65 C20 Notch Install -- 30+ rivets to remove

[Cteufert]

After doing some research and making some phone calls I decided to install the Porterbuilt front and rear kits. Everyone I asked said both should fit. The front went in quick and easy. The rear on the other hand is fighting the whole way.

Seems there may be two different C20 frame styles, my has a reinforcement inside the frame from just before to just after the axle along with an extra cross member. Both have to removed to install the bolt in frame notch kit. I checked another C20 and doesn't have either so it probably identical to a C10. I stopped counting the rivets needing to be removed once I hit 30 and there were still more.

The larger rear end also prevents the lower shock cross bar from fitting. It contacts the bottom of the rear. A pair of 1" lowering blocks will help but with the Porterbuilt brackets under the u-bolt already there is not enough thread left on the u-bolts. Will have to shave the lowering blocks down to 3/4" and bend the lower shock mount bar a little more.

[1963c-10]

You have to love grinding rivets....done my share of them.

[wayno]

Get low get low get low

Lil Jon & The East Side Boyz - Get Low...

Just when I thought I had them all - I went to put the front sway bar on and realized I needed to can two more... enjoy!

[chevyrestoguy]

Originally Posted by 1963c-10

You have to love grinding rivets....done my share of them.

There's a much better way, but you'll need a torch and an air chisel.

Heat the rivet head until it's cherry red. Don't hit the trigger and blow the head off. Instead, get the air chisel with a flat chisel bit and shear the rivet head off flush to the frame. Get the torch and heat the stem of the rivet. Don't hit the trigger, just heat the stem. Then, change out the flat chisel bit to a center punch bit and drive the rest of the rivet out. The holes will come out perfect each time, and you won't have to spend hours grinding rivets and trying to drive out a rivet without the aid of heat.

[1963c-10]

Originally Posted by chevyrestoguy

There's a much better way, but you'll need a torch and an air chisel.

Heat the rivet head until it's cherry red. Don't hit the trigger and blow the head off. Instead, get the air chisel with a flat chisel bit and shear the rivet head off flush to the frame. Get the torch and heat the stem of the rivet. Don't hit the trigger, just heat the stem. Then, change out the flat chisel bit to a center punch bit and drive the rest of the rivet out. The holes will come out perfect each time, and you won't have to spend hours grinding rivets and trying to drive out a rivet without the aid of heat.

I agree...but no torch here. If I had one though...its the method I'd go with.

[natecr]

I just did a notch on my 66 c20 its a pita!!!! But i converted to a 5lug 12 bolt so i had no other clearance issues

[Snailed]

Originally Posted by 1963c-10

I agree...but no torch here. If I had one though...its the method I'd go with.

You can just use an air chisel without heat as long as it has a little power. It's a 30 second affair once you do a couple.