BP68 Official Build Thread

[BP68]

Hey all

When I was new to the forum I started a couple different threads detailing the frame up build of my 68 C10. I am now compiling my past progress pics into the Projects and Builds sub forum. All updates will be posted in this thread. Enjoy.

Here is what I started with. I first bought the 68 shortbed 307 3spd not running. Front drums, no power steering or brakes, 6 lug. Over the next couple of years I found a shortbed frame that already had 5 lug discs and had been cleaned and painted. Then I found the cab has some hard to fix issues and picked up the 72 Long bed factory air parts truck. It had been a daily driver untill someone pulled infront of the previous owner. I got everything but the damaged front sheet metal, eng, and trans.

[BP68]

I also got a Throttle body 350 out of a 89 Suburban that my father in law wrecked due to a tractor trailer pulling out in from of him. I kept the stock short block because it was only about a year old crate motor. I added cast iron Vortec heads, a Comp Cams 12-211-2 camshaft (224/224 .470/.470 110 lobe sep.) a Edelbrock 350 carb and Vortec intake, chrome timing cover, HEI, and Sanderson ceramic coated headders (highly recommend) plus the factory serpentine setup. Estimated around 300 - 330hp.

[BP68]

A few more engine pics

[BP68]

Next up the extra chassis I picked need a fresh coat of paint after sitting and being in storage. Plus I had a ECE 4/6 drop kit to install. We used cast iron engine enamel on the steering gear, front brakes and spindles, and the center link and tie rod ends. This got topped with a little high temp clear. The suspension got hammered silver metal paint. The trans and gas tank got an aluminum color and the driveshaft is also the cast iron color.

[BP68]

By the way, that is gloss chassis saver black on the frame. I think it is used for semi trucks. We actually brushed it on and it leveled out pretty nicely.

[BP68]

And finally the body. Shaved drip rail, cab seam, door handles, wiper cowl, tailgate handle, and rear cab light. The firewall got smoothed and the center of the dash is also smooth. I will be adding a/c controls and a billet center a/c vent. Thinking of putting the radio either in the glove box or under the a/c controls. Also picked up new 67 fenders and cowl hood from LMC. The cab is off the 72 long bed, the grille panel, core support, and doors are off the first 68. When I get to the bed, it will also be from the first 68.

[Tx Firefighter]

I think your door gaps are damn sure on the money. Good job.

[b&a72]

Looks awesome so far. Are those the headers from ECE? And how good is the EZ Harness does it have the ignition for the dash, and all the goodies the painless comes with.

[BP68]

Originally Posted by b&a72

Looks awesome so far. Are those the headers from ECE? And how good is the EZ Harness does it have the ignition for the dash, and all the goodies the painless comes with.

The headders are the Ceramic coated Sanderson's from ECE. In a couple of the pics you can see the longtube headmans I had. The fit was awful and the finished dulled while the truck was stored. Had not even run em.

The EZ harness I got off ebay came with a 21 ckt harness, the following switches (ign, headlamp, wiper) billet knobs for all the switches, headlamp connectors, turnsignal switch connector, varaious terminal ends, fuse link wire, and some zip ties.

[b&a72]

Originally Posted by BP68

The headders are the Ceramic coated Sanderson's from ECE. In a couple of the pics you can see the longtube headmans I had. The fit was awful and the finished dulled while the truck was stored. Had not even run em.

The EZ harness I got off ebay came with a 21 ckt harness, the following switches (ign, headlamp, wiper) billet knobs for all the switches, headlamp connectors, turnsignal switch connector, varaious terminal ends, fuse link wire, and some zip ties.

Did the harness come with the AC wiring as well?

[BP68]

Did the harness come with the AC wiring as well?[/QUOTE]

I beleive it has the wiring for fused power, and for running to the compressor clutch.

[6T9GMC]

Man That Looks Good. I Didn't Know How Everyone Cleans Up The Pieces They Weld In, Like On The Firewall Stuff.i Know You Use Bondo To Finish It, But I Didn't Know How Far To Finish The "metal" Part Of It. It Looks Awsome!

[gringoloco]

Looks great! I love the shaved driprail. Where are you gonna mount everything that used to be in the dash?

[BP68]

Originally Posted by gringoloco

Looks great! I love the shaved driprail. Where are you gonna mount everything that used to be in the dash?

For now I am thinking of mounting a dual outlet oval billet center a/c vent about where the stock one was, then put the billet a/c controls below it, and maybe the radio on the battom. I never really planned to leave the dash completely shaved, just wanted to smooth out all the steps and dimples.

Here is the a/c controller I plan to use. I will see if I can find a better pic.

This the link to the system I am planning on right now

http://www.classicautoair.com/Custom.asp

[72BlckButy]

That thing is beautiful! I can't wait to see the end result...

[lks dcvn]

I think it looks awesome - can't wait to see how this turns out.

Keep the info and the pix coming.

[Frizzle Fry]

Nice work!

[franky69c10]

[slammed1]

Very cool build,definitely keep progress pics coming. I like what yur doing so far and the mods are turning out nice. I have a few engine choices but if I find a used later model ls2 or similar I think I will make a swap.

[BP68]

Thanks for the feedback all. I am so anxious to get this truck done. And I sure wish I could do paint and bodywork. I am waiting on my bodyman right now. I plan to get some wiring done in the next few weeks, but the next big step is getting the cab and front end aligned and painted. I will post more pics as soon as I get something done.

[Hart_Rod]

Beautiful truck, keep plugging away, you're almost there, .

[lumpy81]

Lookin good, you'll have yourself a sweet ride.

[MisterE72]

Have you been able to keep the overspray off your engine, suspension, and frame? If so, how did you do it? I'm worried that all my hard work on the chasis is going to go to waste when the painter gets a hold of it.

[BP68]

Thanks for the compliments all

As far as overspray. The firewall was painted before the cab was set on the frame. Any further painting will just require careful masking of the frame/eng/etc. to keep the overspray off. My bodyman is a close friend of my Dad-in-law and does some top notch work, so I am not too worried.

[BP68]

Well, I am getting tired of all the waiting around for paint, so I am thinking of bringing the truck home to my garage for everything else.

I plan to get the steering column mounted and hooked up, mount up the Booster and master cylinder and finish up the brakes. 2 fuel line connections and some wiring, and a quick trip to the exhaust shop should get me running, driving, and stopping.

When I pick the truck up, I will prob drop the bed off with the body man, so maybe it can get some prep work while I do my stuff. Then maybe I can join the main truck back with the bed and get the paint done. Last to go in is the interior, and a set of wheels when money allows and hopefully I will have a nice truck to show and enjoy after all these years.

Sure wish I knew body and paint. If I did, I would prob finish it all myself.

Hope to post some progress pics within the next month. Stay tuned