Best Conversions and Modifications - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

**tigerburns** · 08-13-2015, 05:19 PM

Ok folks...
I am a longtime Chevy truck lover, a short-time C10 owner

, and a first-time poster to this forum.

I have read lots great threads about possible conversions/modifications/upgrades that can or should be done to your truck. What I want to know is which ones do you consider to be the best? What modification have you done that you wish you had done sooner? For you guys who work on one build after another, what modification(s) do you consider “have-to”? What upgrade offers the best “bang for the buck”? What is the low hanging fruit that should be plucked first?
I currently have a ’65 short fleet that has been lowered and had a 350 conversion. It is an old restoration that needs some updating both aesthetically and mechanically. The body and chassis are in very good shape with very little rust and no rot. The truck has also been recently rewired.
I have to keep reminding myself that this is meant to be a marathon and not a sprint, but I can’t wait to get started. So what should I start with?

vin63 · 08-13-2015, 05:30 PM

Welcome! For me, it's front disc brakes and a three- or four-point driver restraint/seat belt system.

TJ's Chevy · 08-13-2015, 05:37 PM

Start with ALL the Mechanical 1st. Get the engine running good and make sure its worthy of a good tune up. Check the radiator fluid and make sure there's no rust in the system and preferably flush the system out. Check your fuel line and the tank to make sure there's not a bunch of rust and crap in there. Then move to the tranny... weather its an auto or manual.. check the fluid levels and change them if needed and make sure it shifts fine. Then move to the rear axle and inspect it and make sure the gear oil is up to level and not full of water. I'd also check the front suspension(upper lower ball joints ect) for wear and tear and grease them. Then check your brake master cylinder and make sure it will hold foot pressure and the fluid is to the top. Then drive it! See how she runs...do a burnout or two and go from there. So here's a sum up:
1st. Make sure its mechanically sound.
2nd. Make sure you have a good drive train.
3rd. Make sure your electrical is all working properly.
If all that is fine....then I would move to the body. Unless I was doing a frame off restoration then I would tear it down and put a crate engine in it. lol

pwrbrkpadguy · 08-13-2015, 05:43 PM

Front sway bar, HEI dizzy, volt meter upgrade.

**tigerburns** · 08-13-2015, 05:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by vin63

Welcome! For me, it's front disc brakes and a three- or four-point driver restraint/seat belt system.

Thanks!
Yeah, I need to do the belts. That's the first question the wife asked. HA!

Quote:

Originally Posted by TJ's Chevy

1st. Make sure its mechanically sound.
2nd. Make sure you have a good drive train.
3rd. Make sure your electrical is all working properly.
If all that is fine....then I would move to the body. Unless I was doing a frame off restoration then I would tear it down and put a crate engine in it. lol

Good advice. The engine IS a new 350 with less than 1000 miles on it. Have docs to prove it.

Quote:

Originally Posted by pwrbrkpadguy

Front sway bar, HEI dizzy, volt meter upgrade.

Why the HEI distributor? ...just curious...

TJ's Chevy · 08-13-2015, 05:57 PM

HEI is better than points and usually lasts longer. Also looks cooler.

joe dirt · 08-13-2015, 06:09 PM

id say the first thing that needs to be done is post up some pictures so we can see

siggyfreud · 08-13-2015, 06:29 PM

I'm going to guess front disc brakes, which I have done, but haven't driven on yet

. As far as mods I have done and driven . . . fuel injection + overdrive. Really enjoyed the benefits of going from a carb to multiport fuel injection, combined with getting an overdrive gear (Th-350 to 700r4).

BR3W CITY · 08-13-2015, 07:17 PM

/ LS motor

**tigerburns** · 08-13-2015, 09:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by joe dirt

id say the first thing that needs to be done is post up some pictures so we can see

You're right...here she is.

**MikeN** · 08-13-2015, 10:01 PM

That's easy...power steering.

Jim53066 · 08-13-2015, 10:08 PM

Yup, Easy one.

Power brakes,
power steering,
then drive the heck out of it as is.

