baclay9's 83' SWB Build
 

Well I figured it was a good time to get a build thread going. I will give you guys a little background. I bought this 83' Chevy C10 SWB about a month ago. I had one in highschool and have wanted another one ever since I sold it. Anyway, I had been searching for a project and this one looked like the one.

The pics are pretty forgiving, it doesn't seem to have any rust on it except in the cab corners but it needs some body work. The paint job on it is really bad. Looks as if they did no prep work to the undercoat.

Here are a few pics of what I am starting with.

http://img707.imageshack.us/img707/8766/downloadee.jpg
By claypool782 at 2010-04-27

http://img175.imageshack.us/img175/4231/download2.jpg
By claypool782 at 2010-04-27

http://img717.imageshack.us/img717/6941/dsc00954t.jpg
By claypool782 at 2010-04-27

http://img232.imageshack.us/img232/598/dsc00955v.jpg
By claypool782 at 2010-04-27

I am wanting to eventually redo the entire interior. I already scored a bench seat for it as I really like the benches in these trucks.

I began tearing into it and started noticing something wasn't right. Something about the way it sits. After pulling the front bumper off it started to become apparent. The frame is twisted. Not only that but it had actually been cut off behind the driver side control arm and replaced with a piece of frame off of an earlier model Chevy.

The PO had actually heated just the passenger side spring to drop that side of the truck so it would sit level. There are a ton of shims in the driver side upper control arm. Here are some pics.

Passenger side
http://img245.imageshack.us/img245/7319/dsc00958gm.jpg
By claypool782 at 2010-05-05

Drivers side
http://img265.imageshack.us/img265/3664/dsc00959y.jpg
By claypool782 at 2010-05-05

http://img8.imageshack.us/img8/3205/dsc00956wi.jpg
By claypool782 at 2010-05-05

Weld in frame
http://img534.imageshack.us/img534/3103/dsc00957bo.jpg
By claypool782 at 2010-05-05

After throwing a fit I finally relaxed and started planning my next move. I came to the conclusion I would just have to come up with another truck. I jumped on craigslist and started looking. Lo and behold there sat a rolling frame from an 81'. Had to drive to Texas to pick it up but I scored it and 4 rally wheels for $150. Guess I must be livin right.

http://img217.imageshack.us/img217/8882/dsc011941.jpg
By claypool782 at 2010-05-09

http://img265.imageshack.us/img265/1319/dsc011981.jpg
By claypool782 at 2010-05-09

http://img718.imageshack.us/img718/1491/dsc011961.jpg
By claypool782 at 2010-05-09

http://img189.imageshack.us/img189/5063/dsc01209kj.jpg
By claypool782 at 2010-05-15

So my little project is going to turn into a frame off. My Dad and I will be doing this together and I am really looking forward to it. My progress will be slow because I am always gone working away from home. I will definately keep you guys updated on my progress with lots of pics.

Re: baclay9's 83' SWB Build
 

Looks like a good start. I like the color on it.

Re: baclay9's 83' SWB Build
 

Well guys no real progress yet because I am still out working but I have been combing craigslist for parts. My Dad and Brother go pick stuff up for me if I find good deals. I made a pretty good score on some parts I was needing for the build so I thought I would post up some pics.

I got two complete doors in perfect shape w/ door panels, Lots of interior peices, and a whole front clip off of an 87' in perfect shape. I have pics of everything but the front clip. I will get some pics of it tommorrow.

http://img199.imageshack.us/img199/6114/dsc01201qq.jpg
By claypool782 at 2010-05-15

http://img63.imageshack.us/img63/2302/dsc01202r.jpg
By claypool782 at 2010-05-15

http://img688.imageshack.us/img688/8011/dsc01203c.jpg
By claypool782 at 2010-05-15

http://img100.imageshack.us/img100/624/dsc01206s.jpg
By claypool782 at 2010-05-15

Anyway, small thing but I am really excited to find original parts in such good shape. More to come....

Re: baclay9's 83' SWB Build
 

Awesome. Cant wait for more pics.

Re: baclay9's 83' SWB Build
 

Looks like a great start. I love that color too!

Re: baclay9's 83' SWB Build
 

Yea your living right!!! Great find, the hunt for parts is most of the fun!

Re: baclay9's 83' SWB Build
 

Got some shots of my new front clip today. It is in awesome shape. I will just need to lose the bug shield.LOL

http://img199.imageshack.us/img199/592/dsc01212gd.jpg
By claypool782 at 2010-05-16

http://img576.imageshack.us/img576/8716/dsc01213q.jpg
By claypool782 at 2010-05-16

http://img295.imageshack.us/img295/2792/dsc01216.jpg
By claypool782 at 2010-05-16

More to come as soon as I get off this job......

Re: baclay9's 83' SWB Build
 

You're going to have a whole other truck by the time you quit getting parts. :lol:

Looking forward to the progress.

