No Clue

[patoneal]

New to the forum and have no clue about what I've gotten myself into by buying a 1966 Chevy C 10 Custom.

I occasionally have a need for a truck and couldn't justify the expense of a new or newer used one. I've wanted an older truck for years and recently the opportunity to buy this one came up and I couldn't resist.

My experience in auto mechanics and body work is none. So I will be in over my head from the start. Many requests for advise will follow as I muddle through trying to make this a dependable daily driver. I'm not particularly interested in restoring to original as far as the mechanics are concerned, but would like to keep the body pretty much intact.

This will be a long term project, with money and time(I have 2 grandsons, they get most of the extra money and time) dictating the pace.

So, the first question is where do I start? Any suggestions on a beginning manual, "how to", etc. would be most appreciated.

Hopefully, there will be some pictures attached to this post.

Pat O'Neal

[Scooter3]

In my opinion and not really knowing where your wanting to go with this truck, I would get all the mechanical things fixed first so you can then drive it and do your body work at the same time if you wish. If the motor runs well with little no smoking or knocking, I might just change all the fluids like oil and antifreeze, check the plugs, the distributor cap and rotor. After that I would take a look at the ball joints and tie rod ends, see if they still have the rubber boots on them and if they still have greese. Check your brakes, make sure none of the wheels cylinders leak. When you take the rear brake drum off, check to see if there is any greese in places where it shouldnt because this might be an indication that you have a rear end seal leaking. That would be a good start for you to drive it around for while.

[Dave Young]

Welcome to the forum. We've got a lot of experience and knowledge to tap into. Good luck with your project.

[nightstalker]

Hey Pat. Your truck is SWEET! You are a lucky man. As the post before me said, I would do or get the minor mechanicals taken care of. The brakes and front suspension would be paramount. There is no substitute for safety. Get your front suspension checked and repaired if needed. That will keep you from eating up a set of tires because of worn ball joints or other parts. Have fun and enjoy your truck.