My 68 Rust Bucket Restoration

[68isgreat]

I picked up this very rusty original 68 stepside, and it has been quite the learning experience. I used to have a 70 when I was young, and decided to quit dreaming about having another one and start doing something about it. I'm basically going for a nice driver quality build, and being that I'm a professional oil painter, I'm going to be adding some trick art touches in the final stages. I'll keep those under wraps until the time comes.

Here are a couple before photos. The cab is my big concern. Lots of welding in my future:







After taking the bed off and front clip off, I got the rear frame cleaned up and painted, and added 4" drop springs and shocks. Just took the cab off, and will take the motor and trans out tomorrow. Lots of 50 year old bolts didn't want to turn, so I've used my torch wrench quite a bit so far. After the engine/trans are out, I'll be putting a new trans crossmember in, and getting ready to drop a 1990 5.7 TBI with a rebuilt (for a Vette) 700r4. I'll have to get a new low hump floor for the auto conversion. It's all very daunting, but I'm surprised how fast it's going so far. One step at a time:



My english setter seems to really like it too, so I'm golden so far!

[68 C10 Driver]

Greetings! I too have a 68 Step side that I am restoring. Feel free to look through my Build Thread at

https://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/...d.php?t=815278

Your cab will need a lot of work, but that is what makes it so rewarding. I watched a lot of YouTube videos (PaulkC10 and Gibson63), both of those guys were really helpful.

Best of luck and I am really excited for you and will follow your build.

Cheers-

[68isgreat]

I haven't posted on this frame off resto I'm doing in my carport since last year, because I wasn't sure if it was going to continue. But after I got the 1990 350 tbi running great today, it's full steam ahead!

Here are a few pics:

[68isgreat]

My plan is to convert this to a 4x4 so I can sell my Ranger 4x4r and use this for everything as my daily. I know that's sometimes a fraught endeavor, but I'm not getting any younger. I have a 7004r for it from a built Vette, so I'll attach a transfer case to that, get a new driveshaft, then a front axle and springs from a squarebody most likely. Not sure if I can do that in my driveway, so I may take it to someone, but then again, I may give it a shot. Then it's just a matter of fixing the cab, put the newish bed I bought on, newish front clip, and some 32" tires and wheels, and voila! Sweet vintage short box 4x4 with modern driveline. I'm going to keep the rear coil set up stock, although I will probably add a 1 or 2" spring spacer to get a bit more height. I have 4" lowering springs and shocks on the rear now, but I've changed my mind and really want to go the 4x4 route.

That's my plan.

[raggedjim]

Nice work so far. The body work is the soul-sucking endeavor that separates the boys from the men.

Good luck! Rg

[68isgreat]

Originally Posted by raggedjim

Nice work so far. The body work is the soul-sucking endeavor that separates the boys from the men.

Good luck! Rg

Agreed. The three most daunting phases of this build are the 350 conversion/getting it running, the 4x4 suspension swap and 700r4/transfer case install and driveline, and the cab welding. The replacement bed and front clip I bought are in great shape. Phase one is complete, now it's on to the suspension and tranny. Depending on finances and time, I could have the truck drivable later this year.

[cj847]

You are one tough dude if you are going to save that cab. I recommend finding a better one.

[68isgreat]

Originally Posted by cj847

You are one tough dude if you are going to save that cab. I recommend finding a better one.

I would love to, but I don't want to have to get an assembled title.

[68Gold/white]

What brand fuel tank is that???

[68isgreat]

Originally Posted by 68Gold/white

What brand fuel tank is that???

Tanks, Inc. EFI steel tank. I painted it black. I bought their 6AN fuel line kit also. All working great so far.