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73-87 Chevy _ GMC Trucks => Members Rides => Topic started by: Cameron76 on January 13, 2008, 05:11:40 pm

Title: 1976 C-15 Family Heirloom
Post by: Cameron76 on January 13, 2008, 05:11:40 pm
This 76 C-15 truck was purchased new by my grandfather. It was owned by my father, uncle and then me. I gave it to my sister when they were in need and unfortunately she got in a wreck with it and then blew up the engine. So I got it back about 8 months ago and have been working on it since. My standards are very high with this truck because one day the keys will be handed to my 6 year old son.
Title: Re: 1976 C-15 Family Heirloom
Post by: Cameron76 on January 13, 2008, 05:15:52 pm
Here are some interior pictures.
Title: Re: 1976 C-15 Family Heirloom
Post by: Cameron76 on January 13, 2008, 05:21:07 pm
Getting the truck ready for all the body work. This is where the project started to really slow down.
Title: Re: 1976 C-15 Family Heirloom
Post by: jonkmbll89 on January 13, 2008, 05:23:45 pm
Nice truck. Keep us updated.
Title: Re: 1976 C-15 Family Heirloom
Post by: Cameron76 on January 13, 2008, 05:27:08 pm
I didn't care how long it took I just knew I wanted the body to be perfect. Lucky for me I didn't care how long it has taken!
Title: Re: 1976 C-15 Family Heirloom
Post by: Cameron76 on January 13, 2008, 05:32:22 pm
Finally paint hit the truck. This is basically where the project is at now. I am really anxious to get working on the guts and putting the interior back together. Basically everything will be brand new on the inside.
Title: Re: 1976 C-15 Family Heirloom
Post by: jonkmbll89 on January 13, 2008, 05:37:21 pm
Youe truck is looking pretty good. ;D
Title: Re: 1976 C-15 Family Heirloom
Post by: 123 pugsy on January 13, 2008, 05:56:21 pm
Excellent.  ;D

Is that a rust free truck? Sure looks like a nice truck to start with.