Jim

markeb01 · 08-13-2015, 11:49 PM

Power steering and power disc brakes, at least on the front. HEI ignition is simple and easy. I'd stop there and see what else needs to be done.

**Captainfab** · 08-14-2015, 12:43 AM

I agree....nice looking truck

and welcome to the forum

Quote:

Originally Posted by markeb01

Power steering and power disc brakes, at least on the front. HEI ignition is simple and easy. I'd stop there and see what else needs to be done.

**PGSigns** · 08-14-2015, 06:31 AM

Power front disc brakes, power steering and seat belts. Nice truck.
Jimmy

**tigerburns** · 08-14-2015, 07:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MikeN

That's easy...power steering.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jim53066

Yup, Easy one.
Power brakes,
power steering,
then drive the heck out of it as is.

Quote:

Originally Posted by markeb01

Power steering and power disc brakes, at least on the front. HEI ignition is simple and easy. I'd stop there and see what else needs to be done.

Quote:

Originally Posted by PGSigns

Power front disc brakes, power steering and seat belts. Nice truck.
Jimmy

Hmmm...I seem to be sensing a theme. Thanks guys for the advice and compliments.

**Clyde65** · 08-14-2015, 08:47 AM

That looks just like mine!!!! maybe they are distant relatives???

I have to agree with these fellas, power dics brakes, power steering to start.

cooperhw · 08-14-2015, 09:19 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PGSigns

Power front disc brakes, power steering and seat belts. Nice truck.
Jimmy

^^^What Jimmy said^^^

08-13-2015, 05:19 PM	#1
tigerburns Active Member Join Date: Aug 2015 Location: Greenville, SC Posts: 129	Best Conversions and Modifications Ok folks... I am a longtime Chevy truck lover, a short-time C10 owner , and a first-time poster to this forum. I have read lots great threads about possible conversions/modifications/upgrades that can or should be done to your truck. What I want to know is which ones do you consider to be the best? What modification have you done that you wish you had done sooner? For you guys who work on one build after another, what modification(s) do you consider “have-to”? What upgrade offers the best “bang for the buck”? What is the low hanging fruit that should be plucked first? I currently have a ’65 short fleet that has been lowered and had a 350 conversion. It is an old restoration that needs some updating both aesthetically and mechanically. The body and chassis are in very good shape with very little rust and no rot. The truck has also been recently rewired. I have to keep reminding myself that this is meant to be a marathon and not a sprint, but I can’t wait to get started. So what should I start with?

08-13-2015, 05:30 PM	#2
vin63 It's Better With Nitro Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Chino Hills, CA Posts: 2,262	Re: Best Conversions and Modifications Welcome! For me, it's front disc brakes and a three- or four-point driver restraint/seat belt system. __________________ 1963 C-10: Deluxe-optioned cab, shortbed, fleetside Pontiac 462 ci, Kauffman D-Port alum. heads 4L80E, narrowed sheetmetal Ford 9-inch Tubular front and rear suspension Custom 6-piston front disc and 4-piston rear disc brakes

08-13-2015, 05:37 PM	#3
TJ's Chevy Registered User Join Date: Mar 2013 Location: Southern Oregon Posts: 10,384	Re: Best Conversions and Modifications Start with ALL the Mechanical 1st. Get the engine running good and make sure its worthy of a good tune up. Check the radiator fluid and make sure there's no rust in the system and preferably flush the system out. Check your fuel line and the tank to make sure there's not a bunch of rust and crap in there. Then move to the tranny... weather its an auto or manual.. check the fluid levels and change them if needed and make sure it shifts fine. Then move to the rear axle and inspect it and make sure the gear oil is up to level and not full of water. I'd also check the front suspension(upper lower ball joints ect) for wear and tear and grease them. Then check your brake master cylinder and make sure it will hold foot pressure and the fluid is to the top. Then drive it! See how she runs...do a burnout or two and go from there. So here's a sum up: 1st. Make sure its mechanically sound. 2nd. Make sure you have a good drive train. 3rd. Make sure your electrical is all working properly. If all that is fine....then I would move to the body. Unless I was doing a frame off restoration then I would tear it down and put a crate engine in it. lol __________________ 1966 Chevy C10 "Project Two Tone" http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=596643 1964 GMC "Crustine" semi-build:http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=665056 My youtube channel. Username "Military Chevy": https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC_h...fzpcUXyK_5-uiw

08-13-2015, 05:43 PM	#4
pwrbrkpadguy Registered User Join Date: Nov 2014 Location: Newnan, GA Posts: 301	Re: Best Conversions and Modifications Front sway bar, HEI dizzy, volt meter upgrade.

