New and in need of some information.

[oldskoolrules]

Hello all, new here to this forum and older trucks. I have built quite a few custom cars and trucks but just late models mostly. I am wanting to get into the classics and know little to nothing about them. But I have always been drawn to them and hit all the classic shows I can, just never pulled the trigger till now.

I have been doing tons of searching on the web for info since picking up my 65 C-10 and have learned a ton. Its a driver right now but won't be for long.
Some info on the truck, 1965 C10 2wd, has a 350 and 350 tranny. I have purchased a front end off a 89 suburban 2wd and started cleaning it up to completely rebuild it all and install lowered spindles, springs, new rotors, sway bars, etc. I have all the stuff I purchased for the rear 5 lug disc conversion and lowering, sway bars etc. I also picked up a fresh built and hopped up 5.7 350 and 700r4 out of a wrecked 83 c10. I'm tons more familiar with late model and electronics and was planning on a LS motor but I couldn't pass up the deal on this combo I picked up.
I will also be ordering a Dakota digital VHX cluster and vintage air set up for it.

As far as the swap goes with the new motor and 700R4, I know I will have to shorten the drive shaft (most likely), but what else will be required? The tranny has a electronic plug on it, is this for the lockup? If so can I just order a TCI lockup kit for it? Does the dizzy hit the firewall? I have seen some posts where the engine needs to be forward but I dont have the extra mount holes some threads speak about, will I have to fab up new mounts or is there somewhere I can just buy them?

It will eventually be a frame off resto, but since I only have a three car garage I will do the front end, then the bed then flip the cab over to the back of the frame and finish off that area.

Any help to issues I may be running into would be greatly appreciated. I did search and found bits and pieces but couldn't find anything specific to my situation. Thanks in advance and here is a few pictures of the truck.

[T2vigil]

Good looking truck and welcome to what I consider the best forum for information on our classics.

[oldskoolrules]

Originally Posted by T2vigil

Good looking truck and welcome to what I consider the best forum for information on our classics.

Thanks T2

[Captainfab]

Welcome to the forum

There is no need to move your engine from it's original location, especially since you are running a long water pump. The HEI distributor will fit without hitting the firewall. You will have to remove the cap and rotor to remove it from the engine once installed, but there is sufficient room around it. As for the 700R4, yes that plug is for the TC lockup. That will need to be wired up correctly. Buying a kit is one way to do that. Something to pay very close attention to is the TV cable. It is extremely important that that is setup and adjusted correctly. Otherwise you will burn up the trans in a very short time. There are many, many,many threads in the 'Engine and Drivetrain' section about installing a 700R4 and setting up the TV cable. A company called Bowtie Overdrives is probably the best source for the components you will need.

http://www.bowtieoverdrives.com/index.shtml

http://www.tvmadeez.com/

[fleetsidelarry]

Oldskool, as mentioned above and as you probably already know, you do have to pay attention to the tv cable. in particular the geometry on the side of your carburetor. there are inexpensive correction brackets available for holleys and edelbrocks. As an alternative, here's something to consider to alleviate those concerns. I realize these are expensive and not necessary, but I'm considering this on my next 700r and just wanted to make you aware:

http://www.tciauto.com/tc/valve-bodi...t-pressurehtml

p.s. if and when you go to search these forums try using the "advanced search" feature, I think you'll find it more helpful

nice truck!

[oldskoolrules]

Thanks captainfab and fleetside,

I appreciate the help. As far as the TV cable, the engine and tranny I picked up already has that set up so I am good to go there. Its not the motor pictured above, that's what is in it now. The motor and tranny I picked up was a fresh build and the guy got t-boned.

[Ta2Don]

and Welcome Aboard!!!
Looks like a Killer Start!!!

[oldskoolrules]

Thanks Don.

[oldskoolrules]

Can I get some help with wheel offsets? After my five lug conversion which will consist of Moser rear axles and late model front end what will I be looking at for wheels offsets? I know its early in the game but if I come across a good deal I don't want to pass it up.

I have a daughter in college and a son that a senior and heading off to college as well, so I have one of those budgets. I am trying to go some what low budget on certain things and a nice used set of wheels is on the list most likely. I just sold a build I finished and a custom motor I built so I have some cash to play, but my list is HUGE!

Thanks in advance.

[pdxhall]

Welcome and good luck with your build. I have had similar space limitations on my build and did the front, then the rear, and finally the center of the chassis. I moved my engine and trans forward and there is clearance especially if you go to a electric fan.

[oldskoolrules]

Originally Posted by pdxhall

Welcome and good luck with your build. I have had similar space limitations on my build and did the front, then the rear, and finally the center of the chassis. I moved my engine and trans forward and there is clearance especially if you go to a electric fan.

Well good to know it works out okay that way. On the engine, how did you move it forward, electric fan is on the list for sure.

[kieth]

Originally Posted by oldskoolrules

Can I get some help with wheel offsets? After my five lug conversion which will consist of Moser rear axles and late model front end what will I be looking at for wheels offsets? I know its early in the game but if I come across a good deal I don't want to pass it up.

I have a daughter in college and a son that a senior and heading off to college as well, so I have one of those budgets. I am trying to go some what low budget on certain things and a nice used set of wheels is on the list most likely. I just sold a build I finished and a custom motor I built so I have some cash to play, but my list is HUGE!

