Unfortunately, this first Project post is going to be slightly long-winded, due to the necessary and relevant background information. I am working on a 70 C-10 SB Stepside for my father-in-law, who is oblivious to the situation. The project truck was actually left on the piece of property my father-in-law and his dad bought several years ago. It was always an idea for my father-in-law and his dad to rebuild the truck to give them something to drive when they were at their property on the weekends. However, that plan was tragically forgotten a couple of years back when my father-in-law’s dad passed away. About two months ago, my father-in-law sold the truck to one of my friend’s friend, thinking the truck was going to become a race truck. After selling the truck, my father-in-law questioned the act, thinking it would have been better to rebuild the truck at a later date. However, what he does not know will not hurt him, right? Since the unfortunate passing on my father-in-law’s dad, we have always called the property “Bob County”, in honor of one of the greatest and neatest men I have known, hence the “Bob County Edition” build. The project is a combination of my labor and time and my mother-in-law’s funding; and although it is not intended to be a stock rebuild, will keep some of its stock appearance and attributes, with the addition of modern convenience and function. In essence, I am working on a comfortable cruiser with some fun potential. The build timeline is expected to be completed before Christmas, as my mother-in-law intends the truck to be a present at that time.

To date, the truck has been disassembled (major rust, holes, and dirt) and another donor cab has been purchased due to the cab’s horrible condition. The frame has been blasted, painted and rebuilt. To name a few of the installed frame options: an ECE 2.5” drop spindle and 4” drop rear coil has been installed, adjustable trac bar, rear trailing arm reinforcement kit, 3.73 posi unit, disc brake conversion has been added to the front, 6 lug has been converted to 5 lug both front and rear, stainless steel brake lines installed, and rebuilt upper and lower control arms (including new shaft hardware, ball joints) and steering hardware (inner and outer tie-rod, idler arm, etc…). The donor cab is at a friend’s body shop, and an update on this part of the project includes: new cab corners (L&R), new inner and outer rocker panels (L&R), new inner lower door skins, (L&R), smoothed firewall, and a lot of sanding and prep work. The plans for completing the truck include an Old Air System (a friend is a dealer), 330 HP 350 crate motor, 700R4 transmission (friend’s transmission shop), and a bed off of another donor vehicle.

I know I started the post a little late in the build, but will provide updates more often to keep you all informed of the progress. I look forward to all of your comments and suggestions, and thanks to all of the help the site and its members have provided already in the site’s content.

Additional pictures, and frame pictures will be forthcoming.

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Lookin' good. Keep us posted on the progress......:metal:

Also, :welcoem: to the board.....

LockDoc

Great story, and a great idea! Sentimental value goes a long way when restoring these trucks. Keep the progress pics coming.

Pete

Welcome, keep up the pics and updates. It's going to be an awesome build, and with a good background story too!

Nice start to the project and welcome from Deer Park, Tx.

Small world Topnos!!!! You got that cab from ME! Glad to hear that story again! Keep us updated.

Always look forward to another build thread to watch!

I'll be watching

Cool story and looks like it'll be a nice ride!

Very cool story!

Well, its time for an update.

The frame is complete, and all of the suspension is installed. The frame is loaded with an ECE 2.5 drop spindle disc brake set-up and a 4 rear drop spring. Now I am just waiting on the body shop (a friend of mine) to get some time so we can put the rolling frame on the frame machine to make sure it is straight. Just to let you know, it looks like the frame is a bit tweaked from the PO, and I want to make sure it is level and straight. By chance, does anyone have access to the numbers for these frames (79 SWB 2WD)? As you can see from the pics, the engine is finally been set in its resting place. The engine is a 350 GM crate engine rated at 330 HP. I think this engine will be plenty to make the truck a fun ride for my father-in-law, especially with the soon to be installed 700R4 with 3.73 gears. I hope he just has some good fun with it and doesn’t drive it like I would. Just as before, I had to find another donor truck to collect some other essential and needed parts. I picked up the bed a couple of weeks ago from a friend of mine, and will be going back to get some other fenders so we can make 1 good fender out of two bad fenders. Take a look at the pics and you can see the rusted areas requiring some love. At this point in time, with the new cab, hood, bed, and fenders, I am on my way to using 5 trucks to make 1 complete truck. The only thing now, is to get the body shop rolling so I can complete my Christmas deadline project. Once the truck is painted, it will be time to install the new wiring harness, hook up the A/C, install some interior, and make the truck ready to cruise. I think everyone understands what is left, and the amount of work involved, once the truck is painted and ready to be assembled. Also, it would be nice to get some of the parts out of the garage/storage by installing them, rather than storing them on the workbench or in the bed. Take a look and let me know what you think.

