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Ron Hilbert's 1971 Chevy C-10 Pickup Truck Project

The 2004 restoration begins!

The engine had not been run in 10 years. It was torn down, but not much. At this point the engine has 88342 original miles. The original Rochester Quadrajet Four Barrel carburetor was overhauled. A new timing chain was installed to replace the old one with nylon gears. A new high pressure oil pump and powdercoated oil pan was installed.

Some engine parts were powercoated silver then a transparent blue to give the effect of anodizing. The truck did not come with air conditioning so I am installing a Vintage Air System.

The suspension was sprayed with oven cleaner and let set for 2 hours, then hit with a pressure washer. It took off the old paint and 33 years of grease and road dirt. Wire brushing and emery cloth sanding had to be done to get rid of old rust and lose junk. I hit the bear metal with metal etch and let set for 15 minutes then sprayed it off. It leaves a phosphors coating that is ready for paint. I painted the bare metal with POR-15. The secret to POR-15 is thinning it ½ and applying 2 or 3 coats.

I replaced the original alternator with a chrome, one wire internal regulated 60 AMP alternator. The transmission fluid and filter was changed and a new chrome pan installed on the transmission that I picked up at Hot August Nights in Reno.

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