UXDesigner's 1967 C10 - The Keeper

[uxdesigner]

Success! I had failed several times over the past few weeks to get the dreaded rear broken exhaust manifold bolt. I read here that the trick was to crank up the volts on the welder and I finally managed to get some metal to stick. The nut I welded on fell off after the first turn but there was just enough metal to use the vise grips and it finally came out.

[uxdesigner]

Engine back in for hopefully the final time. Installed the headers with gaskets, O2 sensors, new water pump and cleaned up the front of the engine in the process. Also worked on wiring the battery, the truck had a dual rear battery setup when I purchased it so it works out perfect for the new engine as I plan on running the stock air cleaner setup. Of course I had to start it up and hear the rumble to keep up the motivation.

[uxdesigner]

Radiator installed, all lines tested for leaks with success. I originally thought about using the factory intake / box but it didn't look as clean as I had imagine and the fabrication to make it sit properly would be significant. I scrapped the idea and decided to go with an aftermarket SPECTRE 9900 Cold Air Intake System for ease of installation and I think the chrome gives the engine compartment a nice touch.





Also started drilling all the holes for the trim, took a lot longer than I thought but the pieces were great quality and fitment only needed a few tweaks.




Managed to get the front grill in epoxy and 2k to test gun settings and pressure as I prepare to paint in the next few weeks.

[uxdesigner]

Repaired lower door speaker holes. I admire you folks that weld entire bedsides, its a lot of work. I'm sure my novice welding skills have something to do with the excessive grinding but at least another task is behind me.

[uxdesigner]

Also got the front fenders and hood in epoxy, I'm happy with the body work so far but still more work to do.

[Orange67]

Cool build.

[uxdesigner]

Originally Posted by Orange67

Cool build.

Thanks!

[uxdesigner]

I needed a new glove box door and came across one in excellent condition with a unique SPI sticker and options. Posting in case others are interested in unique truck options.



I originally planned on using a floor shifter but after installation I just didn't like the look and feel of a truck with a floor shifter. Ended up getting a new column shifter which resulted in new steering u-joint work but overall I'm really happy with the end product.




I went for a test drive in the neighborhood to test steering and overall functionality and I ran into an issue with losing complete power and overall responsiveness to my gas pedal when mildly punching it. After checking the TAC, I realized I had a 2006 TAC and gas pedal on the 2003 engine which was causing issues. I had a spare TAC and pedal from a 2003 with the correct TAC numbers and just like that no issues. I even tried the 2006 pedal with the 2003 TAC because it fits better and again no codes or issues.

[uxdesigner]

Got the cab in epoxy, continuing to make progress





Paint is in, color really looks good in the sun


Started work on the bed, filling in the bed stake holes. Feeling more confident with the welder and decided to try and lay a few beads down.

[uxdesigner]

[uxdesigner]

Interior of cab and misc red only parts in paint.

[builtbyKane]

Looks like its going to turn out slick. Keep us updated.

[uxdesigner]

Originally Posted by builtbyKane

Looks like its going to turn out slick. Keep us updated.

Much appreciated, will update as progress continues

[uxdesigner]

Masked off the pearl white areas of the two-tone paint scheme. A lot of work! I underestimated the amount of time and patience it would take to get the lines correct and sealed. The pearl white was a tri-coat and I was intimidated to spray at first but it ended up not being difficult at all.

[builtbyKane]

Pearl will be a nice combo with that red.

[uxdesigner]

I only had a 24 hour window to re-tape and spray the pearl red which looking back now I could have eliminated taping the pearl white because coverage for the red on the white was excellent. I had read that most will spray white first, tape and spray the primary color over but I wasn't ready to risk spraying a red pearl on a white pearl. Lesson learned for next time!

[uxdesigner]

3 coats of clear (1.25 gallons) later, we have the finished product! I managed to only get a couple of minor clear sags in areas that will be covered with either the front bumper or trim so I'm really happy with the results!

[Jason7121]

Wow great looking build love the colors. Mar-k makes awesome trim worked well on my build as well. You will love the Ls motor also. If you want to add cruise control to it it's very easy. I did the cruise option with my 03 ls 6.0 swap.

[Indyspecracer]

I noticed the SPI wax and grease cleaner. I've used their products on 2 car builds and will use them on the truck that I am building. Great guys, great products.
Your truck is looking good!

[Devil Pup]

I scrapped the idea and decided to go with an aftermarket Spectre performance intake kit for ease of installation and I think the chrome gives the engine compartment a nice touch.


Could you share what part number you got for the intake kit? I ended up using the stock intake tube but put a spectra filter on the end. I dont think it looks horrible but yours def looks better. any hood clearance issues?

[uxdesigner]

SPECTRE 9900 Cold Air Intake System

No hood clearance issues, I also used the same kit on my previous build.

[builtbyKane]

Going to look great with that lower molding on.

[uxdesigner]

Originally Posted by builtbyKane

Going to look great with that lower molding on.

Thanks man, I’m really looking forward to start putting it back together this weekend and the trim is what I can’t wait to see.

[Devil Pup]

Originally Posted by uxdesigner

SPECTRE 9900 Cold Air Intake System

No hood clearance issues, I also used the same kit on my previous build.

Awesome, thank you. I'm gonna have to look into that. looks really good

[uxdesigner]

One week later, got the truck out in the sun for the first time and a quick after paint wash/clean up of the interior. Then managed to get the bed on the frame, tailgate, passenger side trim and fender installed to begin to see what it will look like. Also ordered the carpet and windshield which will arrive later this week. Slowly starting to come together.