Re: baclay9's 83' SWB Build
 

Not too much to report but I finally made it home yesterday and I got the new frame torn down toady. It is going for sandblasting on Tuesday.
http://img59.imageshack.us/img59/7854/img0079me.jpg
By claypool782 at 2010-05-28


Here are a couple of pics of my Dad's 84 3/4 ton 4x4.
http://img130.imageshack.us/img130/5438/img0080wh.jpg
By claypool782 at 2010-05-28http://img297.imageshack.us/img297/2972/img0081dr.jpg
By claypool782 at 2010-05-28

Re: baclay9's 83' SWB Build
 

Got the frame sandblasted today and got it all painted up. Thought I would share some pics with you guys.

Back from the sandblaster.

http://img696.imageshack.us/img696/1480/img0087l.jpg
By claypool782 at 2010-06-01
http://img375.imageshack.us/img375/6235/img0088v.jpg
By claypool782 at 2010-06-01

All painted up and beautiful:metal:
http://img23.imageshack.us/img23/6282/img0089txw.jpg
By claypool782 at 2010-06-01
http://img229.imageshack.us/img229/8066/img0090mu.jpg
By claypool782 at 2010-06-01

And one just for fun
http://img193.imageshack.us/img193/8012/img0086g.jpg
By claypool782 at 2010-06-01

Re: baclay9's 83' SWB Build
 

lookin good.

Re: baclay9's 83' SWB Build
 

Looks good man. :metal:

Re: baclay9's 83' SWB Build
 

You are really haulin' on this. Looks good.

Re: baclay9's 83' SWB Build
 

Looks good!

Re: baclay9's 83' SWB Build
 

Looks like a decent start.
Nice work!
who blasted your stuff? Tri-City Sand blasting by chance?
what paint did you use on the frame?

Re: baclay9's 83' SWB Build
 

Yes Joe, I used Jerry @ Tri City sand blasting. He did an awesome job. I dropped the frame and stuff off @ about 9 am and he called me to pick it up before noon. Charged me $160 for everything and I still have to take my rear axle, driveshaft, and leaf springs to him.

I used the black topcoat from PM Industries. http://www.nomorerust.com/
this stuff is awesome by the way. It dries thick and hard as a rock. I brushed it on and it didn't leave any brush marks. A little advice... Wear gloves, this stuff will not come off your hands. Ask me how I know...

Re: baclay9's 83' SWB Build
 

:lol:
cool.
That's a good price!!
I talked to him awhile back about the wife's '66 frame.
that was before it got derailed by my crewcab :rolleyes:

edit:
Oh and I see you left the the front cross-member on the frame while he blasted it?

Re: baclay9's 83' SWB Build
 

Yeah, I went ahead and left all of the cross members on it. I figured it would be good enough. It is going to be a driver after all. He really got into every nook and cranny.

Re: baclay9's 83' SWB Build
 

That's cool!
One of these days when I'm going out to Tuttle to bug Scott, I'll give you a shout and maybe you'll let me check it out in person :D

Re: baclay9's 83' SWB Build
 

He'll yes. I have been wanting to check out Scott's build anyway. Plus I would love to see your CC in person. I almost bought one before I bought this truck. The guy was a little proud of it though IMO.

Re: baclay9's 83' SWB Build
 

Cool man!
Sounds good! :thumbs:
Where did you find a crew for sale? How much?

Re: baclay9's 83' SWB Build
 

It was down around Lindsay at an auto body shop. It was in black primer but had been jammed in with Chevy radar blue paint. The interior was all there but was completely disassembled. Also had half ton suspension. It had a tpi 350 out of a camaro or something in it. He was asking 4500 for it and wouldn't come lower than 4200. Seemed to run good but wouldn't shift into third and was over heating. I offered him 3500 and he turned it down. I was glad he didn't take it after I left and had a chance to think about it. The only thing giving the truck it's value IMO was that it had been cut down to a short bed. Otherwise it wouldn't have been worth a grand in the shape it was in. After following all of the CCSB builds on here I am convinced I could just do one myself. I most likely will once I complete this project and just use it for a daily driver.

Re: baclay9's 83' SWB Build
 

Oh yeah
I think that one has been on craigslist a bunch.
There is a '82'ish SRW crew at a car lot in Edmond with out a bed that is screaming for a short bed conversion. I'm gonna try to stop by and see what they are asking. I'm super happy with my crew. I still have a bunch to do, but after all I've done it doesn't seem as daunting and I can drive it while I do it.
I'm not going for anything too fancy, just a comfy DD truck all of the family can fit in.

Re: baclay9's 83' SWB Build
 

This will be the last update till the next time I am home from work. I should be heading back out in a couple of days and don't want to get started on the teardown of my truck until after this job. I expect my lowering kit to come in sometime next week so it will be waiting on me as well.

Here is a shot of some of the front suspension just for ****s and grins.
http://img204.imageshack.us/img204/1797/img0093yz.jpg

Uploaded with ImageShack.us

Re: baclay9's 83' SWB Build
 

What lowering setup are you going with?