1968 C10 Snow Bird
 

This build is for my cousin's wife. He didn't know what kind of truck but he wanted a truck that was for sure. We decided to go with a C10. This is a great looking truck and easy to get parts for. I started looking on craigslist for a truck and since I live in Arizona it was not hard to find a project truck. Me and my friend drove up to Payson and picked up this sweet ride a 1968 C10. This truck was all original. The bed was even full of snow when we picked her up. The kids thought this was awesome since we don't really get snow in mesa. Once we got it home it wasn't long until we got it running and driving. It did not run very well but it was fun to cruise it up and down the street. We picked this truck up from the original owners grandson. His grandpa bought this truck in 1968 and drove it every day. This truck is an original Arizona truck it worked it whole life in Bagdad Arizona. Now the fun begins give this old girl a new life. I am naming this build Snow Bird since it had a bed full of snow when we brought it to the shop.

Re: 1968 C10 Snow Bird
 

some pictures of the disassembly

Re: 1968 C10 Snow Bird
 

more

Re: 1968 C10 Snow Bird
 

Time to tackle the bed. The bed floor on this truck was shot. I didn't realize how bad it was until the snow melted. All the bolts were rusted and pretty much a pain to get out we ended up plasma cutting most of it apart. I never really intended on using the original bed floor anyway.

Re: 1968 C10 Snow Bird
 

Once the bed was disassembled it was on to the front end.

Re: 1968 C10 Snow Bird
 

I thought I would try and save some money by sanding on the body parts my self. That got old pretty quick even with my big compressor and air sanders this is not something that I enjoy doing. So the parts went to media blast, this was much more enjoyable. I don't even know why I tried you can not compete with media blast. It seems like it is just something I have to remind my self on every build I hate sanding down old paint.

Re: 1968 C10 Snow Bird
 

I started working on the cnotch when the cab was at media blast. I wanted to make one that could be bolted in or welded in. My intention is to try and make some of the suspension parts and sell them on here. This cnotch is my prototype, I cut the top and side plates on my cnc mill. When I make more I would like to have the parts laser cut. I think it would be nice for some of the home builders to sell a unwelded kit. It would be a little cheaper and easier to ship. This would make it easier for those people that do not have all the tools to fabricate some of these parts but can weld them together. If you guys would like to see a unwelded kit sold on here let me know. If I have enough interest I will make more time to get this going.

Re: 1968 C10 Snow Bird
 

New wheels. Foose Legend Chrome wheels.

Re: 1968 C10 Snow Bird
 

I modified the 6 lug axles to fit the new 5 lug wheels. Welded up the old holes refaced and turned the flanges to fit the disk brake rotors and they are good as new.

Re: 1968 C10 Snow Bird
 

I have also been working on my trailing arms. I was not able to use the original ones because they were pretty messed up. They also do not look very cool. One of them was actually broken in half where the U bolt goes through. That was kind of funny esp since I had been driving the truck a little. Making new trailing arms was pretty easy once I figured out how I wanted them to look. I thought it would be easiest if I made some threaded bungs and used heims on the end that mounts to the cross member. Decided to go with 1.0-14 heims and used some spacers to reduce the bolt size to 3/4. Milled out my axle block's and turn the spring cups. Welded everything up and had some nice new trailing arms.

Re: 1968 C10 Snow Bird
 

I went to the Turn Key shop to check out some engine packages they have. Pretty cool shop Tons of custom engines to choose from with every kind of modification you can think of. I went just to pick out a LS327 for this build. Its nothing to crazy just a good all around engine with about 350 hp. This kit comes with everything you need to do a motor swap, I highly recommend Turn key. I also went with a 4l60e transmission which they provided to me. Every thing showed up at my shop in one big crate it was awesome.

Re: 1968 C10 Snow Bird
 

I want one!! lol

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Turn Key makes the install super easy. I helped my friend Install one of their Ecotec motors into his sand rail and it is literally 5 wires and you are up and running.

Re: 1968 C10 Snow Bird
 

Are they easier and cheaper than going through GM Performance Parts for their E-Rod set up?

Re: 1968 C10 Snow Bird
 

I looked into the E-Rod set up when I was making my decision. It didn't seem like it was much cheaper. I got everything for about 10K that included the trans.

http://www.turnkeyenginesupply.com/

Standard Items on ALL Turn Key Engines:
Street Package Includes

Flywheel or Flexplate
Mass airflow sensor
Starter
Ceramic coated block hugger headers
Complete Accessories
Alternator
Water Pump
Serpentine Belt System
Brackets and Tensioners
Complete Ignition - 5-Wire Hook-Up
Coil packs
Spark plugs and wires
Delphi ECM with Turn Key calibration
Custom marine grade engine wiring harness
Uses all OEM connectors
Electric fan controls
Fuse block and relays
Complete Detail Package
Engine oil and filter
K&N air filter
Hardware kit
Motor mount bolts
Oil temperature sending unit port
Water temperature sending unit port
Engine covers
Cable drive throttle body
Installation guide
Complete AN Fitted Fuel System
EFI fuel pump kit
AN fitted fuel rails
Pre-filter
Post-filter
Fuel pressure regulator
AN-6 & AN-8 fittings
O-rings & crush washers
O2 sensors

Options:
Power steering pump
AC compressor
Motor Mount Adapter plates
4L60E

Re: 1968 C10 Snow Bird
 

I got some parts from Classic Industries. Got every thing to put together a new bed. I am pretty stoked to put the bed together it will be a night and day difference from the original one.

