1968 C10 Snow Bird - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

68anthony · 11-30-2013, 02:23 AM

This build is for my cousin's wife. He didn't know what kind of truck but he wanted a truck that was for sure. We decided to go with a C10. This is a great looking truck and easy to get parts for. I started looking on craigslist for a truck and since I live in Arizona it was not hard to find a project truck. Me and my friend drove up to Payson and picked up this sweet ride a 1968 C10. This truck was all original. The bed was even full of snow when we picked her up. The kids thought this was awesome since we don't really get snow in mesa. Once we got it home it wasn't long until we got it running and driving. It did not run very well but it was fun to cruise it up and down the street. We picked this truck up from the original owners grandson. His grandpa bought this truck in 1968 and drove it every day. This truck is an original Arizona truck it worked it whole life in Bagdad Arizona. Now the fun begins give this old girl a new life. I am naming this build Snow Bird since it had a bed full of snow when we brought it to the shop.

68anthony · 11-30-2013, 02:42 AM

some pictures of the disassembly

68anthony · 11-30-2013, 02:58 AM

more

68anthony · 11-30-2013, 11:53 PM

Time to tackle the bed. The bed floor on this truck was shot. I didn't realize how bad it was until the snow melted. All the bolts were rusted and pretty much a pain to get out we ended up plasma cutting most of it apart. I never really intended on using the original bed floor anyway.

68anthony · 12-01-2013, 12:03 AM

Once the bed was disassembled it was on to the front end.

68anthony · 12-01-2013, 01:26 PM

I thought I would try and save some money by sanding on the body parts my self. That got old pretty quick even with my big compressor and air sanders this is not something that I enjoy doing. So the parts went to media blast, this was much more enjoyable. I don't even know why I tried you can not compete with media blast. It seems like it is just something I have to remind my self on every build I hate sanding down old paint.

stfinney · 12-09-2013, 12:45 AM

I want one!! lol

68anthony · 12-09-2013, 01:28 AM

Turn Key makes the install super easy. I helped my friend Install one of their Ecotec motors into his sand rail and it is literally 5 wires and you are up and running.

hardcore4life · 12-09-2013, 07:28 AM

Are they easier and cheaper than going through GM Performance Parts for their E-Rod set up?

68anthony · 12-09-2013, 12:34 PM

I looked into the E-Rod set up when I was making my decision. It didn't seem like it was much cheaper. I got everything for about 10K that included the trans.

http://www.turnkeyenginesupply.com/

Standard Items on ALL Turn Key Engines:
Street Package Includes

Flywheel or Flexplate
Mass airflow sensor
Starter
Ceramic coated block hugger headers
Complete Accessories
Alternator
Water Pump
Serpentine Belt System
Brackets and Tensioners
Complete Ignition - 5-Wire Hook-Up
Coil packs
Spark plugs and wires
Delphi ECM with Turn Key calibration
Custom marine grade engine wiring harness
Uses all OEM connectors
Electric fan controls
Fuse block and relays
Complete Detail Package
Engine oil and filter
K&N air filter
Hardware kit
Motor mount bolts
Oil temperature sending unit port
Water temperature sending unit port
Engine covers
Cable drive throttle body
Installation guide
Complete AN Fitted Fuel System
EFI fuel pump kit
AN fitted fuel rails
Pre-filter
Post-filter
Fuel pressure regulator
AN-6 & AN-8 fittings
O-rings & crush washers
O2 sensors

Options:
Power steering pump
AC compressor
Motor Mount Adapter plates
4L60E

68anthony · 12-13-2013, 01:22 AM

I got some parts from Classic Industries. Got every thing to put together a new bed. I am pretty stoked to put the bed together it will be a night and day difference from the original one.

68anthony · 12-15-2013, 05:40 PM

Media blasting and powder coating is a great way to make old parts look better than new. I have been using the hot coat system that Eastwood sells for some time now. http://www.eastwood.com/dual-voltage...arter-kit.html This is a great product for the the occasional powder coater. I have not found anything that I couldn't powder coat. Used in conjunction with prismatic powders the possibilities are endless.http://www.prismaticpowders.com/ The only thing that limits your capabilities is the size of oven you have.

**lolife99** · 12-15-2013, 05:57 PM

What a great truck build!
Subscribiing to watch this one.

Squareforceone · 12-16-2013, 02:33 AM

nice

72BlckButy · 12-16-2013, 06:44 AM

High quality build. Nice work!

