1969 C10 short box step side.... my first build.

[chase1873]

Trying to do a full frame up restore on this awesome 1970 stepper... I paid $900 for the truck with a v6, 4 on the floor, and 12 bolt rear end. I was told it has 2in drop spindles up front (I believe he meant springs), 2 in drop springs in the back, and oldddd american racing rims. Lots of potential. Here are a few pics.

[67chevy1series]

well im glad to be the first to say welcome and it happens thats for the future have fun

[chase1873]

Thanks 67, I hope you enjoy my build, it might me a while....

So I got some stuff done this Sunday I hope to have it down to the Chassis by next week... pictures

[1LoC10]

Looks like it nice truck, do you know what parts were used to convert it to disc and still keep it 6 lug?

[chase1873]

It still has drum breaks, but i was looking into converting it a few companies make kits heres one....

http://www.ecklerstrucks.com/chevy-t...1963-1970.html

[1LoC10]

where did you find 2 inch drop spindles for drums

[chase1873]

Im not sure who makes them, they were already installed when I bought the truck... or so i was told anyways maybe he ment springs.... Ill have to do alittle measuring when I get a chance.

[chase1873]

pictures say 1000 words

[Dieselwrencher]

Nice progress! What kind of plans do you have for your build?

[chase1873]

on my list is 4/6 drop, some american racing rims, 12 bolt posi rear end, and a 6 speed bolted up to an LQ9. I want to paint it orange but have not pick an exact color yet, and ill find some nice bucket seats out of someones smashed Cadi. Should be pretty mean if I can pull it all off..

[Dieselwrencher]

Sounds pretty cool!

[chase1873]

some more progress... I sandblasted a small section of the frame and under coated it. pictureeessss

[Dieselwrencher]

That looks much better. Nice job.

[chase1873]

thank you, the process was a lot simpler than I expect it just took tlc.

[chase1873]

progress

[RCbowtie69]

Looking good,keep pictures coming

[chase1873]

So I ran all the numbers on the truck an it seems the previous owner didn't know much about the truck.. The frame vin revealed the truck is actually a 1970** it had a 1983 4.3V6 and a 4 Speed Saginaw transmission.

I plan to get the truck down to the bare frame over the next week and begin the long process of sandblasting and painting it.

[chase1873]

slow and unsteady progress... I have it down to just the frame, theres a picture of a section after being sandblasted, and a few pictures of an organ doner blazer I just picked up. working on a very tight budget

[chase1873]

heres my question.. I plan to reuse the A-arms just blast them and repaint them, what is the best route to take in regards to the bushings??? they seem fine, most of the front end parts had been replaced fairly recently. Should I get new bushings, new shaft and bushings, or just clean them up and put them back in??? any help is appreciated.

also, on the passenger side there is a bracket that is riveted to the crossmember. This bracket connects the upper A-arm the the crossmember and the frame. It's has been structurally compromised from rust and I want to replace it... not sure what it is call or where i can find one...



any ways attached is a Sneak Preview of the frame, its almost done, man it was alot tougher than I thought it would be to get her all sand blasted and under-coated. I even borrowed a buddies tow behind inline four cylinder compressor to try and make the process go along a little smoother but it was only pushing about 65 psi constant... miserably slow... anyways, the front cross-member is out and all the suspension components are pretty much disassembled. I have a shopping cart full but im waiting for some input before I pull the trigger...



rear trailing arm bushing
rear drop shocks
rear shock re-locator brackets
rear springs- 6 inch drop
front drop shocks
2- Tie rod ends (inner)
2- Tie rod ends (outer)
2- Tie rod adjustable sleeve
Pitman arm
Idler arm
2- upper ball joints (bolt in)
2- lower ball joints (bolt in)
2- Control Arm shafts (upper)
2- Control Arm shafts (lower)
Drop Spindles 2.5 inch

[chase1873]

So guys, my not so build, build may be coming to life shortly. I am graduating this May with a B.S in ME will finally have some time away from school and internships to work on this sexy stepper.

Here are some photos of how she sits. Quietly waiting for life to be restored.

[Tx Firefighter]

If the control arm bushings are tight, I'd leave them be. No sense spending money to replace good parts. With the quality of parts we're all getting nowadays, replacements might even be a step backwards. If you keep them greased periodically, steel control arm bushings virtually last forever.
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[mcbassin]

Originally Posted by Tx Firefighter

If the control arm bushings are tight, I'd leave them be. No sense spending money to replace good parts. With the quality of parts we're all getting nowadays, replacements might even be a step backwards. If you keep them greased periodically, steel control arm bushings virtually last forever.
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Totally agree with Tex on this one.

[Xeen]

Did you get rid of the the Blazer already and is it 2wd? Alot of guys are taking the front suspension and rear axle out of the 73-87 and swapping them into the 67-72 trucks. That will take care of your 5-Lug conversion and give you front disk brakes, win/win.
I'm confused are you putting a Gen 1 small block or a Gen 3 Vortec in the stepper?

[chase1873]

I have already purchased new control arm shafts from NAPA, but i will look more closely into the current ones. Im sure NAPA will take a return if I feel necessary.


I have been a little bit all over the place with my plans for this build. Young and inexperienced are the causes of this. I bought the blazer with the intent on getting a cheap drive train in the truck, but ended up selling the 350, 700r4, and np205 for more than i paid for the blazer. That coupled with the scrap metal price put me well into the green. Consequently, i went out and bought the LQ4 pictured above.

The LQ4, sm456, and 12 bolt rear end will be the drive train. I have all the front ad rear suspension parts as well. Just need some time to start getting it together. Cpp 2.5 drop spindles and NAPA hub assemblies from 73-87 gms.
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