The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network







Register or Log In To remove these advertisements.

Go Back   The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network > 47 - Current classic GM Trucks > The 1967 - 1972 Chevrolet & GMC Pickups Message Board > 67-72 Chevrolet & GMC Pickups Projects and Builds

Web 67-72chevytrucks.com


Reply
 
Thread Tools Display Modes
Old 01-02-2011, 03:39 AM   #1
RdoubleU
Registered User
 
RdoubleU's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2010
Location: AL
Posts: 209
Overbuilding - Looking for advice on how not to : '68 SWB Step LS250

BUILD THREAD STARTS POST # 12

This is a great site and a big help for me with detail information and how to's for various projects on these 67-72 trucks.

I've acquired a '68 C10 SWB stepside with the 250 3spd setup. The truck has been sitting in the original owners sons garage for years and I finally was able to get my hands on it.

The trucks currently runs and drives but still needs alot of work to have it reliable enough to drive to town with no worries.

In the past few months I've:
- Replace the fuel system (new tank, lines, fuel pump, carb)
- Replaced the Radiator
- New Valve cover gasket/breather/pcv

Future plans:
1) HEI (read numerous times best upgrade you can do for these motors)
2) Power steering and front end rebuild (loose manual steering as is)
3) Power Brakes
4) ECE 4/6 drop with 6 lug disk

Goal: get this truck mechanically solid and reliable without getting into the overbuilding nightmare that keeps projects in the garage for years. Right now my plan is to follow the 1-4 sequence as above unless others have suggestions that doing certain upgrades together at once is best or any other upgrades are key.

Last edited by RdoubleU; 04-16-2013 at 08:55 PM. Reason: Turning Thread into a build thread
RdoubleU is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 01-02-2011, 04:36 AM   #2
67chevy1series
Registered User
 
67chevy1series's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2010
Location: a t w a t e r cali 95301
Posts: 10,713
Re: Overbuilding - Looking for advice on how not to

you should take care of that but your not over building it you ve got great plans ,you know us guys we need pics got any
67chevy1series is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 01-02-2011, 06:54 AM   #3
PanelDeland
I am a Referee of life.
 
PanelDeland's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2000
Location: Greensboro N.C.
Posts: 13,993
Re: Overbuilding - Looking for advice on how not to

Sounds like you have a goal and a plan.I would fix the oil leak and stick with the plan you outlined.
__________________
The 47-present Chevrolet and GMC Truck Message Board Network,it's owners,moderators,members,and associates of any type should not be held responsible for my opinion.
You can't fix stupid,not even with duct tape.
"My appearance is due to the fact that "GOD" does punish you for having too much fun!"
Barrett-Jackson has perfected alchemy,they make rust into gold!
"You can lead a horse to water but you can't saddle a duck"
"Cleverly disguised as a 'Responsible Adult'
"Sometimes your Knight in shining armor is just a retard in tinfoil"
PanelDeland is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 01-02-2011, 09:18 AM   #4
Luvlegs
Registered User
 
Luvlegs's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: Smith Mountain Lake Virginia
Posts: 1,537
Re: Overbuilding - Looking for advice on how not to

oh yeah... yeah,... yeah yeah,, the plan... geesch - almost forgot about that! Man... 5 years in, ha! forgot what I was doing there for a year or two.....
__________________
"A cat will almost always blink when hit between the eyes with a ball peen hammer"
(you don't always have to state the obvious)

Wear your PPE! You can eat with false teeth but you can't see with a false eye.

