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#1 |
Registered User
Join Date: Oct 2003
Location: Cumming, Ga
Posts: 234
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Top 7 truck upgrades???
So what in your opinion is the top 7 upgrades \ updates to do on a truck like ours....and Why????
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Glenn Cumming, Ga (68 C/10 Fleetside LWB 307 (64 C/10 Fleetside Shorty Custom 350, with 73 donor parts aplenty) (2001 Porsche Boxster S - 168 MPH of fun) (2005 Chevy Avalanche Z71 1500) |
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#2 |
registered IWATA user
Join Date: Feb 2002
Location: Baton Rouge
Posts: 4,483
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#1 has to be front anti sway bar
relocating tank to rear?
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-'63 Ford Fairlane 500 coupe, v8, auto, faded and rusty. awaiting built roller 302 and some flat black -'99 Honda Prelude. vtech/5spd. no pipe, no intake, bone stock. awaiting new top end. -01 GMC Yukon SLT 5.3 dented and scratched with a noisy tranny. Take off that Von Dutch hat before i stab you with a 000 Mack. |
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#3 |
Registered User
Join Date: Mar 2003
Location: Bremerton, WA
Posts: 1,839
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seats
Doesn't matter how good it runs or drives, if you're not comfortable, you're not going to drive it very far. A seat that supports the back is wonderful.
scott
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Silence is golden, duct tape is silver. - Scott |
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#4 |
Watch out for your cornhole !
![]() Join Date: Jun 2003
Location: Azle, Texas
Posts: 14,162
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1. Power disc brakes. Manual drum brakes aren't much fun to drive. Do the 71,72 rear axle and 5 lug pattern all around while you're at it.
2. Power steering Again, manual steering can be a chore to drive. Your gear box is probably worn out anyway. 3. New linkage bushings in column shift trucks If everyone did this, there would be way fewer floor shifters put in. 4. New fuzzies and tracks for door windows. Keeps the windows from rattling 5. New cab and core support mounts The truck sits properly on the frame without sagging. Worn core support bushings will cause all kinds of mystery squeeks and cause the front sheetmetal to fit all crooked. 6. Repair of heater control if it's broken Every non AC truck I've ever had came with a broken control. Old Air Products makes the kit to repair them permanantly for cheap. 7. New hood hinges so the hood fits right again. Ever notice how when you close your hood, the hood sits too high in the back, by the cowl panel? It's worn hinges causing it. You can sometimes adjust is better, but new hinges are needed to make it right. GM dealer for this to get the best ones. Runner up: New set of high quality shock absorbers After one drive you'll be glad you spent the money. KYB comes to mind for me. and A good set of performance minded radial tires Personally I like 275/60/15 BFG T/A Radial on 8 inch rally wheels. Use either 5 or 6 lug rallys, depending on which bolt pattern you decide to run.
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I'm on the Instagram- @Gearhead_Kevin Last edited by Tx Firefighter; 01-24-2004 at 12:42 PM. |
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#5 |
SLOW BUT SURE,BUT CLOSER
Join Date: Feb 2002
Location: eleanor wv usa
Posts: 3,093
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1) Late model seat.. 2) Late or a/market wheel.. 3) Good sound system..4) AOD tranny.. 5) 300- 350 hp sb.. 6) solid color.. 7) ralleys in 15's Cragers or Torque Thrust 's in 16 or 17's... This is if your buildin' one not if you have a nice stock or low mileage ride.
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69 C-10, OWNED 35YRS... 350 over 30, 350 Turbo, 3:73 Posi P/S, P/B Black with red and black int. ''LOVE THESE OLD ''TRUCKS....... ![]() ![]() ![]() |
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#6 |
Try spinnin 4 rear tars
Join Date: Sep 2003
Location: Salt Lake City, Utah
Posts: 757
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And none of you said HEI?!?!?!
1. Power Discs
2. Hei distributor 3. Seats 4. Power steering if you don't have it. 5. Adjust/new hood hinges so it looks right 6. Exhaust 7. And I agree with TX Firefighter: "New fuzzies and tracks for door windows" 8. Sway Bar!!!
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SWEET7T 1970 C10, 2wd, LB, 307/TH350/3.08. PS, PB |
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#7 |
Watch out for your cornhole !
