Just another 68 side stepper

[summitflier]

Mine wasn't in real bad shape to begin with. Here are a few pics before I started.

Yes, I know it looks like a 69-70, but it really is a 68. Someone changed the fenders, hood and grille before I got it.

[summitflier]

Finally got around to tearing things apart last week.

[summitflier]

Found a little rust on the rocker panel. Got the front suspension removed.

[summitflier]

The tired old 350 was a good motor, but it was starting to smoke some.
(Has a LOTTTTTT of miles).
Going with a 383 stroker. My radiator was full of rust, so I'm going with a new aluminum, with dual elec fans.

[summitflier]

The old Lexar wire wheels had to go. The pro comp wheels will be a nice touch I think. 18x8 front, 18x9.5 rear. 255's fronts, 275's rear.

[nuke1]

good start so far!!

[summitflier]

Got a Scott's IFS to replace my front suspension. Yes, I know I already had an IFS. But it needed new springs, new ball joints. Also I am switching to disc brakes. Also, I am adding power steering. Also I am changing from a 6 bolt pattern to a 5 on 5 bolt pattern. Yes I could do all of this with the stock suspension, but by the time I did all of that, the cost wasn't really that different. Also I lose almost 80 pounds in weight.

[Dustmaker65]

Originally Posted by summitflier

Got a Scott's IFS to replace my front suspension. Yes, I know I already had an IFS. But it needed new springs, new ball joints. Also I am switching to disc brakes. Also, I am adding power steering. Also I am changing from a 6 bolt pattern to a 5 on 5 bolt pattern. Yes I could do all of this with the stock suspension, but by the time I did all of that, the cost wasn't really that different. Also I lose almost 80 pounds in weight.

Gotta ask....How much that front end set up costs???

That is bad azz!

[67ChevyRedneck]

Originally Posted by summitflier

Someone changed the fenders, hood and grille before I got it.

Who could do such a thing to a 68? I mean, swap a 68 nose onto a 69-72, but the reverse? BLASPHEMY!

[chopnchaneled]

Originally Posted by 67ChevyRedneck

Who could do such a thing to a 68? I mean, swap a 68 nose onto a 69-72, but the reverse? BLASPHEMY!

You are going to change it back to a 68 RIGHT!

[Oregon 1967 GMC]

oh wow! YOu're really doing it up right. You should put a '67 hood on it, they're the coolest, then again I'm partial. Good luck with it. I have a friend in Bonney Lake, I'll have to check out your lake sometime, bet it's nice out there right now.

[summitflier]

Originally Posted by Oregon 1967 GMC

I have a friend in Bonney Lake, I'll have to check out your lake sometime, bet it's nice out there right now.

I live right at Bonney Lake, but the truck and garage are at a friends in Moses Lake, that's where I'm doing all this. (Contracting in the area). I used to live in Hillsboro not to far from you.

[Taibo]

Originally Posted by 67ChevyRedneck

Who could do such a thing to a 68? I mean, swap a 68 nose onto a 69-72, but the reverse? BLASPHEMY!

There's no explaining why a PO does what PO's do; they are PO's....but you either live with it or you have to fix it. In this case, I would switch it back.

[jlsanborn]

Originally Posted by Taibo

There's no explaining why a PO does what PO's do; they are PO's....but you either live with it or you have to fix it. In this case, I would switch it back.

I would too if I could BUT it'll still be super cool. Budget, schedule, what-if's, should-have's, I'm right in the middle of that trap and am still MONTHS, prolly years and $$$ from driving mine because of those things. Nothing your doing can't be redone later.

[summitflier]

Thanks... I guess I just consider this a medium build.
We all just do the best we can. On one hand I envy those guys with custom frames and 25k LS motors and the wheels that are $800 a piece. On the other hand, I envy those guys who have a knack for doing it all the old fashioned way or making do with whatever they have laying around so it doesn't take a lot of $$ but it does take some talent.

When I bought the truck, I thought it was a 69 or 70. It was only when I looked at the VIN and title I realized it was a 68. I'm not against going back to the 67/68 look, but I would have to change both the front fenders, the hood and the grille, (possibly even the radiator tower, but I don't think so). It starts to add up in a hurry.

This week, the plan is to get almost everything sand blasted (even the frame). Then start getting primer on everything. I have mixed feeling about powder coating the frame. I'm not sure I can justify the cost vs the advantage. I may end up just going with Krylon or Rustoleum in a rattle can for the frame and trailing arms.

After that, the plan is to put the 5x5 axles I bought into the 12 bolt axle housing. I'm also replacing the drums with disc's on the rear axle and putting a Moser posi (spool type) unit in.

If everything goes as planned, should have a rolling chassis in less than 2 weeks.

[Xeen]

That is a very nice engine and I really like the upgraded front suspension.
Do you plan to add a sway bar to the rear to further improve handling?

[summitflier]

Originally Posted by Xeen

That is a very nice engine and I really like the upgraded front suspension.
Do you plan to add a sway bar to the rear to further improve handling?

Yes, eventually. The bed came without any of the floor rails.
I'll have to buy some, but I'm not even sure how to mount them.
Anyone have a picture for step side wood bed?

Only the bed front and tailgate were actually bolted to the frame,
the side of the bed (and fenders) were just "floating" above the frame.

[Justin@EntropyRad]

Cool project! Dig the IFS

[BlackHaze]

great looking truck and wow i want that engine lol shinny

[summitflier]

Finally got the cab off. Removed the rear trailing arms.
Bring a 1 1/8 socket with a long cheater bar, and bring your lunch.
I don't think they've ever been removed in the last 47 years.

The cab wasn't as heavy as I thought. It's a load, but 3 people can move it short distances in a pinch.

[Xeen]

LOL! I broke two Craftsman 1/2" drive wrenches before I switched to a 3/4" drive socket and a breaker bar and a 2 ft. cheater bar.

[summitflier]

Originally Posted by Xeen

LOL! I broke two Craftsman 1/2" drive wrenches before I switched to a 3/4" drive socket and a breaker bar and a 2 ft. cheater bar.

Sure... now you tell me.

[summitflier]

Got the rear trailing arms and axle apart.

A word to the wise... (I'm amazed I've never heard about this on any of the other build threads I've read through).

When you are taking out the coil spring retainer bolts, be careful. The idea was to gradually loosen the bolt until the pressure was off the retainer.
However, the bolt broke after about a quarter turn. The coil spring jumped out and gave me a little bruise on the ribs.

[Hammerforhire]

Looking good, I'll keep watching your progress. Yeah those trailing arm bolts kick my butt too.

[srvhemi]

That motor is sooo sweet. no doubt, that will smoke the tires off.