1959 Studebaker Silverhawk 350/400
1972 C10 L6 3OTT
2005 F350 - Built - whew!
Luvlegs is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 01-02-2011, 09:39 AM   #5
special-K
Special Order

 
special-K's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2004
Location: Mt Airy, MD
Posts: 85,852
Re: Overbuilding - Looking for advice on how not to

If you're not losing a great amount of oil,like making the whole underside wet and leaving puddles,the leak is just an annoyance. The main threat is losing track and letting it run low. Gaskets dry up when a vehicle sits a period of time,then start leaking once it starts being driven. It's a common practice to go ahead and re-gasket/seal the whole motor and would not be considered overbuilding. It's no big project to go ahead and replace the timing cover,oil pan,side cover gaskets,and crank seals. You can let them go,fix them as they leak,or do it all and be done.
__________________
"BUILDING A BETTER WAY TO SERVE THE USA"......67/72......"The New Breed"

GMC '67 C1500 Wideside Super Custom SWB: 327/M22/3.42 posi.........."The '67" (project)
GMC '72 K2500 Wideside Sierra Custom Camper: 350/TH350/4.10 Power-Lok..."The '72" (rolling)
Tim

"Don't call me a redneck. I'm a rough cut country gentleman"

R.I.P. ~ East Side Low Life ~ El Jay ~ 72BLUZ ~ Fasteddie69 ~ Ron586 ~ 67ChevyRedneck ~ Grumpy Old Man ~
special-K is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 01-02-2011, 11:52 AM   #6
LockDoc
The Older Generation


 
LockDoc's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: Montezuma, Iowa
Posts: 25,649
Re: Overbuilding - Looking for advice on how not to

-
The first thing I would do is try re-tightening the bolts on the pan. Just don't get carried away, they are easy to twist off if you get heavy handed.

LockDoc
__________________
Leon

Locksmith, Specializing In Antique Trucks, Automobiles, & Motorcycles

(My Dually Pickup Project Thread)

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=829820

-
LockDoc is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 01-02-2011, 12:11 PM   #7
firedog
Registered User
 
firedog's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2000
Location: Festus, Missouri
Posts: 1,005
Re: Overbuilding - Looking for advice on how not to

Regarding overbuilding... just try to keep in mind, if you think at any time you may sell your truck you will probably not get much in return for your labor... That is unless you are locdock then everything you touch turns to gold... Or some sweet wine!
Posted via Mobile Device
__________________
*SOLD*
1968 Chevy SWB Fleet
350/350 combo
Tach/tilt/buddy buckets
Bagged/18" Wheels
Black on Black


Project "Pandemic" the Farm Rat
1927 Chevy Capitol Truck Rat rod
'30 Model A Frame
Dual Carb 5.3 LS
http://www.67-72chevytrucks.com/vboa...d.php?t=804162

2007 GMC 4 DOOR 2WD
BUILT 5.3 STAGE 3 CAM 93 TUNE
LIFTED 22X12 WHEELS 33" TIRES

2023 Jeep RENEGADE
Wifes ride
firedog is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 01-02-2011, 01:02 PM   #8
cdowns
Senior Member
 
cdowns's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2003
Location: daytonabeach
Posts: 22,956
Re: Overbuilding - Looking for advice on how not to

make it a habit for work// must b able to drivein in the morning and driveout compleated at night// live by that rule you'll never overbuild
__________________
71c-10 350/2004r/4:11 lowered3/4 longbed/dead by hurricane

MEANING OF DEATH::::: SOMEBODY ELSE GETS YOUR STUFF

DONT BELIEVE EVERYTHING YOU THINK

TAKE MY ADVISE;I DON'T USE IT ANYWAY
cdowns is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 01-02-2011, 01:34 PM   #9
swamp rat
Registered User
 
swamp rat's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2007
Location: Spanaway
Posts: 8,451
Re: Overbuilding - Looking for advice on how not to

Quote:
Originally Posted by cdowns View Post
make it a habit for work// must b able to drivein in the morning and driveout compleated at night// live by that rule you'll never overbuild
Thats my goal, but sometimes its more like 1-2 weeks.. i'm sure i'll break it this year tho.
__________________
Mike.