Thanks in advance.

The cheapest source of wheels is of course 5 x 5 lug chevy van and pickup rallyes. When you put the later model front end under your truck you will have increased the width by 3/4" per side. So depending on your tire size and ride height you will have lots of options.
15 x 8" on the rear should work just fine (stock pickup wheels I found some for $100.00 for a set of 4 with beauty rings and hub caps.
After you get your ride height issue figures out in the front I would look for some 15 x7's from a chevy van so you can make sure you will not have issues with clearance......I bought some of these for $9.00 each with beauty rings and center caps........this should get you by inexpensively until you get all the dimensions figured out and can later order wheels with the correct offset....here are some pictures of my truck with this type of wheel before we lowered my truck:

15x8 on rear and on the front 235/70/15 tires
before we lowered my truck
http://kieth.smugmug.com/Trucks/66-GMC/i-PPW3D8v

after you lower your truck plus add the later model crossmember you may have to go to the 0 offste 15 x 7 Rallyes off a van in the front due to the increased track (around 1.5" per side)
Here is a picture of the van wheels:
http://kieth.smugmug.com/Trucks/66-GMC/i-4HQXpBZ


after lowering and changing to 17" cragars:
http://kieth.smugmug.com/Trucks/66-GMC/i-f2ZWDRK


good luck with your project have fun. You will find these old trucks are a blast and easier to work on than a car.........Kieth

[oldskoolrules]

Originally Posted by kieth

The cheapest source of wheels is of course 5 x 5 lug chevy van and pickup rallyes. When you put the later model front end under your truck you will have increased the width by 3/4" per side. So depending on your tire size and ride height you will have lots of options.
15 x 8" on the rear should work just fine (stock pickup wheels I found some for $100.00 for a set of 4 with beauty rings and hub caps.
After you get your ride height issue figures out in the front I would look for some 15 x7's from a chevy van so you can make sure you will not have issues with clearance......I bought some of these for $9.00 each with beauty rings and center caps........this should get you by inexpensively until you get all the dimensions figured out and can later order wheels with the correct offset....here are some pictures of my truck with this type of wheel before we lowered my truck:

15x8 on rear and on the front 235/70/15 tires
before we lowered my truck
http://kieth.smugmug.com/Trucks/66-GMC/i-PPW3D8v


after lowering and changing to 17" cragars:
http://kieth.smugmug.com/Trucks/66-GMC/i-f2ZWDRK


good luck with your project have fun. You will find these old trucks are a blast and easier to work on than a car.........Kieth

Thanks for the info Kieth. You didn't have any clearance issues with the 15's and the calipers? Truck looks good!

[kieth]

No clearance issues, the wheels came off of trucks with disc brakes so they were no problem. Kieth

thanks, finished it 2 years ago and it now has 14K on it....drive it all the time......I kept drums on the rear and just drilled the axles out for 5x5 pattern. Later bought the Cragars.

[pdxhall]

There's a thread up right now about moving the engine forward and I've got a picture there of my CPP mount plus the guy that started it has a good write up on using the stock motor mounts.

[TJ's Chevy]

HEY welcome! Yeah I completely agree with ya on Old school rules! I'll second that!

[oldskoolrules]

Originally Posted by pdxhall

There's a thread up right now about moving the engine forward and I've got a picture there of my CPP mount plus the guy that started it has a good write up on using the stock motor mounts.

Found the thread, thanks for that info. I dig the look of those motor mounts. What are the passenger style mounts?

Originally Posted by T.J. MCCAULEY

HEY welcome! Yeah I completely agree with ya on Old school rules! I'll second that!

Thanks!

[pdxhall]

Originally Posted by oldskoolrules

Found the thread, thanks for that info. I dig the look of those motor mounts. What are the passenger style mounts?



Thanks!

The stock mounts have the single bolt that goes through the center of the rubber mount and they suck. These mounts have a bolt that goes sideways through the mount. Bad explanation.

[oldskoolrules]

So would it be these?

http://www.classicperform.com/Store/...cks/31114G.htm

[pdxhall]

yes.

[oldskoolrules]

Awesome, thanks. Putting in a order now, added the mounts and pads!

Trans Crossmember, kit
Small Block Tubular Motor Mount Perches
Poly-Urethane Chevy Transmission Pad
Poly-Urethane Small Block Chevy Motor Pads
Drop Center Crossmember
Shock Brackets
1963-66 Brake Power Booster Kit disc/disc, kit

Still contemplating the wilwood 12" rear discs...Would be a way better system then the parts I picked up which use a Cadillac caliper.

[oldskoolrules]

Right on, thanks. I plan on driving mine too. I love driving it now the way it is even.

[1963c-10]

Welcome, nice looking project...and looking forward to more pics of it.

[oldskoolrules]

Originally Posted by 1963c-10

Welcome, nice looking project...and looking forward to more pics of it.

Thanks 63. Appreciate all the support and love here. Awesome forum. I will most likely do a build thread. It will help me out as well for when I run into issues. Finishing up my sons car and then I will be ready to tear the 65 all down. Just gathering all the info I can for now and emptying my wallet.

[79azc10]

Hey just came across your build nice truck. I live in Tucson too. Maybe I'll see you see around some day