new to site, 68 SWB 4x4 - post your ideas - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

msgross · 07-09-2006, 04:01 PM

OK, THis is my first post on the site. Just picked up my project. Let me know your thoughts, ideas, remarks etc... This will be a slow project due to budget contraints (wife) but need to make some fixes quick if I want to drive it.

1968 SWB 4x4 K-10 Chevy
one owner, 78,000 miles
327ci w/4bbl
No power anything, tach in dash, locking hubs
Hasn't been driven for 10 years but it drove itself onto the trailer

My plans:

drain and replace every fluid
service engine
new exhaust, plus headers,
new tires and rims
new/used hood
new/used front bumper
replace wood bed, came with GM black wood (for long bed but can work it)
That might get me running and semi legal in PA for inspection.

Questions for you guys,
What size tires can I run with stock suspension?
What with about a 2-3" lift?
What would you do? Now what would you do with onlt $1500 or so....
Should I just suck it up and strip it to frame now?
Thanks....Mike

**Palf70Step** · 07-09-2006, 06:48 PM

Welcome to the boards. That looks really nice for PA truck. I have not done 4x4s in there bu a 31 or 33 should fit OK under a stock suspension. I've have 31x10.60x15 on my 2wd and no clearance issues.

krue · 07-09-2006, 07:43 PM

Welcome to the board from South Mississippi! I'm gonna move this to where you'll get more response.

Southedisto · 07-09-2006, 07:52 PM

Welcome for Eastern NC. That looks like a great beginning. Keep us posted on the progress.

**special-K** · 07-09-2006, 07:58 PM

I like it.I think 10.50/31sare ideal.You can fit 11.50/32s,but not many btires come in that size.If you lift it 3-3 inches,go to 12.50/33s.What part of PAare you in?

charlieo · 07-09-2006, 08:09 PM

I love that truck congrats on your find ! Oh by the way welcome from New Mexico !

msgross · 07-09-2006, 08:24 PM

Thanks for the info... I am in Central PA (Lebanon). This truck was bought on Ebay (price went a little higher than I wanted = $1600) and was located in upstate NY, built in Tarrytown,NY and was truly a one owner. Where is the best company to look at for full suspension lifts for 68's? Take care...

Mike

TugOwar · 07-09-2006, 08:33 PM

Welcome from South TX. Great looking truck, lots of potential.

71swb4x4 · 07-09-2006, 08:48 PM

If you are saying you paid $1600 for it I think you did very well. I would pay $1600 for thos every day of the week.
If that were mine I would restore is pretty stock. Maybe a 2" lift and some wheels, but that's about as extreme as I would go. I would probably add options that it may not have now, factory buckets for sure.
Nice truck, and no matter how you build it I am sure it will be a looker. You dont see many 68 SWB 4x4 fleets.

msgross · 07-09-2006, 09:57 PM

the guy said that he was going to sell it local for half the price but the Ebay auction was going on. His dad ran a mechanics shop in the garage and use to puch cars home with it, he passed away a few years ago. He had a custom made 12" high steel push bumper on it, I had him take it off before I picked it up. Back bumper is going to go as well, let me know if anyone wants it. It is a pretty solid truck except for the hood and the wood bed. Has anyone seen GM factory wood beds that were black? It came with a set of boards for a longbed, in good shape though. All I have to do is keep the wife from putting a for sale sign on it at the yard sale next weekend!!!

Joe67 · 07-10-2006, 07:21 AM

Welcome - great project

**special-K** · 07-10-2006, 07:24 AM

Black is how the factory finished the wood.Lift springs are going to be tough to find off the shelf.In`69 they went to a narrower leaf.You didn`t get another pair of wheels like on the rear with it by any chance?Is that original paint?

*rage'nrat638* · 07-10-2006, 07:33 AM

sweet truck...a great deal..

welcome from chicago

1969K10 · 07-10-2006, 08:58 AM

Great looking truck!!!!

I'm running 33X10.50's on mine with "stock" suspension. Meaning I have no lift, but plow springs on the front & 3/4T stockers on the rear. I've never rubbed, even in the corners & twisted up...

jamon8 · 07-10-2006, 09:17 AM

I found that poly bushings made a huge diff in my truck.

that 1600 is well spent. the truck looks great. I paid 1500 for mine and who knows how much will be in it when its done.

