Thank you and your advice is spot on. I've ben around C10s forever and always watch videos like yours thnking I may learn something and I did from about the different frame on the 60/62 trucks as opposed to the 63/72 trucks.
I just bought a 1964 Chevy c10 shortbed fleet side that the previous owner had painted red white top and replaced all the metal with repoped new floors inner outer and he gave up so after watching your videos I have decided to do the same stuff as black dice this is a huge help especially with the bolt in notch kit and the air ride 3p system and the lower control arm stuff that you showed. This is my first build
Travis, I watched your video took your advice and went and bought what was advertised as 1966 C10 "short bed". I looked over everthing I thought, but once I brought it and got it home it was a different story. I noticed looking under it, truck frame had been welded! The black under coating paint hid this well. So panic set in and I started looking for codes sure enough plate by drivers side kick panel indicated truck wheel base was 127". I then checked VIN number which starts with the number 15 which cross references to long bed! This is on me I didnt inspect everything from front to back, top to bottom. Of course this changes value of truck and how I was going to take to the next level.
It happens man don’t beat yourself up. I honestly don’t care if it’s a long bed to short bed conversion. If you couldn’t tell from the body and it wasn’t super noticeable while looking at the truck, that must mean it was done professionally. They should have advertised it that way but I wouldn’t stress it. If your plans were to build it and enjoy it, then go for it!
I ended up buying a 64 C10 short step. It was lowered 3 front 4 rear, nice 350/T400. I had no idea what I was getting into and apparently the shop I spoke to didn’t either. I can do anything mechanical but I like you, don’t do bodywork/paint. That shop went and looked at the truck and gave me a reasonable price to remove the cab and replace the entire floor pan. I bought the truck based on that. Then the nightmare began. Once they finally lifted the cab and I had bought the parts, they called and said the cab was too far gone to repair. Next search for a new cab. Found one two states away. It too needed work. I’ll spare you all the details but between bad advice and over charging for what work was done, I picked up my truck. I had a basket case with few options. I found another shop willing to do the body work and I rebuilt and painted the entire chassis, new trailing arms, new crossmember that is right for the 4” rear static drop etc. I’ll cut to the end, I have a beautiful 1964 C10 restomod. I have 50% more in this truck than I feel I could sell it for. But everything is new, even the wiring harness. And it has zero rust and no Bondo. Moral of the story ? Buy the best you can afford and know the Shop if your needing some of the work done that you can’t do. They all act like they know what they are talking about but trust me they all don’t. Oh, and lastly, if it has rust you can see, it’s just like an iceberg, there is a lot more you can’t see!
Thank you for this informative video! I’ve been keeping an eye out for a short bed c10 and spotted one under a carport right down the rd from my house. It’s a super straight almost 100% rust free, crawled around under it and all the normal problem spots are rust free. Just one spot on the bottom of the drivers fender. Truck looks to be original black paint. Very original, complete and unmolested. Interior is totally untouched missing nothing. Pretty sure it’s a 66 because I’ve heard that’s the only year with reverse lights? Anyhow I’m about to approach the guy about it but I am unsure what to offer!! I don’t want to mess up the deal by coming in too low but at the same time I don’t want to overpay. Also it’s been under cover since 1985 so that’s helped preserve it. Any thoughts on what you think would be a solid offer? Thank you for any input ! I know placing value is hard but even a ball park would be very helpful
I bought my c10 that had been shortened from a long bed to short bed, the bed cut was terrible which I didn't mind since I found another bed BUT I didn't look at where they cut the frame, and my God, I can't beleive I drove this thing 3 hours home safely. It's now plated and reinforced but it was BAD
I should add, all that remained of the original sheet metal when it was done, was the two rear fenders, one side step and the grill. Yep, almost nothing……
Thank you and your advice is spot on. I've ben around C10s forever and always watch videos like yours thnking I may learn something and I did from about the different frame on the 60/62 trucks as opposed to the 63/72 trucks.
I just bought a 1964 Chevy c10 shortbed fleet side that the previous owner had painted red white top and replaced all the metal with repoped new floors inner outer and he gave up so after watching your videos I have decided to do the same stuff as black dice this is a huge help especially with the bolt in notch kit and the air ride 3p system and the lower control arm stuff that you showed. This is my first build
Awesome. Good luck! Hopefully my videos will continue to help you!
