[Grizz1963]

Well, I guess there is still time to say HAPPY NEW YEAR.......

Here's to a good 2017 for all of us.

I hope to get some useful advice here and of course if I can contribute, even better.

I will post up a copy and paste introduction of myself first and then the questions and some photos of the car in question.


Bucket lists, being what they are sometimes stay just that.

But, in spite of a few setbacks recently, including redundancy, unemployment etc, I have been able to keep busy.

Gutting and rebuilding the kitchen, a bathroom etc.

Nicola, my wife also pushed me to strike out/off some of the items on my bucket list.

One was my trip to South Africa to ride 6500km with my brother on motorbikes, a lifelong dream fulfilled.
Thread link below, main pic report started on page 22.

http://www.wilddog.za.net/forum/inde...topic=106063.0

I think most of you knew the Grizz-Mobile I bought about 5-6 years ago with the help of Oldbus in Germany.
Then there was Myrtle, Nicola's 56 Ford Anglia 100E again, fetched with the help of the Oldbus transport system.

Last year we had decided to sell both these cars in order to get one car, so that we could go to shows etc together, towing the Grizz-Pod Trailer, rather than in separate cars. Part of the deal was that I needed another job.
This happened while I was in the middle of who knows where in South Africa on a motorbike.......

[img src="http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y19/madstuff/P1030419.jpg" alt=" "]


[img src="http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/mm90/niknakpix/P1080880.jpg" alt=" "]

[img src="http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/mm90/niknakpix/P1090065.jpg" alt=" "]


[img src="http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/mm90/niknakpix/P1000213_zpsa898d33b.jpg" alt=" "]


[img src="http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/mm90/niknakpix/P1000299_zps900b1f04.jpg" alt=" "]


@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@ @@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@

So for the last 6 months or more I have been trawling the interwebs around the world, primarily the USA and UK for another item to strike off the Bucket List.

Nicola and I had figured out we could land a Chevy truck of our own description/spec on our drive from the USA for sensible money, compared to what was available in the UK, so were prepared to do the work to find and import one as there is not a lot of choice over here.

What we wanted was basically a 1960 - 1966 Chevy C10/C20 Short Fleetside truck, with as much chrome as possible.
We like the LongFleetside and Stepside models as well, but a Short Fleet would be ideal. Extras like V8, Disc brakes, new paint (not primer or Matte black)power steering etc would be good too.

One of the important points to keep in mind was that we did not want to spend more than the other two cars had brought in.

Over the weekend I got a prompt from Andy "Motorama" on RodsnSods forum. He had a lovely Long Chevy Fleetside to sell, but of course we wanted a Short Fleetside.
So I checked out the link, loved what I saw. Contacted the seller, spoke to him for quite some time and set a time for today to go view.
In the mean time I had loads of emails, PM's and chats with various people about the trucks spec as I know NOTHING.

A Massive Thank you to all who took the time to explain to me the difference between various upgrades etc. You all made the purchase easier in the end.

That brings us to today.

We left home early and got to Rye on the coast by 10.00 and to the seller, Rob's place a little later, after I had messed up on the destination.

Turns out Rob is a trained nurse (my second trade after military)working in Stroke rehabilitation. He and his wife just had a new baby and the truck just is not right for them now, time for a sensible 4x4. He is also a hardcore biker, and allround nice guy.

After two hours of tyre kicking, a test drive (with Nicola grinning like a Meerkat on speed in the passenger seat) and more time crawling about under the truck like a drunk monkey, we decided to buy the truck.

Insurance was £98/year comprehensive, and £36/year for £3000 recovery service, including European recovery. So total cost for cover £134.00

The truck will need quite a bit of work over time to get it where we want it, but it is a good base.

You can see some of the flaws in the photos.

Here is the sellers description, which actually under sold the truck.

