My new favorite thing.

[goosedowning]

Hey all,

My name is Corey. People call me Goose. I still don't know why... I'm a helicopter mechanic in the Air Force... but my real passion is trucks with too much power. I've had diesels and big blocks, but all lifted on mud tires... this is the start of something new.

This all starts with a hot rod c10 that tore the doors off my built diesel truck on the highway... I grew up at car shows watching power be left on the asphalt... but this guy... embarrassed me. 3 years later, and a divorce, there's no more diesel...but good karma prevailed.

I just bought a 1971 Chevy c10. Well, the VIN says 71, but the front end looks like a 68. Anyways, its a truck. 350sbc, edelbrock carb.

I bought this truck out of my mechanics used car lot as we call it. Basically the guy started it and couldn't finish it, brought it to the shop, and there it sat. So for 700 bucks, its mine.

First of all, plans.

The truck was a 3 speed auto, then a 3 speed manual. Now its going to be a t-5 swap. Moving on up as they say.

Cracked exhaust manifolds are being replaced with headers, x-pipes, and 40 series flow masters.

Body rust will be replaced/repaired and then flat blacked for the time being. (Orginal, I know)

Stereo, headlights, and various electricals are all being upgraded as well. (No dash cutting though.)

Truck will be lowered on a static drop...how much is to be decided.

All of this is already bought and being worked... eventually, coilovers, motor swap, and a t-56 are all going on... but that's down the road.

This leaves me with a couple questions... first of all, I'm changing wheels/tires. I don't like the big wheels look as I intend to make the truck handle and hookup. Probably 17s at the most but most likely 16s or 15s. Muscle truck so to speak. I'm trying to run the same front and rear for now as well. Suggestions on backspacing/tire size?

I saw the NASCAR inspired 67 and I'm desperately trying to avoid copying him... but 325/50r15 tires do look amazing. Any suggestions on a good street tire that will hook up decently and not give me too terrible of wet weather performance?

This truck will be daily driven which is why I haven't just ordered 325s and cut my inner fenders out yet. I'm mostly worried that drag radials won't perform well on trips or less than sunny days.

Look forward to networking with all of you! Love these trucks, love this forum.
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[C0UCH]

Good to see you on here! Can't wait to see more photos once you're back.

As for back spacing, the rear end widths vary between years so you'll have to get under there and measure the width, then go from there. Also depends on how low you want to go. My tires are flush with the outsides of the fenders. If I want to tuck I'll have to narrow my rear end.
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[Fastandcrazy]

Welcome. Good luck with the build.
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[goosedowning]

Couch
Since I know your wheel/tire/ride height, what is your rear end measurement? That way I'll know if the same setup works for me or if I'll have to change backspacing.

Appreciate the support!
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[Xeen]

Welcome to the board.
Good luck with the build.

[goosedowning]

Brian,
I saw your original post... and I agree completely. I should just buy a corvette and be done with it... only problem is, I don't fit into a corvette, or much anything else that handles like I'd want as a classic. Itd take a resto-modded protouring camaro to make it all come together... and there's 100k.

The other problem is, I got it into my head that trucks can handle. Finding one is like having a unicorn walk up covered in four leaf clovers.

It'll take 50k and more before its "done." I know that. But by then, it will be sitting in a climate controlled garage. My plan is to just do this in steps. It may take me the rest of my life to perfect this truck.

However, for the sake of responsibility, I'm looking at other options than 325 race tires all around. Suggestions from the crowd on wheel/tire setups that have worked well with a good footprint? Probably 265+ width, and wheels at or below 17s.
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[Xeen]

I wish you wouldn't have seen that because after I wrote it I thought it might come across as rude and I certainly don't wan't anyone to think of me in that way because that isn't me so I changed it.
It is definately possible to make it handle but you have your work cut out for you that's for sure
I have some ideas on how you can get there if you would like.

[rambler]

welcome to the board,, and look forward to some pics of your project..

[goosedowning]

Brian, no worries, I didnt find it rude. I actually kinda liked the honesty!