**Ron 586** · 07-10-2006, 09:24 AM

Welcome from West Tennessee. That is a nice 4wd you have there. If it were me I would do what you said and tune it and change the fluids and drive it some while deciding what I wanted to change about it or if I wanted to leave it alone. You did good finding that one.

msgross · 07-10-2006, 09:34 AM

The paint appears to be redone, I found some drip marks. It is original color though... Nice original bench seat but I am think buckets in the future... The tires are all semi-rotted due to age. Next month is Trucks at Carlisle,PA (big swap meet) I hope to find some parts there.

ChevyDude · 07-10-2006, 09:54 AM

Very Nice project truck....do it right and it could come out looking like a million bucks!!! I agree 2" or 4" lift max!!!

**Yukon Jack** · 07-10-2006, 03:58 PM

Sweet truck. You can find some old posts about issues adding power steering to the 67 and 68 4wd's. That should have the closed knuckle Dana 44 front axle and a Rockwell T221 transfer case.

Sure is sharp looking. I would really encourage you to get it going and enjoy it for a while before tearing it down to the frame.

penguinwise · 07-10-2006, 04:57 PM

Welcome from your neighbor to the South (York PA). You will be able to probably fit 33's stock. I have a 2wd 3/4 ton and it has 31 x 10.5's on it now.. No rubbing at all. With a lil higher 4x4 you should fit 33's no problem. Keep us posted!

Sweet72 · 07-10-2006, 05:19 PM

Welcome to the board! I'm with all the guys saying get it running first and enjoy driving it, familiarize yourself. Make a list of things you need to do to make it the way you want it. Then when the money comes around do it right. Awesome truck for 1600 bucks, and original GM bed wood. You nearly stole it.

teeitup · 07-15-2006, 04:12 PM

Here are some pics of trucks with 2 inch and 33's

teeitup · 07-15-2006, 04:13 PM

gold blazer has 4 inch, red 2 inch with 31's

teeitup · 07-15-2006, 04:15 PM

72 swb 4x4 2 inch with 33's

msgross · 07-16-2006, 09:22 PM

thanks.... My leafs need work anyway (bushings) so I may do an add-a-leaf or go with a full kit. I just picked up a set of 15x10's that need cleaned up. Any suggestions on a color? I don't like the white rims that well, they are regular wagon wheel type...

07-09-2006, 04:01 PM	#1
msgross Registered User Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Central PA Posts: 12,201	new to site, 68 SWB 4x4 - post your ideas OK, THis is my first post on the site. Just picked up my project. Let me know your thoughts, ideas, remarks etc... This will be a slow project due to budget contraints (wife) but need to make some fixes quick if I want to drive it. 1968 SWB 4x4 K-10 Chevy one owner, 78,000 miles 327ci w/4bbl No power anything, tach in dash, locking hubs Hasn't been driven for 10 years but it drove itself onto the trailer My plans: drain and replace every fluid service engine new exhaust, plus headers, new tires and rims new/used hood new/used front bumper replace wood bed, came with GM black wood (for long bed but can work it) That might get me running and semi legal in PA for inspection. Questions for you guys, What size tires can I run with stock suspension? What with about a 2-3" lift? What would you do? Now what would you do with onlt $1500 or so.... Should I just suck it up and strip it to frame now? Thanks....Mike Attached Images

07-09-2006, 06:48 PM	#2
Palf70Step State of Confusion! Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Gulfport, MS USA Posts: 47,083	Re: new to site, 68 SWB 4x4 - post your ideas Welcome to the boards. That looks really nice for PA truck. I have not done 4x4s in there bu a 31 or 33 should fit OK under a stock suspension. I've have 31x10.60x15 on my 2wd and no clearance issues. __________________ Bill 1970 Chevy Custom/10 LWB Fleetside 2010 Toyota Tacoma PreRunner SR5 Double Cab - DD Member of Louisiana Classic Truck Club (LCTC) Bill's Gallery Life isn't tied with a bow, but it's still a gift. Live simply. Love generously. Care deeply. Speak kindly. Leave the rest to God! Last edited by Palf70Step; 07-09-2006 at 06:48 PM.

