Project "Black Cherry" 68 c/10
 

My name is Steven and I am new to the c/10 lifestyle. I have never owned a truck before, let alone a classic one. I recently purchased my 68 Chevy c/10 with a 5.3/4L60e swap. The guy i bought it from was going through a financial hardship and had already done most of the work to the truck. The cab corners, and rocker panels have been replaced as well as removing the gas tank from the rear seat and welding off the factory filler location.

I will have tons of questions about building my truck to my liking and figured this was the best place to seek out the help from fellow chevy truck enthusiast.

I have owned several nice cars, in my mind, in the past and love to learn new things about different types of vehicles.

Here are some photos as the trucks sits at the moment. He did most of the body work and had the cab and bed already painted, so i may as well paint the front end to match, and enjoy the truck the current color it is before taking it all apart and going with a two tone orange/white cheyenne look.

http://i86.photobucket.com/albums/k8...psb2610fc1.jpg

http://i86.photobucket.com/albums/k8...ps231fc656.jpg


http://i86.photobucket.com/albums/k8...ps010f52e2.jpg


http://i86.photobucket.com/albums/k8...ps8d0b470c.jpg

http://i86.photobucket.com/albums/k8...ps3d5b875e.jpg

http://i86.photobucket.com/albums/k8...psc3fb2415.jpg


http://i86.photobucket.com/albums/k8...pscecd330b.jpg


http://i86.photobucket.com/albums/k8...psef281837.jpg

I'll try post some other pics in the next few days.

Name is Steven and I'm addicated to GM power!:chevy:

Re: Project "Black Cherry" 68 c/10
 

Welcome. Nice start to what will be a fun project. Are you going to keep the 71/72 front end or try and swap back to the correct 68 front sheet metal?

Re: Project "Black Cherry" 68 c/10
 

Kool! Looks like you got an awesome headstart! Interested on how this develops!

Re: Project "Black Cherry" 68 c/10
 

I'm loving that the guy had swapped it over to a 72 front end. I've always been a fan of this particular nose. A quick question, because it has the 72 hood, grille, and fenders. Do i need to order a outer cowl panel for a 68 or 72 style truck?

I also need a tail gate, inner fenders, gas tank kit, as well as little odds and ends. Any help as to which companies sell the best ones would be greatly appreciated.

The truck currently has most of its parts from LMC from what i was told. This including the new instrument panel with gauges, new suspension parts, weather strips, and all new glass and seals except for the small quarter glasses.

Any help is appreciated.

Re: Project "Black Cherry" 68 c/10
 

If you're talking about the cowl by the wiper arms, they are all the same from 67 to 72. Keep an eye out on craigslist for used parts. Original parts fit better then reproduction parts. Also, the tailgates are supposed to be flimsy and dont fit well....

http://sanantonio.craigslist.org/pts/4083022381.html


http://sanantonio.craigslist.org/sea...sk=&srchType=T

Re: Project "Black Cherry" 68 c/10
 

What kind of fuel tank should i run in the bed? Anyone have any recommendations or companies that i should stay away from?

I also need a radiator/ with electric fans and some headers. What are some good headers for this particular swap?

Is there a certain company people use for a driveshaft to mate the 4l60e to the 12bolt rear?

Re: Project "Black Cherry" 68 c/10
 

My tank was kustom made by these guys... Linky They can make anything, and really nicely made...

Re: Project "Black Cherry" 68 c/10
 

How much was your custom made tank more or less?

Re: Project "Black Cherry" 68 c/10
 

Without digging around for the receipt, I would like to say it was $425 or so shipped... And mine was totally custom from a sketch on a sheet of paper...

Re: Project "Black Cherry" 68 c/10
 

Do they still have the design of your tank saved? Could i see some pics of the fitment of your tank please? Are you running an in tank pump, external? Is it in bed fill or side fill?

Re: Project "Black Cherry" 68 c/10
 

I have a leaky rear diff cover, its like a stock stamped steel one. Thinking of upgrading it. Are these good ones?

http://www.jegs.com/i/Proform/778/69...FUlp7AodbTEA_g

http://www.jegs.com/i/Moser-Engineer.../7110/10002/-1

Re: Project "Black Cherry" 68 c/10
 

My tank was a really weird shape to fit the frame I fabricated for my '37... It wouldn't fit anywhere in yours I would imagine. Mine is a long rectangle...
http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5491/1...2b3286a1_c.jpg
IMG_0630m by Der E30, on Flickr
It's the thing under all the blue tape... I can pull the pic down if you don't want it cluttering your thread.

Re: Project "Black Cherry" 68 c/10
 

Thanks for the info, I may just get a tank from boyds if i dont find something else.