Swamp Rat build thread :
http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=595019

72 3/4T 4X4
4" BDS Lift
33" BFG's
swamp rat is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 01-03-2011, 01:28 AM   #10
RdoubleU
Registered User
 
RdoubleU's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2010
Location: AL
Posts: 209
Re: Overbuilding - Looking for advice on how not to

There is a decent amount of oil spray on the lower oil pan/flywheel/trans area and about a coffee mug sized puddle on the ground so the leak issues will definitely need to be addressed once the truck starts to see the road more often.

Believe I will shoot for the HEI upgrade next and follow that up with new seals once I'm positive the engine is good to go and dependable enough to drive anywhere anytime.

Heres a few shots:
- the day the truck left the garage
- Proof of the wonders of simple green and time: Before/Halfway/Done
- And my fauxpantina valve cover so it wouldn't stand out
Attached Images
     
RdoubleU is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 01-03-2011, 01:48 AM   #11
jablack
Classic Chevy Recycler
 
jablack's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: Alabama
Posts: 422
Re: Overbuilding - Looking for advice on how not to

I bought a truck with a 250 in it. It was covered in oil and gunk. I changed the valve cover gasket and cleaned it a little. It hasn't leaked since.
__________________


2004 Chevrolet Trailblazer EXT
1970 Chevrolet C50
1979 Chevrolet C30

Need another 67 or 68 soon...
jablack is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 04-14-2013, 02:27 AM   #12
RdoubleU
Registered User
 
RdoubleU's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2010
Location: AL
Posts: 209
Re: Overbuilding - Looking for advice on how not to : '68 SWB Step LS250

Quote:
Originally Posted by RdoubleU View Post
This is a great site and a big help for me with detail information and how to's for various projects on these 67-72 trucks.

I've acquired a '68 C10 SWB stepside with the 250 3spd setup. The truck has been sitting in the original owners sons garage for years and I finally was able to get my hands on it.

The trucks currently runs and drives but still needs alot of work to have it reliable enough to drive to town with no worries.

In the past few months I've:
- Replace the fuel system (new tank, lines, fuel pump, carb)
- Replaced the Radiator
- New Valve cover gasket/breather/pcv

Future plans:
1) HEI (read numerous times best upgrade you can do for these motors)
2) Power steering and front end rebuild (loose manual steering as is)
3) Power Brakes
4) ECE 4/6 drop with 6 lug disk

Goal: Im looking for advice on how to get this truck mechanically solid and reliable without getting into the overbuilding nightmare that keeps projects in the garage for years. Right now my plan is to follow the 1-4 sequence as above unless others have suggestions that doing certain upgrades together at once is best or any other upgrades are key.
This was 2 years ago and I've since change my plans a little but never strayed from my goal and made sure I didn't get into new areas of the build without closing the current project first. This has allowed me to get to the current stage without ever letting the project get out of control

Since I did not create a build thread as I went, I am going to try and do alittle catch up and also provide some links to information i collected along the way that might help others out working on the same issues

This forum is a great resource, just have to do some searching for the info

But to start heres the As Was to As Is comparison and then I'll start posting all the stuff that happened inbetween
Attached Images
 
__________________
'68 SWB Stepside - Inline Long Six 250 C.I. (LS250): http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...ferrerid=83901

Last edited by RdoubleU; 04-14-2013 at 07:48 PM.
RdoubleU is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 04-14-2013, 02:38 AM   #13
RdoubleU
Registered User
 
RdoubleU's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2010
Location: AL
Posts: 209
Re: Overbuilding - Looking for advice on how not to

Again here's the straight from the garage day and Original Stance
Attached Images
  
__________________
'68 SWB Stepside - Inline Long Six 250 C.I. (LS250): http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...ferrerid=83901
RdoubleU is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 04-14-2013, 02:45 AM   #14
RdoubleU
Registered User
 
RdoubleU's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2010
Location: AL
Posts: 209
Re: Overbuilding - Looking for advice on how not to

Future plans Update :
1) HEI (read numerous times best upgrade you can do for these motors)


