Old Blue

[LDO]

A while back (almost a year) I purchased an 85 c10 for my son with the hopes of getting him into working on these old trucks. We started on a few things like new mirrors and tail lights but due to a title issue, the truck sat in my driveway for quite a while with no tag, no title and a frustrated son (and dad). We recently got a bonded title for it and now she has a tag! Not sure if the son is still motivated but dad sure is.

This truck drives pretty darn good. Everything works on it! Even the cruise control! As soon as i got the tag for it, i checked all the fluids, tires and put fresh gas in her. Last night, went out with him and the truck to get some wings for dinner. We drove thing for over an hour and no temp, oil pressure or leak issues of any kind. Lots of thumbs up from folks at lights and on the road.

It has a 305 with a 700R4 trans. It also has the electric carb and all the emissions stuff (original VA truck). We'll be pulling some of that stuff off over time but in order to avoid opening up a can of worms, we're just going to enjoy driving it for a while.

Here are some pics.

[jhama78]

Cool old truck, so far as ditching the ESC check out this page. http://www.73-87.com/7387garage/drivetrain/escrepl.htm

[LDO]

Been working on this Belltech 4/6 kit for a few days when I get time. Pretty complete kit and Travis at Pro Performance was FANTASTIC from placing the order to support after delivery.

I trimmed the LCAs just in case and it seems they would have cleared but better safe than sorry. I also had to trim some of the 'beef' on the spindles around where the calipers mount so I wouldn't tear off any wheel weights.

New ball joints, new bearings, new calipers, pads, new wheel cylinders, over-sized sway bar, lots of paint and sweat but she's all done.

I blasted the wheels and primed/painted them myself. Center caps from ebay and trim rings from JAE Enterprises.

15x7 & 255/60-15 in front, 15x8 & 275/60-15 out back.
Pics don't do it justice. It looks higher in the front but when you look at the truck, it looks great so I will wait for things to settle before any other moves.

Thanks to all who I pm'd during the process that offered advice, etc.

[LDO]

Here are some more pics. Sorry if they are turned...

[LDO]

Here is the before and after...

Not sure why the pics are upside down, can someone smarter than me, hook a bruddah up?

[1970pelle]

Looks great, you did a very good job.

Ken

[tommy217xxx]

It's amazing how a simple lowering kits takes the truck from beautiful to sexy. She's sweet and I hope your boy is still excited. I have a 2.5 year old and I hope he's the same way.

[Rollin86]

Lookin good!

[Gregski]

glad you got the title issue worked out, love your son, but don't fool yourself enjoy the truck for yourself, it ain't a crime to be good to yourself, the kids these days are only interested in things with the little "i" in front of them, maybe an iTruck, ha ha

[LDO]

Let me try this again.





When I added pictures as attachments, it flipped them upside down, photobucket inserted them correctly with now edit. Oh well....

[daddyjeep]

Nice job on installing the lowering kit. I like that you took the time to clean everything up. I hope your son keeps interest in this project. There is nothing better that doing these project with your kids. None of my kids spend a whole lot of time in the shop with me, which is unfortunate. When it is time to get the toys out to play, they are all for it at least.

[LDO]

Thanks, yeah, I couldn't install all these brand new parts and have the area look like crap. It takes a little longer and it costs a little more but it is well worth it in the end.

[LDO]

Shot some raptor liner on the bed and some parts i've got to install on the truck (spare tire carrier, bumper brackets and a fuel tank bracket).

I really like the way everything turned out.

[midnight rambler]

that raptor liner came out nice

[v30crewcab]

looks like your son is gonna be out of luck. you'll want to keep this one yourself and build him another one!

[TKCR]

Looking better & better.

[legendman]

Looking good!

[LDO]

Originally Posted by v30crewcab

looks like your son is gonna be out of luck. you'll want to keep this one yourself and build him another one!

that has been discussed... LOL

[Willi2ds]

Great looking truck, how was that Raptor liner to apply?
Posted via Mobile Device

[LDO]

Originally Posted by Willi2ds

Great looking truck, how was that Raptor liner to apply?
Posted via Mobile Device

Very easy,
the bottles have a recessed 'fill line' so you add the hardner up to that line, cap the bottle, shake it for a few minutes, screw on the (included) feed gun and hook up to your compressor (about 85-100 psi) and go for it.

I masked off areas with green frog tape and cheapo plastic drop cloths from walmart and went for it. I did scuff up painted areas lightly along the bed rails, etc.

I have used this on bare metal, primered metal, etc. and always have been very pleased with the results.

A 4 bottle kit with gun and can of hardner is about 125 delivered to my door and I always order it from TP Tools; they are usually the cheapest vendor.

I normally spray for coverage at about 8-10 inches away from the surface and be mindful of excessive buildup then after that dries pretty good, a few hours depending on weather, I go back and even things out holding the gun about 12-18 inches from surface. Once you start spraying it, you sort of get a feel for your distance, etc...

I spray in long strokes like you would with a normal paint gun (I guess)....

Hope this helps.

[Willi2ds]

Awesome, thanks. I've read a bit about it and so far and everyone that's used seems to love it. Definitely in my future plans.
Posted via Mobile Device

[RDrancher]

Looks great! I like the staggered rallies.

And thanks for the tip on the Raptor liner. I'd actually never heard of the brand before. My only experience with the do-it-yourself liners was years ago and not a very good one. I may try the Raptor brand on my Do*g* flatbed.

[LDO]

Today, I decided to remove the leaky slider to a solid rear glass. Got the glass and seal from a local place as I already had the chrome locking strip (front & rear) from LMC.

Turned out great and thanks to all for your advice. The corner pieces are designed by the devil himself but they are in!

Here are the pics!
before...



Old is out, cleaning and prepping for install. Metal looked good, no signs of any previous leaking woohooo some good news for a change...



Done. One piece rear glass.

[Zane M]

Looking great!

[LDO]

Couldn't leave her alone until she's right!

Decided to ditch the 1" springs for 2" drop springs.

NOW she's right..