Project El Viejito, '66 C10 LWB BBW Build

[19SIKtySix]

So last weekend had family come over and help, took a little work but the engine is in it's new home.

Had to switch the oil pan over to an F body oil pan and drill the hole for the oil dipstick tube. The thought of me drilling a hole in my new investment made me really nervous, but luckily everything worked out fine.





Had to make a little room in the engine bay and remove the exhaust manifolds, but it made for an easier time to install the engine/trans.

I had a CPP tubular crossmember but I switched it out for a tubular crossmember from GSI. Eventually this will be bagged, but even being lowered, I didn't want issues dragging the bolts to the crossmember.

[19SIKtySix]

Now I need to work on making holes in the firewall and routing all the wiring into the cab.

Just a big puzzle with a bunch of pieces to put together.

[19SIKtySix]

So the next piece to the puzzle was the wheels. I went with 22" transit wheels, because it was hard to pass on the price. I had them powder coated and the outer lip was done in white to mimic a whitewall.

I didn't have the budget for actual whitewall tires plus with the upkeep on them, I didn't want to hassle with it.

I picked up the wheels, got the tires mounted and got to see them with the spider caps and it was exactly the look I was going for.

[aggie91]

That looks pretty cool!

[jchav62]

Coming along great! Nothing like having family and friends for help...
The wheels/tires look awesome! Love the "white walls".

[Grizz1963]

Clever.

I like that.

[19SIKtySix]

Originally Posted by aggie91

That looks pretty cool!

Thanks, I wasn't sure how it was going to turn out...but I'm happy with it.

[19SIKtySix]

Originally Posted by jchav62

Coming along great! Nothing like having family and friends for help...
The wheels/tires look awesome! Love the "white walls".

There's no way I could some things by myself. Plus my nephews like to get involved and learn. So why don't we all learn at the same time??

Kill 2 birds with 1 stone, ya know?

[19SIKtySix]

Originally Posted by Grizz1963

Clever.

I like that.

Thanks a bunch...from England, huh? Fish 'n Chips and spot of tea?? Sorry, I couldn't help it.

[19SIKtySix]

Still making progress on my build, onto the next task. I started tearing down the front suspension to replace bushings, ball joints and lower the front end. I'm using 2 1/2" Modular McGaughy drop spindles and 2" CPP drop springs. I went ahead and bought new tie rods and control arm shafts.

I'm looking forward to the day when I can fire this thing up and go enjoy it! One step at a time.

[19SIKtySix]

It's been awhile since I've posted updates, I've made more progress on this thing.

I got the front end back together and back on the ground after lowering the front. I'm happy with the stance for now, eventually it will be bagged.

[19SIKtySix]

Next it was finally time to load the truck up to bring the truck to the shop at my work. The time had come to convert the truck from longbed to shortbed. I had waited a long time for this change...I was stoked to put it back together.

I used the conversion kit from Performance Online and it worked out really well.

[19SIKtySix]

I assembled the shortbed and it was time to see this thing as it was meant to be seen...a big window shortbed.

[Grizz1963]

Chuck,

Happy New Year.

If there was a Like button, you would get my Like.

Continue to love this truck and all you do to it.

My 66 is a short fleet big back window.

Currently messing with a 79 Blazer that’s included in my 66 thread on here.

Hope to get back on the 66 in summer.

[19SIKtySix]

Originally Posted by Grizz1963

Chuck,

Happy New Year.

If there was a Like button, you would get my Like.

Continue to love this truck and all you do to it.

Grizz, Happy New Year to you as well!

I forgot to tell you, I recently spent a few hours going thru your threads and I really enjoyed your detailed posts. From your trips to restorations, so much enjoyable content!

I really appreciate your kind words, sometimes I feel I don't do enough to this thing, but then I look back at the progress and realize I've done more than I think. I'm just stoked to give my truck the attention it deserves.

The next thing is work on getting the fuel lines and wiring situated, so I can fire this thing up again!

Stay tuned for more progress my friend!

[Grizz1963]

Internet, iPads etc.

Thanks a lot.

I do the whole random thing as it’s a road map for me.

Your truck will be up n running soon enough.

[Duncan K]

Great work on this build!! I absolutely love the wheels, I might just have to do something similar.

[ChrisV]

Love the wheels. May do the same on the 66

[jchav62]

Looking good!

[19SIKtySix]

Originally Posted by Duncan K

Great work on this build!! I absolutely love the wheels, I might just have to do something similar.

Originally Posted by ChrisV

Love the wheels. May do the same on the 66

Thanks for the props guys! I love the look of whitewalls except I didn't want the maintenance and budget was a factor for going this route. I would've liked to have a wider "whitewall" but was limited by the placement of the valve stem.

I'm anxious to watch your builds progress too, gotta love the C10 community!

[kdad]

Loving the white walls.... great build

[19SIKtySix]

Originally Posted by kdad

Loving the white walls.... great build

Thanks kdad, I appreciate that.

Your build is coming along nicely. I'm looking forward to your updated thread.

[19SIKtySix]

Now that the truck is back home, I've been able to start working on the key items like fuel lines and wiring.

Since I started this project, I've wanted to do as much myself to really get familiar with the truck and have the knowledge of just how everything works. I want to be able to troubleshoot potential problems, so I want to be responsible for the majority of the work.

For my fuel lines, I had bought a kit from CPP with push lok fittings and fuel line, which made it a lot easier to put together. Let me tell you, after getting the fuel line on the fittings, it doesn't budge at all. I got a Russell fuel filter and got my lines run.

Up next was getting the computer and TAC module inside the cab, I was able to mount the computer and TAC module on the firewall with a Dirty Dingo bracket. I tried to salvage the original wiring harness, but it wasn't going to work. So I ordered a Speedway harness and rewiring the whole truck.



I've had tons of wiring help from fellow forum member Dec010974 and he even built me my LS harness to complete my stand alone wiring harness. Can't thank him enough for all his help!



I got the power wires hooked up and checked for issues, everything checked out OK...and we've got power!

[19SIKtySix]

After getting power to the harness, I moved onto wiring up the ignition and LS harness. After checking things out, I turned the key to on and kept checking for fuel leaks but the fuel pump was kicking on...what a great feeling this was!





Finally, after continually turning the key and checking for leaks, it was time to see if the engine would fire and it did 1st try!!! (Sorry I have video of my 2nd attempt, but I'm not sure how to post a video and it's pretty shaky).

My next step was to get the Champion radiator/shroud/electric fan mounted up. I purchased all the pieces from AZProPerformance and I'm super happy with how it turned out.

[19SIKtySix]

I haven't been doing well with keeping up on my build thread. Most of the work has been tedious and doing things 2 or 3 times. My goal with this build was to be able to learn how the truck goes together myself. I want to be able to make repairs if needed.

After getting the radiator/fan mounted, I went back to wiring and got the LED headlights and taillights wired up and working.





Then I moved onto upgrading to power steering, I used the mount from CaptainFab and got the power steering hooked up and turns easily now.