Project#1: Bright Horizons - 68 Swb big block on Air!

[VA72C10]

I've been blessed over the past few years to learn a TON about 67-72 trucks from this site and many individuals on here...and of course from a lot of hands on experience. This isn't my first build obviously, but the first one for a new career path. My career for the past 17 years has been Kitchen remodeling and sales....since that market has soured I've been spending more and more time working on trucks and restoring truck parts. After numerous of prayers, thoughts; and some sound advice ... I am going to work on building a true Truck restoration business. It's a passion for me that I really enjoy so why not spend all my business efforts working towards making 67-72 trucks my career.

The first (official) project is going to be an Awesome one! I posted a "finish how you choose" ad on here and craigslist and had multiple responses. One stood out and was ready to get started on the project and had great ideas. He's a member here although no posts yet...James (screenname Jastos) is a great guy and I appreciate the trust he's put in me to build him a truck. Not only will I be building him a truck but he will be working on building me a website for my new business!

We've gathered ideas from many trucks on this forum. Ironically, both of us had the same inspiration truck....board member danny ewing's awesome blue swb. He sent me a picture and when we met in person for the first time I showed him the picture of the truck I'd printed out over four years ago and put over my desk. We're not rebuilding that truck, but will be borrowing the awesome color and the overall stance and styling from it.

[VA72C10]

While we started with this excellent foundation...
...this truck will be very different....about the only similarities are it is a Short bed, will be 1970 Mulsane blue, and have 20's with air ride....

68 front end
1970 Mulsane blue (converted to bc/cc)
Stock stlye 68 lower trim
Wood bed (wood & stain tbd)
350/350 combo custom painted (now upgraded to 468/400 combo! )
Vintage air A/C
shaved one of a kind tailgate
shaved upper dash
shaved firewall
shaved drip rails
22" Raceline Deceptives. 22x8.5 22x10
Two Nitto 265/35/22 and two 285/35/22
Accuair E-level complete air ride setup
5 gallon Accuair tank with dual Viair compressors
d2600 bags on 4 corners
CPP modular drop spindles with Wilwood disc brakes in the front
c-notched rear
Porterbuilt adjustable trac bar
Porterbuilt front shock mounts
front factory sway bar
New rear sway bar
Power brakes (new CPP complete booster/master/prop setup)
Power steering (rebuilt Big block factory setup)
Factory style black interior with bench seat
Tach dash with Air pressure
Tilt steering with Perfect stock wheel
ECE hidden hitch with flip up license plate

[VA72C10]

Here is the truck we will be starting with...

1971 Cheyenne Super SWB truck.
Frame has been blasted and painted although I'm going to re-paint it
Nice trailing arms
Factory sway bar
Headliner/cargo light (Cheyenne options)


The truck has an excellent floor, inner rockers are nice as are the cab mounts. Will need outer rockers.

The roof is a different story...so this one will be getting a chop....

No, we're not chopping the top...but replacing it with a perfect roof that was part of the deal for the truck. It has the headliner and cargo light. The driprails are perfect...they have been blasted and painted with por15 so they are ready for new seam sealer once we swap the cab roof over.

Work is being performed between my garage and a professional body shop right now. Eventually as the business grows plans call for me to build or purchase a large garage/shop but that is down the road...

Here's the pictures of the truck as it sits now....won't look this way for long Bed, front clip, wheels and tires, and big block are on craigslist already.

We're going with all new bed components for the wood bed instead of tearing apart this very nice metal floor bed... and are using a new 68 rad support, fenders, and a really nice original grill and hood I already have.

[VA72C10]

More pictures showing the nice a/c core support (truck has a complete setup) and the nice undercarriage. New cab mounts. This truck has been completely apart within the last few months so disassembly will be much easier than most.......cleaner too
Posted via Mobile Device

[BMERDOC]

Can't wait to see it come together! I'm not just in to watch, I'm in to build! Let me know when you need a hand!

[VA72C10]

Originally Posted by BMERDOC

Can't wait to see it come together! I'm not just in to watch, I'm in to build! Let me know when you need a hand!

Awesome! Always can use a helping hand and it's a lot more fun working with someone else than by yourself.....especially a fellow "truck guy" . The owner, James, also plans to come down to help when he can which I think is very cool
Posted via Mobile Device

[Tinkermc]

I think you will find lots of help

[Chvy2NV]

very cool. along for the ride..

[big_al_71]

I'm in and let's see what kind of work you turn out, since I have ZERO desire to build anything I may be one of your future customers.

[VA72C10]

Originally Posted by Tinkermc

I think you will find lots of help

The truck community does seem to be a close one!

Originally Posted by Chvy2NV

very cool. along for the ride..

Welcome

Originally Posted by big_al_71

I'm in and let's see what kind of work you turn out, since I have ZERO desire to build anything I may be one of your future customers.

That would be fantastic! I will do my best to exceed expectations. Looking forward to becoming a vendor on here once I get a business up and going!

