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Project "You thought yours was bad!" '78 C10 Stepside
Starting off with a little background, one of my neighbors gave me this truck when I was about 12 years old. I messed around with it to the best of my abilities back then, but ultimately I ended up working on other projects and letting this one sit for the last 13 years! I'm 25 now and hopefully will be getting this poor truck in better shape and back on the road where it belongs.
It's a 1978 Chevy Cheyenne C10 2WD Stepside with a 350/350 originally. As you can see, it came optioned with plenty of rust and more than a few part deletes. My dad tried to convince me back then to convert it to 4WD, which I didn't really want, and the furthest I got was swapping the rear axle and removing the front crossmember and staging the front axle and springs pulled out of a scrapped Suburban. Luckily enough I saved everything (smart kid, right?! LOL), all the nuts and bolts were even still hanging out in the old Corvette valve cover I stashed them in over a decade ago! :lol: The ultimate goal for this panty dropper is to just make it a fun, driveable, and enjoyable truck again. Fun factor and low budget rule here (Can we say Alaskan Muscle Truck!) as I have a Pro Touring '67 Camaro project as my main car project. I'm going to try and get the body as nice as possible without spending too much, but I may try and source a cleaner cab, as mine has pretty heavy rust. It's really unfortunate that it has as much rust as it does, as the body is incredibly straight. Engine and transmission are still up in the air, and will likely be whatever I can find for a reasonable cost that puts out decent power. I'm not a huge big block fan, but a BBC/TH400 with 4:10s may end up fitting my bill. It will definitely be lowered. From my research I think I want drop spindles, cut the springs a little, and an axle flip in the rear, which should put me at 4/6 I believe. It will also probably sit on truck rally's. Other than that, we'll see what happens! Here is where she has waited patiently all this time in my grandparent's fenced in yard. Pretty sad :( I cleared all the brush around it too, it was barely visible with everything that had grown around it! http://i84.photobucket.com/albums/k2.../IMG_23071.jpg http://i84.photobucket.com/albums/k2.../IMG_23081.jpg http://i84.photobucket.com/albums/k2.../IMG_23091.jpg http://i84.photobucket.com/albums/k2.../IMG_23101.jpg I custom built this column for this truck. I think I used the original column, a Corvette column, and a mid-late 80's column too. It fits the 70's body truck, has tilt steering, and is setup for a 700R4. Also, Factory Tach! :metal: http://i84.photobucket.com/albums/k2.../IMG_23111.jpg This is how far in it sat. We had to move quite a few things to even be able to get to it. http://i84.photobucket.com/albums/k2.../IMG_23141.jpg Since the front suspension was removed, I strapped a welding trailer under the front portion of the frame to roll it around. You can spot the tongue sticking out from the front. Unfortunately the truck slid off the block when we were moving it around for a better angle and damaged the front bumper. It wasn't straight to begin with, but I didn't want it any worse! http://i84.photobucket.com/albums/k2...MG_23151_1.jpg And here it is loaded up and brought over to my house. Let the real fun begin! http://i84.photobucket.com/albums/k2.../IMG_23161.jpg |
Re: Project "You thought yours was bad!" '78 C10 Stepside
The first step in any real project is to scour Craigslist in hopes of finding some cheap parts you can use. I scored this near pristine hood for $40. It has one small ding and one very minor rust spot. I also picked up a brand new repro drivers fender for $75 as well. Also have some phone numbers for parts leads on other things I may need.
http://i84.photobucket.com/albums/k2.../IMG_23241.jpg Next is to get the truck jacked up safely to reinstall the front suspension. Well, at least the illusion of safety is there... http://i84.photobucket.com/albums/k2...MG_23321_1.jpg Front suspension staged http://i84.photobucket.com/albums/k2...MG_23331_1.jpg Getting everything lined up http://i84.photobucket.com/albums/k2...MG_23341_1.jpg http://i84.photobucket.com/albums/k2...MG_23351_1.jpg http://i84.photobucket.com/albums/k2.../IMG_23361.jpg Chased all the threads on the nuts and bolts and antiseized everything. Bolted together like it was factory! http://i84.photobucket.com/albums/k2.../IMG_23381.jpg And here it is finally back on four wheels! I also removed the camper shell, thank god for Craigslist's free section. http://i84.photobucket.com/albums/k2...MG_23391_1.jpg http://i84.photobucket.com/albums/k2.../IMG_23401.jpg http://i84.photobucket.com/albums/k2.../IMG_23411.jpg And that's it for now! This is something I'll be working on in my spare time in between other projects, or as I find good deals on parts I need. Hopefully before too long she'll be back on the road! |
Re: Project "You thought yours was bad!" '78 C10 Stepside
off to a good start.
