Pics and Q's re: new 70 SWB

[calvinator]

Hey everyone. First timer on this site. I'm from Canada and have been looking for a truck like this for over half a year already. Nothing is in reasonable condition out here. Everythings rusted beyond repair. Dream came true when I managed to find one out in California on a family vacation! Still waiting for it to be shipped home though. I know for certain that I want to buy disk brakes (for sure in front, maybe back too) different wheels, as well as lower it quite a bit. I've been told buying lowering spindles/disks is the best way? Ive been thinking of 20" torque thurst wheels, but they only come in 5 lug as far as I know. So that makes me wonder, if I buying lowering spindles, should I buy 5 or 6 bolt? I've heard that people regret switching from 6 to 5 due to the lack of bigger wheels availble for 5. Any input from you guys? Also any brand name/kit suggestions for lowering spindles/disks? Any input at all would be a great start for me.

[Palf70Step]

Welcome to the board. Looks like a great truck. Far as I know you'll have plenty of choices for wheels with the 5 lugs.

[Cyclone44]

That's a nice truck and welcome to the site from Knoxville Tn....

[tcb-1]

very, very nice 70. you'll have to post more pics when she gets to you.....

as for spindles, it's really your call. remember though, if you go to a 5 lug set-up, you'll probably want to change the rear end out to a 5 lug set up as well. this could become expensive.....

I opted to stay 6 bolt since I was on a tight budget. I got my kit from GMCPauls. It's a McGaughy's 2.5" drop kit. I'm very happy with the fit and especially the price.

and if you really like the look of a Torque Thrust rim, there is such a thing as a 6 spoke, 6 lug Torque Thrust.

http://www.tirerack.com/wheels/Wheel...=Chrome+Plated

but it's your truck. HAVE FUN!!!

and Welcome Aboard from Shawnee, KS!!

[weav1]

there are big wheels available for 5 lug probably more here are my 20x8 and 22x9.5

[Sinister]

Nice truck. Welcome from Los Angeles.

[sjarrett71]

Beautiiful!! Welcome from Missouri.

[straitnate14]

Nitto 555r's in the back?

[ed2552]

from MN! the lowering kit would be just spindles, the discs don't lower it at all, it is all in the spindles.

[calvinator]

Thanks guys. Yah the 6 bolt 6 spoke Torque Thrust wheels don't look too bad. I prefer the 5s much more, but if I stay with 6 bolt they'd be a good option. But I talked to a local body man who restores hot rods and he says cheapest way to do 5 bolt is take it off a newer 1/2 ton. That way I get 5 lug and the disc brakes. And I'd get a different rear end too. Once I make up my mind and get a few things installed I'll post some more pics. But don't hold your breathe, it won't happen that quickly.

[streetstar]

Originally Posted by calvinator

Once I make up my mind and get a few things installed I'll post some more pics. But don't hold your breathe, it won't happen that quickly.

With a truck like that, things don't need to happen quickly unless you want them to. There are a lot of members who would call it good already !
I was going to suggest the Torq Thrust ST too in 6 lug, if you stay with 6. You can purchase front rotors in either 6 or 5 for the brake conversion, --- and new axles are available for the rear in 5, so you don't have to resort to trying to install another truck's equipment (too much possibility of hidden problems)


Oh -- and welcome to the board -- truck looks real good already -- have fun with it

[special-K]

Welcome to the board from Maryland.
Would you be getting oversized brakes to go with the huge wheels?Personally,I feel Torque Thrusts lose something at over 17".Take a look around the site at other trucks and what they run.You`ll find a broad variety of options.Are wanting TTIIs?Tim Christian,a board vendor,has a sweet`67 GMC Stepside with 6-lug TTIIs.

[lolife99]

Welcome from Missouri also! Beautiful truck!

[brad_man_72]

to the site their is a ton of usefull information here. nice truck.
if youre wanting 5-lug and disc brakes, buy a parts truck 73-87. for alot less money than the disc brake conversions you can get rear axle and 4wheels, maybe even a good motor and trans, then about $200 from the scrapper.