I went with the Skip White HEI: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=405650

And Followed the FAQ Index Thread for the Install: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=148346

Plug Gap : http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=349565

Additional Wiring Detail: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=388275

Working great and no issues
__________________
'68 SWB Stepside - Inline Long Six 250 C.I. (LS250): http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...ferrerid=83901
RdoubleU is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 04-14-2013, 03:06 AM   #15
RdoubleU
Registered User
 
RdoubleU's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2010
Location: AL
Posts: 209
Re: Overbuilding - Looking for advice on how not to

Future plans Update:
2) Power steering and front end rebuild (loose manual steering as is)


I followed this How To in the FAQ Index Thread: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=216886

I did have the flat front frame on my '68 which required me to indent the frame to clear the steering box bulge. It really a simple task and I used a Hand Torch with a Hammer just enough to get the clearance I needed.:
http://www.classicheartbeat.com/panel_5.htm
http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=456086
http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=419306

Used all the part #'s and parts sourced from the FAQ thread and purchased a set of power steering brackets for a 250 I6 from a member here on the board

I did run into some issues with the pulley alignment, but was able to figure out a solution by making some custom washers and "keying" them to match the power steering pumps shaft and align the pulley as needed (see below)
http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=354622
http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=470040

Alignment Solution:
Attached Images
 
__________________
'68 SWB Stepside - Inline Long Six 250 C.I. (LS250): http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...ferrerid=83901
RdoubleU is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 04-14-2013, 03:17 AM   #16
RdoubleU
Registered User
 
RdoubleU's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2010
Location: AL
Posts: 209
Re: Overbuilding - Looking for advice on how not to

So these were supposed to be the next Future Plans Update:
3) Power Brakes
4) ECE 4/6 drop with 6 lug disk

But when I took the truck to get aligned after replacing all of my steering components they would not touch it due to my control arm bushings and ball joints were completely shot.

So I started researching costs on what it would take to rebuild them......

And then I found Rob's thread and it was all over from there: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=419251

Quote:
Originally Posted by robnolimit View Post
If you guys (and gals) want, i'll try to keep responding to your handling questions.

Making these trucks handle is easy at first, but the more you want to get out of it, the more work it becomes. The are several things to consider. Tires, Wheels, Weight, Suspension, Brakes, Gears, ....... Set your goals before you start, as some of the parts change the deeper you go. Also, decide how streetable you want it to stay. The more you want to pull one 'G', the stiffer it's going to get. Drop spindles are better, in general, than short springs, this helps to keep the suspension in the sweet spot. In the rear, (trailing arm) blocks are better than short springs for the first 2 inches. Then go to springs. For leaf trucks, use de-arch springs or a flip kit, no blocks. Go BIG on the sway bars. And, spend $$$ on shocks. Doetsch, KYB, or Bilstien, this is where it happens.

Give me some questions, and I'll be more specific on the details.
__________________
'68 SWB Stepside - Inline Long Six 250 C.I. (LS250): http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...ferrerid=83901
RdoubleU is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 04-14-2013, 08:36 AM   #17
Low Elco
Registered User
 
Join Date: Apr 2003
Location: Indep, MO
Posts: 5,893
Re: Overbuilding - Looking for advice on how not to

Oh no, you found the make it handle thread! Lotta good info there. Did you do the 3/4" LC mod and how do you like it post-op? Neat little truck!
Low Elco is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 04-14-2013, 11:53 AM   #18
RdoubleU
Registered User
 
RdoubleU's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2010
Location: AL
Posts: 209
Re: Overbuilding - Looking for advice on how not to

Quote:
Originally Posted by Low Elco View Post
Oh no, you found the make it handle thread! Lotta good info there. Did you do the 3/4" LC mod and how do you like it post-op? Neat little truck!
Lots of great info and I suggest to anyone reading on that thread and over in the Suspension forum. I didn't do the exact mod Rob talks about doing to the factory control arms but I did go with Porterbuilt Forward Arms that accomplish the same goal - ill post up more on that later
__________________
'68 SWB Stepside - Inline Long Six 250 C.I. (LS250): http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...ferrerid=83901
RdoubleU is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 04-14-2013, 12:01 PM   #19
RRC
Registered User
 
