1978 C15 First Square Body! - Looks Good from Far but Far From Good

[ToolsNFools]

Hello Everyone,

I bought this hackjob of a C15. I spent the week replacing shocks and springs making it safe to drive. There was various bolts missing on suspension components. Old owner cut the springs in place to lower it, then realized he cut to much and tried to weld in another piece of a spring back in. Hindsight is 2020 I should have gotten lowered springs but got factory height and all new ac delco shocks. Looking at lowering spindles later to bring it back down. I guess it was a long bed and was cut. The frame job isn't bad but doesn't have a supporting brace sadded which I will need to add. My most annoying part is the shoddily welded on rear leaf springs hanger I do need to get new low profile ones and level them out. Interior has the usual dash crack and house carpet flooring. Got the old vice grip window crank... the bolts missing on passenger side. Finally they cut the driveshaft and welded that at home looks rough so I will need a new balanced one. Bunch more little things but those are the big issues.

As for the GOOD: Has a newer drivetrain 350 Goodwrench and a 700r4 and no rust! Although nothing was taped while being resprayed it has fresh paint.

You must be registered for see images attach

 

[WFO]

Welcome from the Texas Panhandle.
At least they didn't paint the bumpers, door handles and mirrors.
A grill and some headlight bezels would have it lookin good.

 

[Sad Sack]

Your ride doesn't look too bad!

 

[ToolsNFools]

Welcome from the Texas Panhandle.
At least they didn't paint the bumpers, door handles and mirrors.
A grill and some headlight bezels would have it lookin good.

I already have a replacement black grill but I guess the brackets on right and left side are missing this grill mounts with its own built in. I have to source those before I can get it on and all hardware for it. The rear bumper is a funny situation.. He took a front bumper and cut it up to fit back there and spray painted black. I think I am going to grab a roll pan. Seems to be the cheapest route for now.

 

[legopnuematic]

Welcome from Missouri.

 

[ali_c20]

Welcome from Austria.

 

[brooksman9]

Welcome bud

 

[Strick]

Welcome from NC. Looks pretty good from here. Good luck in making it what you want.

HS

 

[fofiddyfo]

Welcome from Wisco! That’s a nice looking truck, and a great starting place!

 

[Mr Clean]

 

[Grit dog]

Welcome! Paint looks pretty glassy despite all the other shenanigans going on.

 

[ToolsNFools]

Welcome! Paint looks pretty glassy despite all the other shenanigans going on.

yes it was sprayed with very little prep. Its nice to have an even coat on everything though. Luckily local yard had a C10 that still had door panels and seatbelts. Going to try and clean those up and dye them. Visors, wipers and windows regulators were all picked.

 

[JBswth]

Hello Everyone,

I bought this hackjob of a C15. I spent the week replacing shocks and springs making it safe to drive. There was various bolts missing on suspension components. Old owner cut the springs in place to lower it, then realized he cut to much and tried to weld in another piece of a spring back in. Hindsight is 2020 I should have gotten lowered springs but got factory height and all new ac delco shocks. Looking at lowering spindles later to bring it back down. I guess it was a long bed and was cut. The frame job isn't bad but doesn't have a supporting brace sadded which I will need to add. My most annoying part is the shoddily welded on rear leaf springs hanger I do need to get new low profile ones and level them out. Interior has the usual dash crack and house carpet flooring. Got the old vice grip window crank... the bolts missing on passenger side. Finally they cut the driveshaft and welded that at home looks rough so I will need a new balanced one. Bunch more little things but those are the big issues.

As for the GOOD: Has a newer drivetrain 350 Goodwrench and a 700r4 and no rust! Although nothing was taped while being resprayed it has fresh paint.

You must be registered for see images attach

Looks good, but with the lousy work that has been done before, CAREFULLY inspect that frame. Might want to replace it with a factory short wheelbase frame, as cut ones are sometimes a little off, which will cause you to go slightly crab-wise down the road.

J. B.

 

[ToolsNFools]

Looks good, but with the lousy work that has been done before, CAREFULLY inspect that frame. Might want to replace it with a factory short wheelbase frame, as cut ones are sometimes a little off, which will cause you to go slightly crab-wise down the road.

J. B.

thanks! I will have to see not sure if I want to spend the money on time for a new frame yet. I do need new leaf spring hangers first and I will go from there.

 

[Craig Nedrow]

Nice rig, personally a no rust is so hard to find, and desirable, that the other shenanigans will be worth it. You are in the right place here, so much help.