07-09-2006, 07:43 PM	#3
krue Designated A-hole! Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: South Mississippi Posts: 36,450	Re: new to site, 68 SWB 4x4 - post your ideas Welcome to the board from South Mississippi! I'm gonna move this to where you'll get more response. __________________ "If it ain't broke, fix it 'til it is!" Being stupid ain't illegal. We're Still Debt Free Except for the House!!! www.daveramsey.com 70 GMC SWB Stepside project "Green Booger" soon to be 6.0l/4l80e 93 S-10 "Poppaw's Truck"

07-09-2006, 07:52 PM	#4
Southedisto River life...... Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Soldotna AK Posts: 1,078	Re: new to site, 68 SWB 4x4 - post your ideas Welcome for Eastern NC. That looks like a great beginning. Keep us posted on the progress. __________________ I like wheelin in Dixie!

07-09-2006, 07:58 PM	#5
special-K Special Order Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Mt Airy, MD Posts: 85,852	Re: new to site, 68 SWB 4x4 - post your ideas I like it.I think 10.50/31sare ideal.You can fit 11.50/32s,but not many btires come in that size.If you lift it 3-3 inches,go to 12.50/33s.What part of PAare you in? __________________ "BUILDING A BETTER WAY TO SERVE THE USA"......67/72......"The New Breed" GMC '67 C1500 Wideside Super Custom SWB: 327/M22/3.42 posi.........."The '67" (project) GMC '72 K2500 Wideside Sierra Custom Camper: 350/TH350/4.10 Power-Lok..."The '72" (rolling) Tim "Don't call me a redneck. I'm a rough cut country gentleman" R.I.P. ~ East Side Low Life ~ El Jay ~ 72BLUZ ~ Fasteddie69 ~ Ron586 ~ 67ChevyRedneck ~ Grumpy Old Man ~

07-09-2006, 08:09 PM	#6
charlieo Registered User Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: sw Posts: 341	Re: new to site, 68 SWB 4x4 - post your ideas I love that truck congrats on your find ! Oh by the way welcome from New Mexico !

07-09-2006, 08:24 PM	#7
msgross Registered User Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Central PA Posts: 12,201	Re: new to site, 68 SWB 4x4 - post your ideas Thanks for the info... I am in Central PA (Lebanon). This truck was bought on Ebay (price went a little higher than I wanted = $1600) and was located in upstate NY, built in Tarrytown,NY and was truly a one owner. Where is the best company to look at for full suspension lifts for 68's? Take care... Mike

07-09-2006, 08:33 PM	#8
TugOwar Registered User Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: Pleasanton, TX Posts: 1,723	Re: new to site, 68 SWB 4x4 - post your ideas Welcome from South TX. Great looking truck, lots of potential.

07-09-2006, 08:48 PM	#9
71swb4x4 Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Brookings, SD Posts: 10,497	Re: new to site, 68 SWB 4x4 - post your ideas If you are saying you paid $1600 for it I think you did very well. I would pay $1600 for thos every day of the week. If that were mine I would restore is pretty stock. Maybe a 2" lift and some wheels, but that's about as extreme as I would go. I would probably add options that it may not have now, factory buckets for sure. Nice truck, and no matter how you build it I am sure it will be a looker. You dont see many 68 SWB 4x4 fleets. __________________ Some people are like slinkies, they aren't good for anything, but you can't help but smile when you see one tumble down the stairs.

07-09-2006, 09:57 PM	#10
msgross Registered User Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Central PA Posts: 12,201	Re: new to site, 68 SWB 4x4 - post your ideas the guy said that he was going to sell it local for half the price but the Ebay auction was going on. His dad ran a mechanics shop in the garage and use to puch cars home with it, he passed away a few years ago. He had a custom made 12" high steel push bumper on it, I had him take it off before I picked it up. Back bumper is going to go as well, let me know if anyone wants it. It is a pretty solid truck except for the hood and the wood bed. Has anyone seen GM factory wood beds that were black? It came with a set of boards for a longbed, in good shape though. All I have to do is keep the wife from putting a for sale sign on it at the yard sale next weekend!!!

