New From San Diego

[mclairmo]

Hi all. I just bought a 1968 C10 long bed off Ebay for $1,500 from a guy in Orange County, CA and it actually runs well and has no rust or body damage, other than a hole in the roof for a CB antenna. Data Sheet inside glove box door says it had a 396, a/c, turbohydromatic, power brakes, CST option and heavy duty rear suspension. It now has a small block, a/c is long gone but everything else remains. I know it's a longbed but I plan to just use it to haul stuff and for other truck duties. Of course, I plan to paint it and get it in a safe running condition. I plan to paint the truck silver and give it a nice brick red interior. My question is if I should keep it as original as possible (i.e, don't hack it up), since it is a factory big block, or if it is ok to modify it, since it is a long bed. I'm not sure what kind of value this truck has or what I should do with it. I know that long beds are not popular but the big block seems rare. I originally planned on filling the marker lights (to give it that 67 look), smooth the firewall (leaving the heater and a/c stuff off forever), remove dash vents/balls for a/c, fill and smooth the dash, fill the stake pockets, shaving off the CST trim and other trim, etc. Also, maybe move the gas tank under the bed and definately drop the suspension. I would leave the small block in for now but some day drop in a 454 or 502. However, I don't want to make permanent modifications if this truck is actually worth something in restored condition. I also have a fully restified 67 Camaro with a 396 and turbo 400 that I have heavily modified. What do you all think I should do? Thanks.