Thanks for all of the support and knowledge. Have a good read and a great day.:metal:

more pics to enjoy!!

Topnos
I hope your father inlaw knows how lucky he is to have you for a son inlaw.

What headers are those?

Chevyboy55,

Thank you for the kind words, but I must also say that my father-in-law is pretty lucky to have my mother-in-law. Without her, there would not be any financial backing to get the project done in such a short time.

Thanks again for the kind words, and have a great day.

SCOTI,

The headers are the Headmen Elite headers. I cannot say at this time, exactly how well they fit, because I have changed the configuration of the engine and transmission. Also, due to the fact that the frame might be slightly out of wack, I have not centered the engine or bolted it completely down in place. However, I did notice how tight the fit was on the driver's side; and as such, I notched the frame a tad on the bottom to make sure there was plenty of clearance. As soon as the frame is checked and/or straightened, and the transmission is installed, I will post pics of the fit of the headers.

You're making awesome progress. Can't wait to see it finished. Don't forget to get a pic of your father-in-law's face when he sees it, I bet it'll be priceless:)

Topnos
I hope your father inlaw knows how lucky he is to have you for a son inlaw.


:agree: I hope I have a son-in-law as cool as you are when my daughter marries. Of course she's just 9 mos old at the present time but it will probably take me that long to get my truck back together, ha ha ha!!! Good luck and great display kindness, you the man!!! :c2:

Lookin' good man! Keep up the awesome work!

UPDATE:

The frame and bed went to the body shop Friday of last week (06-01-07). I touched base with the body guys yesterday, and the frame has been checked and straightened. It turns out that the frame horns/extensions were the only part of the frame needing some work. If it all goes according to schedule, I should have the frame and cab home this weekend (or the first part of next week). The cab is coming home with the firewall and underbody painted. The rest of the cab will be primed and ready for paint. Thanks to a good friend, and a good family friend, that picked up fenders and a core support today, the cab will also come home lined up with repo fenders and a repo core support. While the body shop is working on the bed, which includes a new tailgate from Mar-K, I can begin working on putting the truck together from the firewall out.

Here are a couple of pics to see the progress, and yes, I loaded the frame all by myself. New and updated pics are forthcoming.
:nx:

Keep on it- lookin' good!

Everything looks great. I would like to do that my FIT too.

Just a quick note on the 700r4. Have you decided what linkage set up you are going to use?

Ask your buddy about the Lokar. I have not decided but the cable linkage looks very cool or are you using a floor shifter?

Looks great! Can't wait to see the finished product!

Great Build!!! I'm sure Bob would be proud.

That's looking really good.

I have to say though, up in the original disasembly pics -- That is a truly phenomenal amount of dirt you released when you stripped the front end! lol

Here are a couple of pics from the Body Shop. I also included a pic contining the new Goodmark feders and core support. Unfortunately, as you all probably know and understand, the Body Shop is a couple of days behind. Even though the Body Shop is behind, I expect to be able to pick up the cab and frame later this week so I can continue working on the project. As you can see, the frame is on the machine, and is straightened. In regards to the cab, you can see both cab corners and both (left and right) inner & outer rocker panels have been replaced. The firewall has been smoothed, and all holes that will not be used have been filled in as well (including the clutch rod, etc…).

I hope to have some painted and progress pics in the next couple of weeks.

Time to answer some questions:

KSBEATTY – I am using a custom stainless steel transmission linkage from Kugel Komponents. I am not going to use a floor shifter; rather I am utilizing a column shifter. I want to make sure to keep the factory look as much as possible.

PANHANDLER69 – You are correct, that pic shows a lot of dirt released during the tear down process. However, the pic does not reflect the extent, nor the severity, of the amount produced from tear down. I can honestly say, I was not making friends at the curb with the amount (and weight) of the trash bags containing yard fill.

Have a great week!!!

Wow! Making great progress, at this rate you should be done by September!

It has been a while since I posted some pics and provided an update, so here it is. As you can see from the pics, the cab is mounted and mock up before paint is in the process. To date, fuel cell is installed (waiting on some pieces to finish the fuel plumbing), sound deadener is installed, Old Air A/C kit is being set in place, A/C compressor, p/s, and alternator is installed, radiator is being set in place, new plug wires are being routed and made, brake system is installed (including bleeding system), instrument cluster is together and in place, brake and emergency pedal is set up and in place, and the wiring harness is being laid out and ran. I have a couple of parts I am still waiting on, but I am hoping to hear the engine (of course with open headers) start in about a month. I'll let you guys know how things go and give you an update as soon as I get some more time ti get some work done.

By the way, you might see the new A/C window unit I installed in the garage. I have to say, it makes the hot and humid summer days in Houston a little bit more comfortable.