Anyone recommend a brake booster setup they may be running and radiator setup?

Re: Project "Black Cherry" 68 c/10
 

there used to a chevy place n Arizona that you could get everything

Re: Project "Black Cherry" 68 c/10
 

Thanks for the info?

Re: Project "Black Cherry" 68 c/10
 

Got a radiator, now just need a fan kit and other little hardware. Anyone know a certain part # for a upper and lower hose i can purchase?

Also, I noticed when i tried mocking it uo, that the passenger side mounting bracket on the bottom of the radiator support didnt line up. Is there a way to remove this bracket? Pic of bracket below.
http://i86.photobucket.com/albums/k8...ps1b4a5a2e.jpg

I purchased a new radiator support with all new mounting hardware. Just wanted to see if it fit, or how tight of a fit it would me.

http://i86.photobucket.com/albums/k8...psf91d5cac.jpg
http://i86.photobucket.com/albums/k8...psbfdf9ce8.jpg
http://i86.photobucket.com/albums/k8...pse58359b8.jpg

http://i86.photobucket.com/albums/k8...ps3b557a13.jpg
http://i86.photobucket.com/albums/k8...ps1d2b06f3.jpg

these were just some mock up fans i used to check clearance. Anyone have a nice fan set they recommend? Can i just get some from a certain veh at a junkyard?
http://i86.photobucket.com/albums/k8...ps9b94f5ec.jpg

Re: Project "Black Cherry" 68 c/10
 

Anyone know if i buy some longtube headers for a trailblazer ss, if they will fit with my cpp mounts?

Re: Project "Black Cherry" 68 c/10
 

I tried installing my truck manifolds and fbody manifolds and nothing clears my damn CPP mounts!?!?

Do i need new mounts from a different company?

Re: Project "Black Cherry" 68 c/10
 

CPP redesigned their motor mount stands to fix the exhaust issue. There was a lot of bad mojo around here dealing with the mounts you have. Just search CPP motor mount stands or perches. Anyway here is a link to the new version that lets you add an exhaust to that motor.

http://www.classicperform.com/Instru...structions.pdf

Great looking project you have!!

Re: Project "Black Cherry" 68 c/10
 

I would also recommend a Boyd tank. I have one that I bought on the vendors marketplace board on this site. Boyd will run a group buy sale from time to time. The Efi bed fill version is your best bet. The Efi version cost more having the in tank pump but I think it will save you in the long run once you start to add up everything needed to run an external pump.

Re: Project "Black Cherry" 68 c/10
 

I just checked boyd's thread on his tanks, and will be buying from him on black Friday. Thanks for the info.

So should I just buy new CPP mount perches or some different ones from Dirty Dingo or ECE? Whats my best bet for the money I'll have to spend on new mount perches?

Re: Project "Black Cherry" 68 c/10
 

Got my new radiator support, but the radiator I got from a friend doesn't really fit that well, I'm kinda thinking about buying a RnD radiator and shroud kit, but they sure are pricy!

http://i86.photobucket.com/albums/k8...ps88435dd9.jpg

Re: Project "Black Cherry" 68 c/10
 

What do you all think of this radiator/fan kit on ebay? It seems too good to be true for the pricing.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/3-ROW-ALUMIN...ht_4630wt_1362

Re: Project "Black Cherry" 68 c/10
 

this one looks good too

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Chevy-Truck-...ht_4243wt_1362

Re: Project "Black Cherry" 68 c/10
 

Got some more parts for the truck.

http://i86.photobucket.com/albums/k8...psa3aa3db6.jpg

http://i86.photobucket.com/albums/k8...psffc9d647.jpg

I could've sworn that these came with the led boards as specified when I placed the order but no luck, I'll have to call Fesler and double check.
http://i86.photobucket.com/albums/k8...psc2427b2e.jpg

http://i86.photobucket.com/albums/k8...ps5f76a3df.jpg

http://i86.photobucket.com/albums/k8...ps3d54352d.jpg

Re: Project "Black Cherry" 68 c/10
 

i like those. nice build.

Re: Project "Black Cherry" 68 c/10
 

Nice tails!

Re: Project "Black Cherry" 68 c/10
 

Thanks guys, I ordered the EFI bed fill Boyd Welding tank for the truck as well, just waiting for it to come in.

Also ordered a new trans cross member from CPP, but am thinking about changing my CPP tubular perches to the ECE ones.

Any truth behind me getting a discount on the Doug Thorley headers because I am a member on here? Those are the only headers that will fit my damn CPP tubular mounts.