68anthony · 12-18-2013, 02:01 AM

I was able to set the motor and trans in place finally. I got the motor mounts and trans crossmember from cpp. This was super easy, I had it installed in about an hour or less. The adapter plates that I got from Turn Key were right on point also.

1968k10blue · 12-18-2013, 03:14 AM

Subscribed! Looking forward to what you do to this thing!

knomadd · 12-18-2013, 04:09 PM

I wish I had that kind of space to work in. I like the motor/trans combo. Subscribed!

Mr Chevorlet · 12-18-2013, 04:38 PM

Nice build i see happening and a very nice place to do the work.

68anthony · 12-19-2013, 01:29 AM

Thanks Guys. This is at my home shop. I have been wanting to post some pictures of my shop on the forum, just need to do a quick clean up and snap some photos.

68anthony · 12-19-2013, 02:04 AM

I got some pics of me replacing the driver's side cab corner over the weekend. I didn't get any until I started fitting the new panel back on though. But what I did was figured out a line where I wanted to do the repair and used masking tape to create a strait line on the patch panel. Then I used my cut of wheel to cut along the taped edge. I cut just off of the edge a little and used my 90deg die grinder with a roll lock disk to finish it in. "80 grit" That was it for my patch panel. Now on to the cab. I trimmed some material off the bottom of the cab corner that way I could fit the patch panel. Then I used a scribe to mark where I wanted to make the cut when I was happy with where it was sitting. Clecos are a great for fitting and holding panels in place. I made the cut and used some butt welding clamps to tack very thing in place. I also used a 3/8 135 deg split point drill to drill out the spot welds.

duallyjams · 12-23-2013, 04:13 PM

Got to be tough working in such a small shop with hardly no access to equipment ( lathe, laser jet ect ) lol nah I'm just jealous. Looks like this build will be done be spring.

hardcore4life · 12-20-2013, 02:34 AM

That's some clean work. I need to learn to do this.

68anthony · 12-20-2013, 02:41 AM

Thank You @hardcore4life

19GMC66 · 12-21-2013, 12:29 AM

Cool build..looks like you are in east mesa...where is the place that you bought your engine and tranny located at?

11-30-2013, 02:23 AM	#1
68anthony Registered User Join Date: Mar 2013 Location: Mesa az Posts: 66	1968 C10 Snow Bird This build is for my cousin's wife. He didn't know what kind of truck but he wanted a truck that was for sure. We decided to go with a C10. This is a great looking truck and easy to get parts for. I started looking on craigslist for a truck and since I live in Arizona it was not hard to find a project truck. Me and my friend drove up to Payson and picked up this sweet ride a 1968 C10. This truck was all original. The bed was even full of snow when we picked her up. The kids thought this was awesome since we don't really get snow in mesa. Once we got it home it wasn't long until we got it running and driving. It did not run very well but it was fun to cruise it up and down the street. We picked this truck up from the original owners grandson. His grandpa bought this truck in 1968 and drove it every day. This truck is an original Arizona truck it worked it whole life in Bagdad Arizona. Now the fun begins give this old girl a new life. I am naming this build Snow Bird since it had a bed full of snow when we brought it to the shop. Attached Images

11-30-2013, 02:42 AM	#2
68anthony Registered User Join Date: Mar 2013 Location: Mesa az Posts: 66	Re: 1968 C10 Snow Bird some pictures of the disassembly Attached Images

11-30-2013, 02:58 AM	#3
68anthony Registered User Join Date: Mar 2013 Location: Mesa az Posts: 66	Re: 1968 C10 Snow Bird more Attached Images

11-30-2013, 11:53 PM	#4
68anthony Registered User Join Date: Mar 2013 Location: Mesa az Posts: 66	Re: 1968 C10 Snow Bird Time to tackle the bed. The bed floor on this truck was shot. I didn't realize how bad it was until the snow melted. All the bolts were rusted and pretty much a pain to get out we ended up plasma cutting most of it apart. I never really intended on using the original bed floor anyway. Attached Images

12-01-2013, 12:03 AM	#5
68anthony Registered User Join Date: Mar 2013 Location: Mesa az Posts: 66	Re: 1968 C10 Snow Bird Once the bed was disassembled it was on to the front end. Attached Images

12-01-2013, 01:26 PM	#6
68anthony Registered User Join Date: Mar 2013 Location: Mesa az Posts: 66	Re: 1968 C10 Snow Bird I thought I would try and save some money by sanding on the body parts my self. That got old pretty quick even with my big compressor and air sanders this is not something that I enjoy doing. So the parts went to media blast, this was much more enjoyable. I don't even know why I tried you can not compete with media blast. It seems like it is just something I have to remind my self on every build I hate sanding down old paint. Attached Images

