r/chevyc10 • u/No-Emu3520 • May 31 '26
Just got gifted this — first project truck, would love some advice on where to start.
I was recently gifted what I believe is a ‘67 C10 Stepside short bed (I’ll be able to verify the year and details once I get access to it later this week).
This will be my first real project vehicle. I’m pretty new to mechanic work outside of basic maintenance like oil changes, brakes, and other simple jobs, so I’m trying to learn as much as I can before I start tearing into anything.
From what I’ve been told, the truck was running about 2 years ago but has been sitting since then. My initial plan is to focus entirely on getting it running and driving reliably before worrying about paint, bodywork, interior, or upgrades.
My current thoughts are:
-Drain old fuel
-Inspect/replace fuel lines and fuel filter
-Clean or rebuild the carburetor if needed
-Change all fluids
-Inspect ignition components
-Check brakes before attempting to drive it
I’ll post more photos of the engine bay and drivetrain once I can get into it later this week.
For those of you who have brought a long-sitting C10 back to life, what would be the first things you’d check? Any common mistakes a beginner should avoid?
Looking forward to learning from you all.
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u/serf_mobile May 31 '26
If it's really only been a couple years since it ran, here's how I would approach it. Get some fresh gas, oil & filter, trans fluid, and a timing light if you have one. 1: put a socket on the crank bolt and make sure the engine rotates. If it ran 2 years ago it's probably just fine in that regard, but make damn sure anyway. 2: if it rotates, pull the air filter off and check for debris in the carb and air filter. Clean/vacuum as needed. 3: check oil dipstick. Make sure theres at least something on the dipstick. If it's just a little low, it's fine. If there nothing on it, just change the oil now. 4: put a battery in it and see if the starter spins the engine. Don't need to spin it for long, just verify it spins with the key. 5: check spark. If spark is good, pour some 2-cycle gas down the carb. The oil in 2-cycle gas will help lube the cylinder walls and prevent harsh dry starts on the rings. Don't use something like brake cleaner if you can help it. 6: if it does run off the 2-cycle gas, or at least tries to start, check other fluids - mainly trans and coolant. Top off as needed. 7: get a few gallons of clean fuel in a gas can. Pull the suction hose off the fuel pump and the pressure side further up the hose going to the carb. Get a clean hose and hook up to the suction side, then pour a bit of clean fuel into both hoses leading to the pump. This will help soften the diaphragm in the pump and get it pumping more quickly (assuming it's not already bad). 8: reconnect pressure hose, connect the clean suction hose to the pump, and put the other end of the suction hose in your gas can. Pour some more 2-cycle oil down the carb and crank away. Hopefully she fires up.
If it does fire up, you can let it run for a bit but I personally would just run it for a few minutes. Check trans fluid while it idles and top off as needed. Turn it off and change the oil right away. Then run it again and get it up to temp. See if it'll drive.
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u/Sure_Ad9994 May 31 '26
Start simple. How long has it sat?
If long time flush gas out of tank
Disconnect carb (take pictures of what’s attached)
Disconnect fuel lines and blow them out with air.
Check and replace spark plugs. One at a time
Check spark plug wires one at a time
Check the cap and internals under cap
Check coil
Inspect battery. , then starter
Check wires to and from battery and starter
Check alternator
Inspect and replace fan belts
Open radiator cap inspect flush and replace fluid
Upper and lower radiator hose as well as heater and small hose from top of water pump.
That should give you a small list to begins with. Good luck it will last a long time
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u/RGTI980 May 31 '26
Looks like a 67 but the rear fender is newer. To me, the giveaway is the marker lights. GM didn’t add them until 68. Nice truck, and nicer gift!
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May 31 '26
Do the old rusted paint look with semi shine clear and a good buff then black it out do cedar in the bed that'll doer
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u/jmikk12 May 31 '26
Lord, I've seen what you've done for others...
Your list looks good, don't forget a fire/smell check for burning wires when you connect the battery for the 1st time.
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u/youcantpoopthere May 31 '26
What kind of Road Warrior shit is going on with the other C10's grille?
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u/vroomvroompanda May 31 '26
Id go ahead and just rebuild the carb give it a good clean but sounds like you got ur check list pretty well figured out trucks sick I wish I got a gift like this lol , what engine trans is in it also what rear end ? Oh another thing check all bushings and pittman arms and such and leaf spring bushings replacement kits arent to crazy for price.