My First Build - '72 C-20 LWB

[jjdowney]

So I started documenting this in the main message board and I figured I should move it here so I'll just copy the first few comments of that other thread here.

Originally Posted by jjdowney

I just picked up my first project truck today, traded my '99 Silverado ext cab for it. I'm hoping I don't regret it but I'm excited to get started on it. Here's a couple pics of both and I'll be posting more as I go. Mostly for my own records, but also hopefully for your enjoyment (I'll definitely need help ).

Originally Posted by jjdowney

New and old

Originally Posted by MSHax

TRAVIS?? ....sorry, the truck you traded is the EXACT truck my buddy is trying to sell.

Looks like a great base for a fun project! What are your plans for it?

Originally Posted by jjdowney

I haven't completely decided what I want to do yet. I'm going to do all the small fixes first, then see how much money I have to start doing fun stuff.

Originally Posted by MSHax

Good rule of thumb, when planning a project, is to write down all of what you think you'll do, add it all up, then double it.

[jjdowney]

a couple more...

Originally Posted by jjdowney

Finally have some updates... I haven't had the cash to do much to it for the last few months (I spent it all at x-mas buying a welder and other garage toys). Then, a couple weeks ago, my rear driver's side tire decided to give out. It stayed inflated but the rubber just came undone and beat the crap out of fender. Luckily I happen to have full coverage on my insurance (I never took it off from my last truck ) and they gave my some cash to fix it. I figure I'll deal with the body work later, I want to start on the interior and buy the lowering parts.

So, thanks to GMCPauls and Western Chassis, I will be dropping the front 2" with lowering coils and at least 2" in the rear with lowering shackles. I will be attempting a leaf spring flip in the rear as well for around 5" I expect, which means I'll also need a C-notch.

My question, which I posted in the main forum, is what drop spindles can I use without having to do the C-10 conversion? I found these which are in the right price range, Chassis Tech C-20 Drop Spindles but will they work? Do I need to change out everything else (ie. control arms, etc) to use these like I would with a C-10 conversion setup?

Or do I have to do something like these Western Chassis C-20 Drop Spindles which cost like $135 more? obviously, I'd love someone to say "oh yeah use the cheap ones, they're great!" Any input/advice is welcome.

Originally Posted by jjdowney

Carpet came in. Also, here is a pic of the body damage from the blown tire. What really sucks is there is a lot of tread left, sucker just came right off.

[jjdowney]

Drop springs came in today! These should give me 2" drop in the front. I still haven't figured out if I can use the less expensive drop spindles yet.

Also, my truck has all the A/C components except a compressor so I've been looking for one. I am hoping that I don't have to buy a brand new one, and do not have the cash to by a vintage air system, even though I would love to. So I found this one that a guy nearby took out of his truck a couple months ago. Hopefully it wont take too much to get it working properly, otherwise I have some learning I get to do soon.