Here is some more pics to keep you up-to-date.

How did you like the fitment of the brackets for the compressor and alt.?? I still want to go serpentine, but not have not found a set up local yet...

oldiron69,

The fitment of th brackets was nice. However, I had to do some modification to the p/s set-up. I too would like the serpentine set-up, but at the same time I want to kkep some originality.

lookin great

I like it, looking good.

Damn you have made some fast progress..

Was the cab as solid as it looked? It sure looks good now..

OLDIRON69,

The replacement cab was pretty solid, considering the usual replacement items (L&R Cab Corners, L&R Inner/Outer Rockers). in regards to the doors, both doors received new lower panels, however, I do not have any new pictures of these because they are still at the body shop waiting for paint time, which I am looking forward to having completed.

Heck, I guess that is better than $5-6K to repair your origional cab...Great build and story!

Just wanted to let everyone know I was still here. Things have been pretty busy with the baseball and soccer schedule for the boys. Also, the body shop ran behind, and I just picked up the cab and frame. The bed and hood should be painted in the next week or two. Time to get in gear and get this truck done before Christmas.

I know, words and actions without pics are useless. However, rest assured, pics will be coming shortly in the next couple of days. I look forward to hearing the comments and suggestions.

Looks like your gonna have some late nights ahead of you.

Topnos,
I've been following your build since the beginning, and have to say you're doing a great job. Can't wait to see the latest pics.
Is your father in law still oblivious about this truck you're building for him??

Pete

Oldiron69,

You are correct, there are going to be a few late nights before the Christmas deadline.

Shock_me,

I can honestly say yes. My father-in-law is still oblivious to this project, even though hes has been to the house many times during this build (including Thanksgiving)!

Just to give you all a little more detail, the a/c is n and set-up. Also, the exhaust is complete, including the pipes exiting near the rear mounted gas tank. I am waiting in a couple of more parts to be delivered so the final work can begin. However, he are some pics of the build as we sit.

I hope you all had a great Thanksgiving, and look forward to your comments and suggestions!

more pics

and more pics

Wow. You have really been after it. Time is getting short. Are ya confident you will make it on time? He is a lucky man.

Those artillery wheels are cool. Have you thought about painting the needles on the dash cluster? Picky- I know, but one of the details that will make an already good looking truck great. Lookin' good and I hope you meet the deadline.

Those artillery wheels are cool. Have you thought about painting the needles on the dash cluster? Picky- I know, but one of the details that will make an already good looking truck great. Lookin' good and I hope you meet the deadline.

I agree, those wheels are very cool. I wouldnt mind having a set of those laying around.

Looks awesome!

Holy cow, nice work! You're father-in-law is gonna flip! This is a great gesture you're doing Topnos. Can't wait to see it done.
Oh yeah, I love that color combo. My dad's 69 is the same color.

Pete

Just a quick update, but pictures will be provided this weekend. Currently, the engine runs and sounds really good. A couple of issues to work out: set timing (only set by ear), fix the temp gauge (goes to hot real quick but the gauge at the radiator only reads about 150-170 and the t-stat opens and the water pump is working), hook up transmission shift linkage, and button up all of the loose ends. Most of the interior is done, except for the interior light circuit (which can't be completed until the doors are hung), seat install, stereo box, etc.... Just little things that tend to be time consuming, but minor in detail to the grand scheme of things. I dropped the truck off this morning to get the alignment done, and it will go back to the body shop afterwards for touch up and final installationof the hood, doors, and bed. Pictures will be uploaded this weekend to let you gus see how things are coming, and hopefully it will look more like a truck by then.

My father-in-law is still oblivious to this present, but I would like some ideas on how to give it to him on Christmas. What do you think about the following options:
1. leave to go get ice and bring it back leaving a couple of marks down the street.
2. raise the garage door while it is started and pump the throttle as the door goes up.
3. open the garage door and have him remove the car/truck cover, with a big bow on the cover
4. have him go to the garage to take out some trash with the grandkids in the garage

Any ideas or suggestions for a great Christmas delivery will be truly appreciated.

Until the weekend.

#4 gets my vote!!!

You will have to get shots of his face when he see's the truck!! Great build and priceless motive!

# 4 for sure w/a camera present to save the memory (and his facial expression).

#4 for sure make sure there is a big red ribbon and bow on it as well. The only other idea I can think of was place the keys in his stalking and have the truck parked in the drive just before gifts are opened and he won't be back outside to see it, timing may be tricky. You may have to do a neutral powered down delivery to get her in undetected.

Maybe a door handle wrapped in a box....along with the keys...:ennyd:

The keys in some sort of antique box is a good idea too . . .....

or you could make it a kind of "treasure hunt" with clues to get him to the garage/truck-in a big ribbon, however you do it your f-i-l is going to flip when he lays eyes on his truck, lucky man! You'll have to be sure to video tape or get pic's of this momentous occasion.

