1965 C10 ... Project Name: Just Learnin'
 

Ok so I have been on the site now for a little while asking some rust repair questions and stuff. I read through 87 pages of BOMP's stretch cab and then Br3w City's project and sure was pretty inspired. Last March i bought my first 65 C10 SBW long box fleet side. The PO said it was a "solid california truck" which for us up on the other side of the 49th is kind of a rare gem to find!! I was extremely excited. I purchased the truck not only because of my love for the 60-66 body lines but i wanted a new low lying bike hauler to take me and the race stead to the track on those nice warm nights we get once or twice a year up here.

After doing a couple little repairs here and there I decided I was unhappy with the seat and wanted to at least get it recovered. Well when I pulled the seat, i realized I had to pull the carpet as well because they just wouldn't match, then all hell broke lose as I found just how "solid" my truck really was. It went from just a seat reupholster to what will probably be a full restoration. So I figured I would document everything. Give what little tips and tricks I have along the way and collect as much knowledge and insight as I possibly can!! This will be my first restoration so here we go!

Re: 1965 C10 ... Project Name: Just Learnin'
 

Here is what I picked up that march day:

[IMG]http://i573.photobucket.com/albums/s...s/image_17.jpg[/IMG]

[IMG]http://i573.photobucket.com/albums/s...s/image_18.jpg[/IMG]

So first things first, since I wanted this truck as a hauler, I figured I would tackle the bed... you know since the rest of the truck is so solid! oh ya and this truck has a small block 350 with a 4 speed smh465 behind it. everything else was basically stock except for some jeep springs i believe.

Stripped the bed out saved what I could for bed strips as I will use a few of them after.

[IMG]http://i573.photobucket.com/albums/s...s/image_19.jpg[/IMG]

OK so my idea now is to basically prove that you can get a nice wooden bed from plywood... yes PLYWOOD! I am not rich so I was not spending a grand on a bed wood kit. Not only that but I like unique designs that look they they could have been stock. (If that makes any sense...)

So i started with 2 3/4" sheets of 8x4 maple plywood... ya ya i know thats exactly 1" too short for a long bed.. because why would it be that easy.

[IMG]http://i573.photobucket.com/albums/s...s/image_20.jpg[/IMG]

[IMG]http://i573.photobucket.com/albums/s...s/image_21.jpg[/IMG]

got a set of dado blades for those cuts^^ never did take a cut after the second incision.

now onto a little stain

[IMG]http://i573.photobucket.com/albums/s...s/image_22.jpg[/IMG]

yes yes I skipped a few steps there, I also took a few of the original bed strips blasted them and used some spray on bed liner to coat them.. Now there was that little issue of being 1" short... well i have seen plenty of people just leave the cut line there but I just couldn't stand to see that....

oh ya did i mention I have OCD.

[IMG]http://i573.photobucket.com/albums/s...s/image_23.jpg[/IMG]

done. can you figure out what I did there... ok not that impressive but I am happy with how it turned out.

Re: 1965 C10 ... Project Name: Just Learnin'
 

I should mention.. I did not just cover there 1" gap with the diamond plate... That would have bugged me haha. I cut down a strip of maple that I had left over and tried to line the grain up as best possible then continued to stain it and clear seal it three times like the rest of the bed... never did take a picture and then covered it up, so was it pointless... no because i can't rest easy knowing its done haha

Re: 1965 C10 ... Project Name: Just Learnin'
 

[IMG]http://i573.photobucket.com/albums/s...s/image_24.jpg[/IMG]

My girl can finally ride comfortably..

Re: 1965 C10 ... Project Name: Just Learnin'
 

About this time the snow began to fly and it was time to rearrange the shop anyways. I had just finished the 36hp motor in my VW so i can tuck her away and wait for the interior to be done and then she will be all done for next spring!! I say rearrange because as you can see here the shop is a little crammed...

[IMG]http://i573.photobucket.com/albums/s...s/image_25.jpg[/IMG]

...the worst part is that I have already moved all my bikes into the house (and the girlfriend is surprisingly cool with that!!) and the shop is still this crammed!

Re: 1965 C10 ... Project Name: Just Learnin'
 

Now this was about the time that I got the truck setup on the proper side of the shop for the winter time and started to pick away at the little things like sloppy shift linkage.. I don't know if I have any pictures of that but I welded all the worn out pins in the 4spd and tapped some bolts into the shifter housing to tighten everything up but I will have to get pictures of that at a later date.