![]() Join Date: Jun 2003
Location: Azle, Texas
Posts: 14,162
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This is a very good thread. All new 67-72 guys should read it.
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I'm on the Instagram- @Gearhead_Kevin |
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#8 |
drag it like you stole it
Join Date: Feb 2002
Location: Louisiana
Posts: 542
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not to high jack the thread or anything, but tx firefighter, what kind of car is that in your avatar? 54 chevy? i like it alot and i want one.
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negative camber //LA\\ |
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#9 |
Watch out for your cornhole !
![]() Join Date: Jun 2003
Location: Azle, Texas
Posts: 14,162
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"hi-jack on"
Yep, 54 Chevy... "end hi-jack"
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I'm on the Instagram- @Gearhead_Kevin |
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#10 |
Registered User
Join Date: Oct 2003
Location: Cumming, Ga
Posts: 234
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Tx good logic! Havent heard of the bushings for the tree but mine probably needs it. Gets stuck every now and then whcih causes me to have to man handle it back into 1st gear.
Is there a favorite seat swap? Ive got the origional bench and though its kind of kul to be origional it leave comfort to be desired. I think Ill fab some mounts and use it as a couch in my garage. Im good on the hinges but seems the rubber bushings are mising so the hood sets to the rights slightly. Your dead on with the fuzzy and windows moldings I need that bad. Is that what will get ride of the road noise or are there other "SIMPLE" and cheap things to do without doing a whole cab insulation routine. The cab has rubber mats only now but has the origional firewall and tank shields. I think the 5lug is about a year out but Im wanting the power stearing quickly. I think with that Ill be able to get my 105lb wife to grap on and go for a ride....
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Glenn Cumming, Ga (68 C/10 Fleetside LWB 307 (64 C/10 Fleetside Shorty Custom 350, with 73 donor parts aplenty) (2001 Porsche Boxster S - 168 MPH of fun) (2005 Chevy Avalanche Z71 1500) |
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#11 |
Registered User
![]() Join Date: Feb 2001
Location: East Central, MO
Posts: 11,336
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For a 4x4
Relocate gas tank
Disk all around Lift and larger tires autometer guages updated stereo free flowing exhaust visor lots of ponies 14 bolt rear |
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#12 |
Self-proclaimed LED man
Join Date: Nov 2003
Location: Harrisburg, Missouri
Posts: 1,021
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Considering how bad of gas mileage these trucks get, Fuel injection is probably the number 1 needed upgrade!! Comfertable seats are a must too.
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My LED Website My Photobucket Album of LED's Ask me about hand-made custom L.E.D brake and reverse lights. <- LINK I also do LED: -Third Brake/Cargo -Brake (truck and burb) -Reverse (truck and burb) -67-68 Front Turn Signals -69-70 Front Turn Signals -71-72 Front Turn Signals -GMC Front Turn Signals I can also do custom lights for other vehicles....i did a set for a AMC Gremlin once ![]() Norwood Survivor |
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#13 |
Life is a gamble
Join Date: Oct 2003
Location: Lee's Summit, MO
Posts: 796
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I'm surprised no one has mentioned upgrading the bikini model on the hood of their truck. ha ha
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1970 Orange CST C-10 w/350, posi, Longbed The torpid artist seeks inspiration at any cost, by virtue or by vice, by friend or by fiend, by prayer or by wine. -- Ralph Waldo Emerson |
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#14 |
Registered User
Join Date: Jan 2004
Location: Arizona
Posts: 157
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- HEI
- Headers - Single wire internally regulated alternator - Disc brakes - TH700R4 - Nice stereo - Bucket seats
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72 C10 Burb 350 700R4 70 C20 LWB 350 Crate TH400 68 Chevelle |
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#15 |
I am a Referee of life.
Join Date: Jun 2000
Location: Greensboro N.C.
Posts: 13,993
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I don't think there's a loser in the list yet.
Window tracks and fuzzies will help wind noise and rattling a lot, but the insulation in the cab will make it even more worthwhile.
