Project El Viejito, '66 C10 LWB BBW Build

[19SIKtySix]

So this is going to be a slow build, but I'm looking forward to documenting this build as I go. There are numerous builds on this site, that help keep me motivated and get me excited to make progress on my project. Here's how the truck looks currently.

[19SIKtySix]

Not sure how the top pic got flipped upside down. I had a rendering done about 12 years ago by Craig Fraser of Kal Koncepts/Air Syndicate in Bakersfield, CA. Here's the rendering:

[Grizz1963]

Originally Posted by 19SIKtySix

Not sure how the top pick got flipped upside down. I had a rendering done about 12 years ago by Craig Fraser of Kal Koncepts/Air Syndicate in Bakersfield, CA. Here's the rendering:

Attachment 1418315

That remodelled hood looks quite mean and animal like with the side lights deleted.

I am often surprised people do not modify their hoods more.

I had a problem between my iPhone and iPad for a while where the photos inverted themselves and even if I edited them and then uploaded, they would still turn upside down on certain forums where I have threads running.

Welcome to the board.

Look forward to your truck evolving.

[19SIKtySix]

First order of business was to pull out the 250 I6/3 Spd.



Then I installed my CPP tubular motor mounts and transmission mount.





Now it looks much better...such an improvement.



Oh, I can't forget this addition to my project

[19SIKtySix]

I'm real thankful for CPP helping me out, they make a great product and it showed up in no time! Next on the to-do-list, is install my CPP c-notches.

[19SIKtySix]

Grizz1963, you may be right...some of these pictures are from a digi cam and others from my iPhone. I have to go back and forth between folders, so maybe somewhere in that mix, the iPhone pics got wonky....oh yeah, wonky is a word.

[65sub]

welcome to the forum. I really like the grill in your rendering. Are you planing to build it.

[19SIKtySix]

Originally Posted by 65sub

welcome to the forum. I really like the grill in your rendering. Are you planing to build it.

Thanks 65Sub, I've been on this site for awhile...change names a couple of times and finally started to put together a build thread.

Yes, I've always loved the look of the '54 Bel Air tooth grille. Depending on how my luck goes, if I can't find teeth, then I'll see if something similar could be fabricated.

[19SIKtySix]

So I'm currently working on installing the c-notches and it's been a big pain...I sheared 3 of the 4 coil spring bolts and stripped the other while trying to remove the coil springs. I got the upper bolts out finally, but still left with the broken bolts thru the trailing arms. I got the pass side ground down flush and tried to drill a hole and use an extractor...wouldn't you know that snapped too.

Anybody have any ideas on how to remove the stubborn bolts??

[19SIKtySix]

[IMG]H:\My Pictures\My Truck[/IMG]

[19SIKtySix]

Here's the pic I was trying to post...this was before I cut the retainer off.

[19SIKtySix]

Also, I came across a guy who had a spare '54 Bel Air grille and offered it to me for free! He said it needed some work, but was mine if I wanted it. I made the hour trip this past weekend and picked it up and it came with 7 teeth including the hard to find center tooth.

I couldn't wait to put it up to the truck to get an idea of the look.

[tinydb84]

That grill will look great once it has some bodywork done to it

[19SIKtySix]

Originally Posted by tinydb84

That grill will look great once it has some bodywork done to it

Tinydb84, thanks...I've always loved these grills, I know it has to be cleaned up quite a bit and I also have to make some braces for the teeth that were missing.

I checked out your build, really nice work. Impressive fab skills, your truck is making big progress in a short time! I like your 60-66 that you got. Looking forward to watch your progress.


-Chuck

[aggie91]

Nice Project, can't wait to see more.

Where did you get the C10 Era stickers from? I really like that black and red one...

[19SIKtySix]

Originally Posted by aggie91

Nice Project, can't wait to see more.

Where did you get the C10 Era stickers from? I really like that black and red one...