08-13-2015, 05:57 PM	#6
TJ's Chevy Registered User Join Date: Mar 2013 Location: Southern Oregon Posts: 10,384	Re: Best Conversions and Modifications HEI is better than points and usually lasts longer. Also looks cooler. __________________ 1966 Chevy C10 "Project Two Tone" http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=596643 1964 GMC "Crustine" semi-build:http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=665056 My youtube channel. Username "Military Chevy": https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC_h...fzpcUXyK_5-uiw

08-13-2015, 06:09 PM	#7
joe dirt Registered User Join Date: Dec 2014 Location: portland oregon Posts: 292	Re: Best Conversions and Modifications id say the first thing that needs to be done is post up some pictures so we can see __________________ 1961 c10 longbed - gone 1964 c10 swb

08-13-2015, 06:29 PM	#8
siggyfreud Registered User Join Date: Jun 2012 Location: Portland Posts: 1,330	Re: Best Conversions and Modifications I'm going to guess front disc brakes, which I have done, but haven't driven on yet . As far as mods I have done and driven . . . fuel injection + overdrive. Really enjoyed the benefits of going from a carb to multiport fuel injection, combined with getting an overdrive gear (Th-350 to 700r4). __________________ Current Build - Project "Ghost of Poseidon" 72 C10 Pro-touring build Previous Build - 66 GMC Pro-touring build. Sold.

08-13-2015, 07:17 PM	#9
BR3W CITY meowMEOWmeowMEOW Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: MKE WI Posts: 7,128	Re: Best Conversions and Modifications / LS motor __________________ *'66 Short Step / SD Tuned / Big Cam LQ4 / Backhalfed /Built 4l80e / #REBUILDEVERYTHING* MY BUILD THE H8RDCPTR //\\ MY YOUTUBE CHANNEL REV J HD

08-13-2015, 10:01 PM	#11
MikeN Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Marietta, GA Posts: 803	Re: Best Conversions and Modifications That's easy...power steering.

08-13-2015, 10:08 PM	#12
Jim53066 Registered User Join Date: Aug 2013 Location: SE Wisconsin Posts: 129	Re: Best Conversions and Modifications Yup, Easy one. Power brakes, power steering, then drive the heck out of it as is. Jim

08-13-2015, 11:49 PM	#13
markeb01 Senior Enthusiast Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Spokane Valley, WA Posts: 8,356	Re: Best Conversions and Modifications Power steering and power disc brakes, at least on the front. HEI ignition is simple and easy. I'd stop there and see what else needs to be done. __________________ My Build Thread: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=444502

08-14-2015, 06:31 AM	#15
PGSigns Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: Hayes Va Posts: 4,569	Re: Best Conversions and Modifications Power front disc brakes, power steering and seat belts. Nice truck. Jimmy __________________ 60 to 66 Chevy and GMC window decals http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=661131 Good friends, good food and a hotrod what else do you need? 1966 BBW long fleet Daily driver 1965 BBW short fleet Sold and going to a good home 1965 Suburban 2003 3500 Duramax 2005 Ultra Classic

08-14-2015, 08:47 AM	#17
Clyde65 1965 Chevy C10, 2005 4.8L/4l60 Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: DFW Texas Posts: 8,545	Re: Best Conversions and Modifications That looks just like mine!!!! maybe they are distant relatives??? I have to agree with these fellas, power dics brakes, power steering to start. __________________ Clyde65 Rebuild of Clyde http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...84#post8338184 69 Aristocrat Lo Liner build http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...84#post7561684 *support our troops!*



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