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#1 |
Registered User
Join Date: Mar 2013
Location: Mesa az
Posts: 66
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1968 C10 Snow Bird
This build is for my cousin's wife. He didn't know what kind of truck but he wanted a truck that was for sure. We decided to go with a C10. This is a great looking truck and easy to get parts for. I started looking on craigslist for a truck and since I live in Arizona it was not hard to find a project truck. Me and my friend drove up to Payson and picked up this sweet ride a 1968 C10. This truck was all original. The bed was even full of snow when we picked her up. The kids thought this was awesome since we don't really get snow in mesa. Once we got it home it wasn't long until we got it running and driving. It did not run very well but it was fun to cruise it up and down the street. We picked this truck up from the original owners grandson. His grandpa bought this truck in 1968 and drove it every day. This truck is an original Arizona truck it worked it whole life in Bagdad Arizona. Now the fun begins give this old girl a new life. I am naming this build Snow Bird since it had a bed full of snow when we brought it to the shop.
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#2 |
Registered User
Join Date: Mar 2013
Location: Mesa az
Posts: 66
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Re: 1968 C10 Snow Bird
some pictures of the disassembly
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#3 |
Registered User
Join Date: Mar 2013
Location: Mesa az
Posts: 66
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Re: 1968 C10 Snow Bird
more
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#4 |
Registered User
Join Date: Mar 2013
Location: Mesa az
Posts: 66
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Re: 1968 C10 Snow Bird
Time to tackle the bed. The bed floor on this truck was shot. I didn't realize how bad it was until the snow melted. All the bolts were rusted and pretty much a pain to get out we ended up plasma cutting most of it apart. I never really intended on using the original bed floor anyway.
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#5 |
Registered User
Join Date: Mar 2013
Location: Mesa az
Posts: 66
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Re: 1968 C10 Snow Bird
Once the bed was disassembled it was on to the front end.
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#6 |
Registered User
Join Date: Mar 2013
Location: Mesa az
Posts: 66
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Re: 1968 C10 Snow Bird
I thought I would try and save some money by sanding on the body parts my self. That got old pretty quick even with my big compressor and air sanders this is not something that I enjoy doing. So the parts went to media blast, this was much more enjoyable. I don't even know why I tried you can not compete with media blast. It seems like it is just something I have to remind my self on every build I hate sanding down old paint.
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#7 |
Registered User
Join Date: Mar 2013
Location: Mesa az
Posts: 66
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Re: 1968 C10 Snow Bird
I started working on the cnotch when the cab was at media blast. I wanted to make one that could be bolted in or welded in. My intention is to try and make some of the suspension parts and sell them on here. This cnotch is my prototype, I cut the top and side plates on my cnc mill. When I make more I would like to have the parts laser cut. I think it would be nice for some of the home builders to sell a unwelded kit. It would be a little cheaper and easier to ship. This would make it easier for those people that do not have all the tools to fabricate some of these parts but can weld them together. If you guys would like to see a unwelded kit sold on here let me know. If I have enough interest I will make more time to get this going.
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#8 |
Registered User
Join Date: Mar 2013
Location: Mesa az
Posts: 66
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Re: 1968 C10 Snow Bird
New wheels. Foose Legend Chrome wheels.
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#9 |
Registered User
Join Date: Mar 2013
Location: Mesa az
Posts: 66
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I modified the 6 lug axles to fit the new 5 lug wheels. Welded up the old holes refaced and turned the flanges to fit the disk brake rotors and they are good as new.
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#10 |
Registered User
Join Date: Mar 2013
Location: Mesa az
Posts: 66
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Re: 1968 C10 Snow Bird
I have also been working on my trailing arms. I was not able to use the original ones because they were pretty messed up. They also do not look very cool. One of them was actually broken in half where the U bolt goes through. That was kind of funny esp since I had been driving the truck a little. Making new trailing arms was pretty easy once I figured out how I wanted them to look. I thought it would be easiest if I made some threaded bungs and used heims on the end that mounts to the cross member. Decided to go with 1.0-14 heims and used some spacers to reduce the bolt size to 3/4. Milled out my axle block's and turn the spring cups. Welded everything up and had some nice new trailing arms.
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#11 |
Registered User
Join Date: Mar 2013
Location: Mesa az
Posts: 66
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Re: 1968 C10 Snow Bird
I went to the Turn Key shop to check out some engine packages they have. Pretty cool shop Tons of custom engines to choose from with every kind of modification you can think of. I went just to pick out a LS327 for this build. Its nothing to crazy just a good all around engine with about 350 hp. This kit comes with everything you need to do a motor swap, I highly recommend Turn key. I also went with a 4l60e transmission which they provided to me. Every thing showed up at my shop in one big crate it was awesome.
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#12 |
Registered User
Join Date: Apr 2011
Location: Vero Beach, FL
Posts: 173
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Re: 1968 C10 Snow Bird
I want one!! lol
__________________
Shawn 1972 C10 Custom LWB, 3-speed automatic, 350 bored .060 over, Vortec heads, Crane Energizer 260 H10 Cam My Beater/Work in Progress http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=502044 |
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#13 |
Registered User
Join Date: Mar 2013
Location: Mesa az
Posts: 66
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Re: 1968 C10 Snow Bird
Turn Key makes the install super easy. I helped my friend Install one of their Ecotec motors into his sand rail and it is literally 5 wires and you are up and running.
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#14 |
Registered User
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: Oklahoma City, OK
Posts: 72
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Re: 1968 C10 Snow Bird
Are they easier and cheaper than going through GM Performance Parts for their E-Rod set up?