07-10-2006, 07:21 AM	#11
Joe67 67 is sold Join Date: Apr 2001 Location: Troy, Michigan Posts: 6,738	Re: new to site, 68 SWB 4x4 - post your ideas Welcome - great project __________________ Joe - Formerly 67c10step ------------------------------- 1967 Chevy Stepside - ECE 4/6, fuelcell, 5lug - SOLD gr8lakes - My ebay auctions Click here to order forum apparel :: Click here to become a subscribing member

07-10-2006, 07:24 AM	#12
special-K Special Order Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Mt Airy, MD Posts: 85,852	Re: new to site, 68 SWB 4x4 - post your ideas Black is how the factory finished the wood.Lift springs are going to be tough to find off the shelf.In`69 they went to a narrower leaf.You didn`t get another pair of wheels like on the rear with it by any chance?Is that original paint? __________________ "BUILDING A BETTER WAY TO SERVE THE USA"......67/72......"The New Breed" GMC '67 C1500 Wideside Super Custom SWB: 327/M22/3.42 posi.........."The '67" (project) GMC '72 K2500 Wideside Sierra Custom Camper: 350/TH350/4.10 Power-Lok..."The '72" (rolling) Tim "Don't call me a redneck. I'm a rough cut country gentleman" R.I.P. ~ East Side Low Life ~ El Jay ~ 72BLUZ ~ Fasteddie69 ~ Ron586 ~ 67ChevyRedneck ~ Grumpy Old Man ~

07-10-2006, 07:33 AM	#13
rage'nrat638 Account Suspended Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: THE FALL GUY CHICAGO IL Posts: 5,883	Re: new to site, 68 SWB 4x4 - post your ideas sweet truck...a great deal.. welcome from chicago

07-10-2006, 08:58 AM	#14
1969K10 Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: Clarks Hill, Indiana Posts: 733	Re: new to site, 68 SWB 4x4 - post your ideas Great looking truck!!!! I'm running 33X10.50's on mine with "stock" suspension. Meaning I have no lift, but plow springs on the front & 3/4T stockers on the rear. I've never rubbed, even in the corners & twisted up...

07-10-2006, 09:17 AM	#15
jamon8 Registered User Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: southern Il Posts: 335	Re: new to site, 68 SWB 4x4 - post your ideas I found that poly bushings made a huge diff in my truck. that 1600 is well spent. the truck looks great. I paid 1500 for mine and who knows how much will be in it when its done.



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07-10-2006, 09:24 AM	#16
Ron 586 RIP Mr Ron Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Big Sandy, Tn. 38221 Posts: 8,166	Re: new to site, 68 SWB 4x4 - post your ideas Welcome from West Tennessee. That is a nice 4wd you have there. If it were me I would do what you said and tune it and change the fluids and drive it some while deciding what I wanted to change about it or if I wanted to leave it alone. You did good finding that one. __________________ Ron (Mr Round Tuit) Be kinder than necessary, for everyone you meet is fighting some kind of battle TN Message Forum TN Facebook Group SETN Truck Show My Photobucket

07-10-2006, 09:34 AM	#17
msgross Registered User Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Central PA Posts: 12,201	Re: new to site, 68 SWB 4x4 - post your ideas The paint appears to be redone, I found some drip marks. It is original color though... Nice original bench seat but I am think buckets in the future... The tires are all semi-rotted due to age. Next month is Trucks at Carlisle,PA (big swap meet) I hope to find some parts there.

07-10-2006, 09:54 AM	#18
ChevyDude Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Westminster, CO Posts: 3,071	Re: new to site, 68 SWB 4x4 - post your ideas Very Nice project truck....do it right and it could come out looking like a million bucks!!! I agree 2" or 4" lift max!!!

07-10-2006, 03:58 PM	#19
Yukon Jack Post Whore Join Date: Feb 2000 Location: Rose Hill, KS, USA Posts: 12,684	Re: new to site, 68 SWB 4x4 - post your ideas Sweet truck. You can find some old posts about issues adding power steering to the 67 and 68 4wd's. That should have the closed knuckle Dana 44 front axle and a Rockwell T221 transfer case. Sure is sharp looking. I would really encourage you to get it going and enjoy it for a while before tearing it down to the frame. __________________ 1970 Blazer with a 400 sbc and 4" lift 1980 Pontiac Trans Am, 455 Oldsmobile 2012 Kawasaki Concours 14

07-10-2006, 04:57 PM	#20
penguinwise Registered User Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: York PA Posts: 16	Re: new to site, 68 SWB 4x4 - post your ideas Welcome from your neighbor to the South (York PA). You will be able to probably fit 33's stock. I have a 2wd 3/4 ton and it has 31 x 10.5's on it now.. No rubbing at all. With a lil higher 4x4 you should fit 33's no problem. Keep us posted!