Keep up the good work and keep the pics coming.
Title: Re: 1976 C-15 Family Heirloom
Post by: Cameron76 on January 13, 2008, 09:24:42 pm
There was a little rust in the cab and around the fenders. It was in Salt Lake City for a while but not to bad.
Title: Re: 1976 C-15 Family Heirloom
Post by: 76_Scottsdale on January 13, 2008, 11:53:47 pm
Hey trucks lookin good. Just wondering where you got those door speaker assemblies from.
Title: Re: 1976 C-15 Family Heirloom
Post by: Fordeatinz71 on January 14, 2008, 12:24:00 am
MAN, that is one AWESOME family heirloom!  and it appears it's definitely with the right family member!  really nice truck and you seem to be taking it in the right direction...thanks for saving another one!  people often just pass it off as "oh they made so many of these it doesn't matter if one gets junked or thrashed" but man, eventually we are gonna start having to struggle to find these...the day WILL come.  so it makes me so happy to see someone saving one and making it as good as new (or better).  these trucks definitely return the favor!
Title: Re: 1976 C-15 Family Heirloom
Post by: JJSZABO on January 14, 2008, 08:11:33 am
Great truck project.  I like the blue color.  Keep it up.  Post more pics as you progress. ;D
Title: Re: 1976 C-15 Family Heirloom
Post by: Captkaos on January 14, 2008, 11:38:07 am
Looking good.  It nice to hear you plan to pass it on..
Title: Re: 1976 C-15 Family Heirloom
Post by: VileZambonie on January 14, 2008, 06:43:08 pm
Looks like my 74 did and that blue looks exactly like I painted my 86 K20. Great job!
Title: Re: 1976 C-15 Family Heirloom
Post by: Cameron76 on January 15, 2008, 12:03:17 am
The speaker assembly was something I made for the 6x9 speakers to kind of match the interior. Not sure what i am going to do for a sound system now but will need to find something to fit in there again.
Title: Re: 1976 C-15 Family Heirloom
Post by: cjtimp on January 17, 2008, 05:16:58 pm
Lookin good.....my son will also inherite my truck..... ;D
Title: 1976 C-15 Family Heirloom
Post by: Cameron76 on February 01, 2008, 08:01:43 pm
While I'm working on the body I decided to drop in the engine and transmition. Now I am in the process of replacing all bushing in the front and rear suspension. I went ahead and bought all new U bolts for the leaf springs and replaces all the other bolts for the rest of the suspension as well. Here are some pictures of the progress.
Title: Re: 1976 C-15 Family Heirloom
Post by: Cameron76 on February 01, 2008, 08:07:07 pm
I took the upper and lower arms off to have them sandblasted and powder coated. They should look really good when I get them back. I will post some more pictures once I get them put back on.
Title: Re: 1976 C-15 Family Heirloom
Post by: Cameron76 on February 01, 2008, 08:22:53 pm
Here are some pictures on the completed rear suspension.
Title: Re: 1976 C-15 Family Heirloom
Post by: eventhorizon66 on February 05, 2008, 11:03:31 pm
Very nice truck.  Your son is very lucky.  My truck was handed down to me by my late father (who was the original owner) so it's very special to me too.
Title: Re: 1976 C-15 Family Heirloom
Post by: jonkmbll89 on February 05, 2008, 11:15:58 pm
You got it looking good. Can't wait to see it finished.
Title: Re: 1976 C-15 Family Heirloom
Post by: JJSZABO on February 06, 2008, 06:27:11 am
Looking good - where are you getting the powder coating done?
Title: Re: 1976 C-15 Family Heirloom
Post by: Cameron76 on February 07, 2008, 10:26:39 pm
The powder coating was done at Perfection Powder Coating here in Tucson. I got them back and have installed them back on. I also just finshed replacing the brakes and drums so now it is back to the body shop.
Title: Re: 1976 C-15 Family Heirloom
Post by: JJSZABO on February 08, 2008, 07:10:40 am
Sweet! ;)
Title: Re: 1976 C-15 Family Heirloom
Post by: autorepr on February 08, 2008, 12:44:13 pm
WOW! That is Nice!!!!   Only thing I got from my folks was my good looks, funny everybody thinks that statement is funny?
Title: Re: 1976 C-15 Family Heirloom
Post by: unbludictable on February 11, 2008, 08:58:53 am
Hey that's a wonderful "Blue Paint Job!!" Thats the color I want my '76 GMC High Sierra!!
 
Where did you buy your paint and what color blue is it? How many clear coats do you have on?
Title: Re: 1976 C-15 Family Heirloom
Post by: Cameron76 on February 11, 2008, 08:23:34 pm
I am a huge Duke fan and matched the color up to a Duke Basketball sign I had. I know there is an exact name and color for it which I will have to look up. I am having a local body shop paint it for me and there is 3 separate layers of clear coat being applied to it.
Title: Re: 1976 C-15 Family Heirloom
Post by: unbludictable on February 12, 2008, 08:13:39 am
That's a good looking truck!!!

Send more pictures!
Title: Re: 1976 C-15 Family Heirloom
Post by: Cameron76 on July 17, 2008, 05:37:55 pm
It has been a while since I have posted any updates but have been working hard on the truck and am now about 85% completed. Let me know how you think it looks. I ordered a special addition grill from   but it does not fit because it does not match up to the brackets. I have looked for these brackets but have come up empty. Any ideas?
Title: Re: 1976 C-15 Family Heirloom
Post by: 78BBSTEPSIDE on July 17, 2008, 08:30:16 pm
Looks great, nice work. I guess I better get moving on mine and get something done.
Title: Re: 1976 C-15 Family Heirloom
Post by: Captkaos on July 18, 2008, 08:52:43 am
The place you got the grille from should have the brackets for it.
Truck looks Good!
Title: Re: 1976 C-15 Family Heirloom
Post by: Cameron76 on July 31, 2008, 01:02:24 am
Got the grill brackets. Just got the bed liner sprayed too. Will move onto the interior soon.
Title: Re: 1976 C-15 Family Heirloom
Post by: 2502 on July 31, 2008, 11:45:38 am
that really looks nice and clean i like it.
Title: Re: 1976 C-15 Family Heirloom
Post by: lowriderbowtie on July 31, 2008, 01:47:23 pm
very clean looks great! 

