The Stovebolt Site Forums Project Journals Archived Journals 1970 Chevy C10 - Grandpa’s Rebuild.

Thanks for the tip, Steve. I will see where I go from here. I have this engine out but I am not officially sold on this route yet. Oh, I'm going EFI, LS style, but I'm scheming and scheming here... I'm going against my own advice and possibly changing my goal/plan.

It's a slow battle, but it doesn't matter how slowly you go as long as you don't stop.

Anyway, I have finished welding in the upper left hand corner of the cab where I had a nasty dent, which I tried to repair once but wasn't happy with. The second go round was still a bear but it turned out pretty good in the end. There is still a tiny amount of blocking left to do, then I'm calling it good enough.

I also worked on the frame to a degree. I pulled the old original 1970 frame engine perches, cleaned up the frame rails and painted them. I went to my aunt's (had a visit and coffee of course) where my uncle's boneyard of vehicles still stands. (Thanks Uncle Red!! I miss ya! I think I got this bug from you!) I went out there to get a set of frame perches from a mid-80s truck that use the clam shell engine mounts. I have heard that I will be able to mount an LS style engine on these and still be able to utilize the LS a/c compressor down on the lower frame with an adjustable mount in the block. Here's hoping anyway. I have sandblasted them and primed them. A little shot of gloss black tomorrow and they will look golden on there. I also purchased new rubber mounts from NAPA.

While wrenching on that truck, I pulled its power steering box to install on the manual '70 C10. It truly is amazing how much GM parts are like LEGO. 1980's PS box? Oh yeah, it will bolt right on to a truck that is 15 years older. I haven't actually bolted it up, but it sure looks right. I fought with the pitman arms a tad with my pullers but everything is on the bench. I'm eager to see how this plays out.

My question: Should I rebuild it? I am quite capable I believe. It can't be any harder than a 50's manual steering or a hydraulic ram... Recommendations for a rebuild kit? Advice? This would be my personal option. Then I can paint it as I see fit, know what's in its heart, save money, get satisfaction, etc.

Core exchange it for rebuilt one? This seems stupid if I can do it, and ridiculously expensive for what you're actually getting. Opinions here please.

So, once again I have some work to do. I was actually at a stand still and couldn't think of anything to do the last week. So once stuff dries, I will begin mock up of that LM7 and then build a new cross member for the transmission. The aftermarket one I have will interfere with exhaust routing (or so I'm told). So the x-member I build will come off the frame rail and stay tight to the cab floor and then drop down to the tranny tail shaft. This way my exhaust can have a straight shot back. I may also put "through pipes" in the trailing arm x-member. This way I don't have to dip under that one either.

Well that's the story... for the C10. Everett has a little project I'm working on for him. A Power Wheels dune racer. But I HATE how loud those hard plastic wheels are in rocks, pavement, etc. So I used strips of pretty tough floor mat rubber and I super adhesived and screwed down "retread" over the worn out treads (it was used but like new apart from the treads). It looks pretty bad [censored] if I say so myself. It will be so much quieter and it will grip the road better. He might need a traction bar now. 🤔

In addition, I am trying to thin my herd. I have posted my parts 2004 Duramax truck, 1970 suburban 4x4, and 1950 GMC parts one ton trucks for sale. Which reminds me, I have to go pull those drums one day soon. I have some good bites and think I have sold the Burb. This cash flow may go toward my...scheming...🤔

As for hours, they have been going up all over the place, but I didn't take a picture of the board before I shut it down but I am pretty sure the total sits at ...


Total: 267.

Having fun again...😎🦊😃

https://photos.app.goo.gl/YE5oAzm32nvyYbj48