM	#7
FRENCHBLUE72 PROJECT 7DEUCE Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: GRANTS PASS OR Posts: 21,601	I would have to agree with smitty on this that;s a pretty nice truck to not restore..

07-08-2004, 09:41 PM	#8
ChevelleChick it's not red anymore Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: Anna, Texas Posts: 419	Nice looking truck! __________________ Chevelle Progress Pics - Updated 10/24/07

07-08-2004, 09:57 PM	#9
Tx Firefighter Watch out for your cornhole ! Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Azle, Texas Posts: 14,162	Fat tires on stock Rally wheels. Lots of detailing and you're done. That truck doesn't need to be fooled with too much. __________________ I'm on the Instagram- @Gearhead_Kevin

07-08-2004, 11:10 PM	#10
Quagmire A splendid one to behold Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: moore, ok Posts: 251	first mod? you really gonna let us spend your money?? first thing i would do is get some simple green and go to town underneath the hood. how long has it been since it has had a tuneup and change of fluids/filters/etc? truck looks pretty good overall, i'd look for any potential future problem areas and start trying to figure out what's up with the ac, etc. good find! __________________ 67 swb 02 wrx

07-09-2004, 10:38 AM	#11
ACES Life is a gamble Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: Lee's Summit, MO Posts: 796	You guys are right, It is too close to stock to be fooled with. The engine runs Great. Is there a book on how to troubleshoot AC probs, or should I take it to a professional? __________________ 1970 Orange CST C-10 w/350, posi, Longbed The torpid artist seeks inspiration at any cost, by virtue or by vice, by friend or by fiend, by prayer or by wine. -- Ralph Waldo Emerson

07-09-2004, 10:47 AM	#12
deth_1970 Registered User Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: Braggs, okla Posts: 161	my thoughts, first seeing that truck, wax and buff it, and some clean up, very nice truck, i would do the radiator tho, and maybe one mod, the altenator, to an internal regulated one, beside that id leave it alone __________________ 78 dualy crew cab wife calls "the beast" 79 silverado "yeller" 99 tahoe 02 Gmc sierra

07-09-2004, 10:47 AM	#13
ChevLoRay Old Skool Club Join Date: Jun 2001 Location: Benton, AR "The Heart of Arkansas" Posts: 10,880	Looks good. Clean it up and detail those things that need it. There seems to be a nice carbon build-up in the spacer on the carburetor. Looks like the carburetor isn't stock, like it's an AFB or Edelbrock 1405-type. Is that carbon from some oil that is being re-routed to be "burned"? As for your A/C question, there are books, but you also need tools. If you know someone who is savvy about A/C, talk to them. I suspect that your system is like mine: the compressor needs to be rebuilt, the dryer needs to be replaced; then, pull a vacuum and recharge the system with refrigerant and oil. Also, make sure all the vacuum hoses are in good shape and that the vacuum reservoir (black plastic ball-lookin' thing) is good. Check the vacuum-operated water control valve for the heating system, too. You should get a shop manual, if you don't already have one. But, you have a nice truck, for sure. __________________ Member Nr. 2770 '96 GMC Sportside; 4.3/SLT - Daily driven....constantly needs washed. '69 C-10 SWB; 350/TH400 - in limbo The older I get, the better I was.

07-09-2004, 11:31 AM	#14
vtblazer Registered User Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: Central Vermont Posts: 8,538	New 70 Nice truck, I just got a 70 swb 4x4 myself. It's right in line with yours as far as "stock" condition goes. Motor and drive train all original. My game plan is the same as what's being recommened to you on the post...keep it stock, fix the small stuff, polish it up and drive it I just finished going through some if it, plugs (really bad), oil (really bad) and the radiator too, (had to be soldered) but with only 52,600 original miles it's pretty solid and drives out really well. Mines been sitting for three years though yours may not be quit so "stiff" Great truck, good luck! 1970's a good year.

07-09-2004, 11:43 AM	#15
smitty62 Registered User Join Date: May 2002 Location: North Carolina Posts: 1,234	If you plan on keeping the truck for some time, then do it right, take it to an A/C specialist. DON'T listen to buddies or relatives that tell you that all it needs is some freon and a belt. Replace the hoses, dryer & vacuum lines (They are 34 years old, you know) & have it flushed and converted to R-134 by someone knowledgeable--flushing is mandatory even if some will tell you it's not--you want it work longer than a week don't you? Don't even think about adding R-12, It's gotten way too expensive. This will be costly ($400-$500??) but worth it in the long run. __________________ Stepsides look like real trucks! Smitty



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07-09-2004, 12:44 PM	#16
71-longbed Its Magically Delicious Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: oregon Posts: 2,398	looks nice and stock ... like others have said ..detail it and clean, clean clean ... then send us some more pics .... does it have a front sway bar .... if not ..get one at a junkyard .... wonderful suspension upgrade __________________ 71 C10 LWB 350sbc -TH350 12 bolt 3.42 Posi Of all my favorite things to do, The utmost is to have a brew. My love grows for my foamy friend, with each thirst-quenching elbow bend. Beer so frosty, smooth, and cold it's paradise pure liquid gold. Yes beer means many things to me that's all for now cus I gotta pee.

