1966 SWB Build Thread

[darby555]

Hi everyone, I have learned a lot from this forum so I decided to start a build thread as I finally picked up my truck this week and I will need as much help and advice as I can get along the way.

The truck is a 66 SWB fleetside (6 cyl/3 speed column-shift) in pretty decent shape. I am in the process of ordering parts to get started but here are my major plans:

-5.3 Vortec/4L60e (maybe 4.8)
-gas tank relocation
-power steering
-power 4 wheel disc
-5 lug conversion
-new suspension components (stock ride height)


I am not sure what all I need for engine mounts/perches for the 6 cyl to LS style engine as this is the first time I have attempted an engine swap of any kind. I was looking at the LMC stuff ( http://www.lmctruck.com/icatalog/cbe/full.aspx?Page=95 ) . Anyone used these before? Would I need the perches, SBC mounts and the adjustable slider plates?

Thanks everyone. I'll get some pictures up as soon as I can.

[Johnny_Lamebridge]

Hi Darby555... and welcome.

I just looked back at your previous post. I see you were successful getting your C10 home.

Looking forward to seeing some pics.

[darby555]

Here's some pictures of my truck...

[darby555]

It's in decent shape.... Missing some trim and some dents and dings.

[darby555]

Another exterior. Sorry can only seem to get 1 pic per post to work.

[darby555]

Front

[darby555]

There doesn't seem to be any major rust issues. Both rockers have a small amount of rot and a small hole in both floor boards. I have to say, it's better than I thought it would be.

[darby555]

I picked up a 5.3 (cable throttle body) and 4l60e for the truck. I was able to hear it run before it was pulled and it had 200k kms on it. I'm thinking I will leave the engine stock but I am not 100% decided yet.

I'm hopefully going to be ordering some suspension/brakes/steering/misc components in the next couple of weeks. I will post what parts I am leaning toward for advice/recommendations in the near future.


Thanks everyone.

[Ta2Don]

and Welcome aboard...

You've found the best place anywhere for info on these year model trucks… Lots of great members who are always ready to encourage and help along the way…

Solid looking start...

[NevEno]

Nice looking truck!

[CRGRS 66]

Welcome to the board, nice looking truck... I love the colour especially

[CRGRS 66]

Is your rear bumper black?
Have you deciphered your VIN to see where your truck was built?

[darby555]

Thanks guys. It definitely looks better in pictures than in real life, but I love it.

CRGRS - your truck is beautiful. My rear bumper is chrome...haven't had a chance to run the VIN but that's a great idea.


So, I have been doing some suspension research and I am leaning toward the No Limit Wideride IFS and Fatbar combo. After pricing out all the parts I wanted/needed to upgrade the stock suspension, I found that going with the No Limit stuff isn't that much more of a cost.

I have read as much as I can on the No Limit components and everything sounds pretty positive. I'm fairly new to all of this...does anyone have any recommendations/advice?

Thank you.

[65sub]

Welome Darby. Cool truck. Have you looked a Porterbuilt for you suspension. Are you planning air bags or springs?

[darby555]

Originally Posted by 65sub

Welome Darby. Cool truck. Have you looked a Porterbuilt for you suspension. Are you planning air bags or springs?

Thank you. Ya, Porterbuilt looks to have some great stuff as well. I'm wanting to run coilovers. The Porterbuilt stuff seemed to come in a little out of my budget.

Do you run Porterbuilt?
Posted via Mobile Device

[darby555]

65sub - I had only checked out the Porterbuilt Dropmembers... Just checking out the Stage Kits now and they seem to be more within my budget. Thanks for the advice; I'm going to do some research on these components.

[65sub]

Hey Darby I see in your first post that your plan is disc brakes 5 lug and stock ride height , if that's still the plan a mid 80's crossmember might be a good option. I did that on my 65 suburban with drop spindles and springs. pretty easy.

[darby555]

Thanks for the advice 65sub.

No progress on the truck yet...still working on getting my shop done.

I did order some parts though and decide on the direction I wanted to go with the suspension.

I went with Porterbuilt control arms and front sway bar. I am going to use 73-87 steering and brake components.

I will soon be ordering:

-Boyd fuel tank
-ECE trailing arms and cross member
-2.5" drop spindles
-springs and shocks (I'm leaning toward a 4/6 drop) with shock relocation brackets
-ECE super trac bar

I am going focus on the suspension first and then move on as I can see this starting to get overwhelming for me...pretty much everything is new to me so I will be learning as I go. Can't wait to tear into it though...


Thanks for reading and for the feedback thus far.