I'm all ears on ideas, especially starting points for this setup. Feel free.

[goosedowning]

Here's some pics (hopefully they work)

[goosedowning]

Some more pictures for your viewing pleasure...

[Xeen]

The truck is a gorgeous color of red and it's tragic that it was let go because it's hard to beat Garnet red.
Ok so here's some thoughts on what you could do to make it a beast.
A Fuel Injected LSX 376 with twin turbos and nitrous backed up by a 4L80e.
Moser or Currie rear axle, or just reinforce the 12-bolt that's in it and add a 3.73:1 posi.
Full tubular frame reinforcement.
4-Link rear suspension with coil overs.
4.5" front, 6" rear static drop.
17x8 front, 17x9 rear with 285's.
That should get you thinking along the right lines.

[goosedowning]

Originally Posted by Xeen

The truck is a gorgeous color of red and it's tragic that it was let go because it's hard to beat Garnet red.

you'll be happy to know the truck will stay red, though a slightly different shade.

[goosedowning]

Originally Posted by Xeen

The truck is a gorgeous color of red and it's tragic that it was let go because it's hard to beat Garnet red.

Brian.... that red you loved so dearly? Turned out to look like a bass boat. Metal flake and gel coated. Garnet red was an attractive color. Unfortunately it looked more like redneck maroon.

[mcbassin]

Originally Posted by goosedowning

Brian.... that red you loved so dearly? Turned out to look like a bass boat. Metal flake and gel coated. Garnet red was an attractive color. Unfortunately it looked more like redneck maroon.

Hey, I have a red metal flake bass boat.....just saying

[goosedowning]

Which is totally appropriate... on a bass boat... that goes in water... and isnt a c10

[goosedowning]

The truck will be repainted that color once I sort out the body BTW. I love the color.

You described a rocketship. I like.

With the exception of the powerplant, its where its heading... but like most things, it'll take a bit.

Ordered 15x8 and 15x10 wheels today along with 275/60/15 and 325/50/15 tires. If I don't like the rears, I'll run the 275 setup all around or swap to the back and go skinnier up front.

Also ordered the hotchkis 2/3 drop for the time being.

Motors out to be freshened up. Beds off for repairs. Getting it on the slab tomorrow to see the preexisting rise height (how much she's sagged) before the suspension gets swapped.

BTW, anyone know what the specs are on the wheels I have? I've heard they're off a burban.
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[Xeen]

Originally Posted by goosedowning

Motors out to be freshened up.

What is the current configuration of the engine and are you doing any mods while you got it at the machine shop?

[goosedowning]

Originally Posted by Xeen

What is the current configuration of the engine and are you doing any mods while you got it at the machine shop?

Its just a 350 small block. Edelbrock carb and intake, small cam. No motor work planned, it runs pretty strong. We are just replacing gaskets etc and hooking the trans up so we can make sure it all fits.

I dont have a lot of info on the motor, it was the previous owners.

[goosedowning]

Here is some of the rust that we found as well as pictures of the motor coming out.

[goosedowning]

The motor is being stripped down, degreased, and repainted orange. Then it will be mated with the new clutch and trans and re-installed.

[Low Elco]

If you want it to handle, check out the make it handle thread in suspension right here on 67-72. THAT oughta keep ya busy for a while. Lotsa heavy hitters in that thread, with good knowledge and info.

Fun build!

[goosedowning]

Elco, its read and printed. Unfortunately this deployment won't pay out as much as I wanted. So I'm having to scale back and buy things a bit slower. That being said, a 5/5 drop with upper and lower A arms is on the way as well as shocks and springs.
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[goosedowning]

Got some free parts today!

And some sets of original steelies for free as well, but I dont have pictures yet.

I'm thinking this truck is going to end up more along the lines of a shop truck for the time being...

[goosedowning]

Well, the front clip is off, the bed is off, the cab is empty... Starting to look like a real project. I cant wait to get back to the states and get my hands on it!