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#1 |
Registered User
Join Date: Feb 2020
Location: Lenoir NC
Posts: 110
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Got $15k to put on my build, where to spend?
I’ve got a 68 C10s i recently bought. I’ve been driving it daily and it runs great but I’m wanting to make it more reliable/cool/restored. Where do I put the money? Do I splurge on the motor and trans? Maybe an ls3 or lt1? Or should I stay simple and do an ls1 or 5.3 and spread the money out over other parts? I’d like to update the suspension, drop it with disks and new wheels. I know $15k won’t get me too far, just trying to decide whether to go big on the motor or not....
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#2 |
Registered User
Join Date: Apr 2014
Location: Azle,Texas
Posts: 2,248
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Re: Got $15k to put on my build, where to spend?
I LOVE spending other peoples money! Lets do this!!! More details please... what motor and trans do you have now? Hows your interior? Right off the bat I say suspension and brakes is a must. Maybe a decent complete system like ride tech? perhaps coil overs? I think I'd initially say 2-3k in wheels and tires, 5k on suspension goodies, and 6k in motor/ trans and that leaves an extra grand for interior or chrome shiney bits...
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__________________
Brian 1972 C10, "Loyd", LWB to SWB, 5.3, L83/6L80e, 4:11 Tru Trac, Air Ride, VA, DD, 20" Coys, 4 wheel disc, A quick LS swap turned into a 6 year frame off resto-mod. |
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#3 |
Registered User
![]() Join Date: Jul 2015
Location: 2nd left past the stump on a dirt road.
Posts: 2,629
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Re: Got $15k to put on my build, where to spend?
If your starting with a rust free cab with no leaks, and I MEAN Zero water intrusion, the goal would be to keep it that way.
Or if your storing it inside all winter, you could go the motor/drivetrain direction. Bodywork takes time, and depending what the future does as far as values plays into it well. That ought to be something to really chew on. |
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#4 |
Registered User
Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: PNW
Posts: 553
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Re: Got $15k to put on my build, where to spend?
Definitely go BIG on the motor, as in 454 big. Old school 454 at that. I'm thinking 9K on the motor, 1K on a TH400, 1K on brakes, 1.5K on wheels and tires, 1.5K on suspension, and 1K on condiments.
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#5 |
Senior Member
![]() Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: SAN FERNANDO VALLE SOL CAL
Posts: 1,064
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Re: Got $15k to put on my build, where to spend?
Do Power and Reliable Do LS 5.3 4L60 Good Disk brakes And Posi AC System
__________________
1966 GMC K25 V6 351E Original Utility Truck 2000 C3500 Hot Rod Utility Truck 2003 ROAD KING 100th 124ci 6 Speed 145CI M/P Pro Street FXR 2002 FXDP 2007 2500HD DURAMAX. DD Studio Teamsters / Mechanic Retired GM Master Tech 20 Years Retired Ford Tech 15 Years |
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#6 |
Registered User
Join Date: Jul 2012
Location: Whitehorse yukon
Posts: 1,218
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Re: Got $15k to put on my build, where to spend?
Do 4.8 or 5.3 from a donor truck new wiring harness in the truck
Lti shows how to rework a new harness adn can reprogram it as well then look at brake upgrades and lowering kit running a set of newer 17 or 18 chevy wheels Captainfab on here has brake brackets and other brackets going all out big buck you will run out of many and your toy will be parked needing more parts |
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#7 |
Registered User
Join Date: Jul 2019
Location: New Boston, NH
Posts: 456
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Re: Got $15k to put on my build, where to spend?
I have to ask, how original is the truck? If it's solid and is as good as it looks, I wouldn't do anything to it unless something is broken. If it's already been updated in some areas and the originality is gone, then have at it.
It's only original once. |
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#8 | |
Registered User
Join Date: Jul 2019
Location: Beebe, AR
Posts: 2,458
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Re: Got $15k to put on my build, where to spend?
Quote:
Now you have $9-$10K left for the rest of the truck. If you want reliable either do a very good job reworking/tuning up what you got for motor and transmission or consider the 4.8 or 5.3 swap. If you are wanting to drive this more than work on it a mildly built, good runner is your best bet. Hot rods are cool but usually require more tinkering. Oh yeah, whatever you choose you better post up more photos of that truck! I am jealous.