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Re: Project "You thought yours was bad!" '78 C10 Stepside
Made some progress last night. It's officially back to 2WD! Pulled a rear axle from an 86 Suburban. I was hoping for 3.73 or 4.10 gears, but ended up with 3.42's, which are better than 3.08's anyway. This axle is in great shape where water has been sitting in my old axle.
http://i84.photobucket.com/albums/k2.../IMG_24581.jpg http://i84.photobucket.com/albums/k2.../IMG_24611.jpg Also picked up the set of Rally wheels that were on it! http://i84.photobucket.com/albums/k2.../IMG_24621.jpg http://i84.photobucket.com/albums/k2.../IMG_24601.jpg http://i84.photobucket.com/albums/k2.../IMG_24631.jpg http://i84.photobucket.com/albums/k2.../IMG_24641.jpg http://i84.photobucket.com/albums/k2.../IMG_24651.jpg Next up, ordering new suspension bushings and the lowering kit! |
Re: Project "You thought yours was bad!" '78 C10 Stepside
Ordered up the lowering kit a few days ago. Spindles are from Early Classic Enterprises (highly recommended!), McGaughy's flip kit, and Energy Suspension bushings.
http://i84.photobucket.com/albums/k2...s/IMG_2499.jpg http://i84.photobucket.com/albums/k2...s/IMG_2501.jpg http://i84.photobucket.com/albums/k2...s/IMG_2500.jpg |
Re: Project "You thought yours was bad!" '78 C10 Stepside
I picked up a pair of 235/60R15 Cooper Cobras for the front of the truck. They're like new (<500mi according to the guy) and were only $25 each!!
http://i84.photobucket.com/albums/k2.../image_13.jpeg Also picked up some hardware.... http://i84.photobucket.com/albums/k2.../image_19.jpeg ....to do this! http://i84.photobucket.com/albums/k2.../image_14.jpeg And with the bed out of the way, time to prep the frame. Undoing the axle u-bolts. http://i84.photobucket.com/albums/k2.../image_15.jpeg With the axle out, wire brushing and cleaning the frame. Removed the bump stops and cleaned up the welds from the monstrous hitch. http://i84.photobucket.com/albums/k2.../image_16.jpeg Painted! http://i84.photobucket.com/albums/k2.../image_17.jpeg http://i84.photobucket.com/albums/k2.../image_18.jpeg I'm bringing the leaf springs and hangers with me to work to press out the old bushings. I'll be removing the overload springs and cleaning and painting those as well. |
Re: Project "You thought yours was bad!" '78 C10 Stepside
This reminds me a lot of my truck when I started. 80 K20 Scottsdale. Same color and just about the same amount of rust. Will keep my eye on this thread.
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Re: Project "You thought yours was bad!" '78 C10 Stepside
Sweet truck and awesome story!
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Re: Project "You thought yours was bad!" '78 C10 Stepside
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I forgot to post these last night too, but here's the insane hitch I removed. http://i84.photobucket.com/albums/k2.../image_20.jpeg http://i84.photobucket.com/albums/k2.../image_21.jpeg http://i84.photobucket.com/albums/k2.../image_22.jpeg |
Re: Project "You thought yours was bad!" '78 C10 Stepside
Work smarter not harder
It took 10 tons (20,000 lbs) of force to remove the rubber bushings. No wonder you can't pound these suckers out, LOL. http://i84.photobucket.com/albums/k2.../IMG_25371.jpg Springs and hangers cleaned and painted http://i84.photobucket.com/albums/k2.../IMG_25391.jpg ECE Spindles also painted http://i84.photobucket.com/albums/k2.../IMG_25401.jpg http://i84.photobucket.com/albums/k2.../IMG_25411.jpg And Energy Suspension bushings waiting for the leaf springs when they dry! http://i84.photobucket.com/albums/k2.../IMG_25421.jpg |
Re: Project "You thought yours was bad!" '78 C10 Stepside
Your off to a hell of good start!!!
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Re: Project "You thought yours was bad!" '78 C10 Stepside
Cool rig. Glad you kept it.
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Re: Project "You thought yours was bad!" '78 C10 Stepside
Reminds me of my rusty junk. Lol. Cool truck and I'll be watching for sure. I'm all about a low buck build.
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Re: Project "You thought yours was bad!" '78 C10 Stepside
Thank you for the kind words, guys!