At this point I pulled the seat and then the carpet and ... as stated before... thats when all my nightmares came true!!

[IMG]http://i573.photobucket.com/albums/s...s/image_26.jpg[/IMG]

[IMG]http://i573.photobucket.com/albums/s...s/image_28.jpg[/IMG]
The other side was just as bad too....

Luckingly i was taking a trip down to phoenix so I made a few stops along the way and grabbed some repair panels from LMC, at least everything at the time I thought i needed... oh and ya maybe I stopped at airslamit as well... but thats all so far away now...

[IMG]http://i573.photobucket.com/albums/s...s/image_27.jpg[/IMG]

So that when I asked a few questions on here and began cutting and hacking away at my problems... this is about where I sit now as I realized I need some more panels for repairs I continue to find...

[IMG]http://i573.photobucket.com/albums/s...s/image_29.jpg[/IMG]

[IMG]http://i573.photobucket.com/albums/s...s/image_31.jpg[/IMG]

Well thats a lie... I actually have the full rocker off of the drivers and passengers side now.. tomorrow I will hopefully find some time to brace up the cab and keep cutting out rust.

Just want to leave you with what in my opinion sums up the PO. at least i understood once I saw this why all the other patches her did were with rivets...

[IMG]http://i573.photobucket.com/albums/s...s/image_30.jpg[/IMG]

Re: 1965 C10 ... Project Name: Just Learnin'
 

If you look at my build, you will see that many of us start with a "little touch up" and end up blowing the trucks apart.

Welcome to our world.

I like your progress so far, and having ridden various bikes the last 38 years, which included a 250cc Scorpa trials bike, I also know you have a rather great combination there, albeit a lot faster than trials.

Love the VW Beetle.

I restored a 1963 years ago, and also has a 1959 that had been restored when I got it.

Thanks grizz, I will take a look at your build when I'm on a computer tonight. I know what you mean, I bought the truck knowing I would eventually do a full year down on it but I inagine most of us are the same and if you are going to do it you may as well go all out!

I will find you a better pick of the beetle as well it's my grandpas old car so I'm trying to keep that one in the family
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Re: 1965 C10 ... Project Name: Just Learnin'
 

That bed looks really good. I would have never guessed it was plywood.

Re: 1965 C10 ... Project Name: Just Learnin'
 

ok so i found a few minutes to get the cab braced up tonight

http://i573.photobucket.com/albums/s...s/image_32.jpg

my question is should i run a brace between the two sides?? I feel like i may start killing all the room I have to work inside and cut the floors up when it comes time.

Re: 1965 C10 ... Project Name: Just Learnin'
 

oh ya and here is that beetle grizz

http://i573.photobucket.com/albums/s...s/image_34.jpg

Re: 1965 C10 ... Project Name: Just Learnin'
 

I like what you did with the bed. Looking forward to future updates.

Re: 1965 C10 ... Project Name: Just Learnin'
 

Do you mean driver to passenger side? I wouldn't bother.

I would triangulate the horizontal brace you already have or add an addition horizontal brace at an angle.

Re: 1965 C10 ... Project Name: Just Learnin'
 

will do thanks!

Re: 1965 C10 ... Project Name: Just Learnin'
 

:hi: and welcome aboard… X2 on Grizz's comment about blowing these trucks apart… :lol:

Diggin, the bed treatment...:metal:

Sub'd and along for the ride…:uhmk:

Re: 1965 C10 ... Project Name: Just Learnin'
 

Alright so two steps forward and a few back but oh well. I have put an order in for lmc parts for a pillars and inner rockers so i figured I would begin by getting some practice on my fender patches. Starting with this one in the rear:

http://i573.photobucket.com/albums/s...s/image_35.jpg

The whole underside of the lip was rusted so I decided to just replace the whole thing... unfortunately the lmc patches I ordered had a shorter curve than the factory wheel arches so it took a whole bunch of hammering and a couple patch repairs I think I got it to follow the lines. PS don't make too much fun of my welds this is my first ever body work job so I am trying to figure things out as I go. Lesson number 1 I have learned is penetration is numero uno!!

http://i573.photobucket.com/albums/s...s/image_36.jpg
http://i573.photobucket.com/albums/s...s/image_37.jpg
http://i573.photobucket.com/albums/s...s/image_38.jpg
http://i573.photobucket.com/albums/s...s/image_40.jpg
http://i573.photobucket.com/albums/s...s/image_41.jpg


Next i was able to recruit my brother to get the hood off and up on the rafters and start pulling apart the front clip. Cannot wait to re-wire this thing the more I pull it apart the more scare I am of the hack job the PO did.

so this was how it looks when the lights went down today:

http://i573.photobucket.com/albums/s...s/image_42.jpg

Re: 1965 C10 ... Project Name: Just Learnin'
 

Anyone have and tips or tricks on the welding game for me? I feel like if I take my time I can get proper penetration however when I take a flapper wheel to clean the final weld up there are a few little pinholes... when trying to touch one up I had a blowout as it must have thinned the metal too much and you know how fun that is too fix...

