Direction CHANGE: Need your opinions... - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

**COBALT** · 08-07-2003, 03:20 PM

I've been thinking lately about changing my plan on this whole "Building the Dream Kick-A$$ toy Chevy Truck" thing.

I started this buying one truck, learning on it, getting it running in great shape, and then thinking I'd tear it apart one day and do everything I want to it.

In the middle of this I bought a parts truck. Same model and everything except it had a manual transmission, a stock 350, and power NOTHING. I bought it for body panels, hood, engine, and basic frame pieces. I figured I'd steal from it when I needed stuff, but....

Recently I've been thinking: Why am I thinking about tearing the truck apart that acually runs and is reliable when I could tear apart the parts truck and use that! I've got almost everything I need to convert it to auto, and since I'll be doing everything (disk brakes, different differential, etc.) I can convert to power steering and power brakes, etc. All I'd need is a new cab, and probably new doors. I have a tailgate, a good grille. I could also strip this thing down to the frame right now and get it coated before Christmas, which was my deadline for getting started anyway.

Sounds smarter to me. I don't know why it's taken this long to realize. What do you all think? Here's a pic of the parts truck:

**COBALT** · 08-07-2003, 03:23 PM

2

**COBALT** · 08-07-2003, 03:23 PM

3

Ironically this bed is better than mine!

**COBALT** · 08-07-2003, 03:24 PM

4

UG-ly, but untampered-with.

**COBALT** · 08-07-2003, 03:27 PM

5

The cab is near-garbage. The headliner has tons of rust, and the floor is about to fall out. Rot got into the rockers via the doors, so the doors will have to go too.

**COBALT** · 08-07-2003, 03:28 PM

6

Final pic. It's an original 4bolt main 350 from '69. Never been rebuilt. I'm going to yank it soon and start building my new 383 if it turns out to be a good core.

70c10 · 08-07-2003, 04:30 PM

Cobalt, that's a damn nice parts truck!. Here in Maryland everything is RUSTED clear through usually. I would upgrade what's necessary on it.

dubie · 08-07-2003, 04:46 PM

Dayum COBALT!! your parts truck is in better shape than my project truck!! Nice!! I say DO IT!! it's yours so do what you wish with it

RON WOODGEARD · 08-07-2003, 05:02 PM

Cobalt,

Many of us get something in our heads, and go from there, then all of a sudden change our direction and decide a better way/solution. I'm 51 and was going to build my 70 in an old retro hot rod style, you know lumpy cam, tunnel ram, cragers, etc.etc. ( it's everything but the Cragers,)Well one day I was driving to work and thought,,,, Gees wouldn't it be nice to be driving the rig I built nyself instead of this new 350 Ford........ Well I drive 32 miles each way to work. Now that's a long way for a hot rod such as I want, and gas mileage. So Now I'm perplexed.. If I would go to a TPI,Or TBI I would get way better economy, Drop the lumpy cam thought, I'm not going to street race anyone anyways, (been over 25 years since I had a ticket) ,,,trade out the 4:10 rear for some 3:5s,,, Oh well, I'll figure it out in my head just as you will..

That is a good lucking parts truck..

RON

**COBALT** · 08-07-2003, 05:04 PM

Yeah, thanks guys. The more I think about it the better I like the idea. I mean what the hell am I going to drive to the parts store, or take to go get stuff blasted at the machine shop?

Might as well use my daily driver, and let this thing be the project...

Now I just need to get started.

SCOTI · 08-07-2003, 06:04 PM

Definitely keep driving the one that runs & is reliable & rebuild the parts truck.

When you got to that point, you would want to replace the power steering & upgrade the brakes in the drivable truck anyway w/a new variable ratio unit & discs, so to do that you will have to remove the parts.... so just remove the parts from the other truck & build it.

Then, when your done, you could sell the one your driving now if you wanted (but you won't want to.... admit it).

**Palf70Step** · 08-07-2003, 06:35 PM

I agree. Drive the one and build the dream while you drive!

bouncytruck · 08-07-2003, 07:15 PM

I think that truck has a lot of potencial...

lukecp · 08-07-2003, 07:21 PM

Build the parts truck....then once you get it done and on the road, tear apart your current driver and build it too

. Maybe go stock one one.......customized on the other....somehting like that.

**COBALT** · 08-07-2003, 07:31 PM

LOL @ bouncytruck

Sweet. I've got new inspiration. I've been worried about how I was going to deal with not having a truck for 3+ years while I build this thing totally forgetting that I could simply be building the parts truck.

