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Hello! :new:

My wife had been wanting another single cab truck - she's had a ranger and a dakota before and misses them. I had an idea to look for an old truck we could restore together - and we found one.

http://i52.photobucket.com/albums/g2...0/DSC_0799.jpg

http://i52.photobucket.com/albums/g2...0/DSC_0812.jpg

http://i52.photobucket.com/albums/g2...DSC_0810-1.jpg

1966 C-10
283, 4-spd, 39K, 139K, 239K???

It spent the first 40 years around SLC, Utah and the last few in Michigan. I had wanted to drop a modern aluminum 5.3 in it, however, my wife likes the old engine and the stinky exhaust - says it reminds her of her Dad's Volga when she grew up in Moscow.

This winter (providing I can clear enough space in the garage) the project list is:
Replacing the brakes for something that is dual circuit and at least discs on the front. I found a spendy kit online for about $1500, but it has to be able to be done cheaper... :confused:
Changing out all the suspension bushings / BJ's / TRE's for new, modern units.
New springs and shocks F&R - want to lower it about 3" total.
Sway bars.
Power steering - if only to reduce the number of turns lock to lock. :lol:
New wiring harness.
New bed floor.
Repair largest rust areas - doors/rockers/cab supports
...and any misc thing that comes along. lol

I'm hoping to find a reasonable deal on a pair of rustfree doors and tailgate when I visit my parents in AR this Christmas - that'll save plenty of work.

As far as the engine, it looks like it will stay carbureted - but I'd like more torque than the lil 283 can provide. :burnout: I like it (used to prefer 289's back in the day) but I'd like to be around 400lbft of torque (and not at 4000 rpm, lol ) so I'm thinking of a 400 SBC that I can make look authentic under the hood to keep appearances up.

I have stayed away from modifying vehicles as I got older, I just seem to lose control when I work on anything - and I fear for my wallet. :D

If anyone has info, opinions or comments they would like to share, PLEASE - do so!!! :fb:

A bit of background - both my wife and I work for GM in Milford Michigan. She is an engine calibrator for the Ecotec 4-cylinder programs and I work in advanced engineering on potential production programs. I turned wrenches and ran a durability dyno to put myself through school, so I'm pretty handy. I also am not above admitting I'm wrong or learning new things from people - I tend to ask lots of questions and try to weigh every option.

I also am very laid back, have a silly sense of humor and have many years of internet forum interaction under my belt - in other words, don't worry about offending me! :D (Just remember, if you poke fun, I'll poke fun back - and it will never be ill-willed)

Looking forward to learning!

Scot