1987 S10 Project

bmxzach · 10-10-2009, 10:20 PM

hey guys, i don't know much about fixing trucks but me and my step-dad are going to fix up an 87 S10 i got for $500.

its a 2.5L 4banger with a 4spd standard tranny. runs pretty well, but needs brakes, exhaust and rockers.

was just wondering how hard it would be to put some speakers into the door? sacrificing the pockets is no problem. any help would be greatly appreciated as i am just learning about everything. thanks guys!

stay tuned for more pictures and progress reports

MadMikeZ28 · 10-11-2009, 01:28 AM

You want the speakers on the inside or outside of those doors?

s10kid17 · 10-11-2009, 05:49 PM

sweet son and dad projects are awesome! What are your plans for it? gonna put a bed on it??

bmxzach · 10-11-2009, 08:38 PM

i think putting speakers in the doors would be simple, drill the right sized hole and screw them into the plastic panel. maybe put some support in behind. i plan on getting it on the road in the spring, then upgrading as i get the money. i have the bed for it but its ****ed beyond beleif, if i cant find one i might fix it up

bmxzach · 10-11-2009, 09:06 PM

got some more pictures. rockers need replacing aswell as pass and driver floor pands. middle and under seat are fine. please tell me you can buy new floor covers? i cut mine out.

s10kid17 · 10-11-2009, 10:14 PM

Just weld some sheet metal in..? no one sees it

MadMikeZ28 · 10-12-2009, 01:11 AM

Holy Crap! Even the Titanic today does not look that bad.

I used to save old hoods that I had to replace so I could use that sheet metal to make patch panels for VWs'. Battery box would rot out a lot.

1stiski · 10-12-2009, 08:27 AM

Floor covers , JC Whitney. Stock rubber or carpet.. Cut out the all the old rust and replace. Plenty of aftermarket body parts out there too. OR head to your local junk yard and bring a sawzall.

bmxzach · 10-12-2009, 07:46 PM

turns out the inner fender part of the cab is rusted out too and is being held together by the spray foam the idiot put in. looking for another truck to use this one for parts. its a shame

bmxzach · 10-12-2009, 09:02 PM

picking up an almost complete truck for $200, brakes and exhaust should be fine on it. also has a bed and tailgate for mine. i might even put the cab from mine on it if its less work

bmxzach · 10-23-2009, 11:27 PM

got these with the parts truck, a little rusty but a sandblasting and some paint and they're good to go. stereo is torn apart for speaker re-wiring. anyone know of some common problems with heaters not working?

Freek · 10-24-2009, 04:42 AM

Does the truck overheat?
Do you smell coolant in the cab?
Do you see liquid on the floor?

If all no, then check thermostat?

Ken448 · 10-24-2009, 10:03 AM

speakers in the doors:

Its not THAT hard. Just a little glass work

bmxzach · 10-26-2009, 09:02 PM

Quote: Originally Posted by Freek

Does the truck overheat?
Do you smell coolant in the cab?
Do you see liquid on the floor?

If all no, then check thermostat?

i meant the air heater, like defrost and such. the fans don't run.

thanks for those door pics. how did you get rid of the pocket?

jtcfanof3 · 10-27-2009, 08:41 AM

I've got a pass floor pan and cab mount from LMC if you are still looking.

bmxzach · 10-28-2009, 09:30 PM

Quote: Originally Posted by jtcfanof3

I've got a pass floor pan and cab mount from LMC if you are still looking.

thanks, but we've found out the pass floor is alright. just need to get the surface rust off and replace a small corner where its bubbling. i'm hoping to get it into my dad's shop soon

bmxzach · 10-29-2009, 01:41 PM

box mock up. need to fix it up, looks so much better than a wooden flatbed!

bmxzach · 10-29-2009, 01:41 PM

bmxzach · 10-29-2009, 01:53 PM

best cheap way to drop the rear end? was thinking maybe 2-3 inches. enough that it sits almost level

jtcfanof3 · 10-29-2009, 06:39 PM

Pull a leaf.........

Ken448 · 10-29-2009, 08:30 PM

pull a leaf or blocks are cheap. Or you can have the springs re-arched (depending on the shop, drop springs are only $150ish). I HATED my truck with a leaf removed.

jtcfanof3 · 10-29-2009, 09:44 PM

Why? Thats all a ZQ8 is basically, I like my ZQ8, rides great. Although its dropped another 3inchs with blocks, mine rides great

Ken448 · 10-29-2009, 10:06 PM

my ZQ8's (I have a 98 Sonoma) leafs are FLAT compared to the leafs that used to live on my s10.

jtcfanof3 · 10-29-2009, 11:36 PM

Old pic, but this is my 03 ZQ8 leaf packs, as you can see it is as simple as one leaf removed.......