Also I am now accepting all advice on wiring harnesses from painless to EZ wire and anything else out there let me know please and thanks :alc:

Re: 1965 C10 ... Project Name: Just Learnin'
 

Hello from Lethbridge, hope to see you some day.

Re: 1965 C10 ... Project Name: Just Learnin'
 

Howdy friend! I actually bought the truck down by there in Granum. Once she is done we will tour some shows down there.

Re: 1965 C10 ... Project Name: Just Learnin'
 

There are some body panel welding tips in this thread.

http://www.67-72chevytrucks.com/vboa...d.php?t=688673

Re: 1965 C10 ... Project Name: Just Learnin'
 

I like this thread: http://www.67-72chevytrucks.com/vboa...d.php?t=609991

My advice would be to get some sheet of the same thickness and mock up a bunch of butt gaps. Then figure out your settings for each gap since your fit up will never be perfect.

You can also using a piece of aluminum or copper as a backing which would allow more heat without blowing through.

Dont use a flap wheel. I prefer a die grinder with 40-80 grit disc. If I really need to take something down I will use a cut off wheel and slowly nip away at it.

Re: 1965 C10 ... Project Name: Just Learnin'
 

Thanks tinyd I went out today and purchased a small CP die grinder. Just need to find the proper grinding heads tomorrow and I will keep working on it. I am still in the hunter for some copper backing plates to work with, and on the research trail for some filler and blocking how to's.

Pictures will come sooner than later.

Re: 1965 C10 ... Project Name: Just Learnin'
 

Happened to be skimming through and saw the 'Just Learnin'.
Welcome to the forum and thanks for taking the time to read through the Steiner build.
Helpful tips on welding. Looks like you have a good handle on it.
I use a copper spoon for backing or preventing blow outs from Harbor Freight Tools. Their cheap and work really good.
http://i388.photobucket.com/albums/o...pswiytdjmz.jpg
I also use a cut off disc to knock down the spot welds.
http://i388.photobucket.com/albums/o...psovaz6duc.jpg
I follow along on tons of builds but learned a TON of helpful stuff from MP&C
http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=564201
Dig the bugs too.
Like what you've done so far.
I'll follow along, Now get to writing another 80 or so pages.

Re: 1965 C10 ... Project Name: Just Learnin'
 

I have been looking for a copper spoon around here forever!! Stupid Canada.

Thanks for looking bomp I'll try not to let everyone down haha

Re: 1965 C10 ... Project Name: Just Learnin'
 

STUPID QUESTION WARNING AHEAD!!

Ok I always try and do as much research as possible before I go asking dumb questions like this but I simply cannot find an answer. So I am looking at the Blocking and sanding procedure and collecting materials and tools I need as I go. But every write up I see or read skips like the first two steps or possibly just I'm generally more stupid in terms of body work than I ever imagine.

I have read in every write up that on top of bare metal should be an epoxy primer, then filler, then epoxy primer again. So my question is what the hell is epoxy primer exactly? Keep in mind our auto store around here kind of suck and since I am just learning I was hoping to find an aerosol form in order to just do some small pieces before diving in. Yet there is not a single damn can at napa that just says epoxy primer. Can I use self etching primer under the filler instead??..... (was that another dumb question? again apologies)

PS. please don't think Im making a bondo bucket here I will be doing all my metal work first before a mere skim coat of filler but I am just looking for clarification on the process.

Thanks guys!!

Re: 1965 C10 ... Project Name: Just Learnin'
 

epoxy primer is 2 parts that you mix together before you spray it .
any mixed primer left over will harden . so clean it out of your spray gun after using it.
and never put any leftover mixed primer back in the can with unmixed primer it will harden .
I have been doing bodywork and paint , working in body shops for over 40 years
and I prefer to put body filler on bare metal that has just been grinded clean .