I feel better and better about this decision.

DR67 · 08-07-2003, 09:00 PM

After spending most of the summer without a truck to drive,( because it is in too many pieces) I think having more than one is the way to go. I am thinking maybe suburban for second one.

DR67

**old Rusty C10** · 08-07-2003, 09:22 PM

thats an excellent parts truck id restore it if youre looking for another project

Hotrod70C10 · 08-07-2003, 09:24 PM

Go for it! You know you want more than one to drive!!!

**Yukon Jack** · 08-08-2003, 12:41 PM

I agree, as my truck has been torn apart since October, it sure would be less painful if I had another classic to be driving. Got to go for a ride in my buddy's 1970 a month or so ago, was so good to be back in an old truck!

progress · 08-08-2003, 02:32 PM

Keep your daily driver and build the parts truck starting from the frame. Sand blast and powder coat it. If you build the truck the way you want it from the gound up you will need just about all new parts anyway. When done just sell the daily driver. I have a perfect rust free cab and door...interested?

crazy4chevs · 08-08-2003, 06:51 PM

build the parts truck!

Progress, just curious(sp) do you have pics of the cab? what year? price?

08-07-2003, 03:20 PM	#1
COBALT Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2001 Location: Seattle, WA, USA Posts: 5,817	Direction CHANGE: Need your opinions... I've been thinking lately about changing my plan on this whole "Building the Dream Kick-A$$ toy Chevy Truck" thing. I started this buying one truck, learning on it, getting it running in great shape, and then thinking I'd tear it apart one day and do everything I want to it. In the middle of this I bought a parts truck. Same model and everything except it had a manual transmission, a stock 350, and power NOTHING. I bought it for body panels, hood, engine, and basic frame pieces. I figured I'd steal from it when I needed stuff, but.... Recently I've been thinking: Why am I thinking about tearing the truck apart that acually runs and is reliable when I could tear apart the parts truck and use that! I've got almost everything I need to convert it to auto, and since I'll be doing everything (disk brakes, different differential, etc.) I can convert to power steering and power brakes, etc. All I'd need is a new cab, and probably new doors. I have a tailgate, a good grille. I could also strip this thing down to the frame right now and get it coated before Christmas, which was my deadline for getting started anyway. Sounds smarter to me. I don't know why it's taken this long to realize. What do you all think? Here's a pic of the parts truck: Attached Images __________________ '69 3/4 ton C20 2wd-350ci/TH400 '69 3/4 ton Custom 20 2wd-350ci/4sp Manual '99 2wd 5.7 Chevy Tahoe Seattle, WA.

08-07-2003, 03:23 PM	#2
COBALT Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2001 Location: Seattle, WA, USA Posts: 5,817	2 Attached Images __________________ '69 3/4 ton C20 2wd-350ci/TH400 '69 3/4 ton Custom 20 2wd-350ci/4sp Manual '99 2wd 5.7 Chevy Tahoe Seattle, WA.

08-07-2003, 03:23 PM	#3
COBALT Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2001 Location: Seattle, WA, USA Posts: 5,817	3 Ironically this bed is better than mine! Attached Images __________________ '69 3/4 ton C20 2wd-350ci/TH400 '69 3/4 ton Custom 20 2wd-350ci/4sp Manual '99 2wd 5.7 Chevy Tahoe Seattle, WA.

08-07-2003, 03:24 PM	#4
COBALT Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2001 Location: Seattle, WA, USA Posts: 5,817	4 UG-ly, but untampered-with. Attached Images __________________ '69 3/4 ton C20 2wd-350ci/TH400 '69 3/4 ton Custom 20 2wd-350ci/4sp Manual '99 2wd 5.7 Chevy Tahoe Seattle, WA.

08-07-2003, 03:27 PM	#5
COBALT Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2001 Location: Seattle, WA, USA Posts: 5,817	5 The cab is near-garbage. The headliner has tons of rust, and the floor is about to fall out. Rot got into the rockers via the doors, so the doors will have to go too. Attached Images __________________ '69 3/4 ton C20 2wd-350ci/TH400 '69 3/4 ton Custom 20 2wd-350ci/4sp Manual '99 2wd 5.7 Chevy Tahoe Seattle, WA.

