Newbe builder starting a grand project

[jonnyNITRO]

I have not built a truck before and am totally blown away by the trucks on this site. I have dropped motors into truck before, but I want to do an entire truck. I decided to pick up a 1968 truck and with the help of some members, I was able to replace the old motor and trans. I want to build this one as a daily driver so I can't go too extreme. I love the style of these years and want to build something worthy of display here.
I will have a ton of questions along the way, so feel free to chime in with helpful comments and advice. (notice how I said helpful)

[jonnyNITRO]

So, like I said, I'm starting with a stock '68 longbed. It's flat black and sitting on stock steel wheels and tires. (picture coming soon)
What I decided to do is to do a concept design first so I know the direction I will go and it may help others when posting comments or suggestions.

[jonnyNITRO]

In this concept, I have one-piece windows, custom mirrors, shaved bumpers and doors and side markers. I'd like to use Accuair suspension system and Porterbuilt equipment for the frame modifications.
My first question would be; when the suspension is on bags, how does it drive? Is it stiff or sloshy?

[jonnyNITRO]

Here is the truck as it sits now. runner/driver C10 longbed paid $2000

[JointTech]

nice truck and nice art. Did you do that or did you have somebody do a rendering for you?

Since you asked for comments I dont love single glass windows. Smoking windows are the stuff dude!!! Back glass actually looks good as a single piece but it is nice cracking the back glass with your arm on the bench seat on a nice day.

I think I like those bumpers you came up with. What wheels are those?

[mmiddle]

2X on the vent widows and rear slider.

Welcome to the madness. and nice rendering.
And we consider any truck, rust bucket to show room restore to a fully customized one worthy of this board. And we love pictures.

The ride quality of these trucks is actually quite good comparatively. Bagging it will make it ride even better.

[swamp rat]

Subscribed..

[jonnyNITRO]

JointTech - Thanks, I did the CG model.
I do like the look of the one piece windows, but heard it could lead to problems.
Those bumpers are smoothed and the wheels are just a design I came up with to sit the truck on the ground. I'll have to pick out some real wheels and model those instead.

MMiddle - So you think the ride quality is improved with bags. Cool.

I may come up with other paint schemes as I built this truck, but I had to start somewhere. I'm not totally sold on the idea of a rear slider. But I was thinking that a vertical sliding electric back window would be cool (like the Toyotas).

[mmiddle]

As long as you are not running around on the bump-stops or Pogoing they will ride really nice.

[Andy4639]

Nice design! They make a electric up/down back window for these models, well there use to be a company making them. They also make the regular electric slider also. Like it being a LWB also! Cool.

Check this link out also.

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=263020

[Davis53]

Very nice rendering! I am a long bed freak myself, good luck with it!

[jonnyNITRO]

Thanks for the feedback.
Read that post about the vertical slider window and it gave me some ideas.
It doesn't look like anyone has a kit for this, so it's going to be a major fabrication process (especially trying to keep water out).

[jonnyNITRO]

Also, I guess I need to update my rendering...

[Fitz]

Originally Posted by jonnyNITRO

JointTech - Thanks, I did the CG model.
I do like the look of the one piece windows, but heard it could lead to problems.
Those bumpers are smoothed and the wheels are just a design I came up with to sit the truck on the ground. I'll have to pick out some real wheels and model those instead.

MMiddle - So you think the ride quality is improved with bags. Cool.

I may come up with other paint schemes as I built this truck, but I had to start somewhere. I'm not totally sold on the idea of a rear slider. But I was thinking that a vertical sliding electric back window would be cool (like the Toyotas).

The CG model looks great and the color isn't bad either. You will need to do a lot of fabrication to get a vertical sliding rear window installed but the electrics are available. As for one piece glass in the doors causing problems I think that's more fiction than fact. That's an ambitious project you have laid out and it will be an expensive one as well. Good Luck and keep us posted!

[jonnyNITRO]

I hear you, I hear you.
Been saving up for this over the past few months.

[jonnyNITRO]

First order of business is to fix these holes in the floor. And it looks like the kick panels need to be fixed or replaced too. Still have to check the underneath to see how far the rust has expanded.

[jonnyNITRO]

got my placement panels. I'm thinking about replacing the floor sections just with sheet metal from local store. Doubt it's that difficult.

[jonnyNITRO]

Have also been considering the rear window idea. Since the roof is tilted 6 degrees forward, it looks like most guys extend the metal along the bottom edge while cutting into the top edge to compensate for this offset.
I don't think I like that solution, so if I can't find a better one, I'll scrap the idea.

[Ol Blue K20]

Like your rendering and confidence. I have faith in ya and I'm subscribed

[jonnyNITRO]

Thanks Ol Blue.
I have worked on cars over the years (mostly engines and paint) but nothing like what you guys do here. This will be my first custom build so I might be taking it slow.
On a side not, I do have some other ideas for the paint as this rendering seems a bit too close to other designs out there. I don't want my truck to look like a copy of another design, so I'll continue to modify details to make it unique.
I realize that may be an impossible task these days, since there are so many designs, but I guess in the end I just have to built it my way.

[jonnyNITRO]

I might experiment with the back of the cab in a vertical position.

[jonnyNITRO]

This is what am talking about. See how the bottom of the window is deeper and the top is almost flush with the cab. Plus, when you cut out the pinch weld, you'll loose some strength there, I think.
Most of the links to sources were broken and/or missing so a kit doesn't appear to be an option. Full custom all the way if done right.

... still thinking.

[Hilljack51]

I've always thought that a roll down window would be pretty slick on any truck. I wonder how much of a difference there is, as far as width/height, from some of the OEM roll down windows like the Toyota tundras. You might be able to steal some parts from one of them, like the window tracks and linkages, and modify them to fit if they're close enough.

[54belair]

Hi, welcome to the board. I love the idea of the 68 (kinda partial to them myself).

If I might, Id like to make a suggestion(s). On the one pc windows---make sure you have the ones sold by Brothers--there are two brands and the Other one has more issues. But, make sure you want them before you start the install---either brand requires door modification----non reversible modification. Ive also been told by some who have them that they have a lot of issues with sealing and window channels. (?)

After seeing your pics of your rust issues, my suggestion there would be to take care of all the rust issues Before you invest your money into mods. Im not tryng to scare you off, but these trucks GROOOOOW rust. when youre checking everything out--pull the fenders and check high on the firewall in front and on the sides for rust. Use an ice pick to probe areas you suspect. On my build, the rust had been pruposely hidden and I ended up putting a fortune in repair before I got to do the things I wanted to do.

Ive restored some other vehicles--but I sure got surprised on this one. I like your ideas, enjoy the work, enjoy the result.

[FRENCHBLUE72]

Looks like the truck needs some rust repair but solid otherwise.. Love the rendering cant wait to see what ya come up with..