You may of had the HD set of springs, I forget the RPO for that leaf pack,Z85 maybe? Anyway, cheapest drop is pull on leaf out of the pack, it's free really.
LOL
Yes there is a how to on the board.

bmxzach · 10-31-2009, 12:35 PM

delete

bmxzach · 11-09-2009, 08:31 AM

i found some drop leafs for a decent price. would you have to replace the shocks too? can anyone tell me which ones i'd need with 3" drop leafs? thanks for the help guys

sonomaguy · 11-09-2009, 01:38 PM

With drop leaves, if it's 3 inch, it would be a good idea to change shocks. Sorry, don't know the number. With blocks, you don't have to.

bmxzach · 11-09-2009, 05:08 PM

i heard blocks are bad for twisting and such. my shocks are almost dead anyway.

UPDATE: pulled the passanger side door off, and might work on some door panels eventually. i don't have any air vents except the defrost on the dash. whats going on? none on the sides. is there supposed to be one in the centre of ALL 87 s10s? i've seen some but not sure.

jtcfanof3 · 11-09-2009, 05:20 PM

You have a non A/C dash.

bmxzach · 11-09-2009, 06:50 PM

so my step dad said the heat would just blow in from under and above the dash to warm feet and defrost, correct?

sonomaguy · 11-10-2009, 08:18 AM

Some of the cheaper trucks only had defrost and heat vents, no dash vents. Blocks may twist but only if you are putting lots of power to them.

Kiko · 11-10-2009, 08:43 AM

Quote: Originally Posted by bmxzach

i heard blocks are bad for twisting and such. my shocks are almost dead anyway.

UPDATE: pulled the passanger side door off, and might work on some door panels eventually. i don't have any air vents except the defrost on the dash. whats going on? none on the sides. is there supposed to be one in the centre of ALL 87 s10s? i've seen some but not sure.

I rode with 3" blocks for a long time an never had any problems.

xdraggerx · 11-10-2009, 07:33 PM

i like your shit box. it not all about glamour its about having fun working on your mini.

jtcfanof3 · 11-10-2009, 07:47 PM

Yep and those dash's catch a fair price on the market if they are in good shape.

bmxzach · 11-10-2009, 09:33 PM

the centre is cut out haha

bmxzach · 11-11-2009, 04:41 PM

both door panels are off, waiting for my dad to get the parts for his car so we can put the rear axle back on it and move it out of the way to get my truck in there. once in there i will be replacing the floor/rockers and swapping it to power steering

bmxzach · 11-11-2009, 05:14 PM

photoshop dropped. looks better?

Kiko · 11-11-2009, 06:04 PM

Looks much better lowered

Johnythemuse · 11-11-2009, 09:46 PM

alright, i'm gonna feel stupid..

can anyone explain to me what a leaf is?

sonomaguy · 11-11-2009, 10:08 PM

It's what we call part of the suspension in the rear of the truck. There are usually between 3 and 5 of them. More leaves=stiffer ride and more payload, to some degree. Less leaves= lower payload and lower ride. They keep the axel on the ground.

Johnythemuse · 11-12-2009, 07:33 AM

alright, thanks.

bmxzach · 11-12-2009, 04:27 PM

rear- 3" drop

front- 2" drop. should look sexyyyy. i have the rim i posted a pic of on right now. so stealthy. pics if i put more than one on haha

Kiko · 11-12-2009, 05:50 PM

Hurry up and drop it already

Johnythemuse · 11-12-2009, 06:58 PM

how do i pull a leaf on an '84 s10?

bmxzach · 11-12-2009, 07:07 PM

search.

bmxzach · 11-12-2009, 07:58 PM

http://www.summitracing.com/parts/BEL-614ND/

opinions? if the blocks aren't low enough i'll sell them, buy 3inch leafs, and 1-2" blocks.

adamwilkes20 · 11-12-2009, 08:08 PM

that kit looks good. If I were you, I would go ahead and replace the outer tie rod ends while I was there doing spindles, ball joints too. You are wanna go ahead and get an alignment done anyways, if they are really bad you are just going to end up tearing it apart again.

bmxzach · 11-13-2009, 04:29 PM

it won't be lowered for a long time, i might even lose hope on this project. so much work. i figured out whats wrong with the headlight though, so that saves me $60 on a lamp. stupid wiring.

updated pic with the rims

Kiko · 11-13-2009, 06:45 PM

If you lived closer i would come help. old s10's are SO simple to work on. But then again maybe it's because i've taken mine apart piece by piece and put it back about 50 times so far?

