New '68 SWB owner!

[Purs]

I just bought a sweet little '68 C-10. It's not a show truck but I really like it. I didn't realize how much I missed having one of these trucks! My goals for the truck are to give it a good stance while maintaining a fairly stock appearance (15" rally's, etc...) be comfortable to drive, and run low 7's (or high 6's ) at our local 1/8th mile drag strip. I haven't had a truck for a few years so be patient with my ignorance. It seems that I've been reading for days and I'm more confused than ever. I want to start off by saying thanks to Tx Firefighter for the FAQ he did on the ECE drop kit, it helped me get a better understanding of what's going on. I'm thinking of getting the 2.5" spindles and disc brake 5 lug conversion for the front and some 4" springs for the rear. I know, most everyone likes to go more, but our streets are crappy here in my small town and I don't want to constantly worry about bottoming out. I've read many positive things about ECE's stuff, but I've had some local people tell me they prefer McGaughy's kits. I checked the websites and it looks like McGaughy's is around $200-$300 cheaper for the similar kits. Can someone tell me what I'm missing? Is ECE the way to go or not? I also can pick up all the disc brake stuff from a mid 80's pickup real cheap. Will that stuff work with the drop spindles or should I buy everything from one supplier? I'm confused. If anyone can help I'd appreciate it.

Hey TX, I bought this truck of a local Firefighter!

[68w/sbc406]

after 80 they have a light duty and heavy duty half ton, the heavey duty stuff is the same as older stuff. but if you use everything off of that one truck you should be fine ( speaking from what i have read, about do embark on the same project ) as far as the spindle then i think that is where the difference with the light and heavy duty is, so if you get a light duty the rotors wont work with a ECE drop spindle, id look for a 70'2 truck, it would be less confusing

[Blue Beard]

Looks like a pretty solid truck for a starter...

[SuperCheyanne72]

Hi, its looks pretty clean, how much did you end up paying for it? Keep us posted, on your progress.

[Tx Firefighter]

Before you spends any money, call ECE and tell them what you want to do. They will advise you best. Then, if you're not convinced, order the McGauheys stuff, but I think ECE will win you over.

Last time I ordered from ECE, the stuff was on sale and they cut me a break on shipping so it wound up being a good bit cheaper than I thought. They want your business and will do what it takes to make the customer satisfied way after the sale.

I'd be willing to bet that if you compare absolute apples to apples, the prices are right on the money. Make sure the kits you are comparing are including exact similar stuff. Little trinkets like brake lines and hoses and such add up real quick.

Plus, personally, I may start a project on a Saturday morning and I want to get it done and not have to worry about chasing odd and ends to finish the job.

My 70 truck, I did the whole 4/6 lowering, 5 lug conversion and everything in one marathon session lasting a whole day. Last thing I wanted was to have to clean up and run to the parts store for a bolt or widget. All of the ECE stuff came with everything I needed right down to the cotter keys and lock washers. I never had to leave the garage for anything during the whole swap.

By the way, lowering one 4/6 and converting it from 6 lug drums to 5 lug brakes front and rear is one heck of a job to do by yourself in one day. Those parts are heavy after about 8 hours. Plan on spending 2 or 3 leisurely days doing it for more fun. Also, don't be like me, pay someone to dismount and mount your tires. Doing it with prybars on the garage floor gets old real fast.

[Purs]

thanks everyone. I'd like to order everything at once, so I'm compiling a list right now. I may just get the 2.5" spindles and try to get the rest from a 73-87 donor. With swapping the rear end (Dana or 9 inch), the disc brake and 5 lug conversion, springs, new wheels and tires, big block frame towers and mounts, panhard bar, and front swaybar, .......wait....I'm getting dizzy..... this thing could get over budget REAL quick! That doesn't include the 496 that will be going in. I may be biting off more than I can chew.... oh well, you can't take it with you right?

[ROBBY WHITE]

Looks Like A Great Project, Can't Wait To See The 496. Where In Texas Are You.

[ChevyDude]

Congrats Brit! Looks like a sweet lil' 68 SWB!!!

[Purs]

Robby, closer than you think. I'm in Abilene almost every day.

Thanks Alex. Hey, I'm still waiting on that email with pics and info...

[Canadian694x4]

Sweet Find, Nice 68!

[ROBBY WHITE]

That Snow Sure Looks Like What We Had Last Week.did You Buy In Abilene? What Do You Do In Abilene? Hope To See It On Street Soon.

[ChevyDude]

Post or send me your email address...mine is:
2Leedhams@comcast.net

[Purs]

bpursley@esc14.net Thanks!

[ChevyDude]

Got it. I'll see if I can snap some pics tomorrow and dig out all the vitals that this 71' SWB of mine had performed on it.

[chevjayfsd]

Purs, that background looks familiar... Just can't put my finger on it? Wylie???

Jason

[Purs]

chevjayfsd , close, it's near the new CJC campus.

[ROBBY WHITE]

I Knew That Was In Abilene. Did You Buy Here Also. I Think I Saw It In The Paper But Was A Day Late.

[784X4GUY]

Nice starter truck, good luck with it...Later Mike

[Purs]

Yeah, it was in the Nickel. I've looked at alot of 67-72 trucks in the past 6 or so years and this is the most rust free "unrestored" trucks I've ever seen. And mechanically it's outstanding. It runs and drives excellent. I kind of hate to pull this sweet little 350. It does need some help with the stance though... and those wagon wheels gotta go....

[1971 Cheyenne]

Nice truck, I gotta agree with tx firefighter about ECE, I have ordered over a thousand dollars of stuff from them, and their service, products, shipping time- everything, has been top notch.

[SCOTI]

I had the same issues finding mine: Unrestored, low rust, original paint trucks are hard to find. It was even harder finding mine because I won't buy them if the wiring has been hacked into under the dash.

Be sure & keep the progress pics coming.

[ChevyDude]

I would agree 100%, get the front 2.5" drop spindals and your drop rear coils from ECE and if you want to incorporate drop springs for an additional lowered look...you have some options. ECE makes super nice stuff and backs it up with great customer service and fast shipping...all at a fair price! ECE is also looked at as a leader in the lowering market.