The Stovebolt Site Forums The Parking Lot '60-'66 Trucks need info on frame off restoration

Hello, I'm getting ready to start a restoration of a 1964 C10, since I didn't disassemble it I'm afraid that I may over look some part and have to go back and disassemble it and start again. Anyone have a list with the order to rebuild it? Is there a complete manual for restoring? Thanks Ken

I believe that to be a request made from unobtanium.

But if you're willing to post photo's and descriptions as you go we are willing to help ya!

Wow! Where to begin?
Personally, I do it in the following order:
1. Drive train (engine,tranny, drive shaft, pumpkin, brakes and brake lines)
2. Cab minus doors, minus seat. Install gas tank if behind seat.
3. Master brake cylinder, heater core/blower, brake/clutch pedals and linkage.
4. Radiator support, radiator, hoses.
5. Inner fenders.
6. Wiring - engine, cab, lights(leave for future connection).
7. Instrument cluster, heater, radio.
8. Outer fenders, grill, head lights, front bumper.
9. Install wood in the box off of the truck.
10. Install box.
11. Tail lights.
12. Seat and doors.

Maybe that's too generic. Get a manual, and some parts catalogs. Also, check out Tony's site, www.4-5-6chevytrucks.com he has so many photos. Another good site to visit is: http://lugnutz65chevystepside.weebly.com/

Good luck and keep us updated. Wish I lived closer.

I forgot the hood. Anytime after 8. Also, you can put exhaust on after 10. in my opinion. Start the engine after the exhaust.

Also, front end steering components, springs, shocks(front and rear), steering box, rear sway bushings all before or during Number 1 on the list.

Ken,
**(see edit at bottom)**
Welcome to the Stovebolt. Lots of knowledgeable folks here can help you.

I decided to do a full restoration as well. Some will insist that "restoration" means back to the original factory stuff. As for me, I just want the truck to be reliable and retain the original look with upgrades as necessary for safety and improved driveability.

The steps you go through to restore will greatly depend on several things.
Do you have a shop to work in and store removed truck parts until you are ready for them?

Do you have access to a lift?

Will you do everything yourself or farm some things out?
Tony at 4-5-6 Chevy Trucks gives advice as a simple formula. This is not an exact quote, but close. "Make it go, make it stop, if it's broke fix it, if it's missing replace it and if it doesn't belong remove it." (or something like that).

I think it is wise to fix the truck as it is to a point where it can be driven. That means brakes, drivetrain, (add steering and suspension if they are not safe as is). Then, based on the availability of a shop to work in, your access to a lift, and available space to store removed parts, you would proceed through the list that Nesto gave.

I had enough determination to start my work in my back yard under a tree. I regret every day that I don't have a shop. Still, I am making progress, but I understand how folks get in over their heads by tearing a truck apart and then it gets left in pieces, never to be finished by the owner who lost motivation.

Make a plan and try to stick to it. Spend money on things you need rather than things you "want". More than once I bought stuff that I knew I wanted, but didn't need at the time. Wife keeps asking "What are you gonna do with THAT"?" I still don't have a good answer. LOL!

As I read your first post again, I get the feeling that you bought a truck that was already torn apart. Am I correct? If that is the case, then what I said above will not apply. If you are starting with a rebuild of a truck that was already in pieces, then maybe the best approach would be to build it in the same order the factory did. That's assuming you have the space to store all the stuff until you need it. I guess we need more info.

Hello to all, thanks for all of the good info. I am sure I can get it done given enough time.

Hello Lugnutz, I remember talking with you a
while back when you were just getting started with your project. I wanted to answer some of your questions, I have a huge shop, also have a car lift, I will try to do as much of the rebuild as I can, have 2 other trucks ( 65, 66 ) that I can get info from. look forward for your info and hope I can return it to you. Ken.

Ken,
Ok, yes I remember - you were the very first person to post a comment on my BLOG. You have jogged my memory and I now remember chatting on the phone too. Shoot! You know way more about these trucks than I do. A LOT more! So are you building one that someone else took apart?

I bought this 64 from a guy that had it in his basement for 7 yrs. he had a good start, the truck is in very good condition, I think all parts are usable.I'll talk back with you soon. Ken