1968 Chevy Short Step aka "The Big Puzzle"
 

Well here ya go. I've posted a few times, asked some questions, and even given a little bit of advice that I've acquired. So I thought I'd post some pics of what I've got. No I didn't tear it down. I brought it home this way. Took two trips with a flatbed trailer but she's in my garage. Its a 1968 Short bed stepside. It came with a 250 I6 and a 3 on the tree. I'm thinking about keeping the original driveline. You just don't see many 3 speed column shift vehicles any more. It's gonna be a big project but I'm not in any hurry. Just hope I can find all the parts I need.

Re: 1968 Chevy Short Step aka "The Big Puzzle"
 

Looks like it will be a good project. The parts are out there, although you may have to search a bit for some of them. You're definitely in the right place for anything 67-72! Good luck with your project and keep everyone posted with your progress!

Re: 1968 Chevy Short Step aka "The Big Puzzle"
 

Yep, I would say you have your work cut out for you. Good luck.

Re: 1968 Chevy Short Step aka "The Big Puzzle"
 

What the heck is below the heater controls?

looks like some kind of box with a gauge or two?

Re: 1968 Chevy Short Step aka "The Big Puzzle"
 

Hi Buford! Where abouts is Bluford? Just joking around. I'm from Springfield Il. Are you close? Are you going to keep it all stock or have a few goodies?

Re: 1968 Chevy Short Step aka "The Big Puzzle"
 

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Maybe you have already checked out this thread.

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=227380

Maybe there will be one close to you.....:)

LockDoc

Re: 1968 Chevy Short Step aka "The Big Puzzle"
 

I was told that it was an aftermarket air conditioner. Something out of a Volvo. It isn't staying.

You've never heard of Bluford?? I can't believe that. Actually I can. It's a small town of about 800 people about 10 miles east of Mt. Vernon.

I'm going to go mostly stock on this one. I may upgrade the cluster to one with guages or other small things like that but I like these trucks stock. I'm kind of partial to the 6 cylinders too. Don't need the power of a v8. It's not going to be a fast truck. Just a cruiser. And like I said, I like the three speed.

Re: 1968 Chevy Short Step aka "The Big Puzzle"
 

STOCK is very cool! That dash is the greatest...I love the simplicity of it. The turn signals in the center are great. Leave it stock and simple! Good luck!

Re: 1968 Chevy Short Step aka "The Big Puzzle"
 

Looks like a good start. I got a 68 longstep that I am redoing right now myself. After taking mine all apart it looks something like yours does right now. Good luck! Keep us posted with the progress.

Re: 1968 Chevy Short Step aka "The Big Puzzle"
 

You're going to have some fun! That's cool that you're staying with the stock 6cyl and 3 speed. . I told myself I was going to stay with that combo also. Ha ha now I have a 350/TH350 setup. I just can't help myself. Keep the old steering wheel too! I have that same one, man its so awesome. Totally old school.. Peace.

Re: 1968 Chevy Short Step aka "The Big Puzzle"
 

looks like fun to me, love the stock trucks and the I6 engine, dont see many 3 on the tree here either

Re: 1968 Chevy Short Step aka "The Big Puzzle"
 

Yeah you right there one big puzzle but its a very good start keep us updated on it.

Re: 1968 Chevy Short Step aka "The Big Puzzle"
 

Thanks for the input guys. As soon as it gets warm enough, I'm going to get the frame painted and get the cassis together. I can't wait.

Re: 1968 Chevy Short Step aka "The Big Puzzle"
 

Big puzzle is right :D

Good luck - you'll find more information here then you bargin for - that is for sure :cool:

Re: 1968 Chevy Short Step aka "The Big Puzzle"
 

I think it's cool that your going stock! What I would give to find a original stock truck of these years that even has the original paint and in good shape. I would have to go to the bank without my wife. oldno7

Re: 1968 Chevy Short Step aka "The Big Puzzle"
 

I would find a 350/th700 combo either in a TBI truck or a Iroc Tuned port and loose the 6, 3 on the tree. You will get tired of shifting and it will be more drivable. You dont have to hop it all up for the track just keep it all stock and make it clean M2C

Re: 1968 Chevy Short Step aka "The Big Puzzle"
 

That's not bad :lol: It seems I always drive mine in and push them out:whine: :lol:

Re: 1968 Chevy Short Step aka "The Big Puzzle"
 

I thought about a 350 or maybe even a 307. Havn't quite decided what motor I'm going to use yet. But I think I am going to stay with the 3 speed. I don't mind shifting and the old column shift manuals are really old school.

Re: 1968 Chevy Short Step aka "The Big Puzzle"
 

ru married if not your married now lol

Re: 1968 Chevy Short Step aka "The Big Puzzle"
 

i love the 3 on the tree too. i put one behind a 350 though. guess i just wanted a little more power being young and all. nice start you got there

Re: 1968 Chevy Short Step aka "The Big Puzzle"
 

Looks like a nice start! Stepsides are awesome.

If you can't find parts for a 67-72 chevy truck, you are definately not looking in the right place ;)

These trucks have THE LARGEST aftermarker support of ANY classic truck. :metal:

Re: 1968 Chevy Short Step aka "The Big Puzzle"
 

I just put all the 3 speed stuff back into my 68 SWB Custom after running a 4 speed for the last 15 years (thank goodness I kept it all). Keep 250/3 speed and the shifter on the column!!

Re: 1968 Chevy Short Step aka "The Big Puzzle"
 

Things are moving a lot slower than I want them to. I just got the cab up on the frame last week (would have had pics then but my camera was being stupid). The frame is painted and it is all sittin on jack stands for now. I'm going thursday to pick up a parts truck. I'm going to use the 5 lug rear axle and the front disc brakes from that.


Here's a couple pics the cab on the frame. I know the inside of the cab looks messy, but I had to get everything out of the way so my wife could park on the other side of the garage. She just thinks she has to have her space too;) . Actually she has been very understanding and supportive. She's even came out to help me put the cab mounts on.

Re: 1968 Chevy Short Step aka "The Big Puzzle"
 

Looking good..Don't get burnt out..just walk away and take a few breaks now & then..working non-stop can get to you & your wallet in a hurry..