68 Anniversary Gold LWB C-20 to SWB C-10

[Grip]

Found this 68 C-20 LWB wood floor, A/C truck about 5 years ago, parked in a field since 96 because of "carb problems". I was able to track down the owner and he agreed to give me first dibs at it as soon as he cleaned the bed out (he was using it as a storage unit). About a month later, he called me and told me it had been vandalized (windshield busted out, headlight rings stolen, headlights and grill trim destroyed, etc.). I had just learned I was losing my job so I found a friend to buy the truck so it wouldn't get away. Winter is coming and I need to get it weather tight so I pulled the plug and brought it home. My dad owns a wrecking yard and is a huge fan of this body style so I'm leaning on him for help. He has a 72 SWB frame with all of the suspension intact to do the 1/2 ton swap. For now, the goal is to drain the fuel tanks, prime the oil and get it running. Later, I want to bag it, with 20's and 22's, LWB to SWB swap, patina paint,etc. I have two kids in college so we will see.

[Grip]

Another one. The body is extremely straight and rust free.

[Grip]

I scored a windshield and a tilt column today. I have a quick question for anyone willing to help. Is a tilt from a 72 "plug and play" in my 68? If not, what has to be done to adapt it?

I would also like to use the 68 wheel instead of the 72 wheel. Will they swap wothout major work?

Thanks in advance.

[mcbassin]

That is an incredible looking find! Looks very original too.
We need more pictures!

On your tilt, I think it's not quite plug and play. I think there is one wire to connect the lamp for the indicator. Also, I think if you have manual steering now, you may need the correct output shaft to go from the column to the gear box...? Don't quote me on that one. Do you have power steering now?

[Grip]

Originally Posted by mcbassin

That is an incredible looking find! Looks very original too.
We need more pictures!

On your tilt, I think it's not quite plug and play. I think there is one wire to connect the lamp for the indicator. Also, I think if you have manual steering now, you may need the correct output shaft to go from the column to the gear box...? Don't quote me on that one. Do you have power steering now?

Thanks mcbassin. The truck does have power steering. I'll post some more pics as I go. To be honest, I haven't even lifted the hood since I got it home. I'm going to try to get the rest of the old windshield out of it tonight and get it ready to "try" to get the new one in. I'm going to attempt to reuse the original rubber but I'm not sure if it is supple enough. I'm expecting to have to get a new rubber.

[mcbassin]

Originally Posted by Grip

Thanks mcbassin. The truck does have power steering. I'll post some more pics as I go. To be honest, I haven't even lifted the hood since I got it home. I'm going to try to get the rest of the old windshield out of it tonight and get it ready to "try" to get the new one in. I'm going to attempt to reuse the original rubber but I'm not sure if it is supple enough. I'm expecting to have to get a new rubber.

You may need to get a new rubber gasket. It's like you said, depends on how pliable the rubber is. I actually just installed mine the other day and it was a pain with a brand new seal. If you don't have trim ring, I bet it's easier.
good luck.

[rcrahn]

Cool looking truck Grip! Looks like it was well cared for and you have to love the Cali trucks! Good thing your Pops has a wrecking yard. Does he have much in the way of 67-72 parts at his yard? Keep us posted. We love pics!

I'm down in bay area and have a 67C20 that we kept long bed 8 lug. It is bagged and has LQ9/4L80E. About 80% done.

[Grip]

Originally Posted by rcrahn

Cool looking truck Grip! Looks like it was well cared for and you have to love the Cali trucks! Good thing your Pops has a wrecking yard. Does he have much in the way of 67-72 parts at his yard? Keep us posted. We love pics!

I'm down in bay area and have a 67C20 that we kept long bed 8 lug. It is bagged and has LQ9/4L80E. About 80% done.

Sweet! Are you doing a build thread? My Dad has been crazy about this body style since I was a kid. He grabs every one he comes across but my nephew (Plain Jane 72) and my brother do a pretty good job of cleaning him out.

[Grip]

Originally Posted by mcbassin

You may need to get a new rubber gasket. It's like you said, depends on how pliable the rubber is. I actually just installed mine the other day and it was a pain with a brand new seal. If you don't have trim ring, I bet it's easier.
good luck.

Well, I gave it a shot. I got the whole bottom and about 1/2way up the sides but couldn't get the top corners to go. The rope I was using was too small. I'm going to get some clothes line rope and try that. Will still probably have to buy a rubber but my time is free.

[Grip]

Here are some more "before" pictures. Enjoy!

[Hardesty454]

Nice looking truck. Too bad about it getting beat up before you grabbed it. I'm over in the modesto are if ya ever want to say hi!

[Grip]

i just watched the windshield installation video posted by Precision on You Tube. I'm going to attempt the install again tonight.

[Grip]

Well, I had to break down and order a new gasket from Precision. Thanks to Derek for the link.

[Grip]

I decided to investigate the PO's "carb issue" complaint. Well, the accelerator pump is...um...gone! The vacuum pot for the secondary's is rotten, and disconnected. Oh my!

[Grip]

Wow!

[Grip]

I also spent about 10 min with the buffer just to see how well the paint will shine. No too bad.

[mcbassin]

That Carb is toast huh....The paint on the other hand is very nice

[Grip]

Spent a little time with the buffer today.

[Grip]

Man, what a difference.

[Hardesty454]

Crazy what a little cut and buff will do!!! Looks amazing.

[Grip]

Originally Posted by Hardesty454

Crazy what a little cut and buff will do!!! Looks amazing.

Thanks Man! I'm having a blast. I removed and cleaned the in cab gas tank, removed the saddle tanks, and made sure the motor wasn't locked up. The plugs look good. No signs of moisture on any of them. I put a few ounces of ATF in each spark plug hole and rotated the motor a couple of revolutions to thoroughly coat the cylinders. Before I crank it over, i plan on pulling the distributor and priming the oil pump until I have new, clean oil at every rocker arm. It's been sitting so long, I want to make sure everything has oil.

[ReverenSmalls]

Great looking build/start! I need to buff out my patina swb and see how much of a difference it makes, cause yours is crazy good!

[mcbassin]

Nice work with the buffer! Looks like a different truck.

[Graham57a]

I didn't know you had a thread going on this thing. That paint looks sweet! I bet you're fired up to get it to the house and start working on her. Can't wait to see the progress

[Grip]

Originally Posted by Graham57a

I didn't know you had a thread going on this thing. That paint looks sweet! I bet you're fired up to get it to the house and start working on her. Can't wait to see the progress

Hey Andrew. I towed it home a couple of weeks ago. For now, the plan is to just get it driveable. My Dad has a 72 1/2 ton frame with all of the suspension for the conversion but that will have to come later.