Budget build...

[marcsRX]

I have a 72 long bed fleet side.





I removed the bed and.... the frame in the rear is bent from an accident. Not too bad, but we're going to build a rear half anyway.

This is the plan.

Bags all around
Drum to Disc conversion (Front only)
Rear Half Frame rebuild

I'm trying to compile a complete list of parts, at least the major ones, that i need so i can determine the $ side of it. I've got about $2K to work with, and as it move along i will have some more $ to work with, and there always plastic.

Besides steel for the rear half, what do i need for a drum to disc conversion (front only for now) and bags all around. I'm not trying to do anything real exotic, just functional. I want to be able to tow, and the bags will help with keeping the truck level, while still being low.

My buddy is a good fabricator and he and a few others will be helping with the build.

Please help. Im a newb.

[Hottrucks]

a 72 with drums?? better look again ..looks like you have some drop already....

if you buddy is a fab guy then buy your bags ...cup your stock lower control arms and fab up your rear suspention your done with $$ left in your pocket

[marcsRX]

Yeah its a 72... According to the vin at least.

Drums @ all 4.

My main concern is going to disk brakes, getting the right spindles, rotors, calipers etc...

[Hottrucks]

theres a bunch of ways to go so use the search...I was under the impreesion that allt he 72's where disc???hmmmm??? but the cheap way is to get a 71 up set of spindles and parts?? I wanna follow this one....scratching my head now??

[marcsRX]

I'll snap some pics after work. Thanx for commenting!

[Hottrucks]

dumb question but are those 6 lug rallies?? cant really see from your pics..and the center caps have me all goofed up??? I think your truck may be a 70??? with a newer front clip??

[Hottrucks]

this is killing me check out this info I found

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s....php?p=2982530


there should be a vin on the frame on the drivers side ahead of the cab i believe.

compair it to the Vin# on the glove box/door.....6 lug drum is a pre 70 thing

[mx574]

about air bags like everything else is can get expensive. Many different brands of bags. I like Air Lift they are quality and pretty reasonably priced. Main thing is to see what the PSI rating is (which means how much air pressure they withhold and when towing is important). Since you friend is a good fabricator go to ***************** and get you brackets from them. there prices are close to everyone else but plates are thick and high quality. They make front upper plater and then you will have to get a round cup for the bottom front. for the rear i got away with just buying round flat plates for top and bottom of rear and made the rest. Obviously with air bag setup you need at least one compressor and one tank, and valves, usually 8 valves one for air in and one for air out on each corner. Abot the disc brake stuff you just need to search high and low. Might as well get drop spindles while yourdoing it. If you get lucky you can find them on craigslist or maybe at a swap mmeat in yourarea. Other than that brothertrucks, early classics, cpp, or performance online. Good luck.

[marcsRX]

I forgot to check, but i think its a 6 lug.

[Hottrucks]

you have somethng funky going on???( or I do??) I was planning a 72 front end and axle for a 5 lug convertion??? I wounder if it on a earlier frame?? I don't know????just guessing now?? I remember something about a frame vin # but I dont know where?? oh and the rear axle is wider after 70 also??? so I have been told??

[marcsRX]

Got the doors, the hood, drivers side fender and inner fender, windshield, and bench out over the weekend.

Will post pics tonight...


It is in fact a 6 lug.

[chevy_mike]

I agree, someone swapped frames or cabs at some point. All '71/'72 C10's got 5 lug and front disc brakes. There was no option for them, it was standard and due to increased safety requirements.

You need to check the VIN that is on the frame, on the top of the frame under the driver side cab area. It might have a lot of gunk and you will need to scrape off but mine was there after cleaning. I am willing to bet $20 that the VIN there and the cab VIN don't match.

Good luck on your build.

[marcsRX]

so what happens if they dont match?

[Hottrucks]

Originally Posted by marcsRX

so what happens if they dont match?

well first I will have to rub out the muscle in my arm from patting myself on the back get a hair transplant from scratching my head over this... then do what ever you are going to do to the truck....I can keep a secret but if you ever sell I would let the new owner know about it...around here there pretty leanyent about these things...

[mcbassin]

Originally Posted by marcsRX

so what happens if they dont match?

Unless your planning to sell your build at an antique auction or show at concourse de elegance at pebble beach the numbers matching thing shouldn't be an issue. You might need to check with your DMV? It's pretty common to swap frames, cabs, titles etc. I doubt you have a numbers matching setup. I have seen many of our model trucks with 73 up suspension but never seen anyone go back with drum brakes. (anythings possible!?) As far as adding the disk brakes, you will need at a minimum, spindles, calipers, rotors and pads. If you just want the 71-72 stock height style those are dirt cheap if you watch the part section here or craigslist. Since you said you want bags you may want to get drop spindles. They start around $260 I think.

Is your panhard bar still attached? I have seen the rear end creep over big time on these trucks with it unhooked. Keep us updated.

[Hottrucks]

Originally Posted by mcbassin

Is your panhard bar still attached? I have seen the rear end creep over big time on these trucks with it unhooked. Keep us updated.

I was thinking that to or maybe the bushings are gone

[travlinman]

thought i was the only one with that issue.. i have a 71 lwb 6 lug 4 wheel drums.
thought it was odd searched the board and all 71-72 should be power disk. thought part of my truck was a left over from 70. now maybe its not ? will have to start checking numbers.
but hell i have a title so its legal and ill just build it the way i want it regardless...
good luck on your build should be fun..

[mcbassin]

Originally Posted by travlinman

but hell i have a title so its legal and ill just build it the way i want it regardless...
good luck on your build should be fun..

There you go! Build it and enjoy it the way you want it!

[VA72C10]

will be following along. Does sound like someone swapped the frames at some point.
You keeping it a longbed?

[marcsRX]

Yeah i love the long bed look. Been damn cold here in Chicago so no progress. I have to buy a kerosene heater for my garage so i can keep working.

Have a great New Year guys!

[Hottrucks]

Originally Posted by marcsRX

I have to buy a kerosene heater for my garage so i can keep working.!

hell I could light the garage on fire and not stay warm today!!

let us know what you find on the frame rail.........