What all is wrong?

bmxzach · 11-13-2009, 08:19 PM

both floor pans, all rockers, brakes, bed needs repairing/replacing, heater isn't working, valve cover is leaking, headlights need something, the wiring is screwed. signals turn on but don't flash, only the four ways flash. the wiper/light stick in the stearing colum is really loose. brakes will be fun... i need all new lines including parking brake

10-10-2009, 10:20 PM	#1
bmxzach Registered User Join Date: Oct 2009 Posts: 180 Location: User is: OffLine	1987 S10 Project hey guys, i don't know much about fixing trucks but me and my step-dad are going to fix up an 87 S10 i got for $500. its a 2.5L 4banger with a 4spd standard tranny. runs pretty well, but needs brakes, exhaust and rockers. was just wondering how hard it would be to put some speakers into the door? sacrificing the pockets is no problem. any help would be greatly appreciated as i am just learning about everything. thanks guys! stay tuned for more pictures and progress reports
	[Reply w/Quote]

10-11-2009, 01:28 AM	#2
MadMikeZ28 Done with the whinners Age: 41 Join Date: Jul 2006 Posts: 5,065 Location: Where men act like men and don't cry User is: OffLine	Re: 1987 S10 Project You want the speakers on the inside or outside of those doors?
	[Reply w/Quote]

10-11-2009, 05:49 PM	#3
s10kid17 \/Local Member\/ Join Date: Jan 2009 Posts: 1,075 Location: User is: Online	Re: 1987 S10 Project sweet son and dad projects are awesome! What are your plans for it? gonna put a bed on it??
	[Reply w/Quote]

10-11-2009, 08:38 PM	#4
bmxzach Registered User Join Date: Oct 2009 Posts: 180 Location: User is: OffLine	Re: 1987 S10 Project i think putting speakers in the doors would be simple, drill the right sized hole and screw them into the plastic panel. maybe put some support in behind. i plan on getting it on the road in the spring, then upgrading as i get the money. i have the bed for it but its ****ed beyond beleif, if i cant find one i might fix it up
	[Reply w/Quote]

10-11-2009, 09:06 PM	#5
bmxzach Registered User Join Date: Oct 2009 Posts: 180 Location: User is: OffLine	Re: 1987 S10 Project got some more pictures. rockers need replacing aswell as pass and driver floor pands. middle and under seat are fine. please tell me you can buy new floor covers? i cut mine out.
	[Reply w/Quote]

10-11-2009, 10:14 PM	#6
s10kid17 \/Local Member\/ Join Date: Jan 2009 Posts: 1,075 Location: User is: Online	Re: 1987 S10 Project Just weld some sheet metal in..? no one sees it
	[Reply w/Quote]

10-12-2009, 01:11 AM	#7
MadMikeZ28 Done with the whinners Age: 41 Join Date: Jul 2006 Posts: 5,065 Location: Where men act like men and don't cry User is: OffLine	Re: 1987 S10 Project Holy Crap! Even the Titanic today does not look that bad. I used to save old hoods that I had to replace so I could use that sheet metal to make patch panels for VWs'. Battery box would rot out a lot.
	[Reply w/Quote]

10-12-2009, 08:27 AM	#8
1stiski Registered User Age: 48 Join Date: Jul 2009 Posts: 72 Location: Elizabethville, PA User is: OffLine	Re: 1987 S10 Project Floor covers , JC Whitney. Stock rubber or carpet.. Cut out the all the old rust and replace. Plenty of aftermarket body parts out there too. OR head to your local junk yard and bring a sawzall.
	[Reply w/Quote]

10-12-2009, 07:46 PM	#9
bmxzach Registered User Join Date: Oct 2009 Posts: 180 Location: User is: OffLine	Re: 1987 S10 Project turns out the inner fender part of the cab is rusted out too and is being held together by the spray foam the idiot put in. looking for another truck to use this one for parts. its a shame
	[Reply w/Quote]

10-12-2009, 09:02 PM	#10
bmxzach Registered User Join Date: Oct 2009 Posts: 180 Location: User is: OffLine	Re: 1987 S10 Project picking up an almost complete truck for $200, brakes and exhaust should be fine on it. also has a bed and tailgate for mine. i might even put the cab from mine on it if its less work
	[Reply w/Quote]

