1968 Chevrolet SWB Stepside Restomod

[twillie2460]

I can understand about being stoked about getting a perfect or even near perfect original part as they don't come along very often. I just got my hands on a near perfect right inner fender and we all know how bad these can get. This one only has a small spot of paint missing and a very small hole about half the size of a dime. I am going to cut out and butt weld in a 1/2 by 1 inch square to have a rust free original inner fender. So Xeen I understand about the mint door.

[gdavis]

Originally Posted by Xeen

Man am I stoked, I just lined up a mint condition Genuine GM Drivers Door for $150.00 and I'm going to pick it up on Sunday.
I also bought a 1971 genuine GM truck tilt column, and I've ordered the power steering coupler joint for it and it should arrive about the same time.
I also ordered an inner fender dust shield set.
A bit of bad news it turns out the parking brake lever in the drum assembly is cracked where the cable hooks to it so I'm going to have to get it welded up before I can instal the parking brake cables, so off to Vic it goes.

I bought another cab with two doors. I have not seen it yet. I a going to find out tomorrow morning. I am going over to the center of the state and pick itup if it is in good shape. For only 200.00. The guy said that it was in top notch shape. Time will tell.

[twillie2460]

Good luck with that cab as I drove almost two hours to get a really nice cab only to find one that the rain gutter was rusted through the entire cab the firewall rusted out and cab corners and floor rusted out pretty good, so really hope it is what they say it is.

[Xeen]

Small update.
I picked up a pair of 15x7 Rallys and a Drivers side door.
Then I ran down to sears and had them mount the Eagle GTII tires I bought awhile back, so now I have a matching set of good rims and tires on all 4 corners.

[gdavis]

Originally Posted by Xeen

Small update.
I picked up a pair of 15x7 Rallys and a Drivers side door.
Then I ran down to sears and had them mount the Eagle GTII tires I bought awhile back, so now I have a matching set of good rims and tires on all 4 corners.

Good I am glad that you like the rims and tires. Sometimes you like the rims. Sometimes you like the tires but there is sometimes they don't go tother. Happy building.

[Low Elco]

Progress!

[Xeen]

I'm at a awkward point in the build, I need that rear suspension crossmember frame section welded in so I can instal the C-Notches, rear sway bar, and bent style Trac bar.
Fortunately it's not so rotted out that it can't be driven.
I need to decide what I'm doing about a wiring harness.
I'm still searching for an engine and transmission, it's alot harder to find a 2001-2002 Vortec 5.3-6.0L with mechanical throttle with under 60,000 Miles than I thought it would be.
I feel kinda stuck at this point, I need some inspiration.

[glider_6969]

Originally Posted by Xeen

I'm at a awkward point in the build, I need that rear suspension crossmember frame section welded in so I can instal the C-Notches, rear sway bar, and bent style Trac bar.
Fortunately it's not so rotted out that it can't be driven.
I need to decide what I'm doing about a wiring harness.
I'm still searching for an engine and transmission, it's alot harder to find a 2001-2002 Vortec 5.3-6.0L with mechanical throttle with under 60,000 Miles than I thought it would be.
I feel kinda stuck at this point, I need some inspiration.

Hey Xeen, do you plan on installing the whole drive train before putting the cab on. I would really be interested in seeing a pic of the motor and tranny once in the frame,when you get there. You,ve got an awesome build going on.
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[502ms]

Originally Posted by Xeen

\
I'm still searching for an engine and transmission, it's alot harder to find a 2001-2002 Vortec 5.3-6.0L with mechanical throttle with under 60,000 Miles than I thought it would be.
I feel kinda stuck at this point, I need some inspiration.

What is your budget? I am working on my 6.0L LQ4/T56 swap into my stepper. The good news is that I know a few places that you can look. Try LKQ. They have warranties, and are on eBay and have a website (not to mention they are all over the US). Second option - JustChevyTrucks.com

[Xeen]

Ok I know I don't do pictures as often as I should.
Here you go boys feast your eyes!

Stainless Steel Coolant Overflow Tank.


Stainless Steel Brake Lights and Brackets.


Stainless Steel Sill Plates.


Stainless Steel Radiator Cover.


Stainless Steel Core Support Filler Panels.


Polished Aluminum Grill Hoops.