Re: 1965 C10 ... Project Name: Just Learnin'
 

Ok well that makes a lot of sense. So I imagine that would mean that I will not find any rattle can epoxy primer if it is a 2 part... hmmm any other recommendation on the way to go

Re: 1965 C10 ... Project Name: Just Learnin'
 

On another note Im thinking a set of these shorties will work great for keeping the collectors above the frame rails.

http://www.hawkinsspeedshop.com/exha...60hooker34.jpg

Anyone run the competition shorties? It looks like they have a couple different versions I imagine fitment won't be a huge issue but we will find out soon enough I guess.

On a side note how the hell do I get these pictures smaller?!?!

Re: 1965 C10 ... Project Name: Just Learnin'
 

Eastwood makes a 2k epoxy in a can. You push in a plunger on the bottom and it mixes. You have to use the whole can then or it becomes solid.

Do you have a large compressor? You can get a harbor freight purple gun and some epoxy. Epoxy is pretty cheap.

Re: 1965 C10 ... Project Name: Just Learnin'
 

Yes I do have a great shop compressor. I guess I am just so set on all this metal work that I'm somewhat tentative to start doing research for spray guns and get all that sorted.... but at the same time I know thats probably the best route

Re: 1965 C10 ... Project Name: Just Learnin'
 

Ok so time for some updates.

Began on the front fenders the other day.. cutting the rot off the bottom (realizing I need the braces on the backside) and finding all sorts of bondo worms and gremlins everywhere I remove paint.

Anyways.. so pictures

http://i573.photobucket.com/albums/s...s/image_43.jpg

http://i573.photobucket.com/albums/s...s/image_44.jpg

After my first fender job I went back to the research train and learned about this lovely little skill called planishing. This one will go much smoother. Tack planish sand repeat.

http://i573.photobucket.com/albums/s...s/image_45.jpg

Once I was done that I decided to look at getting started with the rear cab mounts.. so I crawled under to start coming up with a game plan, the driver side looks decent about a four inch section on the end to be replaced but the rot was stopped thankfully short enough to make it an easy(ish) fix. Then I looked under the passenger side....

http://i573.photobucket.com/albums/s...s/image_47.jpg


.....not going to lie I got so discouraged by that picture I decided I needed a break from the damn body work and back to something mechanical.

HELLO AIRBAGS!!

Anyways the long term game plan is to do a GSI drop member and some proper a arms but in the mean time I picked up a set of cheap bag mounts from airslamit and decided to start figuring out this whole air system thing. This is definitely new for me so we will see how it goes.

Start with the front lowers... (took me long enough just to figure out which ones were front and which ones were back haha)

http://i573.photobucket.com/albums/s...s/image_46.jpg

when sitting on the lower cups they seem way to high..

http://i573.photobucket.com/albums/s...s/image_48.jpg

CUT CUT CUT LOW LOW LOW

http://i573.photobucket.com/albums/s...s/image_49.jpg

Better but more to go.. (forgot to get pic but they now sit nicely and safely in the pockets)

I would like to call this the before picture but its drivers side (forgot to take a pic of passenger but it looks just about as bad)

http://i573.photobucket.com/albums/s...s/image_50.jpg

and with a little wire wheel and a splash of rust paint to hold me over to the sandblast and powder coat.

http://i573.photobucket.com/albums/s...s/image_51.jpg

Tomorrow.. I shall tackle the drivers side, now that I know what i am doing and then attempt to figure out how to run my airlines into there...:fb:

Re: 1965 C10 ... Project Name: Just Learnin'
 

Your patching and welding is looking much better! Planishing is important. Try to plan out your patches to make sure you can access the backside in order to planish.

The GSI crossmember looks good but the arms leave something to be desired. You can only adjust them so far before they begin to bind. I would rather go with Porterbuilt, Scotts, or No Limit. I believe they are similar in price.

Are you comfortable welding thicker material? You can cup your arms for an additional few inch drop.

If you dont want to spend money on compressors, tanks, valves, gauges, etc yet you can buy these: http://www.avsontheweb.com/1-4-push-...hraeder-valve/ and air up manually. Not the best idea if you are driving long distances but will work great to just drive around until you figure out what you want to run for air management.

Re: 1965 C10 ... Project Name: Just Learnin'
 

Actually I am more comfortable with welding thicker material. This paper thin stuff is what is so new to me! I have been thinking about cupping the bottom a arm and will wait to see how she looks for now when its all buttoned up. My only concern going that route is centring the bottom of the bag!

