Re: 1968 C10 Stepside Restoration Project
 

So, I did a test fit of the new passenger side door, not a perfect fit, but I think I can get it to work. Bought a pair of door frame mount mirrors, I think they look pretty good and fit the style and period of the truck. I went this route as I really did not want to drill holes in the new door.

I did notice that the new door has this squirrely weld seam on the door, so I will have to fix that so it looks like the original door. Hinges were in great shape, no play in them at all and they feel nice and tight.

Not sure why the photos are horizontal, but you can get the gist of what's going on.

Cheers-
Shaun

Re: 1968 C10 Stepside Restoration Project
 

So, I was able to get out and work on the truck, one of the things I did was fix/modify the spare tire mount I have for the cut-out fender. It had a broken stud, so I removed it and I am installing a nut on the back side to accept the GM tire lock. Unfortunately folks aren't as honest as they used to be, the locking device will come in handy. Once I get the fender with the cut-out installed, I can then weld the upper mounting arms so they are at the correct geometry to the bed rail where it bolts on.

Re: 1968 C10 Stepside Restoration Project
 

Well, I was able to get out on Saturday and work on the truck. The driver's side floor patch is done and I have welded in the lower rear door pillar patch (photos coming soon). I still have the lower front door pillar patch to weld on in addition to the outer rocker, kick panel, and some repairs to the foot panel that sits just above and adjacent to the floor panel.

After all that, I will tackle that rusted-out inner cowl just above the driver's side floor vent.

Re: 1968 C10 Stepside Restoration Project
 

When you tackle that inner cowl panel, remember, we will need a bunch of pictures :)

Re: 1968 C10 Stepside Restoration Project
 

Ok,no problem. But I can't promise that it will be pretty...

Re: 1968 C10 Stepside Restoration Project
 

So, we have been seeing a bit of a break in the weather and it has warmed up nicely. I decided to get out ant take advantage of the sunny weather and tinker with the truck some more.

I have been able to get the bottom patch panels on the lower A and B pillars along with the driverside cab corner. My welding isn't the prettiest, but I can grind down some more of the ugliness because I was able to do the welding on both sides for strength. I also was able to get the kick panel in and do a test fit of the outer rocker.

Re: 1968 C10 Stepside Restoration Project
 

Here are the latest pics...

Re: 1968 C10 Stepside Restoration Project
 

This is a test fit of the outer rocker...

Re: 1968 C10 Stepside Restoration Project
 

Nice project. I wish my stepside was as straight as yours when I got it.

Mine was a power company service truck and lead a rough life before they put it out to pasture.

Re: 1968 C10 Stepside Restoration Project
 

It was straight, but 15years of neglect sitting outside undriven took its toll. I am replacing a lot of metal.

Got a pic of your truck?

Cheers-

Re: 1968 C10 Stepside Restoration Project
 

So with the weather getting better and better (minus a day or two), I was able to get out and work on the truck. With the driver's side outer rocker finally welded on, I could move on to other things. Next task was to get it on end so I could clean-up the underside.

Re: 1968 C10 Stepside Restoration Project
 

Uploading one at a time due to file size.

Re: 1968 C10 Stepside Restoration Project
 

The underside before cleaning...

Re: 1968 C10 Stepside Restoration Project
 

just found this build ...nice work very nice

Re: 1968 C10 Stepside Restoration Project
 

Started the cleaning and welding seams from underside.

Re: 1968 C10 Stepside Restoration Project
 

Cleaning 53 year-old undercoating is tough...this stuff was applied well. My goal is to remove the old stuff, seam seam what needs to be seam sealed, then epoxy prime and apply Raptor Liner to the cab underside.

Re: 1968 C10 Stepside Restoration Project
 

How are you going about cleaning the underside? Grinding, sanding?

Re: 1968 C10 Stepside Restoration Project
 

Thank you, I am learning a lot doing this truck.

Re: 1968 C10 Stepside Restoration Project
 

I start out with wire brush on the grinder to get as much of the loose stuff off, then I hit it with the 60 grit flapper wheel on the grinder.

I'm afraid I am going to eventually burn out the Porter Cable grinder, but it's still hanging tough...

Re: 1968 C10 Stepside Restoration Project
 

Another outstanding weekend and I was able to get the remaining cab corner supports welded on and the bottom of the cab epoxy primed. The Upol epoxy primer sprayed very well and went on smooth without any issues. I will seam seal the weld seams and gaps, then spray the Raptor Liner hopefully next weekend.

Re: 1968 C10 Stepside Restoration Project
 

great progress

Re: 1968 C10 Stepside Restoration Project
 

Looking good! I'm about to tackle my cab as well...

I worked at a shop back in the day and did a lot of grinding, we killed every grinder except the Makita. Now thats all I'll buy.

Re: 1968 C10 Stepside Restoration Project
 

I took a day off yesterday and decided to take advantage of the clear skies and 85 degree weather and apply the Raptor Liner to the underside of the cab. It went on pretty good and quickly.

Re: 1968 C10 Stepside Restoration Project
 

Another shot right after the application.

Re: 1968 C10 Stepside Restoration Project
 

Looks great.