It had a full service carried out earlier this year, all grease points are done regularly (there are lots of them!). New battery was fitted about 3 months ago, New steering box fitted 1 month ago (from LMC Trucks US).
Engine;
It is running a period 327ci SBC V8 fitted with camel hump heads, Edelbrock manifold and carb, Edelbrock intake, Hedman headers, Flowmaster side exit pipes, HEI ignition, Carbon leads, Hi-Flo oil pump, Alloy corvette style rocker covers. 3 speed auto, column change with the obligatory 8 ball gear shifter! Also fitted starter solenoid upgrade to eliminate poor starting when warm due to the headers running close to the starter, never had a problem with starting.
Reciepts present for the majority of engine work which was carried out by a previous owner.
The engine block was painted red at this time but could do with doing again.
Body;
Painted in the states before importation, to be fair this is the weak bit, the paint is in fair condition, very thickly applied, and has helped to protect the vehicle, but there are a few runs here and there plus a couple of scabs on the rear quarters of the front wings (pic) and a small crease on the passenger door where the wind has caught it and flipped it open. The repair panels for the wings are between $10-$20 plus p+p from LMC Trucks US so cheap enough to fix.
There are no structural problems, cab corners, floor and truck chassis are solid, pickup bed is good solid sealed plywood with a rubber liner and a tight tonneau to keep the weather out.
Glass is excellent all round, lights all good and working, as are all other electrics.
Note: This is a Big Back Window truck (If you are reading this, you probably know what it means VS Small Back Window trucks)
Brakes are drums all round but have servo upgrade, very powerful.
Fuel tank relocated from inside cab, to under bed at rear, behind axle, sensible filler neck inside bed. Original fuel tank converted to packing space.
Truck has Radio/CD player fitted in steel dash, looks like it was done with a meat cleaver.
Auto Meter gauges in dash, badly fitted, but all work well.
Truck fitted with Chrome Smoothies with good white wall tyres/tires.
Rear Chrome bumper fitted and has built in towbar with American electrics.
The truck has no spare wheel.
The interior has been retrimmed along the line somewhere, bit 70's style, quilted PVC seat and headlining, classic chrome with holes steering wheel, seems to suit the truck.
I have used this this truck as my daily driver for a year, its done tip runs, carted motorcycles about, I even used it to move house, the only problem I had was the steering box giving up a few weeks ago, now the new one is on it, it is driving better than ever.
These C10's are an easy classic to live with, parts available worldwide, easy to drive and maintain.
60-66 Chevy C10/C20's have been predicted to be the next big thing as they are now being discovered. They drive like a car, but work like a truck.
And.......... you can take the BBQ to shows!!!

Truck Freshly MOT Tested on 14 June, so a year of carefree driving ahead.


I guess it is time for a few pics. It is half past
midnight in the UK.


[font size="6"][font color="e63219"]Meet BILLYBOB[/font][/font]

















Where Fossil Fuels are happily converted into Smiles per mile.



Harley the fearless immediately came to mark and inspect the latest addition to the Grizz-Household.



Last pic, Happy man on his truck.





Tim "Bratman" knew that one of Nicola's conditions for getting the truck was to have a "Mexican" Blanket on the bench seat, so when we met up recently in Guildford, he brought me a grey blanket to hide in the car when we went to look at the truck, and then idea was to give it to her if we did buy the truck......
Draped over the bonnet of his '74 C30 Camper Special.

Thanks Tim.



Tim has also sourced us a Chrome towball to go with the rear bumper so that the Grizz-Pod can get around.






[font size="6"][font face="comic sans ms"][font color="52e619"]MEMPHIS FLIERS.......[/font][/font][/font]

A Rockabilly Band who had the truck before Rob had it as a daily.

Their FB page linked below, with some cool pics of the truck.

https://www.facebook.com/MemphisFlyers?fref=ts

I am trying to find out more about the other previous owner of the truck, who I believe built motorbikes and choppers.

Here are some photos of the truck in its previous guise with different wheels.








I am in the process of investigating the purchase of a 1971 Ontiac LeMans Sportwagon here in England.

Never seen one and suspect it may be the only one in England.

The car was imported in May 2016 and as yet not found a buyer.

No idea why.

There are a few bits on it that missing or damaged and would need replacing.

My question in opening is whether parts are available at all, interchangeable or being reproduced.

[Grizz1963]

Well, that did not work too well for a copy and paste.



It is the 350 motor and according to seller it runs like a sewing machine.

Some pics, random stuff I do Nike.....






Possibly the worst rust based on photos supplied.

I suspect that is as a result of that ding above it from a long time ago.



Car is a one owner, fully "patina'd" unit.

I do like the surface rust and would keep it like that, maybe only fix the rusty quarter panel.







Currently my biggest concern is that missing tail light lense and the trim on the rusty panel.





So it needs a few bits.

The seats are good but lots of stitching is pulled apart, presumably sun damage over the years.

[GTOWAGON]

most mechanical electrical and interior are same as a lemans or gto make sure the wagon exclusive parts are good{ tailgate rear side and tailgate glass} front sheetmetal is same as 2 and 4 door

[Grizz1963]

Originally Posted by GTOWAGON

most mechanical electrical and interior are same as a lemans or gto make sure the wagon exclusive parts are good{ tailgate rear side and tailgate glass} front sheetmetal is same as 2 and 4 door

Thank you.

I did post a few more pics but they did not seem to stick in the post.

It is the 350 motor and according to seller it runs like a sewing machine.

Some pics, random stuff I do Nike.....






Possibly the worst rust based on photos supplied.

I suspect that is as a result of that ding above it from a long time ago.



Car is a one owner, fully "patina'd" unit.

I do like the surface rust and would keep it like that, maybe only fix the rusty quarter panel.







Currently my biggest concern is that missing tail light lense and the trim on the rusty panel.





So it needs a few bits.

The seats are good but lots of stitching is pulled apart, presumably sun damage over the years.