i
Title: Re: 1976 C-15 Family Heirloom
Post by: Cameron76 on September 24, 2008, 12:02:16 am
I am now starting on the interior. I have put in Fat Mat sound deadener and was wondering if I put down a second layer on the floor board if it would be better or if I would just be waisting it. I will be installing the carpet and the getting everything else upholstered next week. 
Title: Re: 1976 C-15 Family Heirloom
Post by: Captkaos on September 24, 2008, 12:08:45 am
It is completely up to you, but I would only do one layer....
Title: Re: 1976 C-15 Family Heirloom
Post by: Bowtie4004x4 on September 24, 2008, 01:36:36 am
 Wow! When I see motivation like that with the positive end results it makes me get just that much more motivated myself on my own truck.

 Great work and slick looking truck you have there. What engine does it have? you may have said, and I missed the post. Stock rebuild other than intake, carb, headers? What valve covers are those? I really like the look of them.
               
                                                                  Thanks!

                                                                              Bowtie.
Title: Re: 1976 C-15 Family Heirloom
Post by: Dragon on September 24, 2008, 02:56:27 am
Trucks looking Good Cameron 8)  The Sound-deadner looks like it has the Transformer Badges all over it ;D
Title: Re: 1976 C-15 Family Heirloom
Post by: 80stepsideguy on September 24, 2008, 03:32:11 am
If you got some left over do inside of the doors, you be amazed on how much the door will sound with it rather then w/o it. I plan on doing the inside of my doors once i reach you stage.

thanks
pat
Title: Re: 1976 C-15 Family Heirloom
Post by: JJSZABO on September 24, 2008, 07:25:30 am
WOW that is really looking good.

It is completely up to you, but I would only do one layer....

+1
Title: Re: 1976 C-15 Family Heirloom
Post by: Cameron76 on September 24, 2008, 11:11:29 pm
I did the inside of the doors too. It took about 2 1/2 hours per door. Lots of little cuts on my fingers trying to get to all those hard to reach places but it did help and was worth it. The engine is a create 350 with Hooker headers and Edelbrock carburetor and intake manifold. The air cleaner cover and valve covers I got from a local Hot Rod shop. I see so many trucks are all chromed out (and look very nice) but I just wanted to do a little chrome and keep it clean. 

Here are a couple most recent pics of the engine. Hope to have some more interior pics soon.
Title: Re: 1976 C-15 Family Heirloom
Post by: JRConnieK10 on September 25, 2008, 10:06:04 am
WOW!! That is really looking great. Good job!!
Title: Re: 1976 C-15 Family Heirloom
Post by: lowbucktruck on September 25, 2008, 02:16:56 pm
Really nice job, Cameron!  That truck is lookin good!  ;D
I really like the shade of blue paint you picked.
Title: Re: 1976 C-15 Family Heirloom
Post by: baddogg79 on October 05, 2008, 03:19:56 pm
what a beauty! Great job. Now I need to get going on mine
Title: Re: 1976 C-15 Family Heirloom
Post by: Cameron76 on October 18, 2008, 01:32:19 am
Finally got done with the interior. I am really happy with how it turned out.
Title: Re: 1976 C-15 Family Heirloom
Post by: Cameron76 on October 18, 2008, 01:38:48 am
Few more photos.
Title: Re: 1976 C-15 Family Heirloom
Post by: VileZambonie on October 18, 2008, 08:41:20 am
Wow, great job. Tell us more about it.
Title: Re: 1976 C-15 Family Heirloom
Post by: ccz145a on October 18, 2008, 08:54:17 am
Wow is right! That looks great!
Title: Re: 1976 C-15 Family Heirloom
Post by: baddogg79 on October 18, 2008, 09:13:42 am
that is beautiful! :o
Title: Re: 1976 C-15 Family Heirloom
Post by: GoatBeard on October 18, 2008, 11:24:06 am
Wow!  That's crazy!   :o
Title: Re: 1976 C-15 Family Heirloom
Post by: nucknoel89 on October 18, 2008, 05:37:25 pm
Dang, that's kinda how I want my interior like, especially in regards to the digital gauges and the sill plates.  Nice stuff!
Title: Re: 1976 C-15 Family Heirloom
Post by: GoatBeard on October 18, 2008, 05:50:48 pm
I'd be interested to know how much it costs to recover your seat like that?  If you don't mind me asking...  Is it vinyl?

