Hello All From East Texas

[bearmedic]

Hello I am New to the Forum. Last Year I came into possession of my Grandfathers '66 C10 that he bought brand new from the lot in lat '65. So I have lots of History with this very truck and pictures to go along with me growing up beside it ( i find it very cool to own it now), I also have the original title framed. The truck is has had 350 sbc but in in the early '80s and then rebuilt once from what i was told but i remember him putting in a new 350 sbc in the '90s. he also did the 1/4in. tank steel over the bed wood when he got it so removing the bed will be fun.
With all this said I am resto/moding it mostly to look original. My first task that I am wanting to take on is to reinforce the frame. My original plan was to sandblast it and box it, along with adding a few cross members in to this. I have found a Frame design I like that is produced but due to its high cost and my low EMS budget I figured the more i did the better. I have had a few people tell me not to tig weld anything all around the frame due to the possibility of frame weakness.
When this is done I am going to rebuild the motor and do the metal work while off work. I would like to restore it back to what it looked like in 1966 but with more of a hot rod attitude. I will eventually build a new engine for it.
The only sad thing about all of it was the loss of my Grandfather. My Uncle made me buy the truck from the estate even though it was left to me but i don't care I will build this truck to remember him.
Any advice that can be offered will be greatly accepted as to some of this will be learned as I as go, my grandfather taught me that learning hands on was the best way to teach yourself .

[poorboy]

I think it's awesome you got his truck. Good luck with the build. There's a lot of info on this board if you research it. don't be afraid to ask questions!

[DPowers]

Great history and a sweet looking truck.

[Gotenntitans]

I have my grandpa's truck, but it's a '67 Ford. Runs like a top, but looks about like yours. Needs some TLC. Enjoy your truck and enjoy the build. Don't get antsy and try to do it all in one month. You'll think of your grandfather every time you get behind the wheel and you'll love seeing the progress as it takes shape. I had a '66 like yours about 20 years ago. They are good solid trucks and are fun to drive. Have fun. GTT

[Captainfab]

Welcome to the forum

That is great that you have your Grandfathers truck that he bought brand new.

Personally I see no reason to do any reinforcing or boxing of the frame for the way you are building the truck.

[Tx Firefighter]

Originally Posted by Captainfab

Welcome to the forum

That is great that you have your Grandfathers truck that he bought brand new.

Personally I see no reason to do any reinforcing or boxing of the frame for the way you are building the truck.

X2

No reason to even go down that road. Clean and restore the factory frame. It's a well proven design.

[Mathew21]

Welcome from Michigan. Cool truck with a great story.

[Clyde65]

Welcome From Fort Worth and I will mimic the dont need to do anything to the frame other than clean and paint it. I have a 65 and the frame can and has handled everything I have thrown at it.

Keep us informed of your progress, have you started a build thread yet?

[Ta2Don]

and aboard…

Great truck with an Awesome History...

The frame question has been answered, and all I can add is We Love Pics!!!
Have FUN and ENJOY your truck... …and to agree with Poorboy, there is a Wealth of Info here and the folks out here are amazing...

[earl84]

Welcome, and awesome story (except the part about your uncle making you buy it, I just don't get people sometimes). It looks to be in very good shape. Good luck.

[bearmedic]

No, I have not started a build thread yet. Sofar I have take the front clip off and gotten the 350 running again but will removing it to work on the frame and firewall. Have been taking pics as I take things out and videos as I get things running.

[TJ's Chevy]

Welcome aboard! Neat to see you have your grandfather's truck! It looks to be in great body shape!

[Jeff La]

Welcome and you have a great truck to work on, because it's family.

[aggie91]

Cool! Another member in Longview. I have a '65 that I have had for 30 years now. I got it from my grandfather when I turned 16.

If you need help or local advice give me a call. Maybe we can meet up sometime.