1981 Chevy C10 Project

[travisdavid1987]

Here are all the pics I have just taken. I haven't done anything to this truck yet, besides replace the alternator and battery so that it would run. Its 1981 Chevy C10, RWD with a 327, 4bbl in it. Took me and a few members on this site to figure out what the engine was originally, because it was advertised as a Corvette motor, but yea that wasn't true... still debating what I want to do about that either replace the motor with one thats like the one that matched this truck, which was a 5.0L 305 V8 2bbl(not 100% sure on the carburetor), or just stick with the 327 that run good so far just needs to be cleaned and tuned up. Anyways here are some pics.



Got any pointers or idea on where to start since I am new to doing any of this type of restoration stuff it will be much appreciated. There is alot of rust damage as you can see to the cab/cab corners/ and cab floor that I'm going to need to get repair panels for and pretty much rip out and redo these entire cab with windows and get some new doors. Other then that the frame has rust on it but its not bad enough for me to just trash the frame I am sure from some of the solvents I have seen online they should be able to take what I can sand off of it off. Oh yeah on last thing it has to bed as of right now just some plywood thinking that I am going to put some plank boards sanded down and treated in there when everything else is said and done with. Anyways I look forward to hearing what everyone has to say.

[jaredts]

That truck has a lot of potential.  I'd keep the 327, a 305 would be a little better on gas but otherwise a downgrade.  Obviously the rust repair is going to be a big project.  Get a welder and start practicing.  There are a few posts on here about the typical cab rust repair.  You probably need the 5 pc. cab repair kit plus the footwell patch panels sold on this site.  There are also some posts about your bed floor, so search away.  Even as-is that's a cool truck.

[Captkaos]

Are you going to be fixing it and driving it or just fixing it?

[travisdavid1987]

Jared,
Thanks man yay I really like it... has alot of potential I just cant wait to really get started on it. $$ is always the major issue though lol. I think it will look good in the long run. As far as getting a welder I am not sure about that yet I was leaning more towards riveting but I'm sure I'm going to end up having to do some spot welding... never have had any experience in any of this so its all going to be a learning lesson.

Captkaos,
I currently have two other vehicles to get me around. This vehicle is just purely to be fixed up and then driven on occasion when it is done, just for fun.

[Grim 82]

I would keep the 327. If you acquire the tools and parts, and take your time and develop the skills to repair the cab, it could be something you would be very proud of when you are finished. Or, if you find a rust free cab for cheap I wouldn't pass it up. If you fix it yourself I would suggest welding rather than rivets.

[Captkaos]

If you intend to fix it and drive it during the same time, make it safe first:  Brakes, belts, hoses etc.

given the choice between a motor you already have vs getting a 305, I would keep what you have.

[travisdavid1987]

Grim,
Well I had planned to use Rhinoliner on the interior before I put the dash, bench seat, and instrument panels back in, so I figure that will hide the areas I end up using epoxy and rivets on and keep the rust from reappearing in the cab in the future. Anyone ever hear about anyone rhino lining an entire undercarriage of a truck? Something else I may be looking into doing if it is possible.

CaptKaos,
No I plan, after I move to NC from GA, on taking all the fenders and anything that is rusted on the exterior off. That was I can see what I can salvage from the truck and what I am going to have to find to replace it or buy new. Along with replacing parts and tuning up the engine. I know the carburetor more then likely needs to be rebuilt so that will be one of the first kits that I get when it comes to working on the block. The engine runs good its just really dirty and carburetor is pulling to much air in and missing a choke. I have the choke "jerry-rigged" right now with a spring so that it stays half way closed, and opens up when I throttle it, but when the choke is fully open it stalls frequently, so thats where I am pretty sure that there is a leak some where in the carburetor that is going to have to be rebuilt.

[project85]

as far as the 327 or finding a 305. i would keep the 327. i had an 89 pick up with a 305 wasn't bad but i had a 69 camaro i put a 327 in and it pulled nice. i would keep it and tune it up, run it for awhile then maybe do some tweaking!!!!

i don't know about the rhino liner, i'm not sure if it will make things fit funny. someof these other guys might know more but i would be worried holes would get filled and stuff might not go back together as easy as it should. also if you put it on and you have any rust or moisture it will still rot out under neath of it and you won't see it until it is really bad. just my pair of pennies thou.

[travisdavid1987]

Project,
Yeah thats why I was asking if it was possible to rhino line the under carriage as well. Just figured it would be something good to seal in all the work that I have already done. Most of the rust is on the floor boards it doesn't go back under the seat at all. We will see when the time comes thats for sure. More then likely I am going to keep the 327 and get it back looking and running nice for sure.