The Stovebolt Site Forums Project Journals Completed Journals 1966 Chevy C-10 Short Stepside -- Step by Step

Thanks Rich. I like it too. More importantly, the Missus does as well

After 5 months of framing metal studs , hanging 5/8 sheetrock, & caulking & painting, not to mention dealing with building inspectors, I was happy to start work again on "That darn truck" as my wife calls it.

First I mounted a Cardone rebuild 68/72 power steering box, The 68/72 box seemed to be a popular choice on the old truck forums, so I went with it. It's not a bolt on swap though.
Copying what I found on the 'net, I heated & hammered in a curve in the side of the frame rail similar to the 68/72 frame. Also the new box has 4 bolts thru the frame rather than the 3 bolts that the 66 manual box has. One of the original holes lined up with one of the new p/s box . I then marked & drilled the other three. Also, the later model frame comes with the bolt holes protruding outward about a 1/8th inch. Helping to off set the box from the frame rail slightly. I used double grade 8 flat washers to replicate the protrutions. It looked like it belonged there when finished. A well respected member on another Chevy truck forum sells an adaptor bracket to do the same job. It seems a lot of guys use that bracket & make it a bolt on job. But I'm happy with the way mine turned out.

Next, I stripped the front suspension so I could install the complete new reproduction suspension kit, including big block rated coil springs, I had waiting. Also installed new standard ride height , 6 lug, spindles & disc brake conversion. New after market front swap bar too. All straight forward remove & replace , except the sway bar took a little bit of drilling & fitting. Also, the idler arm that is listed in most parts books is not the correct one for the '66 C10. I found a NOS item on Ebay.

Next in line was a new Ididit tilt , no shifter, unpainted steering column my daughter & grand daughters had given me for the previous Christmas. Preet straight forward nstall . I did use the old original '66 lower shaft that connects the steering column to the rag joint. I shouldv'e used a later model, colapsible shaft, but like the steering box mod, I had all the stuff on hand to get 'er done. As opposed to ordering more stuff online & the bills that go with it.

Treated my self to a Grant 15" steering wheel to top it off.

Sorry, not too many photos. Mostly of the finished product.

Next up is starting on the engine & transmission