Thank you for that advice I had no idea about the GSI a arms, if price is that close than I would rather go porter built for the problem free side of things.

Oh and I actually bought dual 444's a long time ago on ebay for an absolute steal and picked up an 8 valve setup and 7 switch last time I took a trip down to the states (I figured regardless of what I do with cross members and frame work I can continually use the compressors and tanks so they were a better initial investment.... Now i just need to figure out the valves ahahah

Re: 1965 C10 ... Project Name: Just Learnin'
 

The centering part is easy. Make a template of the bag and a bit of measuring is all you need.

Porterbuilt used to sell a earlier version of their dropmember that used stock arms. You can email them to see if they still offer it. It will save you 1k.

Re: 1965 C10 ... Project Name: Just Learnin'
 

So, finally got to start picking away at the truck again.. working on a new (new to me) house purchase so life is hectic.

Anyways threads suck without pictures so lets see what I took..

http://i573.photobucket.com/albums/s...s/image_52.jpg

This is how she sits now.. got some por15 on the front end and rad supports. front bags are installed, just in the process of figuring out my airline routing...

More importantly... LOOKKKK!! My new coffee mug is the only cup used in my kitchen now a days.

http://i573.photobucket.com/albums/s...s/image_53.jpg

Now that I am feeling better after taking a little break from some body work its time to get back at it as I just can't let this thing go into the summer months. Started sanding down the front fender and look what they managed to cover up!

http://i573.photobucket.com/albums/s...s/image_54.jpg

http://i573.photobucket.com/albums/s...s/image_55.jpg

Sooooo thats cool... Also dug into the rear cab supports trying to get started as I got my order for the rest of my metal into lmc today.

http://i573.photobucket.com/albums/s...s/image_56.jpg

found where solid metal stopped and started cutting.

http://i573.photobucket.com/albums/s...s/image_57.jpg

Also cut out the rotten outer floor and i will not be welding in the cab support patch as I am going to wait until I get the outer floor panel and patch it from below so I don't have to cut the cab corner off and weld blind.

and finally now as I wait a few days for LMC parts to show up (and by show up I mean ship to Montana then drive down there and get them haha)

http://i573.photobucket.com/albums/s...s/image_58.jpg

Its time to start planning out the system.... anyways Im off to cook some dinner so till next time guys!

Re: 1965 C10 ... Project Name: Just Learnin'
 

I am not looking forward to my panel work.

There is sooooo much bonds and rust on my truck, cleverly disguised as shiny paint.

Planishing...... A skill I will gave to learn.

You are moving along great, progress is progress.

Re: 1965 C10 ... Project Name: Just Learnin'
 

I like the bed it's a good option without spending a fortune . My local paint shop also puts paint into a can pre mixed . You have to use it that day before it goes off . I also put filler (bondo) as you guys in the states call it onto bare metal then two pac primer . Then I only put stopper over the primer if there is any small imperfections then re prime then topcoat .

Re: 1965 C10 ... Project Name: Just Learnin'
 

Thanks for the tip! I hope i wort need any filler but if I do it will be bare metal applied like you say.

Re: 1965 C10 ... Project Name: Just Learnin'
 

holy crap long time no talk guys... busy summer with work but the snow is flying so its time to enjoy some shop hours again. I have had some time to pick away at the air system and some metal work here and there throughout the summer. Also a little set up work on the dash. Here are a very progress pictures of where its at now.

http://i573.photobucket.com/albums/s...4A1B0D08C2.jpg

http://i573.photobucket.com/albums/s...DF500069FA.jpg

http://i573.photobucket.com/albums/s...94B66A22E9.jpg

http://i573.photobucket.com/albums/s...FD2D9B04BC.jpg

http://i573.photobucket.com/albums/s...8B9C514F65.jpg

http://i573.photobucket.com/albums/s...0AD31B65F9.jpg

http://i573.photobucket.com/albums/s...B96FFB1645.jpg

http://i573.photobucket.com/albums/s...D5E6C3A62B.jpg

http://i573.photobucket.com/albums/s...E8CF14B98D.jpg

Re: 1965 C10 ... Project Name: Just Learnin'
 

one question for anyone out there with airbags in the stock front crossmember... i drilled a half inch hole into the back of the upper shock mounts (will get pictures tomorrow) but I have know way of really tightening the airline into the top of the airbag. would i be killing structural integrity if i cut a window in the front of that mount in order to get a wrench in there to tighten up a compression fitting??

thanks again guys