Anyone know where to get a driveshaft in San Antonio with 1350 yolks and cut to length for the 4l60e to 12bolt length?

Re: Project "Black Cherry" 68 c/10
 

Some more goodies arrived.

Alper Motorsports billet 3bolt to 4bolt TB adapter
http://i86.photobucket.com/albums/k8...psc1115176.jpg
http://i86.photobucket.com/albums/k8...ps1c07c758.jpg
http://i86.photobucket.com/albums/k8...ps736f966c.jpg
http://i86.photobucket.com/albums/k8...psb4a9d357.jpg

New GM 90mm ls7 style Throttle Body
http://i86.photobucket.com/albums/k8...psfe2c25ad.jpg

Lokar flexible aluminum trans dipstick
http://i86.photobucket.com/albums/k8...ps41637a0a.jpg
http://i86.photobucket.com/albums/k8...ps63192b00.jpg

Re: Project "Black Cherry" 68 c/10
 

Got an early xmas gift from myself. It's a Boyd Welding EFI Stealth bed fill with an In-Tank Aeromotive Stealth 340 Pump.

http://i86.photobucket.com/albums/k8...ps41c869c0.jpg
http://i86.photobucket.com/albums/k8...ps3061c3d9.jpg
http://i86.photobucket.com/albums/k8...ps3e304784.jpg
http://i86.photobucket.com/albums/k8...ps41e24622.jpg

Re: Project "Black Cherry" 68 c/10
 

What is the engine cover from, it looks like 3 pieces?

Re: Project "Black Cherry" 68 c/10
 

Hi Steven, I used a duel electric fan off a 2001 ford windstar and it works great! I have an 86 though...

Re: Project "Black Cherry" 68 c/10
 

good start!! Those Boyd tanks are a great piece. I picked up a late model blazer tank from my local yard, we will see how that works out for $75. I have used the Doug Thorley headers on my first 6.0/4L80 swap and the only issue is with the trans shifting hookups. That has been 3 yrs now so someone may have came up with a solution but the collector was right at the shifter rod for the 80 and it took some work to get the shifting correct. Good luck

Re: Project "Black Cherry" 68 c/10
 

A little late to the party here but just for others following this VERY NICE build,, (which BTW is SCHWEET!!!) http://www.small-block-chevy.com/ima...iles/bravo.gif

RicksTanks makes noce stainless EFI tanks that fits most anything,, will put the right 'in-tank' pump, or a Walbro external pump, and whatever ohm fuel sender you need installed in the kit. I don't remember what he charged for the tank for my El Camino project, but it was a polished stainless specifically for Caminos with the side fill (not top or behind the rear plate like a car)

Another nice thing about Ricks,, Slummit sells them and you can get free shipping on a lot of stuff during specials.

sorry, not trying to hijack the thread, just adding info and wanted to say

NICE BUILD!!!!!!

Re: Project "Black Cherry" 68 c/10
 

It is a 3 piece cover, I believe its from a 6.0 escalade, I may be wrong. I'm thinking about smoothing it out and painting it. Either that or sell it and get the one piece cover.

Re: Project "Black Cherry" 68 c/10
 

I have those stupid tubular CPP mounts, so might have to be stuck buying the Doug Thorleys since those are the only ones that clear those mounts. I may also just throw those CPP mounts or sell them, and order the ECE mounts or the Classic Performance Online ones.

Re: Project "Black Cherry" 68 c/10
 

I'm having an issue with the bottom of the 90mm tb hitting the neck of the water pump, need some advice as to what you guys would do in this situation?

http://i86.photobucket.com/albums/k8...ps67c0b7dc.jpg
http://i86.photobucket.com/albums/k8...ps8eae9b42.jpg

Re: Project "Black Cherry" 68 c/10
 

I would buy a water pump from a '07-up 5.3 application. The outlet is positioned differently to clear the 4 bolt DBW throttle body. If you search, you'll find where some have cut/welded the pump outlet or heated the pump body and turned the outlet.

Re: Project "Black Cherry" 68 c/10
 

Thanks for the info, I may just buy the newer pump. Is this the correct model?
http://i86.photobucket.com/albums/k8...cae0765035.jpg

Re: Project "Black Cherry" 68 c/10
 

That's the one. You'll need a belt tensioner as well (it bolts to the water pump). If you do buy a new pump, take a close look at how your radiator hoses are going to route. If it works out better, the Gen 5 Camaro (2010 up) L99 water pumps have the same belt spacing as the trucks and the outlet is on the driver's side. Just another option if the hose routing works better with whatever radiator you have. Here's a pic of the L99 pump:

http://ls1tech.com/forums/14992658-post12.html