[Grizz1963]

Originally Posted by GTOWAGON

most mechanical electrical and interior are same as a lemans or gto make sure the wagon exclusive parts are good{ tailgate rear side and tailgate glass} front sheetmetal is same as 2 and 4 door

Thank you mate,

I think the most important thing right now for UK license and initial testing will be getting a rear light lense.

[Grizz1963]

Let's see if this post sticks.


It is the 350 motor and according to seller it runs like a sewing machine.

Some pics, random stuff I do Nike.....






Possibly the worst rust based on photos supplied.

I suspect that is as a result of that ding above it from a long time ago.



Car is a one owner, fully "patina'd" unit.

I do like the surface rust and would keep it like that, maybe only fix the rusty quarter panel.







Currently my biggest concern is that missing tail light lense and the trim on the rusty panel.





So it needs a few bits.

The seats are good but lots of stitching is pulled apart, presumably sun damage over the years.

[Stuart]

Grizz, welcome to the site! I've been following your exploits over on the GJ board.

If you can post more photos of the car it will be helpful.

[Grizz1963]

Originally Posted by Stuart

Grizz, welcome to the site! I've been following your exploits over on the GJ board.

If you can post more photos of the car it will be helpful.

Hi Stuart,

Thank you very much for the welcome.

Yes, the GJ thread is probably my most followed thread. There is an amazing amount of knowledge over there too.

http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/s...ad.php?t=52970

I suspect that the moderators will be checking all my entries for now, or maybe longer, not sure how the system works here.

I have posted replies and more pics but they do not seem to come up.

Have to be patient, I guess.

[GTOWAGON]

that taillight should not be too hard to find but it is wagon only would be the same for 70-72' also the fuel tank in these cars is in the drivers side quarter panel there is a bracket welded to the inner panel and the gas tank strap attatches to it. I would rcomend pulling the tank to make sure everything is solid I have made a bracket in the past that bolts to the frame rail and gives some additional support

[Half-Inch Stud]

Welcome to PY!

[bird72]

GRIZZ, welcome. Visit the LeMans GTO section, it will help much on your wagon cause. They are not bad sourcing parts for, buy original is my motto, repro last resort.

I really enjoyed the insight into your world. The truck is truly a beauty! It is a special one for sure.

Welcome and nice you invited us all if we are ever over there wait, maybe you didn't....

[Grizz1963]

Originally Posted by bird72

GRIZZ, welcome. Visit the LeMans GTO section, it will help much on your wagon cause. They are not bad sourcing parts for, buy original is my motto, repro last resort.

I really enjoyed the insight into your world. The truck is truly a beauty! It is a special one for sure.

Welcome and nice you invited us all if we are ever over there wait, maybe you didn't....

Hi Anthony,

Thank you for the welcome.

One of the reasons for the wagon, other than that I love wagons and predict they will be the next big thing (everything else has been done)

But also.......

The truck currently is gettnga nut and bolt restoration by me.......



With everything being mechanically replaced or restored.

I am always the big guy in the photo.



If you,have more time to waste.....


Here is my short USnRoadtrip in October.

Much photos etc.

In 2015 I made it onto the Gas Monkey Garage floor and spent three hours with Aaron and some of the other guys,

CLICK LINK: http://retrorides.proboards.com/thre...chevy-roadtrip

this year........

Check it out.

CLICK LINK:http://retrorides.proboards.com/thre...2016-best-trip


Aaron, Jonathan and myself, I nearly did not have the photo taken as I thought he must be so tired of the hero worship every day, but as he and Richard says, "This is what puts steak on our plates"

[David Jones]

Welcome Grizz.

What everyone REALLY wants to know is....... Do you know Mike and Edd?

[Grizz1963]

Originally Posted by GTOWAGON

that taillight should not be too hard to find but it is wagon only would be the same for 70-72' also the fuel tank in these cars is in the drivers side quarter panel there is a bracket welded to the inner panel and the gas tank strap attatches to it. I would rcomend pulling the tank to make sure everything is solid I have made a bracket in the past that bolts to the frame rail and gives some additional support

Originally Posted by Half-Inch Stud

Welcome to PY!

Originally Posted by David Jones

Welcome Grizz.

What everyone REALLY wants to know is....... Do you know Mike and Edd?

I certainly do not, but have had the pleasure, by fluke of meeting some amazingly nice normal people over the years.

Interestingly, their workshop is not that far from where I live, but of course they are all American now.

Thank you David Jones and Half-inch Stud.

GTOWAGON, Thank you for the reply.

I think the most important part, for the car to get an English MOT or roadworthy certificate, would be locating that rear light lense and it is a fail if the lights do not work right.

[Grizz1963]

This is so weird with the moderators approving each posting, out of sync.

My biggest issue right now......... lense.

[Grizz1963]

Found these clips.

https://youtu.be/bkn3q4Ezwys


And a faster one :rocker:


https://youtu.be/Ta6kP3itZx8


Think I still want one.

[Txbobcat]

welcome aboard Grizz. I like your truck and the wagon.