Buck's '70 swb w/5.3 build
 

Well, I have been wanting a 1970 (my birth year) short wheel base c10 for a long time. Over the last year I have been scouring the board here, and of course craigslist, to get a good start on a truck. Now, starting a new project is a big deal in my house. The last few projects... well, let's just say they got off course and ended up costing way too much and never got finished. It has been a few years since the last attempt was sold, luckily I got my money back out of that one. With the help of a couple of board members I have been able to collect a few pieces here and there that I think will make for a great foundation.
The difference with this build is that I have a clear vision for the completed truck. And the fact that if you have a solid frame and a cab, just about everything else can be bought if you can't find it doesn't hurt. What is my vision? It is a '70 short wheel base fleet side, dropped 4/6, and rolling on rallys. It will be powered by a 5.3L with a hot cam upgrade and shifted by a 4L60E while 3.73 gears and an Eaton posi spin the 5 lug axles. The body will remain stock with the exception of the fuel filler being filled as the tank will be relocated to the frame under the bed, and a smooth firewall. Paint is going to be Carbon Black Metallic (factory GM color) with a Quick Silver Metallic roof. The interior will follow the stock appearance theme with stock '70 interior appointments with the exception of a pair of buddy buckets covered in black ultra leather with hounds tooth inserts. A/C will be handled by an aftermarket unit, I still need to research that component, but I want the controls to look stock. I also want a stock stereo head that I can plug my iPhone into for tunes, no actual radio required. I also need to look into that further. Well, I think that gives you a good perspective on my direction with the truck. I'll add a few pics of the components I have collected so far... like the cab.

Re: Buck's '70 swb w/5.3 build
 

A year ago I started with the cab pictured above and then added a few other pieces slowly over the past year. I got a '70 swb frame from D_Passmore. I got ECE components like trailing arm cross-member, super track bar, and rear shock re-locators from Hart_Rod along with the 5.3L I am using. I also scored some LSx engine mounts from a board member as well as a dash/glovebox door set from Ryan Hubbard. Pics...

Re: Buck's '70 swb w/5.3 build
 

swb frame rolling on Fred Flintstones signature 24s..

Re: Buck's '70 swb w/5.3 build
 

5.3L motorvation...

Re: Buck's '70 swb w/5.3 build
 

SPID and new dash/glove box panels

Re: Buck's '70 swb w/5.3 build
 

Here is the frame on its way to be blasted and coated with POR 15... Should have the frame, front cross-member, rear end, and a-arms back in the next few days. I will post more pics as I install components. As I think about what is stashed in the garage, there are more parts than I thought so pics of those will be posted accordingly.

The really great thing about this build is the people I have met as well as the conversations that happen here on the board. Just a great bunch of folks! Thanks to everyone for the comments and advise so far!

Re: Buck's '70 swb w/5.3 build
 

Bout time.............:sexy:
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Re: Buck's '70 swb w/5.3 build
 

I second and third that!
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Re: Buck's '70 swb w/5.3 build
 

Look forward to seeing this come together!!!!

Re: Buck's '70 swb w/5.3 build
 

The excitement begins! Can't wait to see it on the cover of... :metal:

Re: Buck's '70 swb w/5.3 build
 

Sounds like a great project. Can't wait to see it progress.

Re: Buck's '70 swb w/5.3 build
 

Love the wheels!!

Re: Buck's '70 swb w/5.3 build
 

I thought the last thing I read was that he wasn't making any more of those dahs & glove box panels for a while because he got a big contract that is tying up the CNC machine for the next couple years. Did you buy them earlier or is he making them again?

Re: Buck's '70 swb w/5.3 build
 

68 TT - I bought mine last year (2010), but I think he is making/stocking some. If you want one you should pm him.

Re: Buck's '70 swb w/5.3 build
 

The one question I have about my truck is interior color. I know the dash pad, door panels, and headliner will be black. And I already mentioned the seats will be black w/hounds-tooth inserts. I am toying with the idea of painting the interior the same quicksilver metallic as the roof. I think it will work well with all the other pieces being black. What do you all think?

Re: Buck's '70 swb w/5.3 build
 

I prefer the dash be the interior color with the glove box door painted to match the speedo housing.
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Re: Buck's '70 swb w/5.3 build
 

Picking up my frame and suspension parts after blasting and painting, pics soon...
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Re: Buck's '70 swb w/5.3 build
 

Loaded and headed for the house!

Re: Buck's '70 swb w/5.3 build
 

saweet!!!

Re: Buck's '70 swb w/5.3 build
 

Very nice.

Re: Buck's '70 swb w/5.3 build
 

Spent a couple of hours in the garage today. I was able to get the front cross-member, trailing arm cross-member, and shock re-locators bolted on my frame. Started on the LSx engine mounts and ran out of time. Will work on them tomorrow, for now a couple of pics...

Re: Buck's '70 swb w/5.3 build
 

Had a buddy of mine do a quick photoshop using a picture of rokcrln's truck to get an idea what mine will look like. I sent him the photo using my phone so it was lo-res so the edit is not very detailed. He did a couple, this is the one I like...

Oh, and thanks Kevin, for letting me hack your picture.

Re: Buck's '70 swb w/5.3 build
 

The chassis came out nice.....:metal:

Re: Buck's '70 swb w/5.3 build
 

From this to that...:eek:

Looking good!!

Re: Buck's '70 swb w/5.3 build
 

Thanks guys, but Todd @ Crutchfield's Creations gets the credit for it looking good. I'm just slapin' the thing together!

Worked a little more this evening, drilled the frame for larger 7/16 bolts in the trailing arm cross-member. Also finished the engine mounts... just need a transmission mount and I'll drop the engine/trans to get it off the floor. I am working in a two car garage so i need to get the thing into one pile so I will have room to work!:crazy: