New 1968 and some questions.

[DingoDan]

I am buying a 1968 Chevy C-10, stepside pickup tomorrow and have some questions.
First off it is all original except for a dual-exhaust system and a few nick-nacks replaced on the engine. Drums around, oil-painted bed rails, and the body looks amazing. I read on all these forums for the places to check for rust and there was nothing to note. One family owned, from grandfather to father to daughter, and now it's leaving the family to be mine.
I just got back from a deployment and wanted to start the journey of restoring a classic.
It has the inline 6, three on the tree. My question is, how can I keep the 3 on the tree but upgrade the trans to something a little more stout and reliable. I plan on dropping a 350 in it or a 4 bolt diesel. It will be my daily drive/show truck.
Also the front brakes are out, and there seems to be a good amount of oil/grease behind the wheels. Any resources to tell what to replace, whether the drums need replaced or if it's the master cylinder?

[ChevLoRay]

From a 'Nam vet to another of our servicemen and women....a big Hat's Off!!

Next, from the Heart of Arkansas.

Finally, welcome to the family. That's not a bad-lookin' ride. I see that you're interested in a V8, but Stacy David did a crate engine 292 that looked sweet. Clifford Industries makes intakes and exhaust systems for 6's, and you can cam 'em up. Throw a Tremec 6-speed behind it and have some fun!

Early Classic Enterprises has disc brake conversions that allow for you to lower it, or keep the stock height. You can retain your 6-lug wheel pattern, too. If you are serious about upgrading the performance, you should consider upgrading the brakes, too. As an aside, I just looked at a '72 LWB Fleetside that can be bought for $500. It has discs and the crossmember would swap into your chassis....it's just a note that I'm sharing.

As for the grease issue, it may be the dust cap that is missing or doesn't fit well. (I had a '67 Impala and the dust cap wouldn't stay on until I replaced the hub). The grease seals on the axle stub on the back side of the wheel may also be bad.

[solar649]

nce looking truck. looks to be a solid start for a project. long bed stepsides are gettingreally hard to find.

Front brakes, tear them apart. clean out all the grease and dirt. then look for the leaks. You should be able to take the front drums to a local autoparts store and find out if it is turnable.

As for the trans. I have the tree speed behind my stout 350 and drive it all the time. It cruises on the highway well just depends on the rear diff you have.

I like you color also.. Here is mine. 68 long bed step side in the same color.

[Indyuke]

Thanks for your service, and nice truck you have there.

I'd stick with the I6 if you're wanting a daily driver. V8's are nice, but probably not as reliable and definately not as good on gas. The 350 I have has never gotten above 18mpg... and that's with an OD trans and appropriate rear gearing. I'm in the process of aquiring the stuff necessary for a swap to a 250.

That's just my twopence. V8's are sure fun to have though. Even a small one will make the tires squeal much easier.