Structures 65 Chevy C10

[structures]

In 1965 my father purchased a 1965 Chevy C10 with a straight 6 230 and "3 on the tree." This was his farm truck. These are the best pics I could find.










In 2003 I got serious (kind of...) about restoring this truck, but I wanted it to be a frame off restoration.







By 2005 I had the body off and the Frame blasted and powder coated.










My first big purchase was a suspension rebuild kit with 2.5" drop spindles, 4" rear drop coils, disc brake conversion and a sway bar kit from Early Classic Enterprises.







After the Frame and Suspension I moved on to the Rear Axle, which is a GM 12 bolt 8.875" ring gear. The original gears were 3.73 but a little rough after setting for 20 some years.







I had the Rear Axle cleaned, blasted and powder coated here recently. For the rebuild I bought replacement Motive gears, 3.73s, with a Motive rebuild kit and because I just couldn't resist I went with a Eaton posi.










At this point I'm just setting the gears and it looks like to me after running them I'm going to be able to use the exact shim setup as what came out of the case. My first set up included a 0.022" shim under the pinion, 0.070" shim on the left side of the case and 0.080" on the right. It looked to me the pinion was too shallow.




This second round I used the 0.030" shim, which was the factory original. After applying the marking compound and running the gears around, it looked to me like a winner.

[markeb01]

Excellent workmanship. What you've accomplished looks fantastic.

[jacksf]

looking good. i love the photos.

[rogers1964]

Structure I see you used the same posi as I did.It is a very easy setup . I also am running a 3:73 gear. I wished that I should have powder coated my frame also .You are doing great keep up the good work.It take time to do it right but in the end you will be proud of what you did. LOOK GREAT

[riverracer]

It's looking great!..

[60apache575]

Hey, nice truck for restoration, I wish I still had my Pops original 1966 GMC long bed (305 V-6). That truck was a work horse. I would have done the same thing you are doing. Keep up on the pics and work. My 1960 is going on 7 years, this next summer I am gonna install the drive train and finish it hopefully....

[structures]

Thanks for the comments guys. I'll post pics as the build comes along. My old man parked this in the field in 1980 because of a fuel tank leak. In around 2000 I actually put a donor tank in it, changed the plugs, points, cap (etc). I also put a fuel pump in it as my Dad robbed it to run on an Allis tractor. Changed the oil, battery and the old straight 6 started like it was brand new. I just drove it around the field for fun. I've had set backs but I've always tried to devote a little time to this project (less than I'd like). Funny thing is I bought a house in 2005 to have a garage to work on this truck, then I spent a few years remodeling the house (it was one of those fixer-uppers).

[goldandwhite]

It will be very special to you because it was your dad's truck.

[structures]

I've taken a small break from the rear end because I had to order an inch-pound torque wrench, and I'm waiting for it to come in the mail. Also in the mean time I came across a wrecked 2006 Chevy Silverado with 30,000 miles, which a local guy was parting out. I bought the 5.3 liter engine and 4L65E transmission. I also got all the electronics to go with (computer, harness, drive-by-wire controller). This will be my power plant for the 65, it came with all the accessories: power steering, A/C, and alternator. I'm pretty much working in the dark on installing modern efi technology into a classic vehicle but I've got some books and most importantly the internet to help out. I'll keep you guys updated on the install.

[jason65]

Cool project dude. It looks good.