10-23-2009, 11:27 PM	#11
bmxzach Registered User Join Date: Oct 2009 Posts: 180 Location: User is: OffLine	Re: 1987 S10 Project got these with the parts truck, a little rusty but a sandblasting and some paint and they're good to go. stereo is torn apart for speaker re-wiring. anyone know of some common problems with heaters not working?
	[Reply w/Quote]

10-24-2009, 04:42 AM	#12
Freek Shred The Shit Age: 17 Join Date: Feb 2008 Posts: 815 Location: Indianapolis, IN User is: Online	Re: 1987 S10 Project Does the truck overheat? Do you smell coolant in the cab? Do you see liquid on the floor? If all no, then check thermostat?
	[Reply w/Quote]

10-24-2009, 10:03 AM	#13
Ken448 This space for rent! Age: 35 Join Date: Jul 2007 Posts: 265 Location: Southeast MI User is: OffLine	Re: 1987 S10 Project speakers in the doors: Its not THAT hard. Just a little glass work
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10-26-2009, 09:02 PM	#14
bmxzach Registered User Join Date: Oct 2009 Posts: 180 Location: User is: OffLine	Re: 1987 S10 Project Quote: Originally Posted by Freek Does the truck overheat? Do you smell coolant in the cab? Do you see liquid on the floor? If all no, then check thermostat? i meant the air heater, like defrost and such. the fans don't run. thanks for those door pics. how did you get rid of the pocket?
	[Reply w/Quote]

10-27-2009, 08:41 AM	#15
jtcfanof3 ConvincedEVERYONEisondope Age: 34 Join Date: Aug 2005 Posts: 5,783 Location: barack hussein obama mmm mmm mmm User is: OffLine	Re: 1987 S10 Project I've got a pass floor pan and cab mount from LMC if you are still looking.
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10-28-2009, 09:30 PM	#16
bmxzach Registered User Join Date: Oct 2009 Posts: 180 Location: User is: OffLine	Re: 1987 S10 Project Quote: Originally Posted by jtcfanof3 I've got a pass floor pan and cab mount from LMC if you are still looking. thanks, but we've found out the pass floor is alright. just need to get the surface rust off and replace a small corner where its bubbling. i'm hoping to get it into my dad's shop soon
	[Reply w/Quote]

10-29-2009, 01:41 PM	#17
bmxzach Registered User Join Date: Oct 2009 Posts: 180 Location: User is: OffLine	Re: 1987 S10 Project box mock up. need to fix it up, looks so much better than a wooden flatbed! Last edited by bmxzach : 10-29-2009 at 01:42 PM.
	[Reply w/Quote]

10-29-2009, 01:41 PM	#18
bmxzach Registered User Join Date: Oct 2009 Posts: 180 Location: User is: OffLine	Re: 1987 S10 Project
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10-29-2009, 01:53 PM	#19
bmxzach Registered User Join Date: Oct 2009 Posts: 180 Location: User is: OffLine	Re: 1987 S10 Project best cheap way to drop the rear end? was thinking maybe 2-3 inches. enough that it sits almost level
	[Reply w/Quote]

10-29-2009, 06:39 PM	#20
jtcfanof3 ConvincedEVERYONEisondope Age: 34 Join Date: Aug 2005 Posts: 5,783 Location: barack hussein obama mmm mmm mmm User is: OffLine	Re: 1987 S10 Project Pull a leaf.........
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10-29-2009, 08:30 PM	#21
Ken448 This space for rent! Age: 35 Join Date: Jul 2007 Posts: 265 Location: Southeast MI User is: OffLine	Re: 1987 S10 Project pull a leaf or blocks are cheap. Or you can have the springs re-arched (depending on the shop, drop springs are only $150ish). I HATED my truck with a leaf removed.
	[Reply w/Quote]

10-29-2009, 09:44 PM	#22
jtcfanof3 ConvincedEVERYONEisondope Age: 34 Join Date: Aug 2005 Posts: 5,783 Location: barack hussein obama mmm mmm mmm User is: OffLine	Re: 1987 S10 Project Why? Thats all a ZQ8 is basically, I like my ZQ8, rides great. Although its dropped another 3inchs with blocks, mine rides great
	[Reply w/Quote]

10-29-2009, 10:06 PM	#23
Ken448 This space for rent! Age: 35 Join Date: Jul 2007 Posts: 265 Location: Southeast MI User is: OffLine	Re: 1987 S10 Project my ZQ8's (I have a 98 Sonoma) leafs are FLAT compared to the leafs that used to live on my s10.
	[Reply w/Quote]

