Project 1966 C-10 LSx

[66LSx]

*LAST UPDATE* 12/12/2013

Hey guys.... hope you enjoy the build thread.

Have a 1966 Chevy C10 SWB Fleet that was a running and driving truck w/ a 350 and a Super T-10.

Out it goes.... and in will be a 5.3/4L60e combo ('maybe' 6.0/4L80e... well $ee)

Project will be in winter phases while hopefully making it road worth to enjoy every summer. (Hey its Wisconsin....heated garage, project truck, beer... is about all there is during winter)

Phase 1: (Winter 2013-14')
Buy Truck -
Remove/Sell 350/T10 -
Install ECE - LS Mounting -
Find/Buy 5.3/4L60e Combo -
Re-wire entire truck AAW -
Install Boyd Fuel/Vette Reg -
Install Entropy Radiator -
Install/First Start LSx -
Driveshaft Rework -
Temp Exhaust -
Body Re-assemble -
First Drive -
Summer Enjoy-

Phase 2: (Winter 2014-15')
Chassis Rework
-Powder Coat
-Power Steering
-Power Disc
-Wheels (17-18's)
-2" Drop Tubular A's, 1-2" drop front *static*
-Drop Member/Trailing Arm upgrade, 5" drop rear *static*
-Reassemble w/ 'patina'd body

Phase 3: (Winter 2015-16')
Bodywork/Paint


Enjoy!
(sorry...uber pictures.... who doesn't like pictures ?!?)

Hauling her home.


Unloaded and into its new home.




The old 350/T10


Base Trim model




Pretty healthy for a Wisconsin truck... Although it will need rockers and corners,fender patches, and a bit of toe-board work... (cab mounts are beautiful).

[66LSx]

Out with the old... (350/T10)



Pretty clean up top under the 1/4 extension...



Core support passenger side lower is going to need help... (battery leak maybe? driver side was nice)

[dwcardfan]

Welcome to the forum. Looks like you got a nice truck to start with.

[crazyhenryj]

Subscribed, I am very interested in how this goes. I didn't give these swaps the time of day but met a fellow with a 72 2wd blazer at Turkey Rod run after he walked me thru it, it sounds pretty feasible. I am considering this for my 65 burb.
His main piece of advice was get the whole harness esp. the fuse block that mounts on the inner fender to insure compatibility.

[1963c-10]

Welcome and solid looking truck to start with. Looks like you have the plans laid out nicely and im looking forward to more posts and pics on the progress.

[chevyrestoguy]

I'm tuning in for this build. I really like what you've got planned.

[Low Elco]

I gotta see this!

[aggie91]

Joining in on this one too!

[66LSx]

What a pain.... removing rusted out spun carriage bolts.

Pulled out the inside boards to gain access to the inner frame rails and to be able to drop in the Boyd fuel cell.

After 2 bolts... i cheated.... (as I am replacing the wood and strips anyways). I simply wirebrushed the top of the carriage bolts and spot welded the carriage bolt head to the strip.

30 some spots later... back underneath the truck... impact.. viola... done.

Nothing to exciting but progress no less.

[McMurphy]

and to the site !!
Looks like a fine project you have there.
Your glovebox trim, and your guage cluster panel, are those really wood, or it is decal on there?
It would be smoking cool if it were really wood.... Hmmm now there is an idea....

[66LSx]

Originally Posted by McMurphy

and to the site !!
Looks like a fine project you have there.
Your glovebox trim, and your guage cluster panel, are those really wood, or it is decal on there?
It would be smoking cool if it were really wood.... Hmmm now there is an idea....

Actual wood..... but unfortunately.....it will be making an exit.... (BUT.... 3 years from now when bodywork starts)..... up until that point.... oak glovebox trim it is.

[jmack91z28]

Originally Posted by McMurphy

and to the site !!
Looks like a fine project you have there.
Your glovebox trim, and your guage cluster panel, are those really wood, or it is decal on there?
It would be smoking cool if it were really wood.... Hmmm now there is an idea....

I was thinking the exact same thing. That really doesn't look too bad.. Nothing beats the stock gauge look in my opinion though.

[66LSx]

Ooooo progress!!!

CPP sheetmetal motor perches
Dirty Dingo Sliders
CPP transmission crossmember
Energy Poly motor and transmission mounts.

[bj383ss]

Originally Posted by 66LSx

What a pain.... removing rusted out spun carriage bolts.

Pulled out the inside boards to gain access to the inner frame rails and to be able to drop in the Boyd fuel cell.

After 2 bolts... i cheated.... (as I am replacing the wood and strips anyways). I simply wirebrushed the top of the carriage bolts and spot welded the carriage bolt head to the strip.

30 some spots later... back underneath the truck... impact.. viola... done.

Nothing to exciting but progress no less.

What a great idea on the spot weld. I had the same problem half of them spun. My wood was so rotted I was able to pull the center board out and then just grind the bolts from underneath the strips working to the outside. Thank God for impact wrenches.

Bret

[Ta2Don]

aboard!
Looks like a good solid start and plan…
Pics...

Merry Christmas!

[B2E]

I'm in also. Planning on the lq9/4l80 swap myself. Hard to beat the simple fuel injection on these setups. Looking like a great start!

[66LSx]

1 busted and bloody knuckle, 2 busted 16mm pt sockets, 4 gorilla wheel locks off.

I hate wheel locks.
(note...I had NO intention of reusing the locks... their a risk if something goes wrong away from the key)

2 replacement 16mm sockets = $4.00 total.
1 gorilla 1921SD lock key = $27 + ship.

I'll take the $4 over the $27 (and never be used again either)

I won.(minus knuckle)

[66LSx]

Progress no less...

Removed birds nest



Manual Cross member removal w/ cab on


Let it begin (reading material)


Looking like maybe next week I get the new heart for the beast.

[siggyfreud]

Awesome plans! I'm doing something similar on my 66 C20, however I think I'm sticking with the Gen I SBC and going to retro in sequential fuel injection. Are you going to run the stock PCM for the motor and trans?

[66LSx]

Originally Posted by siggyfreud

Awesome plans! I'm doing something similar on my 66 C20, however I think I'm sticking with the Gen I SBC and going to retro in sequential fuel injection. Are you going to run the stock PCM for the motor and trans?

Yup for now... with only VATS removed. Will get a tune when I do a cam...

[siggyfreud]

Nice. That's probably the best options since you'll be controlling the transmission too.

[66LSx]

Originally Posted by siggyfreud

Nice. That's probably the best options since you'll be controlling the transmission too.

Eventually I'll tune up shift points and maybe switch to a vette servo.... but I'll be running a stock drivetrain for a year or two $$$$ wise.

[jsstanley66]

Looking forward to seeing you do this. I am seriously considering this myself. I'm just about finished with my truck, and now side tracked with thoughts of an LS Swap.

[Jer64]

Looks like your off to a good start! I'm doing the same conversion right now. Bought that swap manual too, lots of good info in there.

[66LSx]

Negative ghost rider... the pattern is full....

(We have a drivetrain!!!)




2005 5.3L
108k miles on the clock

4L60e 4x2

w/ ECM, harness, gas pedal, TAC mod, relay box etc.