1969 Chevy C50

[South Florida C50]

Got the PTO and all hydraulics off last week, found a wood floor bed from one of the members on here, pulled the bench seat out to inspect the tank and give the cab a proper cleaning. I'm going to paint the inside of the cab later but, that might be a year before I get to it, many, many, more things that need doing first.

[Cash3481]

Any updates?

[South Florida C50]

Hey Cash,
Wow, I haven't posted on here in such a long time. Yes, I have done a lot to the truck over the last few months. I have the truck running and stopping great, I try to drive it around at least once a week just to keep every thing moving and working you know? It still looks pretty much the same except for a few things I've added on. I bought and installed a new battery tray under the hood, so no more bungee battery cords. LOL. I finally found the parking brake rubber boot that I have been looking for, for about a year. I had to pay$80.00 + shipping for a mint used one out of a 1971 C/50, but it's in and done. One last thing to worry about. The last thing I did was install a killer tow hitch, it turned out great. I bought a class 5 rated at 20,400 lbs. tow and 2,400 lbs. tongue. It needed a lot of fabrication modification to make it fit. I bolted on a pair of led back up light cubes to some existing holes in the rear bumper and ran a power wire and toggle switch in to the cab, they are super bright! I need to take some recent pics and post them. I don't have enough cash to start the paint and body work on it yet so I'm still in the rat rod phase of the build, but that's not the look I'm going for, I would love to have that awesome paint job with 5 or 6 coats of clear. I'll keep working overtime at work and putting away for it. I love driving it around and seeing how people react to what I've done so far.

[colgad]

Originally Posted by South Florida C50

Hey Cash,
Wow, I haven't posted on here in such a long time. Yes, I have done a lot to the truck over the last few months. I have the truck running and stopping great, I try to drive it around at least once a week just to keep every thing moving and working you know? It still looks pretty much the same except for a few things I've added on. I bought and installed a new battery tray under the hood, so no more bungee battery cords. LOL. I finally found the parking brake rubber boot that I have been looking for, for about a year. I had to pay$80.00 + shipping for a mint used one out of a 1971 C/50, but it's in and done. One last thing to worry about. The last thing I did was install a killer tow hitch, it turned out great. I bought a class 5 rated at 20,400 lbs. tow and 2,400 lbs. tongue. It needed a lot of fabrication modification to make it fit. I bolted on a pair of led back up light cubes to some existing holes in the rear bumper and ran a power wire and toggle switch in to the cab, they are super bright! I need to take some recent pics and post them. I don't have enough cash to start the paint and body work on it yet so I'm still in the rat rod phase of the build, but that's not the look I'm going for, I would love to have that awesome paint job with 5 or 6 coats of clear. I'll keep working overtime at work and putting away for it. I love driving it around and seeing how people react to what I've done so far.

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Cool Plate!
Looking good.

[rkn463]

Looking good!

[beck-529]

I really like the looks of this style truck. I would like to build one for towing use. My fear is a really poor ride. I am also concerned about the fuel use.

Can someone give me a little information on those issues?

The truck would be used to pull a 8.5 x 24 enclosed car hauler. I make trips of up to 400 miles one way. As I said, I like the look but the truck would be just an attractive hauler, not the main show. I need to run highway speeds. 55 doesn't get it for me. Is a small block in one of these enough power? I was even considering swapping to a 4l80e transmission to help gearing.

Any input would be appreciated.

[colgad]

Poor ride is correct
Stock is enough power yes but not a rocket
55 is about redline unless yours is geared different than most
If your keeping the 20" tires your not going to want to go over that anyway.

[beck-529]

Thanks colgad. That is exactly what I was expecting.

I was looking for a good wheel/tire solution for highway speeds, but have not found something to fit my needs. Adding new axles, like you did, for the big bolt pattern is too much like work for me. Those semi sized tires look cool, but the weight has to really kill the already poor fuel economy. I don't have the room to pull big trucks apart. If only someone would make adapters to their bolt pattern.

There are a few trucks for sale locally, but none cheaply, even a couple later model diesels.

I'm in the rust belt but the big farm trucks survive because they aren't driven in the winter. My biggest problem would be finding a nice bed. Since the pickups were winter driven they are all rusted badly.

[Cash3481]

Bump for some pics of that work you mentioned. I never tire of this build and ones like it!

[sick_46]

So how did you go about shortening yours up? cut the frame or moved the axle forward?