08-07-2003, 03:28 PM	#6
COBALT Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2001 Location: Seattle, WA, USA Posts: 5,817	6 Final pic. It's an original 4bolt main 350 from '69. Never been rebuilt. I'm going to yank it soon and start building my new 383 if it turns out to be a good core. Attached Images __________________ '69 3/4 ton C20 2wd-350ci/TH400 '69 3/4 ton Custom 20 2wd-350ci/4sp Manual '99 2wd 5.7 Chevy Tahoe Seattle, WA.

08-07-2003, 04:30 PM	#7
70c10 67-72 Addict! Join Date: Feb 2002 Location: The TAX State! Posts: 7,857	Cobalt, that's a damn nice parts truck!. Here in Maryland everything is RUSTED clear through usually. I would upgrade what's necessary on it. __________________ Jim 1970 C/10 Fleetside w/Ghost Flames Lowered 4.5" front and 4" rear (Raked) 355/350 Turbo w/shift kit 10" Redneck Performance Verter w/2500 stall Hooker Super Comps part#2808-1 Performer RPM Air-Gap 12 Bolt w/3:73 gears- Eaton Posi Comp Cams XE262 with 1.6 Crane Energizers, Road Demon 625 and Brodix IK 180 heads

08-07-2003, 04:46 PM	#8
dubie Registered User Join Date: May 2000 Location: Flin Flon, Manitoba, Canada Posts: 8,855	Dayum COBALT!! your parts truck is in better shape than my project truck!! Nice!! I say DO IT!! it's yours so do what you wish with it __________________ My name's Tim and I'm a truckaholic My 56 Chevy shop truck build http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=562795

08-07-2003, 05:02 PM	#9
RON WOODGEARD Resident Young Old Dude ! Join Date: Jul 2001 Location: Nevada Posts: 1,948	Cobalt, Many of us get something in our heads, and go from there, then all of a sudden change our direction and decide a better way/solution. I'm 51 and was going to build my 70 in an old retro hot rod style, you know lumpy cam, tunnel ram, cragers, etc.etc. ( it's everything but the Cragers,)Well one day I was driving to work and thought,,,, Gees wouldn't it be nice to be driving the rig I built nyself instead of this new 350 Ford........ Well I drive 32 miles each way to work. Now that's a long way for a hot rod such as I want, and gas mileage. So Now I'm perplexed.. If I would go to a TPI,Or TBI I would get way better economy, Drop the lumpy cam thought, I'm not going to street race anyone anyways, (been over 25 years since I had a ticket) ,,,trade out the 4:10 rear for some 3:5s,,, Oh well, I'll figure it out in my head just as you will.. That is a good lucking parts truck.. RON

08-07-2003, 05:04 PM	#10
COBALT Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2001 Location: Seattle, WA, USA Posts: 5,817	Yeah, thanks guys. The more I think about it the better I like the idea. I mean what the hell am I going to drive to the parts store, or take to go get stuff blasted at the machine shop? Might as well use my daily driver, and let this thing be the project... Now I just need to get started. __________________ '69 3/4 ton C20 2wd-350ci/TH400 '69 3/4 ton Custom 20 2wd-350ci/4sp Manual '99 2wd 5.7 Chevy Tahoe Seattle, WA.

08-07-2003, 06:04 PM	#11
SCOTI Registered User Join Date: Apr 2001 Location: DALLAS,TX Posts: 21,949	Definitely keep driving the one that runs & is reliable & rebuild the parts truck. When you got to that point, you would want to replace the power steering & upgrade the brakes in the drivable truck anyway w/a new variable ratio unit & discs, so to do that you will have to remove the parts.... so just remove the parts from the other truck & build it. Then, when your done, you could sell the one your driving now if you wanted (but you won't want to.... admit it). __________________ 67SWB-B.B.RetroRod 64SWB-Recycle 89CCDually-Driver/Tow Truck 99CCSWB Driver All Fleetsides @rattlecankustoms in IG Building a small, high rpm engine with the perfect bore, stroke and rod ratio is very impressive. It's like a highly skilled Morrocan sword fighter with a Damascus Steel Scimitar..... *Cubic inches is like Indiana Jones with a cheap pistol.*

08-07-2003, 06:35 PM	#12
Palf70Step State of Confusion! Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Gulfport, MS USA Posts: 46,820	I agree. Drive the one and build the dream while you drive! __________________ Bill 1970 Chevy Custom/10 LWB Fleetside 2010 Toyota Tacoma PreRunner SR5 Double Cab - DD Member of Louisiana Classic Truck Club (LCTC) Bill's Gallery Life isn't tied with a bow, but it's still a gift. Live simply. Love generously. Care deeply. Speak kindly. Leave the rest to God!