On my buckets I was quoted $200 per seat, but I didn't ask if it was more to do more than one color...  I assume it'd be way more than what he quoted.  Since I have a K5 I've got the 2 buckets and the back seat to cover...
Title: Re: 1976 C-15 Family Heirloom
Post by: Cameron76 on October 18, 2008, 10:17:46 pm
Thanks for the compliments. The reactions make a big difference and make me realize I am doing a good job.  :D

The total out the door cost on everything was $850. I know I got a really good deal because the guy did a lot more work then I asked him too. For instance that price did not include the dash but he appreciated what I was doing and wanted to do his part to make it look as good as it could. The two tone work around the door speakers was also not discussed but something he thought would look good. The pictures really don't do it justice. Not too often do you find guys like this anymore.

Just the seat cost was $350. It is a soft vinyl fabric with extra padding so it is really confortable. Knowing what I know about upholstery, the $200 cost should cover a pretty good 2 tone job. If the two fabrics are the same price there should be no difference. I would get a couple quotes and find someone you feel comfortable with. This guy was the third shop I visited. After talking with him I know he was who I wanted to go with.

Title: Re: 1976 C-15 Family Heirloom
Post by: Captkaos on October 18, 2008, 10:58:46 pm
I'd be interested to know how much it costs to recover your seat like that?  If you don't mind me asking...  Is it vinyl?

On my buckets I was quoted $200 per seat, but I didn't ask if it was more to do more than one color...  I assume it'd be way more than what he quoted.  Since I have a K5 I've got the 2 buckets and the back seat to cover...
Goatbeard:
Check your PMs on availible seat upholstery.  don't want to hijack this post.
Title: Re: 1976 C-15 Family Heirloom
Post by: GoatBeard on October 19, 2008, 08:49:12 am
Thanks for the info, Cameron!  You are 100% correct, it's almost impossible to find anyone like that anymore!  Back when I worked a lot, had a fleet of trucks to keep going and didn't have much time to tinker, I had a guy that would do engine work on my trucks.  When it came time to pay he would usually say something like, "Oh, it'll be about $15".  And that's after he did something like install a new carb and intake manifold and headers (not replacing a lightbulb, if you know what I mean).  I always gave him about triple (or more) what he asked, but it was nice to know I wasn't on the hook for $60+ an hour.

The guy that quoted me $200 per bucket was the 2nd quote I got.  The first place I called I asked them what kind of labor they'd charge me to re-cover the seat if I bought the material myself.  That guy wanted $250 each, with me providing the material!!!!   ???   :o

I live fairly close to Huntsville, AL -- which is a pretty big city.  What I've found is that the further I can get prices for stuff outside of the city, the cheaper the prices!  The $200 price for covering each seat was with him providing the vinyl.  One of the buckets needs to have a piece welded in the back of it for support (but can't be done until the current vinyl is off) -- if you lean back really hard the seat just keeps bending back.  He wasn't going to charge extra for that, which is cool. 

I just find it hard to believe the price differences.  Again, your truck looks great!  I'm actually more jealous about the guy you found to work on it, who actually cares about his work and making the final product look "right" than up-charging for everything!   ;)

Thanks for the info Chris, I'll be in touch!
Title: Re: 1976 C-15 Family Heirloom
Post by: 78 Chevyrado on October 19, 2008, 01:07:01 pm
That looks so comfy!  :o  Looks really trick!