The Stovebolt Site Forums The Parking Lot '60-'66 Trucks Just bought a '66 K10

May 2020 - Time for an update. Truck had to come off the road in late 2017. I was losing too much fender and floor while driving and I had suspicion problem up front somewhere. I had an offer to garage the truck while restoring/repairing so I made the decision it was time for safety sake. By then I had collected most of the bits and pieces needed to do a fairly substantial refresh - I dare say almost restoration. Over the course two years going pretty strong and with the help of the ODSS, I was able to get pieces off and new(er) pieces on a POR(ed) frame. I found the suspension problem along the way. Spring bushing on front hanger was wallowed and the spring had way too much free play. Found some significant other rust problems that were addressed along the way, which made the decision to take "Flappy" off the road the right decision in hindsight.
For those who have been through this process, the steps along the way and the time, $$, and frustrations are not captured in the write up or in the pictures. It rained. It was hot and cold some days. Pieces did not fit. The painter was not ready and when he said he was he really wasn't. When he had the truck he let it sit for most of a year. Discoveries and surprises which result in more $$ and frustration on some days. It is unfair to suggest surprises. Those that knew the truck, knew the condition under-neigh the skin. Suffice to say, most sheet metal was exported to China. Those bad days are mostly left out of the story and for the most part looking back they are mostly forgotten.
Build sheet in grove box indicated a 292, so one was found and the 250 came out. Rebuild of transfer case as an confidence builder. New suspension, brakes, brake lines, etc. As close to stock as we can get these days. Hopefully, the result is like it might have been in 1966.
Fast forward to fall / winter or 2020 when the painter was finally making progress. Goal had always been drive to Homecoming 2020 and deliver the truck to my son graduating from Virginia Tech. Neither event physically occurred, although my son did get his degree via the mail. Happy to report, the truck was ready to make the trip should either event occur.
Thanks to George for saving the truck from the field in WV and thanks for giving me the chance to improve the truck's situation. My son and I hope to drive and fix the truck for some years to come.