08-07-2003, 07:15 PM	#13
bouncytruck SKINNY TIRES RULE! Join Date: Sep 2001 Location: Bothell, WA Posts: 11,049	I think that truck has a lot of potencial... __________________ bouncytruck 1972 K5 The Hauler 1994 K1500 Suburban The Daily2010 Kia Soul Wife's Ride2014 Fiat 500L Last edited by bouncytruck; 01-12-2006 at 05:09 PM.

08-07-2003, 07:21 PM	#14
lukecp Formerly yellow72custom Join Date: May 2001 Location: Austin, TX Posts: 7,531	Build the parts truck....then once you get it done and on the road, tear apart your current driver and build it too . Maybe go stock one one.......customized on the other....somehting like that. __________________ '72 Chevy C10 Mild 350/TH350/3.07. Ochre/White. Old high school ride. '70 GMC C2500 '62 327 4bbl/SM465/4.56-geared Dana 60. White/White. Project or parts truck. '97 Saturn SL DD. 1.9/5-speed. 40+ highway mpg

08-07-2003, 07:31 PM	#15
COBALT Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2001 Location: Seattle, WA, USA Posts: 5,817	LOL @ bouncytruck Sweet. I've got new inspiration. I've been worried about how I was going to deal with not having a truck for 3+ years while I build this thing totally forgetting that I could simply be building the parts truck. I feel better and better about this decision. __________________ '69 3/4 ton C20 2wd-350ci/TH400 '69 3/4 ton Custom 20 2wd-350ci/4sp Manual '99 2wd 5.7 Chevy Tahoe Seattle, WA.



Register or Log In To remove these advertisements.

08-07-2003, 09:00 PM	#16
DR67 Registered User Join Date: Feb 2002 Location: Knoxville, Tn. USA Posts: 205	After spending most of the summer without a truck to drive,( because it is in too many pieces) I think having more than one is the way to go. I am thinking maybe suburban for second one. DR67 __________________ Dave Knoxville,Tn.

08-07-2003, 09:22 PM	#17
old Rusty C10 Robert Olson Transport Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: recent transplant to NC USA Posts: 20,284	thats an excellent parts truck id restore it if youre looking for another project __________________ Bob 1951 International running on a squarebody chassis "If a man's worth is judged by the people he associates himself with, then i am the richest man in the world knowing some of the fine people of this board" http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/a...t.php?f=25&a=9 (you can review the site rules here!) PM Me for your vehicle/parts hauling needs in the North East US or see my Facebook page Robert Olson Transport Live each day to the fullest.. you never know when fate is going to pull the rug out from under you... I hate cancer!!

08-07-2003, 09:24 PM	#18
Hotrod70C10 Low & Slow Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: Oklahoma Posts: 1,047	Go for it! You know you want more than one to drive!!! __________________ 70' C-10 LWB Fleetside 4.5/6 drop

08-08-2003, 12:41 PM	#19
Yukon Jack Post Whore Join Date: Feb 2000 Location: Rose Hill, KS, USA Posts: 12,684	I agree, as my truck has been torn apart since October, it sure would be less painful if I had another classic to be driving. Got to go for a ride in my buddy's 1970 a month or so ago, was so good to be back in an old truck! __________________ 1970 Blazer with a 400 sbc and 4" lift 1980 Pontiac Trans Am, 455 Oldsmobile 2012 Kawasaki Concours 14

08-08-2003, 02:32 PM	#20
progress Gotta luv a clean shave Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: Kent, WA Posts: 226	Keep your daily driver and build the parts truck starting from the frame. Sand blast and powder coat it. If you build the truck the way you want it from the gound up you will need just about all new parts anyway. When done just sell the daily driver. I have a perfect rust free cab and door...interested? __________________ Welding while you wait...you can help if you like and it...might even save you a little as long as you don't mess things up! We make house calls too...just like the old days!

08-08-2003, 06:51 PM	#21
crazy4chevs Registered User Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Des Moines WA. (Kent, area) Posts: 668	build the parts truck! Progress, just curious(sp) do you have pics of the cab? what year? price? __________________ 70 chev c10 swb fleet 72 grill, sb 400, 2/4 drop. 68 chev c10 swb fleet Early classic 4/6 drop with 4wheel disc brakes 9"rear 67-8 buckets tilt and A/C Classic GM Truck Club of Washington .

Register or Log In To remove these advertisements.