Do you have a vision for your truck?

[theastronaut]

Vision? Yes, but I'm not sure that it's 20/20 all the time.

I'd like to build my '66 into a reliable daily driver that keeps all of the original styling inside and out but drive like it's on rails, something I could autocross if I wanted. More for the driving feel than all out track performance though. I'm keeping the old paint/mild patina look outside but everything else will be detailed and restored. I don't want a show truck that I have to polish all the time and worry about fingerprints and dust. Park it anywhere, haul stuff, use it as a truck and enjoy it. Scuffs and dings just add character.

• Frame braces to reduce torsional flexing- makes the suspension work like it should, less squeaks/rattles, more predictable handling. Engine/T56 trans mounted as low and rearward as possible for better weight distribution.

• Tubular A-arms for better geometry, F&R adjustable sway bars, adjustable shocks, adjustable panhard bar, No Limit's rack and pinion kit.

• Cadillac CTS-V (Brembo) calipers, 14" ZO6 rotors. Wilwood pedals/manual dual master cylinders with adjustable balance bar. Stainless hardlines, braided stainless flex lines. I don't like the pedal feel of power assisted brakes- reduced pedal feel and feedback compared to manual brakes.

• Airlift D2600 airbags, Dloe's manual valves to keep it simple, hardlines for reliability, simple pump and tank. I'm toying with the idea of adjustable-height bag mounts that should allow me adjustability up or down to keep the same ride height (no alignment changes) but adjust the bag pressure/spring rate.

• Destroked 329ci LS2 with four two-barrel Dellorto carbs on an individual runner intake, solid lifters/shaft rockers for an 8k+ rev limit. Hidden coils, fabbed "Chevrolet" script valve covers, block/heads/intake painted Alpine green like factory 327's were with factory decals. Basicly styled just like an original small block.

• Stock interior except for 3" shortened column and original deluxe wheel shrunk to 15" diameter. Stock four speed shift lever grafted onto T56. Seat heaters added under original seat cover with hidden switches. Original gauges with stock looking 10K tach and 160 mph speedometer. Original Air gauge hooked to air ride tank.

• Stock exterior except for shortened original bumper guards and upgraded Cibie H4 headlights. Also adding narrow spot driving lights wired into the high beams for added distance visibility. Maybe shortened side mirror arms if they'll clear opened vent windows. I'm considering making fiberglass bumpers and using 3M's chrome vinyl wrap over them for weight reduction.