Late model updates and upgrades...

[Myself]

Must not be a lot of really tall people on here. I say more leg room!
And a quiter cab would be nice.

[toddtheodd]

Originally Posted by 71tahoe

I think one of the best technologies for these old trucks is newer car crumple zones.

They absorb all the impact!!!

Our trucks DO have crumple zones... it's the newer cars we hit. They're our crumple zone.

[rustyescott]

here's my list.
move fuel tank
ps
pb
ti

[71tahoe]

Originally Posted by toddtheodd

our trucks do have crumple zones... It's the newer cars we hit. They're our crumple zone.

exactly!

[unclewatts]

Gee... I would just like 4 wheel disk brakes.

[ebfabman]

Thanks for the input. There are some good ideas. I would like more leg room also. I think a good one piece window would be a good upgrade.

[woodwright]

Originally Posted by ebfabman

I would like more leg room also.

I put a newer style bench seat in my truck from a 88-??


If you slide it forward on its mounts a little it will drop down right behind the hump where the original seat mounts. Put some big washers on the bottom of your new holes and bolt it down.


The backs of these seats are alot thinner, so you actually gain some legroom. I also think they're alot more comfortable than the old spring seats. I've seen these seats in the paper or the wrecking yard for $50-$100 depending on the condition. And the original seatbelts work with them.

[CB24]

Woodwright, you rock bro!

Thanks for the tip!

[oldcarfart]

Originally Posted by ebfabman

Ok trying this again. If you had access to parts from most any late model (25 years old to present) vehicle, everything but the engine, what would you like to do to your truck in the way of "modern" upgrades? Even if it took some fabrication to do. These would be mods that would make your truck more driver friendly, economical, more comfortable, etc. What would you do if you could do anything you wanted?

Windshield wipers with integral washer nozzles (Ford van?), 4 wheel disc (I am using 2000 S-10 blazer w/ auburn locker), diesel engine (I am using 1982 Mercedes 300 SD turbo diesel & tranny), air conditioning, Dodge Ram front bench seat (best I ever sat on & killer center armrest) and newer color choices ( I want Dodge "Intense Blue Pearl" CC) and cruise control in my early 1967 C-10

[mclairmo]

Originally Posted by oldcarfart

Windshield wipers with integral washer nozzles (Ford van?), 4 wheel disc (I am using 2000 S-10 blazer w/ auburn locker), diesel engine (I am using 1982 Mercedes 300 SD turbo diesel & tranny), air conditioning, Dodge Ram front bench seat (best I ever sat on & killer center armrest) and newer color choices ( I want Dodge "Intense Blue Pearl" CC) and cruise control in my early 1967 C-10

My wife had a 83 300D with the turbo diesel and I learned a lot about diesel restoring her car. That diesel engine was built great but not much acceleration. Had good power on the freeway though. The tranny also slipped. I don't think it would move a 67 c10 too well without some more power. Unique idea though. i would love to see one installed.

[heavy70]

The only thing I would do is put in a motor and 6speed tranny out of a late model GTO!

[Palf70Step]

Haven't driven the 70 in a while, but when comparing it to my 02, about the only two things I'll be missing on the 70s return to the road is the leg room and more/better position AC vents.

I have taken care of any of the other little quirks (seat, brakes, PS, PB, AC, move gas tank) that came to my mind when I was driving the 70 before.

[jkeady]

An electrical system with a higher load capacity would be my first request. Then really good wipers, heat, and AC. Better sound deadening, a better stereo, more comfortable seats, things like that. The electrical upgrades more than anything, though.

Oh yeah, better brakes. Everyone's going to cringe at this, but if I could take the ABS system and traction control off of a brand new truck, I'd do it in a heart beat.

[Boog]

Most of these wants are nice things alright but I like the old trucks for what they are. Just basic trucks that will last a long time if cared for and for less money than the newer ones I believe. There are no plastic dashes to crack and squeak. No plastic/pot metal door handles to break off. No electric door lock or window switches to burn out. No heat/ac blend door actuators to burn out or heat/ac control panels to go bad, etc, etc.
Our old trucks have basic electricals that hold up well. The in cab wiring harness in my 69 looks almost as fresh as a new one and it's 40 yrs old.

I do like how clean and crisp the fuel injected late models run and then there's the better mileage to speak of but they come at a price. More electricals to have to deal with, sensors, computers, electric fuel pumps and the like. More things to go wrong. More expensive to maintain.
I am still intending to keep the old quadrajet carb on mine and a plain ol T350tranny. No frills for me thanks. I like old trucks.

[dan04103]

See some ideas I hadn't thought of but so far I have sound deadening, brighter headlights, more efficient alternator, in cab hood latch mod, and my personal favorite (variable speed wiper control). When you live in the NW you need a good wiper control

[woodwright]

Originally Posted by dan04103

and my personal favorite (variable speed wiper control). When you live in the NW you need a good wiper control

Anybody got any ideas about a slick way to do that?

[mjensen]

In 10 yrs when I get mine back together, I would like the '0x style seats with the integrated belts. Then, disk brakes and a Duramax will probably round out the upgrades that I would do.

[gcburdic]

Originally Posted by woodwright

Anybody got any ideas about a slick way to do that?

I saw someone on here do it....maybe in the FAQ thread.....??

[67shortie]

Originally Posted by dan04103

and my personal favorite (variable speed wiper control).

YES, one of the main things I miss while driving the truck compared to the modern cars is speedier wipers. Would love the delay feature too, the truck has molasass slow wipers and it's annoying.

Safety first

[Mudder]

rear disk brakes and fuel tank from cab. delayed wipers would be nice.

[ebfabman]

The wiper upgrade would be toward the top of my list, its very doable and could be weekend project. Especially if there is a pullapart near.

[texanidiot25]

Oh, and modern suspension and handling would be LOVELY

[FarmBoyAggie]

In the LMC catalog that came this week is a wiper delay switch on page 157. I wonder how it will look and work.

[Diablo de la Noche]

Electric seats, with all the little adjustments.
A nice, long gear that lets you cruise 75 mph at 1500 rpm.
Sound deadening (only for the rattles and clangs).
Electric windows.
Cruise control.
Bright headlights.
Less exhaust smell.
Less bump steer.

Then again, a lot of that is why I bought a tank with a bad attitude in the first place. Already have a nice truck, need the scrap heap to keep it real!

I would like the seats, though.

[texanidiot25]

I have 08 Silverado seats.. Great for 12 hour trips I tell you what!