07-10-2006, 05:19 PM	#21
Sweet72 Registered User Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Alexandria, VA Posts: 1,534	Re: new to site, 68 SWB 4x4 - post your ideas Welcome to the board! I'm with all the guys saying get it running first and enjoy driving it, familiarize yourself. Make a list of things you need to do to make it the way you want it. Then when the money comes around do it right. Awesome truck for 1600 bucks, and original GM bed wood. You nearly stole it. __________________ '72 GMC SWB C1500 Custom, frame-off in progress. 383 SBC, 9:1CR, Comp Cams XE262H, Scat internal balanced crank, Eagle SIR 6" rods, Keith Black dish pistons, Dart Iron Eagle 72/180 heads, Weiand Stealth intake, Stewart stage I water pump, Holley 4bbl vac sec, TH350 with B&M Shift Improver Kit. 12 bolt positraction.

07-15-2006, 04:12 PM	#22
teeitup Just like to part out trucks!! Join Date: Nov 2001 Location: Meriden, Ks-North of Topeka 10 miles Posts: 27,396	Re: new to site, 68 SWB 4x4 - post your ideas Here are some pics of trucks with 2 inch and 33's Attached Images __________________ 67 Chev swb stepside 4x4 283 4 speed SOLD 72 blazer 4x4 4 speed Cheyenne 72 GMC swb 4x4 fleet 4 speed, original paint 1958 Cameo (one of 1405 built, it was my dads) 2020 chevy Apex 4x4 crew cab 1969 Z28 with the 302 1980 chevy swb 4x4 1964 chevell Malibu SS 1976 K20, sold new originally out of my dads chevy dealership Members that I've met, over 200 probably closer to 300 in the 12 years I've been on this site, everyone I met "It was a pleasure"

07-15-2006, 04:13 PM	#23
teeitup Just like to part out trucks!! Join Date: Nov 2001 Location: Meriden, Ks-North of Topeka 10 miles Posts: 27,396	Re: new to site, 68 SWB 4x4 - post your ideas gold blazer has 4 inch, red 2 inch with 31's Attached Images __________________ 67 Chev swb stepside 4x4 283 4 speed SOLD 72 blazer 4x4 4 speed Cheyenne 72 GMC swb 4x4 fleet 4 speed, original paint 1958 Cameo (one of 1405 built, it was my dads) 2020 chevy Apex 4x4 crew cab 1969 Z28 with the 302 1980 chevy swb 4x4 1964 chevell Malibu SS 1976 K20, sold new originally out of my dads chevy dealership Members that I've met, over 200 probably closer to 300 in the 12 years I've been on this site, everyone I met "It was a pleasure"

07-15-2006, 04:15 PM	#24
teeitup Just like to part out trucks!! Join Date: Nov 2001 Location: Meriden, Ks-North of Topeka 10 miles Posts: 27,396	Re: new to site, 68 SWB 4x4 - post your ideas 72 swb 4x4 2 inch with 33's Attached Images __________________ 67 Chev swb stepside 4x4 283 4 speed SOLD 72 blazer 4x4 4 speed Cheyenne 72 GMC swb 4x4 fleet 4 speed, original paint 1958 Cameo (one of 1405 built, it was my dads) 2020 chevy Apex 4x4 crew cab 1969 Z28 with the 302 1980 chevy swb 4x4 1964 chevell Malibu SS 1976 K20, sold new originally out of my dads chevy dealership Members that I've met, over 200 probably closer to 300 in the 12 years I've been on this site, everyone I met "It was a pleasure"

07-16-2006, 09:22 PM	#25
msgross Registered User Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Central PA Posts: 12,201	Re: new to site, 68 SWB 4x4 - post your ideas thanks.... My leafs need work anyway (bushings) so I may do an add-a-leaf or go with a full kit. I just picked up a set of 15x10's that need cleaned up. Any suggestions on a color? I don't like the white rims that well, they are regular wagon wheel type... __________________ The Garage: 1968 K-10 SWB - "Project Money Pit" 1996 Z-71 - "huntin rig" 1969 C-10 LWB (SOLD) "Project flip that truck or else" 1993 Passport, F@rd 1-ton (SOLD)"Project Cousin Eddie" My Garage Build "The 1,000 footer"

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