12-09-2013, 12:45 AM	#7
stfinney Registered User Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: Vero Beach, FL Posts: 173	Re: 1968 C10 Snow Bird I want one!! lol __________________ Shawn 1972 C10 Custom LWB, 3-speed automatic, 350 bored .060 over, Vortec heads, Crane Energizer 260 H10 Cam My Beater/Work in Progress http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=502044

12-09-2013, 01:28 AM	#8
68anthony Registered User Join Date: Mar 2013 Location: Mesa az Posts: 66	Re: 1968 C10 Snow Bird Turn Key makes the install super easy. I helped my friend Install one of their Ecotec motors into his sand rail and it is literally 5 wires and you are up and running.

12-09-2013, 07:28 AM	#9
hardcore4life Registered User Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Oklahoma City, OK Posts: 72	Re: 1968 C10 Snow Bird Are they easier and cheaper than going through GM Performance Parts for their E-Rod set up? __________________ 68 C10 lwb, 406 sbc, 700R4 86 K30 srw, 454 bbc, TH400 11 Camaro RS, 217 V6, 6M

12-09-2013, 12:34 PM	#10
68anthony Registered User Join Date: Mar 2013 Location: Mesa az Posts: 66	Re: 1968 C10 Snow Bird I looked into the E-Rod set up when I was making my decision. It didn't seem like it was much cheaper. I got everything for about 10K that included the trans. http://www.turnkeyenginesupply.com/ Standard Items on ALL Turn Key Engines: Street Package Includes Flywheel or Flexplate Mass airflow sensor Starter Ceramic coated block hugger headers Complete Accessories Alternator Water Pump Serpentine Belt System Brackets and Tensioners Complete Ignition - 5-Wire Hook-Up Coil packs Spark plugs and wires Delphi ECM with Turn Key calibration Custom marine grade engine wiring harness Uses all OEM connectors Electric fan controls Fuse block and relays Complete Detail Package Engine oil and filter K&N air filter Hardware kit Motor mount bolts Oil temperature sending unit port Water temperature sending unit port Engine covers Cable drive throttle body Installation guide Complete AN Fitted Fuel System EFI fuel pump kit AN fitted fuel rails Pre-filter Post-filter Fuel pressure regulator AN-6 & AN-8 fittings O-rings & crush washers O2 sensors Options: Power steering pump AC compressor Motor Mount Adapter plates 4L60E

12-13-2013, 01:22 AM	#11
68anthony Registered User Join Date: Mar 2013 Location: Mesa az Posts: 66	Re: 1968 C10 Snow Bird I got some parts from Classic Industries. Got every thing to put together a new bed. I am pretty stoked to put the bed together it will be a night and day difference from the original one. Attached Images

12-15-2013, 05:40 PM	#12
68anthony Registered User Join Date: Mar 2013 Location: Mesa az Posts: 66	Re: 1968 C10 Snow Bird Media blasting and powder coating is a great way to make old parts look better than new. I have been using the hot coat system that Eastwood sells for some time now. http://www.eastwood.com/dual-voltage...arter-kit.html This is a great product for the the occasional powder coater. I have not found anything that I couldn't powder coat. Used in conjunction with prismatic powders the possibilities are endless.http://www.prismaticpowders.com/ The only thing that limits your capabilities is the size of oven you have. Attached Images

12-15-2013, 05:57 PM	#13
lolife99 67-72 parts collector,… Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: Mid-MO Posts: 22,699	Re: 1968 C10 Snow Bird What a great truck build! Subscribiing to watch this one. __________________ Keith Convert to disc brakes. http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=444823

12-16-2013, 02:33 AM	#14
Squareforceone Registered User Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: Rustville USA or southeast Ia Posts: 654	Re: 1968 C10 Snow Bird nice __________________ Rust is better than rice.

