1986 C10 Project "Midnight Blue"
 

Well after a 3 month break from building my own trucks, I decided to jump on another one and accept a challenge I was given. The challenge: build a super cool swb truck with a modern stance, tire & wheel package, V8, power options, working A/C, fairly solid paint & body, nice interior, budget friendly, quick build time, and not loose any money. I've wanted to do a killer worn paint/patina truck for awhile and decided to take the challenge. So after looking at a few different trucks, I bought a midnight blue truck with an older repaint that's well worn but not super rusty or with a real heavy patina. So the build plan is 4.5&6 drop with name brand parts, 20x10 & 20x8 polished torque thrust wheel and tire package, new trim, new and restored interior, light mechanical restoration with working A/C. The truck runs and drives great, all power options are working as they should, super solid old truck with only a small rust spot on each cab corner. First round of parts are ordered and the teardown begins this week.

Re: 1986 C10 Project "Midnight Blue"
 

This is the second blue truck I've built, I have in my head something between the these two for example.

Re: 1986 C10 Project "Midnight Blue"
 

That is a killer looking truck to start with. Looks like a great plan as well. Can't wait to see it unfold

Re: 1986 C10 Project "Midnight Blue"
 

Gonna have to follow this one, as your build plan is very similar to what I will be doing to Henry for my son.

Henry seams to be just about what you have in this Blue truck. Here is what I am starting with:
http://i266.photobucket.com/albums/i...pshyu37ti1.jpg

Re: 1986 C10 Project "Midnight Blue"
 

Finally! I was really getting worried!

Re: 1986 C10 Project "Midnight Blue"
 

Thanks guys but don't let the pics fool you, this old truck is a beater. You can see the paint is old and worn with some surface rust starting on the top of the cab. I snapped a few pics before I started tearing it down last night. I was pleased that the rear suspension only took about an hour to come apart and no fighting with it at all.

Re: 1986 C10 Project "Midnight Blue"
 

I think your definition of a beater and mine are way different based on these pics...LOL

Re: 1986 C10 Project "Midnight Blue"
 

:haha::haha: I'm with you on that one. I would hate to hear what my truck would be referred to if that is a "Beater".

Re: 1986 C10 Project "Midnight Blue"
 

Whats the specs on this truck? That is bad ass, mine is the same color

Re: 1986 C10 Project "Midnight Blue"
 

Finished the back tear down Friday night and started cleaning the rear fender wells.

Re: 1986 C10 Project "Midnight Blue"
 

I started on front this morning and had it knocked out in about 2 hours. Then started the fun task of cleaning parts and prepping for paint. I'm going to keep it simple and nothing over the top.

Re: 1986 C10 Project "Midnight Blue"
 

If you've never done that before ill give you a heads up...that lower control arm is a lot heavier than it looks!

Re: 1986 C10 Project "Midnight Blue"
 

I am in.

Re: 1986 C10 Project "Midnight Blue"
 

Pretty sure this isn't his first rodeo.

Re: 1986 C10 Project "Midnight Blue"
 

:haha:

Re: 1986 C10 Project "Midnight Blue"
 

Knew you'd get a chuckle out of that one....

Re: 1986 C10 Project "Midnight Blue"
 

I've done 1 or 2, and yes they're fun by yourself.

Re: 1986 C10 Project "Midnight Blue"
 

What is your truck lowered?

Re: 1986 C10 Project "Midnight Blue"
 

The frontend reassembly has begun. After close inspection of everything I decided to replace the outer tie rods, brakes hoses, and one steel brake line. Then I cleaned and painted the suspension parts, and detailed the inner fender wells with 3 coats of undercoating. I should have the brakes and final detailing finished in the next few days.

Re: 1986 C10 Project "Midnight Blue"
 

Are you planning on putting in a front sway bar?

Re: 1986 C10 Project "Midnight Blue"
 

Looks to be a great set of plans ahead of this one!

Re: 1986 C10 Project "Midnight Blue"
 

Sorry for the lack of pics but I did the back end finished and detailed. I ran into a small problem on the front with calipers. This my 2nd time using Western Chassis spindles and both times I've had issues. I know they've been around for ever and sold thousands of spindles, but the quality control is not very good in my humble opinion. The first set I had to ream the tapered hole because they left a ridge in bottom and the ball joint didn't seat correctly. Now this set the caliper won't seat on the mounting ears. Both were easy fixes but frustrating as Hell when all the parts are painted and assembled. I normally use McGaughys and never had a issue but they were back ordered so I bought these instead. I still have the brake lines to finish and some detailing but I'm close to this stage being completed.

Re: 1986 C10 Project "Midnight Blue"
 

Finally got it off the jack stands and out the door for a quick garage clean up. Suspension, brakes, tires & wheels finish the stage. It will take the new springs a week or two to settle, but I'm pleased with the final look. Now on to the interior.

Re: 1986 C10 Project "Midnight Blue"
 

Sweet!!
I always enjoy your builds!

Re: 1986 C10 Project "Midnight Blue"
 

Looks great as usual.