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The 47-present Chevrolet and GMC Truck Message Board Network,it's owners,moderators,members,and associates of any type should not be held responsible for my opinion. You can't fix stupid,not even with duct tape. "My appearance is due to the fact that "GOD" does punish you for having too much fun!" Barrett-Jackson has perfected alchemy,they make rust into gold! "You can lead a horse to water but you can't saddle a duck" "Cleverly disguised as a 'Responsible Adult' "Sometimes your Knight in shining armor is just a retard in tinfoil" |
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#16 |
Registered User
Join Date: Jun 2002
Location: Knoxville Tenn.
Posts: 3,058
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1.-new 6cly. engine
2.-new 283 engine 3.-new 307 engine 4.-new 327 engine 5.-new 350 engine 6.-new 502HO crate engine (present engine) 7.-new 572 crate engine (wish list)
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56 Chevy Bel-Air 2dr. HT (purchased new) 71 Chevy Cheyenne SWB PU (502HO) 65 GMC short bed step--work in progress and my gofer |
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#17 |
Registered User
Join Date: Apr 2003
Location: missouri city, tx
Posts: 4,486
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power discs (im in the process of collecting all the parts right now)
antiswaybar (when im done with the discs) power steering new weather stripping comfortable seat and of course HEI
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70 longbed 496/th400/Ford 9" |
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#18 |
Registered User
Join Date: Jan 2004
Location: Elmira, Oregon
Posts: 449
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All the posts list some pretty dang good mods for our trucks. I'm going to place a late model seat at the top of my list though. Was rear ended in my 71 GMC w/stock seat (ie. no head rests). Over 1 year later I still have problems w/my neck. The neck injury caused hearing problems as well. Keep those head rests in mind when doing an upgrade!
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#19 |
Registered User
Join Date: Dec 1999
Location: Austin, TX, USA
Posts: 7,721
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This IS a good post! And Tx Firefighters list is excellent. Especially if you consider this a "top 10" list. I'm actually happy with my factory seat, BUT it is the full foam seat, not base seat. Here is my recipe for a 67-70 daily driver truck (71-72 already has discs!) that is in good condition (seals, suspension, paint, etc.)
#10 complete instrumentation, factory or aftermarket. #9 window felts #8 Cab insulation and new carpet, maybe some Dynomat #7 HEI (I ran TWO sets of points in my Jimmy from 1987 until 1999!) #6 Front sway bar with urethane bushings #5 Nice stereo, DON'T cut the bototms of the doors, but hack the dash! #4 New shocks, I have been VERY happy with ProComps #3 NEW radial tires (& cool wheels!) #2 Power steering And the #1 best mod for a 67-70 Chevy GMC trucks? Power disc brakes, no doubt about it! As you have seen there are LOTS of ways to improve your truck without spending lots of money. And another example of why you should buy more truck up front. Mine came with PS, PB, AC, full foam, sway bar, new radials, etc. Saves lots of time and money so you can move to other mods. Put the HEI up top, new exhaust, even better tunes, etc.
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44 Willys MB 52 M38A1 64 Corvette Coupe 68 Camaro 'vert LT1 & TH700 69 Z/28 355 12.6's @110 69 Chevy Short Step 4 1/2"/7" drop 72 Jimmy 4WD 4spd 4" & 35's 02 GMC 2500HD 4x4 Duramax |
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#20 |
State of Confusion!
![]() ![]() Join Date: Jul 2002
Location: Gulfport, MS USA
Posts: 46,923
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I'd have to go with
1. Seat swap 2. Steering wheel change 3. HEI 4. Wide wheels and tires 5. Swaybar 6. Bezel/Guage upgrade 7. Tank relocation Oh yeah...honorable mention......Remove rust!!!!
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Bill 1970 Chevy Custom/10 LWB Fleetside 2010 Toyota Tacoma PreRunner SR5 Double Cab - DD Member of Louisiana Classic Truck Club (LCTC) Bill's Gallery Life isn't tied with a bow, but it's still a gift. Live simply. Love generously. Care deeply. Speak kindly. Leave the rest to God! |
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#21 | |
Bloo
Join Date: Feb 2001
Location: Barren County Kentucky
Posts: 6,285
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seat
HEI chrome wheels lift big tires big engine bigger big engine headers manual steering or 81+ power steering
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ASE Master Certified-GM Trained-Mechanic 1968 Chevy C30 157" WB Wrecker 1969 Chevy CST/10 SWB 1971 Chevy Custom/10 (first truck) 350, NV3500 5 speed 1971 Chevy K20 Custom Camper 4x4 350 TBI, SM465/NP205 1974 Chevy Custom Deluxe/10 1979 Chevy Custom Deluxe K10 farm truck beater 1989 Chevy K2500 Quote:
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#22 |
My son, my joy.
