1975 K10 back to it’s former glory- build thread

[Vicente Aceves]

I’m going to look at a set of wheels today.

Would these fit my truck if I got 4wd style front caps to fit the hubs on the front?

The seller says they’re 16” wheels. Did they make 16” rally wheels in this style?

Thanks -Vinnie

[Vicente Aceves]

Cheap paint job?

I wanted to clean up the bed and get rid of all the bee wax and mouse crap out of their too. After I washed it out I started blowing it out with the air hose and all the darker paint started falling off. Really easily in some spots.

I knew the paint on the camper was a quick job and was flaking but it looks like they sprayed the bed at the same time. Anyway what it ended up with was a lighter grey paint with a bunch of slightly rusted scratches, mostly on the tailgate and auxiliary tanks.

Anyway. Slow going. Thanks for all the help thus far!

[Vicente Aceves]

Is it easy enough to find the rest of the latch for this back slider? Mine looks like it’s missing the aluminum molding/cap on one side which should hold the other part of the lock/clasp?

I found the little plastic rectangle piece in the glovebox.

Can someone tell me what these parts are called. So I can look them up. Thanks

[Vicente Aceves]

Had a couple more questions.

Are these drain plugs? Do I need to replace these or just clean them out? If I replace them do they just tap in? Thanks guys

[Vicente Aceves]

And do I need to put this back before I replace the carpet? It’s paper and seems like some sort of heat shield. Thanks.

[1976gmc20]

Originally Posted by Vicente Aceves

I’m going to look at a set of wheels today.

Would these fit my truck if I got 4wd style front caps to fit the hubs on the front?

The seller says they’re 16” wheels. Did they make 16” rally wheels in this style?

Thanks -Vinnie

I'm pretty darn sure they are NOT 16" wheels

You need to know the bolt circle and center hole size plus backspace to make sure they fit, but they look just like what I had on my 91 Suburban that I just traded.

I've got some 4wd caps and rings but I'm a long ways away and they probably need some polishing.

[Vicente Aceves]

I don’t mind polishing if they’re reasonable. I’ll PM you my number and email if you could send pictures. Thanks

[Vicente Aceves]

The back seat foam was eaten up a little so I’m going to replace all the foam. I’ll be getting the seat frame powdercoated along with the rollcage when the coronavirus situation allows the PC shop to open back up.

The rear bumper looks homemade. It has a storage compartment inside, but the hinges are rusted and broken. I think ultimately I’d rather just go with a stock chrome bumper to match the front

[1976gmc20]

Originally Posted by Vicente Aceves

The rear bumper looks homemade. It has a storage compartment inside, but the hinges are rusted and broken. I think ultimately I’d rather just go with a stock chrome bumper to match the front

Typically these pickups would have had some sort of step bumper, either the gray painted one you get when ordered as an option from the factory or some aftermarket brand added later either at the dealer or by the owner. Rear bumpers weren't standard equipment for long time.

[Vicente Aceves]

Thanks for the info. Good to know. Here is the bumper on it. I don’t mind the look. I would just have to figure out how to fix the rusted out hinge for the diamond plate access door.

[1976gmc20]

That actually looks pretty decent with the built in hitch receiver.

Can you get to the hinge to fix it if you take off the tailgate?

[Vicente Aceves]

Ya I do like that about it too. And connector for trailer lights

[Vicente Aceves]

I took a a break from the K10 and picked up this top, with help from a friend. I got it for the Hickey roof rack. Don’t think it will fit my 70 K5 though.

I may have to use it as an excuse to find a 73-75 K5. (Only squarebody years that are currently smog exempt in California)

[1976gmc20]

Originally Posted by Vicente Aceves

I took a a break from the K10 and picked up this top, with help from a friend. I got it for the Hickey roof rack. Don’t think it will fit my 70 K5 though.

I may have to use it as an excuse to find a 73-75 K5. (Only squarebody years that are currently smog exempt in California)

Um … I think that's a later top. The early years extended to the top of the windshield and that looks like it fits the later years with the open backed pickup cab top. I might be wrong because I've never owned one but I've sure been around and ridden in a lot of Blazers.

[mrtoni]

You are both correct. That k5 top is 76 or newer and that hickey rack will not fit 69-72
Posted via Mobile Device

[Vicente Aceves]

Gotcha. Now I’m wondering if the rack will fit any year from 73-91?

[burnin oil]

Technically late 76 on the half top. Early would still have the full top.

['63GENIII]

Originally Posted by Vicente Aceves

And do I need to put this back before I replace the carpet? It’s paper and seems like some sort of heat shield. Thanks.

Good looking truck and nice build thread Vicente!

As far as the heat shield, I'd ditch it in favor of a foil faced sound mat of some sort. I got an 80 mil for fairly inexpensive when I did the cab on the my 63. Worth every penny in my opinion. Heat is dramatically reduced as is the engine and road noise. If I had to do it again, I would have paid more attention to the inside firewall and even up under the dash to help keep the resonating to a minimum. I did the floor and back of the cab but got impatient when it came to the firewall and regret it now.

Youre doing great work on it. Im tuned in!

[Vicente Aceves]

Thanks Chris, that’s exactly the kind of info I’m looking for. I’ll definitely do that, and I’ll remember to continue up the firewall area too. -Vinnie

[Vicente Aceves]

Waiting for the passenger floor pan to arrive so I can cut to size. I’ll be looking for my first welder too. I’ll get some scrap steel to practice on until I feel good enough to do the patch on the floor pan.

Quick story: I bought my 1970 K5 from the original owner. He opened up a welding shop after he learned to weld in the ARMY. He gave me his old books and manuals from the ARMY and told me I’d be able to learn enough from the books to get by welding on my own. Great guy!

[Vicente Aceves]

I picked up a hickey sidewinder winch this weekend. The 120 bucks was burning a whole in my pocket so I thought it was a good way to spend it. The K10 has one but I might be able to put it on the K5 depending on what it takes to get it on there.

Hasn’t been cleaned up. The seller had no other parts to go with it at all. Bummer

[Vicente Aceves]

Im going to post on the blazer jimmy area to ask about options on how to fit it on a 1970 blazer.

[57taskforce]

$120 for a sidewinder is a great score! Once you learn how to set the mig up, and realize when it is running good, it will practically run its self. There’s definitely techniques to learn but it’s not overly difficult. Keep your heat on the panel your welding as low as possible while attaining good penetration and you’ll be fine.

[Vicente Aceves]

Thanks for the tips!! I appreciate it