__________________
1967 C10 1980 Jeep CJ5 2020 Toyota 4Runner 2024 Toyota Tundra |
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#9 |
Almost Satisfied
![]() Join Date: Mar 2002
Location: Springfield, MO
Posts: 2,932
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Re: Got $15k to put on my build, where to spend?
I'm with Cornerstone. I've learned that you spend way more in the long run not doing it right the first time.
__________________
1971 C10 Stepside. LSx 6.0 with BTR Stage IV, Speed Engineering Headers, 4L80e transmission w/3200 Circle-D Stall. 3.73. Posi. Purchased this truck when I was 17. I started the rebuild (or take apart) in 1993. I have drug it around all over the country in pieces. Finally back on the road in 2021. "I can't complain, but sometimes I still do. Life's been good to me so far." |
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#10 |
Registered User
![]() Join Date: Apr 2014
Location: detroit mi
Posts: 208
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Re: Got $15k to put on my build, where to spend?
My main goal in a project is to keep the vehicle running for as long as possible. Fix things needed with out losing mobility. Once its broken down into pieces the chance of it getting back on the road quickly is poor. Pick a goal and stick with it, avoid project creep and budget killing changes. The best changes im my truck were to redo the interior, its so much more enjoyable to drive now.
Get it safe, Make it comfortable, after that its up to your end goal. |
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#11 |
Senior Member
![]() Join Date: Mar 2012
Location: Chesapeake, Va
Posts: 1,275
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Re: Got $15k to put on my build, where to spend?
Start at the bottom and work your way up suspension, brakes, rear end overhaul or upgrade. and of course any electrical issues or harness replacements.
Safety issues first. build the truck to fit the motor or power range you are looking for so you are not having to go back and re do them later
__________________
Mike 72 C-10 Cheyenne off frame resto and Upgraded to 4 wheel disk, Tilt, Dakota Digital Dash / Rear slider. 421 SBC / TH350 3000RPM Stall Progression Ignition /Holley 750 DP/3:73 gear Eaton Limited Slip unit / 2 1/2 exhaust glasspacks ![]() |
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#12 |
Roadtrip!
![]() Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: Grand Rapids MN
Posts: 13,726
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Re: Got $15k to put on my build, where to spend?
For 15k, I would just drive your truck the way it is and look for another 67-72 that someone else will have 20-25k into and let them take the hit...
__________________
67 gmc custom lwb dakota truck. Sold...And bought back 69 swb 4x4 project (in progress) 70 c-10 lwb texas truck 70 4x4/BB/bkts/posi/tach(retired) 70 swb (wifes) 70 jimmy camper 71 K-5 factory 2wd 71 cheyenne 4x4/tach/posi/ plow rig 71 Cheyenne20 BB, buckets, tach, tilt, 4 speed 72 jimmy CST wyoming rig 72 jimmy Colorado rig 72 lifted texas 4x4 3/4 ton burb 65 fury conv. 383/auto 65 chrysler 300 "L" 413 auto |
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#13 |
Registered User
Join Date: Aug 2016
Location: Lake Forest, CA
Posts: 2,177
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Re: Got $15k to put on my build, where to spend?
1. Suspension - $2500
2. Brakes - $1000 3. Motor - $2500-4000 4. Trans - $1500 5. Interior - $3000
__________________
"Work hard, use your vacation days." 1970 C15 GMC Long Bed 1986 C20 Scottsdale 1983 K2500 Sierra Classic Suburban 6.2 Instagram: C10sofOC |
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#14 | |
Registered User
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: Alden NY
Posts: 2,705
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Re: Got $15k to put on my build, where to spend?
Quote:
This^^^ You can sell yours and have money in the bank
__________________
1961 C1 Corvette 1959 El Camino 350 TPI, 9" 4 w disc 69 Blazer K5 - sold July '20 2021 Durango RT 5.7 |
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#15 |
Post Whore
![]() Join Date: Feb 2016
Location: Portland Oregon
Posts: 11,104
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Re: Got $15k to put on my build, where to spend?
You have a good looking truck.
Your statement about keeping it simple seems odd as keeping it simple to me would mean not changing the engine. What part of the existing engine isn't reliable? I currently drive my Burban everyday with a 74 350 and a Q-jet. I will admit to having had 2 failures which stranded me temporarily. Both of which were my own fault. A broken ignition wire at splice the PO made and a fuel pump I knew was old likely to fail. I should have attended to both of them long before they failed. Personally I would rebuild the brakes and suspension first. And avoiding the big projects since they take lots of time and the truck ends up unusable for long periods. Wait until you have driven the truck for a year or so. Then you will have a much better idea of what changes will make you happier driving the truck.