07-09-2004, 12:55 PM	#17
krue Designated A-hole! Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: South Mississippi Posts: 36,450	Nice truck, just some detailing and fix the AC. __________________ "If it ain't broke, fix it 'til it is!" Being stupid ain't illegal. We're Still Debt Free Except for the House!!! www.daveramsey.com 70 GMC SWB Stepside project "Green Booger" soon to be 6.0l/4l80e 93 S-10 "Poppaw's Truck"

07-09-2004, 01:19 PM	#18
CPNE Resident Curmudgeon Join Date: Dec 1999 Location: NH Posts: 6,664	Wow. I honestly can't believe the responses are in favor of keeping it relatively stock. Does that mean my small voice has turned into a loud chorus? Or could it have been the voice of the majority after all which was being drowned out by an even more vocal minority? Irregardless, the responses are refreshing to see. Regarding the truck, nice survivor. Since you asked, if it were mine I'd freshen it up, put on a set of correct mirrors and OE steel wheels and full wheelcovers, and HEI. But then again, even if it were a thrashed truck begging for a makeover, my choice would be to return it to near-stock anyway. __________________ Currently on or near the homestead: 67 Chevy SWB 2WD stepside 350/3 on tree (Pat's) 67 GMC SWB 2WD Fleet 402/auto (Brian's under construction) 67 Chevy 3/4 ton 2WD 402/auto (Business Hauler) 67 Chevy 1 ton dually 2WD 396/4 speed (Former business hauler, Needs TLC) 68 Chevy 1/2 ton Suburban 2WD 250 six/3 on tree (Brian's Needs TLC) 70 Chevy 3/4 ton 4WD 350/4 speed (Pat's - Disguised as a 68 GMC) 71 Chevy SWB stepside (Crushed by tree - parts donor) 72 Chevy 3/4 ton 4WD (Parts donor) 72 Chevy 3/4 ton 4WD Suburban (Parts Donor) 72 GMC 3/4 ton 4WD 292 six/4 speed (Mine - Disguised as a 67 GMC) 81 GMC 4WD Dually Dump Body 350/4 speed (Business Hauler) 82 Camaro Z/28 355/Super T-10 (Pat's toy) 93 Caprice 9C1 (Brian's Cop Car) 02 Toyota Camry (Reliable but a souless steel and plastic hulk) 2011 2SS RS Camaro M6 Factory Hurst Shifter Maybe I need to sell some of this crap Yet another Bozo with a sawz-all

07-09-2004, 03:33 PM	#19
vtblazer Registered User Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: Central Vermont Posts: 8,538	70 ACES, Another good idea or two... Take out a rubber mallet and a creeper, then start thumping around underneath your truck, it's a good way to find any rattles. Next go from one end to the other again underneath your truck and tighten EVERYTHING you can find to tighten. I say this because I just did exactly those two things and was surprised how many things I found that I was able to turn and tighten. Stuff I found loose/rattling: front bumber bolts, grill, steering box, oil pan, tranny pan, exhaust pipe<rattle and tranny mount all took a turn or two! Top mount of rear shock was just plain loose.

07-09-2004, 03:39 PM	#20
smitty62 Registered User Join Date: May 2002 Location: North Carolina Posts: 1,234	Believe somone's put HEI on it. Don't recognize that carburetor tho-----? That plug wiring REALLY sucks! Get some '75 Corvette plug wires--they'll fit properly. __________________ Stepsides look like real trucks! Smitty

07-09-2004, 03:50 PM	#21
guyryan100 Registered User Join Date: Sep 2001 Location: Cumming, GA Posts: 470	Very sharp truck! vtblazer has very good advise. In addition, make sure your brake lines are reliable and aren't falling apart (especially the rubber but the metal lines could be suspect too) and make sure you're wheel lugs are in good shape. My truck apparently came with loose wheel lugs because I lost a wheel while driving - you don't want to do that!

07-09-2004, 03:51 PM	#22
guyryan100 Registered User Join Date: Sep 2001 Location: Cumming, GA Posts: 470	could also stand to drop the inner fenders and give them a quick coat of paint - would improve the engine compartment and extend their life a while....

07-09-2004, 05:29 PM	#23
sactoC10 71 DELUX Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: Northern CA / Sac Posts: 1,056	dash is even intact...very nice __________________ 5/4 drop LWB wood bed - 15x8 front 235/60 - 15x10 rear 295/50 2003 FORD Escape 1998 Honda VTR1000

07-09-2004, 05:45 PM	#24
1-PU70 Registered User Join Date: Apr 2000 Location: Bradenton, FL Posts: 1,036	After belts hoses and fluids I would find some new side mirrors __________________ 1970 CST/10 402,700R4,3:73 posi,AC,PS,PB,TLT,PW,Buckets with heaters

07-10-2004, 01:13 PM	#25
70short Registered User Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: Boise ID Posts: 609	Nice Personally I would clean it up good. Get the A/C fixed do all repair's needed. Then drop it nice meaty wheels and tires! __________________ "72" Red CORVETTE 4-speed 350 "70" Chevy Short Bed early stages of resto. Edel 600 cfm carb Weiand Stealth Intake HEI shorty Headers 4/2 Drop 295 50R 15 TOYO on 10 inch wide corvette rally rims at all 4 corners. "CHEVY RULES"

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