RRC's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2012
Location: Moose Jaw Saskatchewan Canada
Posts: 1,099
Re: Overbuilding - Looking for advice on how not to

Nice work....truck looks great!!!
Posted via Mobile Device
__________________
My build thread http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=563712

Instagram: http://instagram.com/rockylakekustoms

Rocky Lake Kustoms

Russ
RRC is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 04-14-2013, 12:05 PM   #20
RdoubleU
Registered User
 
RdoubleU's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2010
Location: AL
Posts: 209
Re: Overbuilding - Looking for advice on how not to

So after reading the Make It Handle Thread and other posts on suspension/handling I decided I was going to move forward and do it right the first time

Next step was to remove the bed, clean and prep the frame and put some chassis black on it
Attached Images
    
__________________
'68 SWB Stepside - Inline Long Six 250 C.I. (LS250): http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...ferrerid=83901
RdoubleU is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 04-14-2013, 12:07 PM   #21
longbed67
Registered User
 
longbed67's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2011
Location: Monroe, WI
Posts: 1,415
Re: Overbuilding - Looking for advice on how not to

Looking back I should have taken your approach! I definitely took the overbuild approach! I'll follow this!
__________________
Adam

My 1967 C10 - Turbo 250 Build Thread
http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=485843

(608) 214-8706
longbed67 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 04-14-2013, 07:49 PM   #22
1lo67
Registered User
 
1lo67's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2005
Location: Morristown, Tn
Posts: 275
Re: Overbuilding - Looking for advice on how not to

Looking Good
1lo67 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 04-15-2013, 09:57 AM   #23
67cheby
67cheby
 
67cheby's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2008
Location: siloam springs ar 72761
Posts: 17,890
Re: Overbuilding - Looking for advice on how not to

love the truck
67cheby is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 04-15-2013, 03:26 PM   #24
jae
Registered User
 
Join Date: Mar 2013
Location: Richmond
Posts: 77
Re: Overbuilding - Looking for advice on how not to

Nice. I just saw a pic of your truck pop up on my Facebook timeline today, believe it was posted by Pro Performance.

Looks good. I'm in to follow the rest of your updates.
jae is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 04-16-2013, 01:40 PM   #25
RdoubleU
Registered User
 
RdoubleU's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2010
Location: AL
Posts: 209
Re: Overbuilding - Looking for advice on how not to

Quote:
Originally Posted by Low Elco View Post
Neat little truck!
Quote:
Originally Posted by RRC View Post
Nice work....truck looks great!!!
Posted via Mobile Device
Quote:
Originally Posted by longbed67 View Post
I'll follow this!
Quote:
Originally Posted by 1lo67 View Post
Looking Good
Quote:
Originally Posted by 67cheby View Post
love the truck
Quote:
Originally Posted by jae View Post
I'm in to follow the rest of your updates.
Thanks Guys, I appreciate it

Once I was done painting the frame and under the cab, next issue was to address my front pinion seal on the axle leaking

So Since I had to tear the entire axle down that lead to:
- Moser 5 Lug axle swap
- All new bearings and seals throughout
- Richmond 3.42 gears
- Eaton Posi

All done so I shouldn't have to touch that axle again for awhile

I followed this How To for the rebuild: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=484897
Attached Images
  
__________________
'68 SWB Stepside - Inline Long Six 250 C.I. (LS250): http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...ferrerid=83901
RdoubleU is offline   Reply With Quote
Reply

Bookmarks


Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off

Forum Jump


All times are GMT -4. The time now is 09:00 AM.


Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.11
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, vBulletin Solutions Inc.
Copyright 1997-2022 67-72chevytrucks.com