__________________
Thanks to Bob and Jeanie and everyone else at Superior Performance for all their great help. ![]() RIP Bob Parks. 1967 Burban (the WMB),1988 S10 Blazer (the Stink10 II),1969 GTO (the Goat), 1970 Javelin, 1952 F2 Ford OHC six 4X4, 29 Model A, 72 Firebird (the DBP Bird). 85 Alfa Romeo If it breaks I didn't want it in the first place The WMB repair thread http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=698377 |
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#16 |
Registered User
Join Date: Mar 2016
Location: Long Island NY
Posts: 598
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Re: Got $15k to put on my build, where to spend?
Do the suspension and wheels to your liking and continue driving it for a season before doing anything else major. Do smaller stuff like replace some door gaskets, window felts, headlight relay kit, paint some faded items, detail the engine compartment, etc. There are a bunch of smaller things like these that can make these trucks more enjoyable to drive but aren’t as cool as an engine/trans swap.
Unless it’s tired or beat to hell and back the original drivetrain can be very reliable. After driving it for a season (or two, no rush) you’ll have a better idea of what you want to do. My truck is a 6cyl with 3 on the tree trans and when I first got the truck I thought I’d be replacing both eventually. Now I’m leaning more towards just a v8 swap (eventually, the 6cyl is still purring along) leave the 3ott trans and maybe a rear gear swap for better highway cruising. Not even so sure on the rear gear swap though as my main cruising routes don’t involve highways.
__________________
1967 C10 LWB 250 6cyl 3ott Panaramic cab “Layla” 1967 Camaro 327 ‘glide cruiser “Bailey” |
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#17 |
Registered User
Join Date: Feb 2020
Location: Lenoir NC
Posts: 110
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Re: Got $15k to put on my build, where to spend?
It is in great shape and runs great but the engine is not original. It’s a v8 but I’m not even sure what size motor. It uses a lot of oil and gets terrible gas mileage and leaks a little oil on my driveway. That’s why I’m thinking ls swap. I’m considering 4-5k on the motor, 5k on new suspension, 4 wheel disks and new wheels, and the extra 5 for miscellaneous and installation fees...
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#18 |
Registered User
Join Date: Mar 2016
Location: Goodwell, OK
Posts: 63
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Re: Got $15k to put on my build, where to spend?
Get more money and put a Triumph motorcycle in the back to haul around. A fully-restored 1968 Bonneville would look great in that!
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#19 |
Senior Member
![]() Join Date: Aug 2016
Location: Loris South Carolina
Posts: 428
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Re: Got $15k to put on my build, where to spend?
Honestly $15k will get you further than you think, a good wiring system will cost you $799-1,000 and you can do a complete rewire in a weekend, upgrading to led lights in the cab and around the truck is another $200-400 but that's money well spent for saftey reasons. Then make sure there's no rust in it, if so spend the money on the repair panels. Make sure your cab doesn't leak cause doing all that wiring will mean nothing if it can get ruined by weather. Then you polish the paint up for it to look better (not that it doesn't already look great). So now you're about $3,000-3,500 into this project leaving you with $11,500-12,000 to work with so next I'd upgrade your brakes, then your suspension, then the rear end, then wheels and tires. After that you'll have a vehicle that runs good and drives a hell of a lot better. If you have any left over and it needs it then reupholster the seat and buy a new dash pad to match if yours is cracked. Then if you really want to save up and buy the motor and trans later. You'll be very happy with the work and can do most of it on the weekends. The only thing that would really take time would be the reupholstering
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#20 |
Senior Member
![]() Join Date: Jan 2013
Location: North Charleston SC
Posts: 503
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Re: Got $15k to put on my build, where to spend?
NCSURVEYOR,
I sent you a PM. Wally |
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#21 |
Senior Member
![]() Join Date: Mar 2012
Location: Chesapeake, Va
Posts: 1,275
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Re: Got $15k to put on my build, where to spend?
something like this?
__________________
Mike 72 C-10 Cheyenne off frame resto and Upgraded to 4 wheel disk, Tilt, Dakota Digital Dash / Rear slider. 421 SBC / TH350 3000RPM Stall Progression Ignition /Holley 750 DP/3:73 gear Eaton Limited Slip unit / 2 1/2 exhaust glasspacks ![]() |
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