I finished getting the bushings installed in the leaf springs and shackles this morning. I also had to run into town (100 mile round trip!) just for new hanger bolts. Plus I forgot to pick up new axle U-bolts, so I'll be making another trip tonight... http://i84.photobucket.com/albums/k2.../IMG_25441.jpg Installed one side and left the other hanging to ease the axle install. http://i84.photobucket.com/albums/k2.../IMG_25431.jpg Axle painted to match! http://i84.photobucket.com/albums/k2.../IMG_25451.jpg Just FYI this freaking sucks to do by yourself! http://i84.photobucket.com/albums/k2.../IMG_25461.jpg And finally we're in! McGaughy's axle flip kit is installed on the axle and the springs are in place! http://i84.photobucket.com/albums/k2.../IMG_25471.jpg http://i84.photobucket.com/albums/k2.../IMG_25481.jpg |
Re: Project "You thought yours was bad!" '78 C10 Stepside
Off to a good start. the back half of the frame looks good.
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Re: Project "You thought yours was bad!" '78 C10 Stepside
Love the ratchet strap bed hoist - way to think outside the box. :lol:
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Re: Project "You thought yours was bad!" '78 C10 Stepside
I added you to my low buck builds thread. If it's low budget I'm always following. Great progress.
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Re: Project "You thought yours was bad!" '78 C10 Stepside
Thank you all! :D
Here's a price breakdown of what I've spent on this so far, including where it was purchased at and if shipping was included. I'm kind of curious myself to see what I end up having into this. So far I'm into it just over $1,000, which includes many of the large/heavy suspension parts. A new cab, engine, and transmission will likely be my main costs here. I have a line on a cab for $500 and possibly a free 350 Vortec that needs a crankshaft. I'd like to keep the total cost under $5,000, lets see if that happens! I'll keep this list updated throughout the build. C10 cost sheet Truck (Free from Neighbor) ---------------$0 Hood (CL) --------------------------------$40 Fender, driver (CL) -----------------------$75 Rear axle (junkyard) -------------------$150 Rally wheels 15x8 (junkyard) ----------$100 Spindles 2.5" drop (ECE w/sh) ---------$350 Axle flip (McGaughy/Ebay w/sh) -------$126 Full Bushing kit (E.S./EBay w/sh) -----$188 Cooper Cobra 235/60R15 front (CL) ---$50 Rear axle brake line (Napa) -------------$11 |
Re: Project "You thought yours was bad!" '78 C10 Stepside
Lookin good man keep it up!
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Re: Project "You thought yours was bad!" '78 C10 Stepside
Thank you!
Picked up a pair of 275/60R15 Cooper Cobras for the rear today, $305. http://i84.photobucket.com/albums/k2.../image_23.jpeg I might also have a major progress step this weekend. I don't want to spill the beans in case it falls through, but I'll post up what happens this weekend! |
Re: Project "You thought yours was bad!" '78 C10 Stepside
What paint are you using on the frame and axles?
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Re: Project "You thought yours was bad!" '78 C10 Stepside
I'm using Rustoleum Rust Preventative Enamel. I got mine from Walmart and its lasted me several years. I think it was around $40 for a gallon. I like it for frames as it's a cheap alternative for powder coating and holds up better than spray painting. Plus, the frame doesn't have to be sandblasted, just clean off all the dirt and scuff all the surfaces with a wire brush. It can either be thinned and sprayed with a gun, or simply brushed on right out of the can, which is what I do. It's certainly not show quality or nearly as tough as actual powdercoating, but it's perfect for a budget build and also allows me to tear only half of my truck apart at one time, and protects better than nothing or having to touch up spray paint weekly.
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Re: Project "You thought yours was bad!" '78 C10 Stepside
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Because if it need's to be reapplied, ever in life, Rustoleum is the way to go. I'll find out I guess :lol: |
Re: Project "You thought yours was bad!" '78 C10 Stepside
Everything is dry in my pictures, but you definitely have to let things dry completely untouched for 24 hours. 48 or longer is even better. It stays pretty shiny. At least it's easy to repaint. :lol:
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Re: Project "You thought yours was bad!" '78 C10 Stepside
POR 15 requires a top coat because it is not UV stable so the 5 year endurance test is more relevant to the top coat. I tell you, that stuff really has a nice gloss when it dries. It still looks wet. One good test that I did (on purpose...yea right) was when I put my Jeep tub back on there was brake fluid dripping on the frame for a couple days before I noticed. It had absolutely no effect on the POR15.
