Project "Financial Burden": 1968 SWB C10

[Old_Truck_Fan]

I thought it was about time that I start a build thread on this site. I have been browsing around looking at other projects and builds for quite some time. My older brother’s first vehicle was a 1970 LWB C10 and ever since I have been hooked on the 67-72 design. My first vehicle was a 1972 LWB Custom 10 Deluxe with the Highlander package. Now I have a 1968 SWB that I picked up not long after I finished college. Here is the low down on my project.

I purchased this vehicle with the plans of a complete frame off restoration that would include upgrading all of the mechanicals to modernized components. As you will see in the photos, it was originally a step side with a six cylinder and a three speed manual transmission. The dates on the photos are correct and I am hoping to gain some motivation from setting up this thread to help get my project across the goal line. As you are all aware, projects are usually the first things to get put on the back burner when time and money run thin but I am determined to get the old truck back on the road again. I have put a few pictures below that begin to paint the picture of my project, and I figure pictures are a better way to show my progress and vision rather than words. So here we go…

[elf w/capital T]

sweet deal! looks like some fun, i also love the garage also!

[lolife99]

Looks very clean!
Keep the pics coming.

[Old_Truck_Fan]

Here are more pictures of the current suspension setup:

Front:
Stock control arms and cross member
ECE complete suspension rebuild kit
ECE sway bar
ECE 1 inch drop springs
KYB shocks
Baer GT+ Brakes with 2.5 inch drop spindles
ECE quick ratio steering box

Rear:
ECE extreme drop center cross memeber
ECE trailing arms
ECE 5 inch drop springs
Currie 9+ rear axle housing ('72 dimensions) w/ 31 spline axles
ECE super track bar
ECE shock relocation brackets
KYB shocks
Baer GT+ Brakes

[ChuckDriver]

Frame looks sweet!

[pena5304]

looks good so far, keep the pics coming

[Old_Truck_Fan]

New fleetside bed (with steel floor)

[litew8]

to the site.
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What was used to paint the chassis? Looks like what I used, ZR. If yes, how do you like it?
Also, nice trailing arms, very good quality (I have also).

[Old_Truck_Fan]

Originally Posted by litew8

to the site.
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What was used to paint the chassis? Looks like what I used, ZR. If yes, how do you like it?
Also, nice trailing arms, very good quality (I have also).

Thanks, at the moment I have used satin black primer on the frame and suspension components. I plan to have everything powder coated once I am ready for final paint and assembly.

I really like the trailing arms. ECE parts are some of the best products out there in my opinion.
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[litew8]

Very cool.
Sorry, I thought ZR because in some areas it looks like there's a red undercoating.
All looking top notch, keep up the good work.

[Old_Truck_Fan]

Originally Posted by litew8

Very cool.
Sorry, I thought ZR because in some areas it looks like there's a red undercoating.
All looking top notch, keep up the good work.

You have a good eye. The previous owner used red primer on the rear of the frame and I didn't try to cover it all up since it would be removed for powder coating anyway. So that's the red color peaking through the black. Thanks for the encouragement.

[Old_Truck_Fan]

After the frame and bed were squared away I moved on to repairing the typical cab rust. I started by making a roll around adjustable cab cart. I also made sure the design could double as a bed cart by moving around a few of the mounting points.

[Capt.hook]

Look like a good start. Ours had been both fun and costly but well worth it

[67cheby]

nice, beautiful job on the cart also !

[Old_Truck_Fan]

I am currently working on rust repair of the cab. Here is what I started with on the passenger side.

[Old_Truck_Fan]

First step, rust removal...

[67cheby]

nice work

[YBNORML]

Looking good, very clean.

[Old_Truck_Fan]

In with the new...

[mightymouse]

nice work.

[Old_Truck_Fan]

Originally Posted by MJs69CST

Making good progress! Are you having fun along the way?

Thanks. I am having fun bringing the old truck back to life, I just wish I had more time to work on it. So far the replacement panels have fit OK but I find I have to tweak them to get the best fit.
Posted via Mobile Device
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[Old_Truck_Fan]

More progress...

[Old_Truck_Fan]

More progress...

[67cheby]

Nice work
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[gearys 5600]

NICE !! Looks like you started with a pretty solid truck.