10-29-2009, 11:36 PM	#24
jtcfanof3 ConvincedEVERYONEisondope Age: 34 Join Date: Aug 2005 Posts: 5,783 Location: barack hussein obama mmm mmm mmm User is: OffLine	Re: 1987 S10 Project Old pic, but this is my 03 ZQ8 leaf packs, as you can see it is as simple as one leaf removed....... You may of had the HD set of springs, I forget the RPO for that leaf pack,Z85 maybe? Anyway, cheapest drop is pull on leaf out of the pack, it's free really. LOL Yes there is a how to on the board. Last edited by jtcfanof3 : 10-29-2009 at 11:39 PM.
	[Reply w/Quote]

10-31-2009, 12:35 PM	#25
bmxzach Registered User Join Date: Oct 2009 Posts: 180 Location: User is: OffLine	Re: 1987 S10 Project delete
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11-09-2009, 08:31 AM	#26
bmxzach Registered User Join Date: Oct 2009 Posts: 180 Location: User is: OffLine	Re: 1987 S10 Project i found some drop leafs for a decent price. would you have to replace the shocks too? can anyone tell me which ones i'd need with 3" drop leafs? thanks for the help guys
	[Reply w/Quote]

11-09-2009, 01:38 PM	#27
sonomaguy Drag-N-Fly Customs Age: 48 Join Date: Apr 2003 Posts: 2,251 Location: Alberta,Canada User is: OffLine	Re: 1987 S10 Project With drop leaves, if it's 3 inch, it would be a good idea to change shocks. Sorry, don't know the number. With blocks, you don't have to.
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11-09-2009, 05:08 PM	#28
bmxzach Registered User Join Date: Oct 2009 Posts: 180 Location: User is: OffLine	Re: 1987 S10 Project i heard blocks are bad for twisting and such. my shocks are almost dead anyway. UPDATE: pulled the passanger side door off, and might work on some door panels eventually. i don't have any air vents except the defrost on the dash. whats going on? none on the sides. is there supposed to be one in the centre of ALL 87 s10s? i've seen some but not sure.
	[Reply w/Quote]

11-09-2009, 05:20 PM	#29
jtcfanof3 ConvincedEVERYONEisondope Age: 34 Join Date: Aug 2005 Posts: 5,783 Location: barack hussein obama mmm mmm mmm User is: OffLine	Re: 1987 S10 Project You have a non A/C dash.
	[Reply w/Quote]

11-09-2009, 06:50 PM	#30
bmxzach Registered User Join Date: Oct 2009 Posts: 180 Location: User is: OffLine	Re: 1987 S10 Project so my step dad said the heat would just blow in from under and above the dash to warm feet and defrost, correct?
	[Reply w/Quote]

11-10-2009, 08:18 AM	#31
sonomaguy Drag-N-Fly Customs Age: 48 Join Date: Apr 2003 Posts: 2,251 Location: Alberta,Canada User is: OffLine	Re: 1987 S10 Project Some of the cheaper trucks only had defrost and heat vents, no dash vents. Blocks may twist but only if you are putting lots of power to them.
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11-10-2009, 08:43 AM	#32
Kiko Crazy for a square body Age: 22 Join Date: Apr 2007 Posts: 1,958 Location: Mobile,Alabama User is: OffLine	Re: 1987 S10 Project Quote: Originally Posted by bmxzach i heard blocks are bad for twisting and such. my shocks are almost dead anyway. UPDATE: pulled the passanger side door off, and might work on some door panels eventually. i don't have any air vents except the defrost on the dash. whats going on? none on the sides. is there supposed to be one in the centre of ALL 87 s10s? i've seen some but not sure. I rode with 3" blocks for a long time an never had any problems.
	[Reply w/Quote]

11-10-2009, 07:33 PM	#33
xdraggerx Registered User Age: 27 Join Date: Sep 2005 Posts: 1,803 Location: Boston MA User is: OffLine	Re: 1987 S10 Project i like your shit box. it not all about glamour its about having fun working on your mini.
	[Reply w/Quote]

11-10-2009, 07:47 PM	#34
jtcfanof3 ConvincedEVERYONEisondope Age: 34 Join Date: Aug 2005 Posts: 5,783 Location: barack hussein obama mmm mmm mmm User is: OffLine	Re: 1987 S10 Project Yep and those dash's catch a fair price on the market if they are in good shape.
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11-10-2009, 09:33 PM	#35
bmxzach Registered User Join Date: Oct 2009 Posts: 180 Location: User is: OffLine	Re: 1987 S10 Project the centre is cut out haha
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