Thanks aggie91, it's going to be a slow process but all the builds on here really help motivate me!

I got the stickers and also a 60-66 T Shirt from www.C10Era.com (hopefully I'm not breaking any rules by posting that, sorry forum admin if I am).

[19SIKtySix]

Well it's been awhile since I've done updates, I've been jumping back and forth on a couple little items, I got the notches installed and waiting to get new springs and lowering block before I get it buttoned back up and post pics.

The other thing I've been working on is the one man cab/bed lift by Kevin (Rokcrln). I got the plans from him several months ago, still have a little left to finish but here's the progress pics so far. Nice work on the lift and instructions Kevin, it's been fun building this when I have some time.








I'll be working on this some more tonight and post pics when I'm finished

[jonzcustomshop]

63-64 olds has a nice looking headlight that would work great with that grille.

the housings are separate from the grille and are cast/plated

[19SIKtySix]

Originally Posted by jonzcustomshop

63-64 olds has a nice looking headlight that would work great with that grille.

the housings are separate from the grille and are cast/plated

Jonz,

Thanks for that heads up, I do really like the look of the dual headlight. I had a dual headlight in my rendering, but never knew about the Olds lights. I'll have to keep an eye out for them, see how they would work.

By the way, I enjoy looking at your build, killer work!

[step65]

I hope you get that grill sorted out it will look awesome. Looking forward to watching your build.

[19SIKtySix]

Originally Posted by step65

I hope you get that grill sorted out it will look awesome. Looking forward to watching your build.

Step,

Thanks, using that grille was one of the first ideas I had when it came to this truck. I've never been a fan of the grilles on these trucks, even though some others love them.

I've loved the look of the tooth grilles, especially a Desoto grille on Mercs, such a classy and custom look. I don't think this idea is on that level, but I think that grille will give it some character. Thanks for your motivation, it's going to be a slow process, but I'm going to try to keep progress (even if it is a little progress).

[19SIKtySix]

So here's my latest update, it's been finished for a few weeks, however there's still a couple parts I need to button it all up and be 100% complete.






The biggest PITA was I broke both lower bolts for the springs, 1 upper and rounded the other upper. I still haven't dealt with getting the bolts out of the trailing arms. Good thing is I was able to locate some arms on CL and they are already powdercoated black. Once I get new springs and lowering block, then the rear will be finished.









I took the truck of the jackstands to see how much room the CPP notch allowed, and I was stoked to see 15" wheel tucking. It just inspires me to get this thing bagged and throw a bigger wheel under it.

I know there's a long road left to this thing, but the little things give me motivation. Plus, I had never installed a notch before this...it's been fun to get familiar with these trucks and learn some basic skills.

[19SIKtySix]

So I'll give a small update on my project, as it's been a while since I've posted anything or done much work.

As life tends to do, projects get put aside as more important things come up. My daughter was born and as many know kids can keep you quite busy.

Since the last post, I've collected a few small parts and and made a little progress. After walking by this project every day and not seeing any progress, I made a wild decision.

Sell my daily driver, get something cheap to drive and really start making progress to get this thing running again.

So in August my daily sold and it was time to put my dreams to reality.

[19SIKtySix]

The first order of business was to replace the old trailing arms, since the coil spring bolts had sheared off flush on both sides.

So to get me motivated, I removed the bed off the truck to give myself better access and also avoid turning the bed into a storage bin.



I swapped out the old trailing arms and installed 6" drop coils from Performance Online, installed a new CPP adjustable panhard bar and have drop shocks ordered.



Now I've been spending my time resourcing parts and ordering them.

[19SIKtySix]

So my plans for the truck are to get it back on the road but also clean up the appearance too.

I'm still waiting for some parts to arrive, but my plans are an LS swap, McGaughy's front big brake kit conversion kit, 22" transit wheels with spider caps, shortening the truck to a short bed, moving the gas tank to the rear with a Boyd's fuel tank and aluminum radiator with electric fans.