Project Rise 'N Shine
 

I guess its time I did a build thread. I bought this 1968 C20 in August 2010. It had an older 350 with late model heads and 13:1 compression. Th400 trans and Dana 60 rear 4:56 posi. It had this wonderful Leopard print seat and dash pad:barf:. First thing I did was replace all the window felt and weather strip to get rid of the wind noise. I decided to lower the truck but wanted to keep it 3/4 ton to be different. I put 3.5" drop spindles, changed the rear suspension from leaf springs to trailing arm with cpp drop coils and bolt in c notch. I had the bed at the body mans house while I did the conversion. After dropping the truck I took it to his house and put the bed on to check the height. Thats when i realized it wasn't low enough and decided to bag it. I ordered Dominator 2600's. Got ahold of Nathan Porter and ordered the Accuair system. I ordered some MB Gunner 8 wheels from discount tire and changed tires from 285/50/20 to 245/40/20 front and 275/40/20 rear.

Re: Project Rise 'N Shine
 

Here are pics with static drop and the eXo mount, and a couple bagged.

Re: Project Rise 'N Shine
 

I drove the truck for several months changing little this here and there. I rebuilt all the front end. I put OPP one piece door windows. Then I decided that it was time for a new power plant. I came across a 2005 8.1l with 34000 miles for $1600 bucks!! I couldnt pass it up since I was wanting a big block anyway.

Re: Project Rise 'N Shine
 

Lol at the leopard print!

Truck is looking good. Keep it up.
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Re: Project Rise 'N Shine
 

When I bagged the truck I noticed the drivers front tire was further in the fender then the passenger side. After tons of measuring I found that the frame was bent, front tires pushed approx 3/4" t the passenger side and twisted right between the cab and bed. After pulling the 350 out I took the truck to a frame guy (that had the truck for 3 months) to get it staightened out. I got the truck back and put it together with the 8.1. Only to find out that the frame guy didnt do a damn thing to the frame. Luckily he didnt charge me. I've been driving the truck everyday since. A local tow truck company owner has several 67-72 GM pickups, after many times asking him he finally parted with a frame. He had a rotted out '68 C20. " You come and take the truck apart and you can have the frame" he tells me. I guess it helps that my niece is engaged to his son.

Re: Project Rise 'N Shine
 

Forgot to mention that when I did the engine swap I put 2003 Silverado seats in the truck.

Re: Project Rise 'N Shine
 

I stripped the frame and sandblasted it. I then gave Nate a call and ordered the Dropmember rear mild weld in version. I want it low but I don't want to lay frame. I love the look of laying frame but I don't think it's practical for my daily driver. I got the Dropmember all installed and called Nate about my tubular control arms and he told me that I needed his mild front Dropmember to go along with the rear, and of coarse I couldn't say no so I saved the money and ordered it. I hope to see it this week! I went ahead and replaced all the cab frame brackets and ordered the porterbuilt radiator support crossmember to match all the rest of the porterbuilt art! More pics to come.
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Re: Project Rise 'N Shine
 

Here are some pics of the new frame. I got a semi float Dana 60 with disc brakes from a 2001 E-250 from the u pull it in Albuquerque for $127. As you can see in the pictures the pinion is not centered, so I narrowed the housing 8". My father and I cut 2.5 from the right side and 5.5 from the left side. I'm going to run a 20x10 wheel in the rear with 4.5" back space. Now the pinion is approx 5/8" from center, good enough for me. I sent the axle shafts to Moser Engineering to have them shortened and resplined.

Re: Project Rise 'N Shine
 

some more

Re: Project Rise 'N Shine
 

This is going to be fun. Good luck.
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Re: Project Rise 'N Shine
 

Here is the front control arms on the crossmember that I will not be using now.
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Re: Project Rise 'N Shine
 

Currently I have a 31 gallon square body blazer tank that hangs too low. So I picked up a 25 gallon, cleaned it up and had it sprayed with Linex. Here's a couple pics of it and my rear wheels on.
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Re: Project Rise 'N Shine
 

Here's a pic showing the caliper on the front side of the axle.
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Re: Project Rise 'N Shine
 

I got my mild dropmember front from Porterbuilt on thursday and put it on last night!! Thanks Nate!!

Re: Project Rise 'N Shine
 

He also sent me a new rear lower shock bar that clears the diff now.

Re: Project Rise 'N Shine
 

Sick!
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Re: Project Rise 'N Shine
 

Subscribed, Looking good man! I may have to get a build thread together for my project now.

Re: Project Rise 'N Shine
 

Thanks. I will take that bed. I'll call you when I get back from Vegas.
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Re: Project Rise 'N Shine
 

Here ya go.... PRICEY!

http://www.summitracing.com/search/?...d=22390R&dds=1

Re: Project Rise 'N Shine
 

SWEET !! looks AWESOME !

Re: Project Rise 'N Shine
 

Thanks Mike, can't wait to put the Slosh Tubz in.
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Re: Project Rise 'N Shine
 

Yeah little pricey, but worth it I think. Might have to do some measuring on mine and compare to yours, if that's ok.
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Re: Project Rise 'N Shine
 

Absolutely, any time! And if you're not in any hurry to have it... Summit puts this stuff on sale every so often. They list the whole TVS for like 4,300 right now, when I bought it, it was 3,800. Just have to keep an eye on it.

Re: Project Rise 'N Shine
 

Great looking build.. Subscribed!

Re: Project Rise 'N Shine
 

I park the truck at my parents house last night to start the tear down for the new frame. Snapped a couple more before pics.
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