Just checking up are you going to make the deadline great thread have a Merry Christmas

Any updates?

I really like the "grandkids in the garage" idea. Instead of having him take out the trash, just sneak the kids out to the garage after everyone has opened their presents and have them start honking the horn.

He'll wonder, "What the heck is going on in the garage"?

Sorry for the late update, but I have taken off some time from work and have been up at the body shop for the last couple of days workingall day on the truck. I am going to make the deadline ("kind-of"). The truck will be sitting pretty, but not ready to be delivered. We ran into a problem last night, the tailgate. The body shop forgot to install the necessary pieces to allow for the new hidden-latch tailgate to be installed. Also, the time waiting on paint to dry enough for part installation has been irritating. As you might know, even though the paint is baked in the booth. it is still soft and requires some dry time so it isn't so tacky. However, the truck starts and sounds really strong so we will be able to present the gift, and show it off. Unfortunaely, it will not be road ready, but that is an afterthought, knowing that I am still waiting on the lost title to be completed and the inspection to be done.

Based upon all of the input, we will give the gift with all of the grandkids in the bed. Pics will be posted of the delivery. Here are some pics to enjoy. An update will be coming soon.

Looks great!! I know he will love it!

I agree. I really like the colors on it. Different. Really make it stand out in the crowd. This is even better than being OverHauled.

Hey topnos...how'd it go? Was he surprised??

Pete

Same here..did he faint?

Howd it go?

Sorry for the late post. We have been pretty busy with the kids since X-Mas. As a matter of fact, we finished baseball camp at Rice University yesterday evening. It might not be as cold in Houston as other places up north; however, 9-10 hours a day outside on a stool makes for a very long day.

Now back to the build thread. I can say my father-in-law was absolutely surprised!!! Although he started to get the idea that his present was in the garage, since I wouldn't let him in to air up the tires on the scooters they brought over for the grandkids, he had no earthly idea as to the contents in the garage. To give you an idea of who my father-in-law is, he is never at a loss for words. He always has something to say, and until that day, I never saw him at a loss for words. I had my dad running interference while I packed the bed full of blankets so we could put the kids inside the bed for the revealing. Taking that into consideration, I wasn't able to run the camera to take a reaction photo. However, the only words that came out of my father-in-law's mouth for about 15 minutes was "That's my dad's truck!!!!!". He could not believe it was the same truck, and that this truck was sitting a year ago in the field with a tree growing out of it. No tears from the guy, but I have to admit it that i teared up a bit (although no rollers made it down the cheek).

Unfortunately, we were only sitting pretty for X-Mas, since there are a couple of loose ends that need to be tied up, and we need to get back to the body shop for touch up paint and bed modification for the tailgate. However, my in-laws were headed to Gonzales for a couple of weeks, so we loaded up the truck so he could take it up there to look it over and listen to the engine purr (somewhat loudly with the Flow Super 40's on it). The picture book full of about 400 pics up to this point has kept him amazed as well. By no means is the thread finished until the truck is delivered and a pic of all of the people involved is attached (including pics of the truck completed). With that in mind, I have a couple of weeks of down time away from the truck to get my mind back in the right place, but not bad for about 8 months of work, including baseball and soccer seasons for both of the boys.

Here are some pics, with others to come. Here is a pic of the tailgate painted in the booth and a pic of my old shop dog. You always have to include the dog in a build. Seriously, many thanks to my moter-in-law (Linda), my understanding and loving wife (Kenna), my best friend Brandon (and his understanding wife Melanie), as well as my buddies at the body shop (Curt and Jaime).

more pics (including a baseball camp photo of my almost 7 yr old and my new outdoor kitchen).

That looks great. I envy you. I want one of those outside kitchens.

Great job on the stepside! Love the color.
The outdoor kitchen looks great too. I want a Big Green Egg!

Pete

Great story, keep us updated when drive day gets here..

Did you do a build thread on the outdoor kitchen?I'm really wanting one.
The truck and story with it are great.It's not often you get to do something that big for someone important to you.Great Job!!!

BTW I've been following the build thread but just couldn't say much that hadn't already been said.

What an awesome build thread,and what a great gift to give a father in law. I really like the mods done to the truck that make it unique as Im sure he is thrilled as well. I cant wait to see and hear more.

Great job on the build!!!!!
Also a very good story to go along with it.

When I seen that outdoor kitchen I had to back up to see where you were from. My brother In-law from Rollette TX does alot of custom stone work for pools and outdoor kitchens.:c2:

Are there any final final pictures of this truck? With the tailgate etc...

way to go!