Re: 1968 C10 Snow Bird
 

Media blasting and powder coating is a great way to make old parts look better than new. I have been using the hot coat system that Eastwood sells for some time now. http://www.eastwood.com/dual-voltage...arter-kit.html This is a great product for the the occasional powder coater. I have not found anything that I couldn't powder coat. Used in conjunction with prismatic powders the possibilities are endless.http://www.prismaticpowders.com/ The only thing that limits your capabilities is the size of oven you have.

Re: 1968 C10 Snow Bird
 

What a great truck build!
Subscribiing to watch this one.

Re: 1968 C10 Snow Bird
 

nice

Re: 1968 C10 Snow Bird
 

High quality build. Nice work!

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I was able to set the motor and trans in place finally. I got the motor mounts and trans crossmember from cpp. This was super easy, I had it installed in about an hour or less. The adapter plates that I got from Turn Key were right on point also.

Re: 1968 C10 Snow Bird
 

Subscribed! Looking forward to what you do to this thing!

Re: 1968 C10 Snow Bird
 

I wish I had that kind of space to work in. I like the motor/trans combo. Subscribed!

Re: 1968 C10 Snow Bird
 

Nice build i see happening and a very nice place to do the work.

Re: 1968 C10 Snow Bird
 

Thanks Guys. This is at my home shop. I have been wanting to post some pictures of my shop on the forum, just need to do a quick clean up and snap some photos.

Re: 1968 C10 Snow Bird
 

I got some pics of me replacing the driver's side cab corner over the weekend. I didn't get any until I started fitting the new panel back on though. But what I did was figured out a line where I wanted to do the repair and used masking tape to create a strait line on the patch panel. Then I used my cut of wheel to cut along the taped edge. I cut just off of the edge a little and used my 90deg die grinder with a roll lock disk to finish it in. "80 grit" That was it for my patch panel. Now on to the cab. I trimmed some material off the bottom of the cab corner that way I could fit the patch panel. Then I used a scribe to mark where I wanted to make the cut when I was happy with where it was sitting. Clecos are a great for fitting and holding panels in place. I made the cut and used some butt welding clamps to tack very thing in place. I also used a 3/8 135 deg split point drill to drill out the spot welds.

Re: 1968 C10 Snow Bird
 

That's some clean work. I need to learn to do this.

Re: 1968 C10 Snow Bird
 

Thank You @hardcore4life

Re: 1968 C10 Snow Bird
 

Cool build..looks like you are in east mesa...where is the place that you bought your engine and tranny located at?

Re: 1968 C10 Snow Bird
 

You are right I am in east mesa. About the Signal Butte and Brown area. Turn key is in Oceanside CA.

Re: 1968 C10 Snow Bird
 

Got to be tough working in such a small shop with hardly no access to equipment ( lathe, laser jet ect ) lol nah I'm just jealous. Looks like this build will be done be spring.

Re: 1968 C10 Snow Bird
 

Looks like another nice build to follow. I like the custom notch parts. I enjoy making my own stuff too. Subscribing..

Re: 1968 C10 Snow Bird
 

Got some work done on the firewall this past weekend. Cut out the old ac holes and filled it with some new sheet metal. I had one of my friends from work help me with this, I was working on the other cab corner while he was filling the hole. He does great work and I can trust that he will do it right.

Re: 1968 C10 Snow Bird
 

I need to find some friends with better skills.

Re: 1968 C10 Snow Bird
 

looks good so far!

Re: 1968 C10 Snow Bird
 

Finally able to work on the truck again after the holidays. I did get a little work done while I was off of work for Christmas and New Years. Got the passenger side cab corner fitted. I did not like how the fitment of the door gap. I decided to cut it off and remake the lip. The first one I made was decent but I did not put a flange on it so that the two parts would mate up flush. This time I will take a few more pictures as I form the part. I also made a pattern out of some 1/4" plywood. Now I wont have to keep mating it up to the truck to see if it fits.

Re: 1968 C10 Snow Bird
 

Great work!

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Very nice work on the cab repair!

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I finally was able to get back into the shop and it do the final fit up of the passenger side cab corner. It looks pretty good should be able to burn it in. I just need to do a few more repairs to the sill and clean up the rocker panel backing plate.

Re: 1968 C10 Snow Bird
 

I got the passenger side cab corner all welded in. I just need to do the finishing on it and should be good to go.

I will try and snap some photos and get them up tomorrow.