__________________
68 C10 lwb, 406 sbc, 700R4 86 K30 srw, 454 bbc, TH400 11 Camaro RS, 217 V6, 6M |
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#15 |
Registered User
Join Date: Mar 2013
Location: Mesa az
Posts: 66
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Re: 1968 C10 Snow Bird
I looked into the E-Rod set up when I was making my decision. It didn't seem like it was much cheaper. I got everything for about 10K that included the trans.
http://www.turnkeyenginesupply.com/ Standard Items on ALL Turn Key Engines: Street Package Includes Flywheel or Flexplate Mass airflow sensor Starter Ceramic coated block hugger headers Complete Accessories Alternator Water Pump Serpentine Belt System Brackets and Tensioners Complete Ignition - 5-Wire Hook-Up Coil packs Spark plugs and wires Delphi ECM with Turn Key calibration Custom marine grade engine wiring harness Uses all OEM connectors Electric fan controls Fuse block and relays Complete Detail Package Engine oil and filter K&N air filter Hardware kit Motor mount bolts Oil temperature sending unit port Water temperature sending unit port Engine covers Cable drive throttle body Installation guide Complete AN Fitted Fuel System EFI fuel pump kit AN fitted fuel rails Pre-filter Post-filter Fuel pressure regulator AN-6 & AN-8 fittings O-rings & crush washers O2 sensors Options: Power steering pump AC compressor Motor Mount Adapter plates 4L60E |
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#16 |
Registered User
Join Date: Mar 2013
Location: Mesa az
Posts: 66
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Re: 1968 C10 Snow Bird
I got some parts from Classic Industries. Got every thing to put together a new bed. I am pretty stoked to put the bed together it will be a night and day difference from the original one.
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#17 |
Registered User
Join Date: Mar 2013
Location: Mesa az
Posts: 66
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Re: 1968 C10 Snow Bird
Media blasting and powder coating is a great way to make old parts look better than new. I have been using the hot coat system that Eastwood sells for some time now. http://www.eastwood.com/dual-voltage...arter-kit.html This is a great product for the the occasional powder coater. I have not found anything that I couldn't powder coat. Used in conjunction with prismatic powders the possibilities are endless.http://www.prismaticpowders.com/ The only thing that limits your capabilities is the size of oven you have.
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#18 |
67-72 parts collector,…
![]() Join Date: Nov 2002
Location: Mid-MO
Posts: 22,698
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Re: 1968 C10 Snow Bird
What a great truck build!
Subscribiing to watch this one.
__________________
Keith Convert to disc brakes. http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=444823 |
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#19 |
Registered User
Join Date: Nov 2010
Location: Rustville USA or southeast Ia
Posts: 654
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Re: 1968 C10 Snow Bird
nice
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Rust is better than rice. ![]() |
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#20 |
Tot Roddin'
Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: Mid-MO
Posts: 24,461
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Re: 1968 C10 Snow Bird
High quality build. Nice work!
__________________
-Nate ![]() 1969 CST SWB - Project Blank Slate (4.5/6" ECE Static Drop, 6-lug disc brake upgrade (manual), Billet Specialties Vintec 20x8.5 255/40 (F) 20x10 295/40 (R), 250 I-6) 1960 AMF Skylark - Tot Roddin' (Lowered with custom frame; soon to include custom push bar and interior) 2008 Silverado CrewCab 1LT (5.3L, 3:73, 4x4, LT1, Z-71, Towing Package) |
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#21 |
Registered User
Join Date: Mar 2013
Location: Mesa az
Posts: 66
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Re: 1968 C10 Snow Bird
I was able to set the motor and trans in place finally. I got the motor mounts and trans crossmember from cpp. This was super easy, I had it installed in about an hour or less. The adapter plates that I got from Turn Key were right on point also.
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#22 |
Registered User
Join Date: Aug 2013
Location: Mahtomedi, Minnesota
Posts: 335
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Re: 1968 C10 Snow Bird
Subscribed! Looking forward to what you do to this thing!
__________________
Austin 2005 GMC Sierra 1500 4X4 4.8l V8 (Wrecked) 2003 Chevy 1500 standard cab short bed 4x4 w/ 5.3l |
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#23 |
Registered User
Join Date: Jul 2012
Location: Rosenberg, Texas
Posts: 3,506
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Re: 1968 C10 Snow Bird
I wish I had that kind of space to work in. I like the motor/trans combo. Subscribed!
__________________
-Duane C/10 Club Texas member 1971 Chevy C10 "Brutus" SWB Fleetside 2016 6.0L (L96) 6L90E (driver/project) 1965 Pontiac GTO "Royal Goat" 400/TH400 w/AC (my baby) |
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#24 |
Rusty Nuts
Join Date: Sep 2008
Location: Clever Missouri
Posts: 1,338
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Re: 1968 C10 Snow Bird
Nice build i see happening and a very nice place to do the work.
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(Clever Missouri) Southwest Larry Mr Chevrolet My Build, The Marathon Truck http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=604414 |
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#25 |
Registered User
Join Date: Mar 2013
Location: Mesa az
Posts: 66
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Re: 1968 C10 Snow Bird
Thanks Guys. This is at my home shop. I have been wanting to post some pictures of my shop on the forum, just need to do a quick clean up and snap some photos.
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Bookmarks |
Tags |
1968 chevy fleetside, 5.3 swap, c10, c10 2wd fleetside |
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