[calvinator]

Thanks for the idea bradman72. Sounds like a good one. Is there already a thread on this site just showing off trucks with different wheel sizes/shapes/colours? If there is, would one of you mind sharing it with me? I've decided undoubtedly to buy black wheels with chrome/polished lip. I've always loved big, black wheels, especially on white or silver vehicles. But it still may be a few weeks til I even get my truck in my posession, still waitin on a car carrier to pick it up and ship it to the wonderful country of maple syrup and polar bears!

[chrislehr]

Nice truck, and of course, welcome from Austin, TX.

If you don't like those stock 6 lug rallys, I will GLADLY take them off your hands!

[EAST SIDE LOW LIFE]

First off "NICE TRUCK" AND TTT ON YOUR FIND. Welcome to the board from Nothern Cali.

esll.

[69halfton]

hey there welcome from ontario CANADA!

i know all about the whole truck hunt thing, spent about a year looking for omne up here, and gave up. so i made a list of truck from my house to florida all on the same highway. then started driving south until i found one in nice shape. 16 trucks later, i bought my 69

[El Jay]

Welcome aboard.
Nice truck.

I don't know squat about spindles, disc brake conversions, or wheels.
Just wanted to say, "Hi!."

[dingo_dan_22]

As for the vendor I'd check out Scott's Super Trucks out of Penhold Alberta, www.scottssupertrucks.com

They know their stuff and can save you a but load for shipping.

[72BlckButy]

to the board from Mid-MO!!!

For a lowering kit I would look no farther than ECE (Early Classic Enterprises)

Or.... you could go all out and go with Air Ride Technologies.

As mentioned by tcb-1 American Racing makes a 6 lug TTII wheel. There are numerous choices of wheels in both 5 and 6 lug applications.

Good luck with the build!

[72BLKCHEYENNE]

Hello there from New Brunswick,

I have to agree with 72Blackbuty, I would look no further than ECE. Their stuff is realy nice and simple to install. I'm not sure who has cheaper equipment out there, but I wasn't dissapointed. My older and younger brother also have the 4-6 drop and we all converted over to the 5 lug with Torque Thrust II's. Nice truck, can't wait to see updated pics on your decisions.

[calvinator]

Would someone mind explaining a few things to me...
Here is what I want done, and whats the most realistic way of doing it?:

-convert 6 lug to 5 lug
-convert drum brakes to power discs (for sure in front, maybe back too)
-lower truck maybe 4" front 6" back

Heres is a kit on ebay with front and back discs, 5 lug, but only lowers the front 2.5" ...
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/60-70...mZ200211457200

Option 1: If I bought the above kit (which I dont plan to cause it seems expensive), how would I lower the rear end after? Cause it doesnt look like that kit would drop the rear at all.

Option 2: If I just buy a kit for 5 lug discs lowering spindles for only the FRONT, how do I go about swapping the rear from 6 lug drums to 5 lug DRUMS? How do I lower it? Heres a kit off ebay for only the front. http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/1960-...mZ300211063559

Option 3: Find a 73-87 chevy 1/2 ton for parts truck and take its spindles/discs. But do all or any of these trucks have discs in the REAR too? If they do not have discs in rear, can I still use the rear drums from the parts truck without installing a new rear end or axle or something? Im guessing that if Id use the spindles from the parts truck, they wont lower it. So would this be a good option in that case to lower my truck?
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/1963-...5734QQtcZphoto

I realise I should have started this thread with such a detailed question like this, but I hope someone can help!?! I want to know what to do BEFORE I get my truck, so once it arrives (maybe this weekend!!) I won't waste time deciding, and can get it on the road asap! Need some feedback on my options and whats the "best bang for your buck." THANKS!!

[ed2552]

Drive it for a while how it is until you are ready to make a detailed list of everything you want to do and what your goals for the truck are. It runs and drives well now i'm assuming.

[franky69c10]

nice color and welcome from PHOENIX AZ