1970 C10 ChassisFab Build Thread

[nicklear36]

I will be sharing my 1970 C10 ChassisFab suspension build thread. It will be a longbed to shortbed conversion. 350 rebuild, th350 rebuild. Bagged and bodydropped. 22/20 setup with Billet Specialties Suave rims. Here are some pics so far.

[nicklear36]

Frame was wire wheeled and stripped down. Keep in mind the goal of this build is to be "budget" minded. Here is the longshot fabrication short bed conversion kit. It lines up perfect. All of my structural welds will be done by a mobile welder. I don't have a 240v outlet in the garage.

[nicklear36]

Here is the ChassisFab rear suspension. Just need to cut the frame and install the panhard bar. The rear diff won't be welding in until I get the tranny/driveline angle established.

[jjzepplin]

Looks expensive and extensive!

[nicklear36]

Originally Posted by jjzepplin

Looks expensive and extensive!

It is very expensive! Hard to do a full restoration without buying new parts

[nicklear36]

More pics of the rear. Installed the panhard bar and cut the C notches in the frame. Take it easy on my welds they are just tacked in place

[Ol Blue K20]

Looks good, moving along nicely.

[nicklear36]

Got the front suspension mostly mocked up. I am having some trouble determining how to measure the correct caster angle of the spindle before I mount the A-Arm perches in place. Any tips on this would be appreciated.

Got the bolt-on body drop pieces mocked as well. I will use lock nut hardware for these.

Since my crossmember is pancaked 2", I will need to raise the steering parts all 2" up. This will require a notch in the bottom of the frame to clear the pitman arms.

[nicklear36]

Hubcaps came in

[nicklear36]

Grease fittings installed for all the poly bushings

[nicklear36]

Rebuilt the gauge cluster a bit. I got a new clear lens and a temperature gauge. I then repainted the needles with needle gauge paint. I also painted the gauge case in white to hopefully make the LED bulbs reflect brighter. I think this a cheap way to get nice looking gauges without buying a complete new set.

[hewittca]

Nice work so far! I'm in to see how this turns out.

[nicklear36]

Got the frame painted with POR15. Made an absolute mess spraying it but it sure does look nice. Now it's time to reassemble and begin with brake lines, fuel, air, etc.

[clay68c10]

It looks great! I'll be doing the same frame treatment this spring.

[nicklear36]

Finishing up on the frame! Lots to do still but making steady progress. I used an external trans cooler and made up a couple of brackets to mount it under the frame. It should help clean up under the hood some more for a super clean look.

Also I'll be sticking with some Woodyears until I can find a set of Centerline smoothies or a similar wheel. Sucks they discontinued them.

[FamilyTruckster65]

Boy, those two quality control inspectors look like they are a little tough to work for. Nice job!

[nicklear36]

They keep me on my toes! They love all the parts boxes lol

[nicklear36]

Air lines and bags installed, as well as steering linkage. Next task is brake lines.

Getting ready to move on to body work. I will start with the bed floor and get it raised on the frame (mainly to get some garage space back).

[nicklear36]

Made some 10" bed risers out of square stock and weld on tabs.

[nicklear36]

Originally Posted by nicklear36

Made some 10" bed risers out of square stock and weld on tabs.

Extra

[nicklear36]

Big moment for me, got the brake lines done and was finally able to see this thing on the ground! I am patiently waiting for the engine to be done from my builder so I can paint it and then drop it in the frame with the transmission.

I will be spraying the engine with epoxy primer, base coat, and clear. I'm debating whether to use the true Chevy orange or orange "red." I'll take a poll from you guys on which color looks better!

I have pile of small parts that I will taking to sandblast next weekend which should save me a bunch of time come reassembly.

[hewittca]

Heck yeah this is looking awesome! I love the shot of the license plate to ground clearance. I would go with the true Chevy orange. The other color is too red. I never really figured out which color was used on which cars/trucks, but to me the more orange color looks better in our trucks.

[nicklear36]

Originally Posted by hewittca

Heck yeah this is looking awesome! I love the shot of the license plate to ground clearance. I would go with the true Chevy orange. The other color is too red. I never really figured out which color was used on which cars/trucks, but to me the more orange color looks better in our trucks.

Thank you! I'm watching your Sullii build thread for ideas on raising the steel floor. I'm leaning towards the chevy orange as well since it is year correct.

[cj847]

Quote:
Got the bolt-on body drop pieces mocked as well. I will use lock nut hardware for these.

Is this a complete kit or are some parts homemade? Did it come from PF or other?

How much does it lower the body? Thanks.

[nicklear36]

Originally Posted by cj847

Quote:
Got the bolt-on body drop pieces mocked as well. I will use lock nut hardware for these.

Is this a complete kit or are some parts homemade? Did it come from PF or other?

How much does it lower the body? Thanks.

The bolt on body drop is from Stone Custom Fab. It lowers 3/4". For the rear bumper I just drilled the holes 3/4" lower. It doesn't come with bolts though so I just bought Grade 8 hardware.