Join Date: Sep 2003
Location: Spokane WA
Posts: 463
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OMG, no one said anything about FUZZY DICE for the mirror!!!
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#23 |
Merciless Butcher
Join Date: Oct 2003
Location: CC Nevada
Posts: 1,447
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Do the "go" before "show" improvements first
1) Install an HEI or some other sort of Electronic Ignition. This will improve combustion which in turn will provide better gas mileage and performance. 2) Upgrade the exhaust system. No matter what your truck looks like, it's way more enjoyable to drive when you're listening to the nice throaty rumble of the flowmasters. 3) Check all of the belts, and hoses. Let's face it......Noone wants to see a 67-72 on the side of the road spewing antifreeze. Replace the bad ones, it's real cheap insurance. 4) If it's not a 71 or 72, add disc brakes in the front. Thirty five years ago there wasn't the volume of traffic we see on the road today. After you update the front to discs, you'll wonder why you didn't do it sooner. 5) Add a set of three point shoulder belts. These are a safety must and the prices have come down on these since they were first introduced to the 67-72 parts catalogs a few years ago. If three point shoulder belts don't interest you, at least put one on the passenger side. If you have an accident, believe me, your passenger will thank you. 6) New windshield. This is especially true if you live out west. It's sandy and dusty out here and the wind blows alot in the summer. Sometimes it's almost impossible to see when you're driving into the sun because the windshield is pitted so badly. 7) Heat and defrost system. Take the whole heating system out and rebuild it. It is a relativly low cost rebuild that really improves the overall winter driving experience. Most of the effort on this one is good old fashioned elbow grease. I have been amazed at some of the items I have pulled out of a heating system that is 35 years old. New gaskets, hoses, seals and a heater core makes a huge difference. Plus you will no longer need that old t-shirt or sock to wipe down the condensation on the inside of the windshield as you drive through the school zone holding that cup of coffee. This was a fun thread to contribute to....I would worry more about getting the basics working than adding the high dollar stereo system with the purple neon lights that flash to the beat of Fifty Cent.
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Your Bought And Sold....I Got Your Soul! Last edited by gonebad2; 01-24-2004 at 11:41 PM. |
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#24 |
Registered User
Join Date: May 2002
Location: Gainesville, Georgia
Posts: 704
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Man, I think at least one person has said each of the things that come to mind for me, but here goes:
flowmasters put the manifolds back on sound deadening shoulder belts inconspicuous tunes wheels/tires drop it (no negative camber) slick paint (in a factory color scheme)
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We made Oklahoma a little after 3, Randy & his brother Bob & my old GMC... |
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#25 |
Registered User
Join Date: Apr 2000
Location: Freeland,Michigan,USA
Posts: 312
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Great thread !!!
Nice to see that most of what I have done what seems to be in the top ten. Equally glad that pulling the engine is not common in the listings !
I think the top ten will vary depending on use of the truck ! 1. 3 pt. seat belts - safety first 2. pwr disc brakes -safety first 3.pwr steering- for a daily driver,a must 4. HEI- really helped the idle 5.o/d- for mileage 6.sway bars- for handling 7.carb-Weber is much better than the old monojet 8.seat-for comfort 9.headers 10.gas tank Want to put a/c in also, not sure where that would fit,and I didnt consider the stereo as a real modification
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1968 SWB Stepside, 250,pwr disc brake and tilt pwr steering, 5 spd tranny, HEI,Accel coil,K&N filter,Seat from a later truck with built in seatbelts, front and rear sway bars, moved gas tank to under the bed, headman hedders, new chrome bumpers,one wire alternator,Weber k550cub carburator...WORK IN PROGRESS, Freeland MI , Just bought a 72 Jimmy!!!!!!!!!!! |
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