Travis, I watched your video took your advice and went and bought what was advertised as 1966 C10 "short bed". I looked over everthing I thought, but once I brought it and got it home it was a different story. I noticed looking under it, truck frame had been welded! The black under coating paint hid this well. So panic set in and I started looking for codes sure enough plate by drivers side kick panel indicated truck wheel base was 127". I then checked VIN number which starts with the number 15 which cross references to long bed! This is on me I didnt inspect everything from front to back, top to bottom. Of course this changes value of truck and how I was going to take to the next level.
It happens man don’t beat yourself up. I honestly don’t care if it’s a long bed to short bed conversion. If you couldn’t tell from the body and it wasn’t super noticeable while looking at the truck, that must mean it was done professionally. They should have advertised it that way but I wouldn’t stress it. If your plans were to build it and enjoy it, then go for it!
Great information, you can never have enough. What power steering conversions would you recommend for a 67-72 C10 ?
I have one linked on my website. www.simplec10.co
I ended up buying a 64 C10 short step. It was lowered 3 front 4 rear, nice 350/T400. I had no idea what I was getting into and apparently the shop I spoke to didn’t either. I can do anything mechanical but I like you, don’t do bodywork/paint. That shop went and looked at the truck and gave me a reasonable price to remove the cab and replace the entire floor pan. I bought the truck based on that. Then the nightmare began. Once they finally lifted the cab and I had bought the parts, they called and said the cab was too far gone to repair. Next search for a new cab. Found one two states away. It too needed work. I’ll spare you all the details but between bad advice and over charging for what work was done, I picked up my truck. I had a basket case with few options. I found another shop willing to do the body work and I rebuilt and painted the entire chassis, new trailing arms, new crossmember that is right for the 4” rear static drop etc. I’ll cut to the end, I have a beautiful 1964 C10 restomod. I have 50% more in this truck than I feel I could sell it for. But everything is new, even the wiring harness. And it has zero rust and no Bondo. Moral of the story ? Buy the best you can afford and know the Shop if your needing some of the work done that you can’t do. They all act like they know what they are talking about but trust me they all don’t. Oh, and lastly, if it has rust you can see, it’s just like an iceberg, there is a lot more you can’t see!
Thanks for your feedback and your story!
That was the first thing I asked before I went buy my 67. Guy said absolutely. I put a silk cloth between the magnet and the body.
It’s cool to hear someone actually has done that.
Nice job!
Thank you for this informative video! I’ve been keeping an eye out for a short bed c10 and spotted one under a carport right down the rd from my house. It’s a super straight almost 100% rust free, crawled around under it and all the normal problem spots are rust free. Just one spot on the bottom of the drivers fender. Truck looks to be original black paint. Very original, complete and unmolested. Interior is totally untouched missing nothing. Pretty sure it’s a 66 because I’ve heard that’s the only year with reverse lights? Anyhow I’m about to approach the guy about it but I am unsure what to offer!! I don’t want to mess up the deal by coming in too low but at the same time I don’t want to overpay. Also it’s been under cover since 1985 so that’s helped preserve it. Any thoughts on what you think would be a solid offer? Thank you for any input ! I know placing value is hard but even a ball park would be very helpful
Just beginning my search. Your video was very helpful. You mentioned an online cost estimator for a build. Is there a link you can share?
I mentioned my personal estimator tool but it’s out of date now. I can help guide you though!
How. Often do you come across 63-66 stepsides in decent shape?
I’ve been able to snag a couple but you don’t see them as often because they were commonly used as work trucks. I like the stepside look.
I bought my c10 that had been shortened from a long bed to short bed, the bed cut was terrible which I didn't mind since I found another bed BUT I didn't look at where they cut the frame, and my God, I can't beleive I drove this thing 3 hours home safely. It's now plated and reinforced but it was BAD
Oh wow! Glad you made it home safe.
Put female/loop velcro the face of the magnet and you won't scratch the paint.
Thanks
I should add, all that remained of the original sheet metal when it was done, was the two rear fenders, one side step and the grill. Yep, almost nothing……
I appreciate you sharing!
1st!!!!
Thanks
Very helpful, thank you!!
Power steering? Boyyy what you need a truck or a Hilton motel
Hilton motel lol