Project Rise 'N Shine

[gofast68c20]

I guess its time I did a build thread. I bought this 1968 C20 in August 2010. It had an older 350 with late model heads and 13:1 compression. Th400 trans and Dana 60 rear 4:56 posi. It had this wonderful Leopard print seat and dash pad. First thing I did was replace all the window felt and weather strip to get rid of the wind noise. I decided to lower the truck but wanted to keep it 3/4 ton to be different. I put 3.5" drop spindles, changed the rear suspension from leaf springs to trailing arm with cpp drop coils and bolt in c notch. I had the bed at the body mans house while I did the conversion. After dropping the truck I took it to his house and put the bed on to check the height. Thats when i realized it wasn't low enough and decided to bag it. I ordered Dominator 2600's. Got ahold of Nathan Porter and ordered the Accuair system. I ordered some MB Gunner 8 wheels from discount tire and changed tires from 285/50/20 to 245/40/20 front and 275/40/20 rear.

[gofast68c20]

Here are pics with static drop and the eXo mount, and a couple bagged.

[gofast68c20]

I drove the truck for several months changing little this here and there. I rebuilt all the front end. I put OPP one piece door windows. Then I decided that it was time for a new power plant. I came across a 2005 8.1l with 34000 miles for $1600 bucks!! I couldnt pass it up since I was wanting a big block anyway.

[LEX]

Lol at the leopard print!

Truck is looking good. Keep it up.
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[gofast68c20]

When I bagged the truck I noticed the drivers front tire was further in the fender then the passenger side. After tons of measuring I found that the frame was bent, front tires pushed approx 3/4" t the passenger side and twisted right between the cab and bed. After pulling the 350 out I took the truck to a frame guy (that had the truck for 3 months) to get it staightened out. I got the truck back and put it together with the 8.1. Only to find out that the frame guy didnt do a damn thing to the frame. Luckily he didnt charge me. I've been driving the truck everyday since. A local tow truck company owner has several 67-72 GM pickups, after many times asking him he finally parted with a frame. He had a rotted out '68 C20. " You come and take the truck apart and you can have the frame" he tells me. I guess it helps that my niece is engaged to his son.

[gofast68c20]

Forgot to mention that when I did the engine swap I put 2003 Silverado seats in the truck.

[texaninhell]

Hey, how hard was it too install the 03 Seat??? Thanks.... I just read the entire thread and seen someone else had the same question! Thanks

[gofast68c20]

I stripped the frame and sandblasted it. I then gave Nate a call and ordered the Dropmember rear mild weld in version. I want it low but I don't want to lay frame. I love the look of laying frame but I don't think it's practical for my daily driver. I got the Dropmember all installed and called Nate about my tubular control arms and he told me that I needed his mild front Dropmember to go along with the rear, and of coarse I couldn't say no so I saved the money and ordered it. I hope to see it this week! I went ahead and replaced all the cab frame brackets and ordered the porterbuilt radiator support crossmember to match all the rest of the porterbuilt art! More pics to come.
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[gofast68c20]

Here are some pics of the new frame. I got a semi float Dana 60 with disc brakes from a 2001 E-250 from the u pull it in Albuquerque for $127. As you can see in the pictures the pinion is not centered, so I narrowed the housing 8". My father and I cut 2.5 from the right side and 5.5 from the left side. I'm going to run a 20x10 wheel in the rear with 4.5" back space. Now the pinion is approx 5/8" from center, good enough for me. I sent the axle shafts to Moser Engineering to have them shortened and resplined.

[gofast68c20]

some more

[Hyspeedz]

This is going to be fun. Good luck.
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[gofast68c20]

Here is the front control arms on the crossmember that I will not be using now.
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[gofast68c20]

Currently I have a 31 gallon square body blazer tank that hangs too low. So I picked up a 25 gallon, cleaned it up and had it sprayed with Linex. Here's a couple pics of it and my rear wheels on.
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[gofast68c20]

Here's a pic showing the caliper on the front side of the axle.
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[gofast68c20]

I got my mild dropmember front from Porterbuilt on thursday and put it on last night!! Thanks Nate!!

[gofast68c20]

He also sent me a new rear lower shock bar that clears the diff now.

[808_67C10]

Sick!
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[Portmod7]

Subscribed, Looking good man! I may have to get a build thread together for my project now.

[gofast68c20]

Originally Posted by Portmod7

Subscribed, Looking good man! I may have to get a build thread together for my project now.

Thanks. I will take that bed. I'll call you when I get back from Vegas.
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[Portmod7]

Here ya go.... PRICEY!

http://www.summitracing.com/search/?...d=22390R&dds=1

[gofast68c20]

Originally Posted by Portmod7

Here ya go.... PRICEY!

http://www.summitracing.com/search/?...d=22390R&dds=1

Yeah little pricey, but worth it I think. Might have to do some measuring on mine and compare to yours, if that's ok.
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[67cheby]

SWEET !! looks AWESOME !

[gofast68c20]

Originally Posted by 67cheby

SWEET !! looks AWESOME !

Thanks Mike, can't wait to put the Slosh Tubz in.
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[gofast68c20]

I park the truck at my parents house last night to start the tear down for the new frame. Snapped a couple more before pics.
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[wild4wheels]

Holy s*****t that looks good!