[VA72C10]

Finished up the cab on project shoestring tonight. It's being picked up tomorrow so I will have an open bay in my garage. Next step is fixing the cab roof at the body shop and removing the body from that frame to install the air ride. Going to try to lay everything out for the project to see what I need to order still. Once the bed and big block are sold I will be buying the wood bed components.
Posted via Mobile Device

[1972BackInBlackC10]

im in it for the long haul, not just this build but hopefully for many more to come, best of luck with turning this into a business im sure you will do well

[Rusbuilt]

It takes a lot to step out on your own. I have been working for myself a little over a year now, people keep telling me that building is slowing down... I wouldn't know anything about that, I pretty much have to work everyday just to keep up!! Best of luck to you in your new profession, I'm not close by but if I can help in any way just let me know!

[VA72C10]

Originally Posted by 1972BackInBlackC10

im in it for the long haul, not just this build but hopefully for many more to come, best of luck with turning this into a business im sure you will do well

Thanks!

Originally Posted by Rusbuilt

It takes a lot to step out on your own. I have been working for myself a little over a year now, people keep telling me that building is slowing down... I wouldn't know anything about that, I pretty much have to work everyday just to keep up!! Best of luck to you in your new profession, I'm not close by but if I can help in any way just let me know!

I appreciate it. I have been working on my own in the cabinet business for over a year and a half now anyways...and will continue to take jobs as I can until the truck business becomes steady income (assuming it ever will )
I have invested a lot of time into learning everything I can about these trucks so it only seems logical to work with them as my full time job...plus, it's something I truly enjoy doing...I enjoy remodeling kitchens but not nearly as much as working on trucks!

[XxCHEVYMANxX]

Very Cool ! I'll be watching this one, and hopefully many more of your builds. wishing you all the best !

[VA72C10]

Originally Posted by XxCHEVYMANxX

Very Cool ! I'll be watching this one, and hopefully many more of your builds. wishing you all the best !

Thank you! I really appreciate the support from everyone. Looking forward to getting this project going next week. Loaded up the cab this morning...it wasn't much fun....two guys and I was the one that had to lift the cab over the frame and walk across the frame avoiding the e-brake lines acting like trip wires Thankfully we got it loaded up carefully and now the garage has room for me to work on the frame when I get it here....

Still waiting on a gas canister my father in law promised me but getting more used to the flux core welder. Just happy I get to use a nicer welder at the body shop. And I do really like the welding helmet I got...better than the one I used to use so that really helps me see the area I'm welding better.

[67cheby]

AWESOME , man CONGRATS !

[brn agn]

So here we have Serial Number 001 from Jonathan's Hot Rod Truck Shop? Speaking of that, have you come up with a business name?

I'm in.

[VA72C10]

Originally Posted by 67cheby

AWESOME , man CONGRATS !

Thanks! Maybe if I can impress him enough... Al's truck will need some Tubz

Originally Posted by brn agn

So here we have Serial Number 001 from Jonathan's Hot Rod Truck Shop? Speaking of that, have you come up with a business name?

I'm in.

Hmmm...serial plates...that's a good idea

I am working on the business name now...James is going to build the website but I still have to figure out a name...

...I am open to suggestions at this point.

[mike1971c10]

i'm with Big_ Al i don't have the mechanical ability but i look the trucks. To bad i'm sooo
far away i'd bring my 71 over

[NoNeck]

Good luck, Jonathan. If there is anything we can do to help you, don't hesitate to ask. And, guys if you expect honest, knowledgable dealings on anything GM truck, this guy is your man. I expect great things from you.

Hey... what about "VIRGINIA CLASSICS" or "JONATHAN'S RESTORATIONS" or "JUST TRUCKS". Let me know if I can help you design your business logo. No charge... but maybe just a big bag of Logan Steakhouse peanuts!

NoNeck

[CC69Rat]

Yep, I'm in too! Good luck with it man. You have enough stuff to build three trucks already ..

[VA72C10]

Originally Posted by mike1971c10

i'm with Big_ Al i don't have the mechanical ability but i look the trucks. To bad i'm sooo
far away i'd bring my 71 over

Just bring the truck as well as a big trailer full of rust free AZ sheet metal and I'll make you a great deal

Originally Posted by CC69Rat

Yep, I'm in too! Good luck with it man. You have enough stuff to build three trucks already ..

Thanks....If I had another cab I'd have enough for three I have about 10 of everything else

Originally Posted by NoNeck

Good luck, Jonathan. If there is anything we can do to help you, don't hesitate to ask. And, guys if you expect honest, knowledgable dealings on anything GM truck, this guy is your man. I expect great things from you.

Hey... what about "VIRGINIA CLASSICS" or "JONATHAN'S RESTORATIONS" or "JUST TRUCKS". Let me know if I can help you design your business logo. No charge... but maybe just a big bag of Logan Steakhouse peanuts!

NoNeck

Thanks for the kind words and I'd love to take yuo up on the offer for a logo. Let me think on the name for a bit and my wife's working on some ideas also. Thanks again!

[Zoomin]

I wish you the best of luck on this venture!

Spend some time talking to others that have similar businesses - its always best to learn from someone else what to do and what to avoid.
Posted via Mobile Device

[VA72C10]

Thanks, that's a good idea. I hope to get to the point where I can be building one to sell that I build it the way I want and one or more for a customer at the same time...all while still restoring and selling buckets/consoles/tachs and other parts to supplement between the project payments.