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Re: Project "You thought yours was bad!" '78 C10 Stepside
Here we go! Picked up a parts truck to rob the cab/front clip/front suspension/transmission out of for the stepside up in Fairbanks this weekend and made a day trip out of it. 595 miles round trip, averaged 11 MPG with the 6.0L, on very crappy/hilly terrain. This was the first major trip since I've gotten the crew cab, and it performed flawlessly.
I wanted to stick with the 73-78 style front clip, but since this 86 is in such good shape (and complete!), and this being a budget build, I want to save money everywhere I can. So for now at least, I will be using the complete 86 cab and front clip off this truck. I love picking up Fairbanks trucks as they are always rust free. This particular truck will have plenty that I can salvage to either sell or use for my build. The bed is nice with the exception of the dent seen in the picture, tailgate is flawless, it has a sport bumper on the rear. Whole truck only has 87k, and someone swapped out the stock 305 for a 350 (doesn't currently run). Brand new starter, battery, and tires. Not a bad score for $1k! I'm hoping I can sell the parts off it that I don't use and recoup most if not all of my money for it. http://i84.photobucket.com/albums/k2.../image_24.jpeg |
Re: Project "You thought yours was bad!" '78 C10 Stepside
I say just keep the round eye front end and covert this one over. But either way the donor truck does look good.
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Re: Project "You thought yours was bad!" '78 C10 Stepside
you could always post the front sheet metal for sale and if someone buys it before your ready for it then you can use the money to get the older sheet metal that you want. You already have the older hood that you bought.
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Re: Project "You thought yours was bad!" '78 C10 Stepside
I considered that, but for ease on install and a price standpoint, this makes more sense right now. I may still change it down the line, but the plug and play of the current front end is what I'm going with right now.
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Re: Project "You thought yours was bad!" '78 C10 Stepside
Understandable. I did the same when I built my suburban. Used what I had or what would make the build easier/quicker.
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Re: Project "You thought yours was bad!" '78 C10 Stepside
Getting prepped for the cab swap! I'm going to paint the front half of the frame while I'm waiting for the lift to open up.
Removing the front sheet metal. Which wasn't hard, I "pulled" the core support many years ago and the rest of the fenders nearly rusted clean off the cab! :lol: I also threw the 6 bolt rear axle back under momentarily, I sold the painted 3.42 rear end as this white truck has the 3.73 that I wanted!! :metal: http://i84.photobucket.com/albums/k2.../image_29.jpeg Had to make room in the driveway to pull this one out and lift the cab off with the front end loader. So if I park on the lawn, I can fit four more trucks in my driveway! (Which one is not like the others...:lol:) http://i84.photobucket.com/albums/k2.../image_30.jpeg Also picked up this monster Tahoe over the weekend, as you can see in the lineup. Traded a jetski for it that I only had about $800 into! http://i84.photobucket.com/albums/k2.../IMG_26261.jpg Truck is outside, everything is ready to pull http://i84.photobucket.com/albums/k2.../image_31.jpeg I wasn't able to get a picture pulling the cab off the frame, as I had my hands full guiding the loader, but the cab is off and "the truck" is back in the garage ready for some more work! http://i84.photobucket.com/albums/k2.../image_32.jpeg |
Re: Project "You thought yours was bad!" '78 C10 Stepside
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Re: Project "You thought yours was bad!" '78 C10 Stepside
Good job. I like your step bed too.
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I got the rest of the frame painted. Things like the front suspension, crossmember, steering, aren't being painted as I will likely use all these off my parts truck as they are lower mileage and in better shape. http://i84.photobucket.com/albums/k2...3/image_2.jpeg http://i84.photobucket.com/albums/k2...3/image_3.jpeg |
Re: Project "You thought yours was bad!" '78 C10 Stepside
I picked up a stock grille in good shape for $20, and traded the Tach gauges out of the '78 cab for this nearly new set of ceramic coated long tube headers!
http://i84.photobucket.com/albums/k2.../IMG_26921.jpg Also picked up a little TIG welder for $300. Been wanting to give aluminum a try, we'll see how it goes once I get this one all set up. http://i84.photobucket.com/albums/k2.../IMG_26931.jpg |
Re: Project "You thought yours was bad!" '78 C10 Stepside
Also sold the engine out of the longbed truck today, $500! Recouped half my cost of the truck right there. I think between the bed, tailgate, and bumper I should get the other $500 back easily. Also have a buyer interested in the longbed frame once I'm done.
http://i84.photobucket.com/albums/k2.../IMG_26951.jpg |
Re: Project "You thought yours was bad!" '78 C10 Stepside
Nice progress so far
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