[Xeen]

Well hell, today was a dissapointing day, I was all excited because this guy made all these claims saying he had a complete 2002 <60k miles Vortec 5.3L with transmission, wiring harness, ECU and the provinance, and it was near Vic in KC so off he went to check it out for me and he gets down there and the place is a hole in the wall rats nest, the guy didnt have what he claimed he had and Vic left with the oppinion that the guy was a pathalogical liar, so long story short no engine, no transmission, no fun.
Vic just saved me from a $1200 mistake, if this were a mastercard commercial a buddy like Vic is priceless.

[Xeen]

Quick update.
The end of my day was better than the first part of it, I recieved the tracking number for my Genuine GM truck tilt column and it will be delivered Friday.
Hell yeah!

[Xeen]

Major Update.
I purchased a 53k miles Vortec 5.3L w/Aluminum heads complete pullout including 4L60E, complete Wiring Harness, ECU, Exhaust Manifolds, transmission lines, all bolts, totally complete from the radiator, to the driveshaft, nothing cut, all unbolted pulled out of the same truck.
It will be delivered to me the middle of next week.
I couldnt be more pleased, I will post pictures when it arrives.

[gdavis]

Originally Posted by Xeen

Major Update.
I purchased a 53k miles Vortec 5.3L w/Aluminum heads complete pullout including 4L60E, complete Wiring Harness, ECU, Exhaust Manifolds, transmission lines, all bolts, totally complete from the radiator, to the driveshaft, nothing cut, all unbolted pulled out of the same truck.
It will be delivered to me the middle of next week.
I couldnt be more pleased, I will post pictures when it arrives.

cool parts you have there. It looks like you are really getting it together.

[Xeen]

Another update.
I bought an Engine stand, and Ordered a EFI Stealth - bed fill fuel tank from Boyds welding.

1/2 Ton capacity Engine stand.

[Bomp]

Can't wait to see the motor when it arrives. Looks like the fun is about to begin.

[Xeen]

The 1971 GM Tilt Column arrived today.
It needs a few parts which is to be expected, Turn signal switch, Canceling cam, Horn contact kit, adapter retaining nut/washer and rubber floor seal.

[Xeen]

Steering Column update.
It turns out my steering wheel adapter came with a horn contact kit, then I went to the hardware store and bought a 1/2"-20 flange nut, and the proper machine washer.
Now I just need to order the rest of the parts I need from Classic Industries.

[gdavis]

Originally Posted by Xeen

Steering Column update.
It turns out my steering wheel adapter came with a horn contact kit, then I went to the hardware store and bought a 1/2"-20 flange nut, and the proper machine washer.
Now I just need to order the rest of the parts I need from Classic Industries.

did it come from a friend or a deailer I mean the tilt colum. anyway good luck and I like all the parts you are getting. If you don't have room in your garage or home you can send them here, Ha Ha

[Vic1947]

Originally Posted by Xeen

Steering Column update.
It turns out my steering wheel adapter came with a horn contact kit, then I went to the hardware store and bought a 1/2"-20 flange nut, and the proper machine washer.
Now I just need to order the rest of the parts I need from Classic Industries.

Before you order anything, I've got the turn signal cancelling setup with a lever and etc. from the column I took out of the silver truck. It was not a tilt column, but I imagine the guts are all the same. You're welcome to it if it will work.

[Xeen]

Originally Posted by Vic1947

Before you order anything, I've got the turn signal cancelling setup with a lever and etc. from the column I took out of the silver truck. It was not a tilt column, but I imagine the guts are all the same. You're welcome to it if it will work.

Thanks Vic I appreciate the offer but unfortunately the Turn Signal Switch, and Canceling Cam is different on the Tilt Column so I have to order a new one.
Whats crazy is I have to dissasemble the entire tilt assembly just to change out the turn signal switch, doesn't that sound like fun?

[502ms]

Congrats on the purchase
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[Xeen]

I went to LMC Truck in K.C and picked up my tilt steering column parts, I'm not happy with the aftermarket turn signal switch, the Hazard knob isn't removable I recommend going with #1893596 from Classic Industries instead if you need to replace yours so you can use the stock, or billet Hazard knob.
It turns out the Horn contact kit that came with my steering wheel adapter doesnt work with the stock tilt canceling cam, sigh its one thing after another...so I need to do some research and figure this out.

[Vic1947]

Brian, try this tilt column link. It has exploded views and instructions.

[Low Elco]

Taking steps! Sounds like good progress. Keep after it.