12-16-2013, 06:44 AM	#15
72BlckButy Tot Roddin' Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Mid-MO Posts: 24,461	Re: 1968 C10 Snow Bird High quality build. Nice work! __________________ -Nate 1969 CST SWB - Project Blank Slate (4.5/6" ECE Static Drop, 6-lug disc brake upgrade (manual), Billet Specialties Vintec 20x8.5 255/40 (F) 20x10 295/40 (R), 250 I-6) 1960 AMF Skylark - Tot Roddin' (Lowered with custom frame; soon to include custom push bar and interior) 2008 Silverado CrewCab 1LT (5.3L, 3:73, 4x4, LT1, Z-71, Towing Package)



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12-18-2013, 02:01 AM	#16
68anthony Registered User Join Date: Mar 2013 Location: Mesa az Posts: 66	Re: 1968 C10 Snow Bird I was able to set the motor and trans in place finally. I got the motor mounts and trans crossmember from cpp. This was super easy, I had it installed in about an hour or less. The adapter plates that I got from Turn Key were right on point also. Attached Images

12-18-2013, 03:14 AM	#17
1968k10blue Registered User Join Date: Aug 2013 Location: Mahtomedi, Minnesota Posts: 335	Re: 1968 C10 Snow Bird Subscribed! Looking forward to what you do to this thing! __________________ Austin 2005 GMC Sierra 1500 4X4 4.8l V8 (Wrecked) 2003 Chevy 1500 standard cab short bed 4x4 w/ 5.3l

12-18-2013, 04:09 PM	#18
knomadd Registered User Join Date: Jul 2012 Location: Rosenberg, Texas Posts: 3,506	Re: 1968 C10 Snow Bird I wish I had that kind of space to work in. I like the motor/trans combo. Subscribed! __________________ -Duane C/10 Club Texas member 1971 Chevy C10 "Brutus" SWB Fleetside 2016 6.0L (L96) 6L90E (driver/project) 1965 Pontiac GTO "Royal Goat" 400/TH400 w/AC (my baby)

12-18-2013, 04:38 PM	#19
Mr Chevorlet Rusty Nuts Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Clever Missouri Posts: 1,338	Re: 1968 C10 Snow Bird Nice build i see happening and a very nice place to do the work. __________________ (Clever Missouri) Southwest Larry Mr Chevrolet My Build, The Marathon Truck http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=604414

12-19-2013, 01:29 AM	#20
68anthony Registered User Join Date: Mar 2013 Location: Mesa az Posts: 66	Re: 1968 C10 Snow Bird Thanks Guys. This is at my home shop. I have been wanting to post some pictures of my shop on the forum, just need to do a quick clean up and snap some photos.

12-19-2013, 02:04 AM	#21
68anthony Registered User Join Date: Mar 2013 Location: Mesa az Posts: 66	Re: 1968 C10 Snow Bird I got some pics of me replacing the driver's side cab corner over the weekend. I didn't get any until I started fitting the new panel back on though. But what I did was figured out a line where I wanted to do the repair and used masking tape to create a strait line on the patch panel. Then I used my cut of wheel to cut along the taped edge. I cut just off of the edge a little and used my 90deg die grinder with a roll lock disk to finish it in. "80 grit" That was it for my patch panel. Now on to the cab. I trimmed some material off the bottom of the cab corner that way I could fit the patch panel. Then I used a scribe to mark where I wanted to make the cut when I was happy with where it was sitting. Clecos are a great for fitting and holding panels in place. I made the cut and used some butt welding clamps to tack very thing in place. I also used a 3/8 135 deg split point drill to drill out the spot welds. Attached Images

12-23-2013, 04:13 PM	#22
duallyjams Registered User Join Date: May 2007 Location: Deale Md Posts: 4,663	Re: 1968 C10 Snow Bird Got to be tough working in such a small shop with hardly no access to equipment ( lathe, laser jet ect ) lol nah I'm just jealous. Looks like this build will be done be spring. __________________ James 63 GMC V6 4speed carryall 65 chevy swb bbw V8 auto 68 K20 327/4 speed, buddy buckets 2002 GMC CC Dually Duramax 64 GMC lwb 3/4 V6 4speed SOLD 66 GMC swb bbw buddy buckets SOLD IG duallyjams The only thing that stays the same is constant change! Last edited by duallyjams; 12-23-2013 at 04:19 PM.

12-20-2013, 02:34 AM	#23
hardcore4life Registered User Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Oklahoma City, OK Posts: 72	Re: 1968 C10 Snow Bird That's some clean work. I need to learn to do this. __________________ 68 C10 lwb, 406 sbc, 700R4 86 K30 srw, 454 bbc, TH400 11 Camaro RS, 217 V6, 6M

12-20-2013, 02:41 AM	#24
68anthony Registered User Join Date: Mar 2013 Location: Mesa az Posts: 66	Re: 1968 C10 Snow Bird Thank You @hardcore4life

12-21-2013, 12:29 AM	#25
19GMC66 Registered User Join Date: Nov 2012 Location: AZ Posts: 146	Re: 1968 C10 Snow Bird Cool build..looks like you are in east mesa...where is the place that you bought your engine and tranny located at?

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