1969 C10 SWB - Big Block project

[CC69Rat]

Yeah, Dad and I usually work from a list just to make sure we don't overlook something or forget to torq a bolt .. etc. It helps.. for sure.

[CC69Rat]

Question - on the PB mild drop member. Do you have to raise the bed floor? .. is it a lot of work? Kinda looks like it would be. (The bed floor)

[Bennett68C10]

Originally Posted by CC69Rat

Question - on the PB mild drop member. Do you have to raise the bed floor? .. is it a lot of work? Kinda looks like it would be. (The bed floor)

Yeah you have to raise the bed floor. I think it is 5" or so. If you do a wood bed it shouldn't be that hard. Check out how Eric did it on the Blue gmc he is helping build. Also nice choice in rims, kind of similar to my Intros. I like them.

[Rusbuilt]

I am working on a raised bed floor kit that I hope to mass produce. I'll have some pics of it in my build soon

[NoNeck]

back in post #91 from a couple of years ago, the last picture has a sheet taped to the passenger door that looks like a build sheet, or checklist of sorts, that I'm guessing is your to-do, or status sheet? If that's what it is, would you please post an example of it. I imagine I could improve my efficiency some if I adopted a better time management process!

A check list helps in a couple of ways. First, you can outline what needs to be done and in what order. This gives you an idea of the scope of what needs done. Second, and most important in a restoration, is the feeling you get by crossing off something on the list. You can see the accomplishments as you cross things off.

Chad and I started with the checklist you see on the fender. It was basically a sheet created on the computer that outlined things to be done or purchased. Eventually, we moved on to a dry erase board that mounted to the wall. We could see it much better, plus as we needed to add things the dry erase board was easy to modify. Mainly it just felt good to put a huge red "X" when things were finished.

Here is a photo of how we set up our board. Kinda' messy, but it worked great. I hope this helps someone.

POP

[CC69Rat]

Were gonna need a bigger board Pop.

[jkeating1]

Thanks for the input on the marker board! I have been using a marker board, but I've been missing out on the motivational exercises. (I've just been erasing) Y'all are right about taking advantage of any inspiration source you can get during a long build.

I've been skipping around your thread pages, looking at various installations, etc. I just read the posts about your family and all you've been through. I'm praying for you, too!Let me add that I am glad to see you continue to share on the forum. I enjoy (almost) every build for one reason or another, but I gravitate to the really clean ones like yours.

BTW--I have lived all my life a "Chevy only, nothing else" guy. But I bought a '12 Express last year for the same reason you did. Just over $20K and 390 HP (not to mention a built-in trailer brake controller). I would have had to go to a 2500 Chevy and it would have been $30ish. My old trucks are 100% Chevy though.

[aggie91]

Originally Posted by CC69Rat

...I may just go with a 20x10 and STII on the rear. We'll see how it plays out. You guys were right, tires are tough for a 20x12.

I'm considering narrowing the rear housing a little I have been working with Chris on his setup.

Chad - we went this route on my Son's truck. We put a 315/35/20 on a 10" rim in the rear. The front is a 255/40/20. Rides and handles well with the STII's.

[CC69Rat]

Originally Posted by jkeating1

Thanks for the input on the marker board! I have been using a marker board, but I've been missing out on the motivational exercises. (I've just been erasing) Y'all are right about taking advantage of any inspiration source you can get during a long build.

I've been skipping around your thread pages, looking at various installations, etc. I just read the posts about your family and all you've been through. I'm praying for you, too!Let me add that I am glad to see you continue to share on the forum. I enjoy (almost) every build for one reason or another, but I gravitate to the really clean ones like yours.

BTW--I have lived all my life a "Chevy only, nothing else" guy. But I bought a '12 Express last year for the same reason you did. Just over $20K and 390 HP (not to mention a built-in trailer brake controller). I would have had to go to a 2500 Chevy and it would have been $30ish. My old trucks are 100% Chevy though.

Thank you brother. I really appreciate the prayers and support.

I am really digging my 1500. It is just my DD, but I'm itching to drop it. We'll see I guess. My Pop has a beautiful Red one too, I'm not sure it will survive altitude sickness either. We may just have a day of dropping Rams soon. SRT wheels, etc. It never ends.. I am really impressed overall with the Ram. I had a 2007 Silverado ECSB and it was sharp, it just didnt really have the power my Express does.

[jkeating1]

I used McGaughy's spindles and rear springs. Not major, but really a big diff! I've had several late models with all kinds of add-ons, but none have generated as many comments in parking lots, gas stations, etc., as this plain old Dodge with a lowering (and wheels). Go figure.

[superflysteiny]

I guess I did not realize you were building sorry I am late

[CC69Rat]

No worries man, glad you made it. More to come very soon.

[CC69Rat]

Just talked to my friend over in AL, I ordered both my bedsides, front header panel and wheel tubs. They should be here not this coming weekend but maybe next. Dad and I are going to run over and pick them up. All AMD stuff, .. I like GM metal but I'm just not having a lot of luck finding good solid stuff around here and I'm not paying for a complete OEM bed if I'm not going to use the floor, front panel or cross sill. .. it just makes sense to do repro and AMD is top shelf stuff so I hear. I'll post some pictures when they come in.

[knomadd]

Can't argue with that logic. Glad to hear you're making progress.

[C10_ustacould]

AMD is good stuff, I don't think you'll be disappointed.

[Bennett68C10]

Congrats, can't wait to see the new bed on there

[CC69Rat]

I got both bedsides, new for $800 picked up.

[aggie91]

We need pictures!!!

[Rusbuilt]

Originally Posted by CC69Rat

I got both bedsides, new for $800 picked up.

Score!!!

[Bennett68C10]

Originally Posted by CC69Rat

I got both bedsides, new for $800 picked up.

Nice, wish I lived close to someplace like that and wouldn't have to pay the crazy freight charges.

[CC69Rat]

I haven't heard from my friend on the bedsides, he said he'd call 'after the Holidays' to let me know when he'd have the bedsides. I'll call him today.

Here is a page I setup a while back for one of my old Camaro projects. I obviously never finished the car, sold it on eBay. https://blue69.shutterfly.com/ the password is 1969

My question is, .. notice the grille section. (Not an original RS car by the way) Pop and I put the RS stuff on it and we mixed a color to match the rest of the car. It started with 1966 Chevelle Marina Blue and we tweaked it from there. It is a beautiful color in the sunlight. It's a really close match. The paint around the grille housing is new I just buffed what was left of the paint on the car. The car was pretty rough honestly. The floor pans were a surprise when I got it home and I just never quite clicked with that car. I was just sick to my stomach when I saw it and never really got over it.

This color .. dubbed 'Coley Blue' .. my Pops mixed up and it means a lot to me. How do you guys think it would look on my truck? Speedway White top and grille section, possibly saddle interior ? Parchment, just black .. ?

I was thinking call it 'Cold Shot' I'm a huge Stevie Ray fan. Whaddaya think ?

[aggie91]

I think that color would be great with the white top and grill area. The saddle interior would be a good choice and not overdone like the black would be. Parchment interior would be good too but harder to keep clean IMO...

[knomadd]

Can't go wrong with blue on black though.

[Bluechevy68]

I forgot about this build but I am glad it is going again. Chad I think that you and your Dad are good members of this board and are a part of the reason it is so good. Keep the faith.

[~Whitey~]

Hadn't checked in on you in a while... That motor looks good in there. It's tight! Glad to see you're making progress. nice score on the tailgate.