1965 C10 Stepside, project daily driver

[Torqueforce]

New guy here, I've been lurking for a while, finally got around to making a thread. I'll start with some background, I got this truck from a very good friend of mine for $700. I've wanted it for years but didn't have the chance to buy it till about 3 months ago. It had been through alot, an accident involving a pole and front end damage and years of neglect but everytime I saw it, I saw potential. The day I towed it home it had no radiator, didn't run, had a torn up bed and as I later found out, original drum brakes (the metal from the pads wore two deep groves on the drum). This thing was a death trap but it was all I could afford after I blew the engine in my old mazda. It's got the 230 C.I. original engine and a Th350 with the original 3.73s. Since I've got it I replaced the entire brake system, rebuilt the carb, got a new radiator and wiring harness. I also snatched up a 65 327 from another C10 that I plan on swapping in, when funds allow. I'll update as often as I can, since fixing this thing has turned out to be a part time job. At the moment I'm in the process of installing an LMC truck oak bed kit and doing paint/prep. I'll be uploading some more pics tommorow.

[1963c-10]

Great looking project you have there.

[LostMy65]

Fun Stuff!

Welcome to the forums.
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[markeb01]

Welcome to the forum. Nice to finally realize your dream after wanting it for so long.

[scot 6 feet eleven]

nice truck !! welcome!!

[Torqueforce]

Thanks for the warm welcome yall! I'm a 19 year old on a budget so this build will probably be somewhat slow but good things take time. I came from a mechanics background in fuel injected cars so I've got alot of learning to do about these old trucks. I got some pics of my motor and the new truck bed installed. The LMC oak kit is beautiful and well worth the money, a real night and day difference from the old piece of plywood. As far as plans I'm gonna keep stock ride height, I know it's rolly polly but there's something nice about being so high up on the road and having all that clearance. A set of 3.08 gears is gonna be coming soon, so I can take the damn thing on the highway and hopefully get better fuel economy around town. This poor 230 has to rev up to about 2600 RPM to hit 50 mph, and with a glasspack it screams. As for the 327 it's going to be a mild build, its got a set of fuelie heads on it, still needs alot of things intake/headers/ignition. I'm going to be using a 450cfm holley economaster to start with, if I make around 250 crank HP and a decent amount of torque I'll be very happy. My goals for this "build" are modest, a good looking old truck that rides well and sounds good but can scoot when I need it too and hopefully get more than 10mpg.

[Bomp]

Looks like you are off to a great start. I'll be checking back from time to time. Nice Bed by the way.

[70cst]

Hey Torqueforce ...

to the forums and from Ohio. as that looks like a project. Thanks for sharing. Its lookin good!

[Jeff La]

Keep up the good work

[dracko]

Good stuff! what did you get that underbed gas tank from? or is it the LMC kit?

[MOTOIMPAIRED]

Its always cool to see someone young interested in working and building old cars and trucks. Keep up the good work and keep us posted.

[Torqueforce]

Thanks guys! The underbed tank came with the truck, not sure where they got it from but I'll see if I can find it, Its a perfect fit. Progress has been slow because I'm unemployed at the moment, couldn't use it to deliver pizzas haha. Small update:Got a deluxe steering wheel from another 65 to replace the tiny grant steering wheel. Restored the dashboard and got the original speedometer working with a shiny new ignition switch. Its proven very reliable even in the rough condition that its in. It is incredibly frustrating not to be able to pour money into it but hopefully I'll be able to get the ball rolling very soon. 2/4 drop incoming along with paint.

[glos55]

Welcome to the site!! Glad you stopped lurking and came in!! Great project! Keep the pics coming...we love pics here!!

[faribran]

i am liking your Holley enconomaster carb.... i have 2 of those... just rebuilt the older one.. cant wait to bolt it back on... what is the LIST # on yourz? (on the front, on top of the fuel inlet)

[Torqueforce]

Thanks! It's marked 7454 and 2153. I figure since I was doing a mild build and I wanted decent fuel economy it would be a perfect fit. Originally I was gonna go for a 500 cfm holley or edel but I was able to pick up the economaster for $40 to my door through craigslist. They're really unique carbs and nobody really runs them. It seems like its the perfect size for a 327 I just hope it wont be too bad top end, I only play on revving to about 5k. How do you like yours and what kinda fuel economy do you get?

[Captainfab]

Welcome to the forum

You've made some nice improvements. I noticed in the pic of your 327, that it doesn't have the original heads on it. Before you get to far along with it, check to be sure those aren't heads from a 350 that have the 76cc combustion chambers in them. Those will drop your compression to where it is a dog of an engine. You will want heads with 64cc chambers or slightly smaller.

[Torqueforce]

Yeah they're 882s with 76cc chambers so my compression would likely be about 8.5 to 1. Do you know the stock chamber size for the "High Torque" 327 that came on these trucks? I've been looking for a set of 64cc or lower heads but I don't want to have to get them machined and I also don't want to have to use additive, so I'm pretty unsure about my options.

[Torqueforce]

Small update! The ball is FINALLY rolling, parts should be trickling in a regular basis and I have to say, it feels great. CPP (great customer service) drop coils and shocks are on their way. Chrome 110A alternator is in. I've also decided to sell the 327..to pay for much needed parts and a Clifford manifold for the 6. After I get the priorities dealt with I'm going to turbocharge the 250 with a T3/T4 and SPA turbo manifold, hope I don't grenade it!

[Anti-Ricer]

What happen?
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