New '68 SWB owner! - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

Purs · 12-30-2004, 12:56 AM

I just bought a sweet little '68 C-10. It's not a show truck but I really like it. I didn't realize how much I missed having one of these trucks! My goals for the truck are to give it a good stance while maintaining a fairly stock appearance (15" rally's, etc...) be comfortable to drive, and run low 7's (or high 6's

) at our local 1/8th mile drag strip. I haven't had a truck for a few years so be patient with my ignorance. It seems that I've been reading for days and I'm more confused than ever. I want to start off by saying thanks to Tx Firefighter for the FAQ he did on the ECE drop kit, it helped me get a better understanding of what's going on. I'm thinking of getting the 2.5" spindles and disc brake 5 lug conversion for the front and some 4" springs for the rear. I know, most everyone likes to go more, but our streets are crappy here in my small town and I don't want to constantly worry about bottoming out. I've read many positive things about ECE's stuff, but I've had some local people tell me they prefer McGaughy's kits. I checked the websites and it looks like McGaughy's is around $200-$300 cheaper for the similar kits. Can someone tell me what I'm missing? Is ECE the way to go or not? I also can pick up all the disc brake stuff from a mid 80's pickup real cheap. Will that stuff work with the drop spindles or should I buy everything from one supplier? I'm confused. If anyone can help I'd appreciate it.

Hey TX, I bought this truck of a local Firefighter!

68w/sbc406 · 12-30-2004, 01:03 AM

after 80 they have a light duty and heavy duty half ton, the heavey duty stuff is the same as older stuff. but if you use everything off of that one truck you should be fine ( speaking from what i have read, about do embark on the same project ) as far as the spindle then i think that is where the difference with the light and heavy duty is, so if you get a light duty the rotors wont work with a ECE drop spindle, id look for a 70'2 truck, it would be less confusing

Blue Beard · 12-30-2004, 08:27 AM

Looks like a pretty solid truck for a starter...

SuperCheyanne72 · 12-30-2004, 08:36 AM

Hi, its looks pretty clean, how much did you end up paying for it? Keep us posted, on your progress.

Tx Firefighter · 12-30-2004, 08:54 AM

Before you spends any money, call ECE and tell them what you want to do. They will advise you best. Then, if you're not convinced, order the McGauheys stuff, but I think ECE will win you over.

Last time I ordered from ECE, the stuff was on sale and they cut me a break on shipping so it wound up being a good bit cheaper than I thought. They want your business and will do what it takes to make the customer satisfied way after the sale.

I'd be willing to bet that if you compare absolute apples to apples, the prices are right on the money. Make sure the kits you are comparing are including exact similar stuff. Little trinkets like brake lines and hoses and such add up real quick.

Plus, personally, I may start a project on a Saturday morning and I want to get it done and not have to worry about chasing odd and ends to finish the job.

My 70 truck, I did the whole 4/6 lowering, 5 lug conversion and everything in one marathon session lasting a whole day. Last thing I wanted was to have to clean up and run to the parts store for a bolt or widget. All of the ECE stuff came with everything I needed right down to the cotter keys and lock washers. I never had to leave the garage for anything during the whole swap.

By the way, lowering one 4/6 and converting it from 6 lug drums to 5 lug brakes front and rear is one heck of a job to do by yourself in one day. Those parts are heavy after about 8 hours. Plan on spending 2 or 3 leisurely days doing it for more fun. Also, don't be like me, pay someone to dismount and mount your tires. Doing it with prybars on the garage floor gets old real fast.

Purs · 12-31-2004, 01:14 AM

thanks everyone. I'd like to order everything at once, so I'm compiling a list right now. I may just get the 2.5" spindles and try to get the rest from a 73-87 donor. With swapping the rear end (Dana or 9 inch), the disc brake and 5 lug conversion, springs, new wheels and tires, big block frame towers and mounts, panhard bar, and front swaybar, .......wait....I'm getting dizzy..... this thing could get over budget REAL quick! That doesn't include the 496 that will be going in. I may be biting off more than I can chew.... oh well, you can't take it with you right?

ROBBY WHITE · 12-31-2004, 01:29 AM

Looks Like A Great Project, Can't Wait To See The 496. Where In Texas Are You.

ChevyDude · 12-31-2004, 01:41 AM

Congrats Brit! Looks like a sweet lil' 68 SWB!!!

Purs · 12-31-2004, 01:46 AM

Robby, closer than you think. I'm in Abilene almost every day.

Thanks Alex. Hey, I'm still waiting on that email with pics and info...

**Canadian694x4** · 12-31-2004, 01:48 AM

Sweet Find, Nice 68!

ROBBY WHITE · 12-31-2004, 01:50 AM

That Snow Sure Looks Like What We Had Last Week.did You Buy In Abilene? What Do You Do In Abilene? Hope To See It On Street Soon.

ChevyDude · 12-31-2004, 01:54 AM

Post or send me your email address...mine is:
2Leedhams@comcast.net

Purs · 12-31-2004, 01:55 AM

bpursley@esc14.net Thanks!

ChevyDude · 12-31-2004, 01:57 AM

Got it. I'll see if I can snap some pics tomorrow and dig out all the vitals that this 71' SWB of mine had performed on it.

chevjayfsd · 12-31-2004, 03:15 AM

Purs, that background looks familiar... Just can't put my finger on it? Wylie???

Jason

Purs · 12-31-2004, 03:33 AM

chevjayfsd , close, it's near the new CJC campus.

ROBBY WHITE · 12-31-2004, 11:57 AM

I Knew That Was In Abilene. Did You Buy Here Also. I Think I Saw It In The Paper But Was A Day Late.

784X4GUY · 12-31-2004, 12:11 PM

Nice starter truck, good luck with it...Later Mike

Purs · 12-31-2004, 12:45 PM

Yeah, it was in the Nickel. I've looked at alot of 67-72 trucks in the past 6 or so years and this is the most rust free "unrestored" trucks I've ever seen. And mechanically it's outstanding. It runs and drives excellent. I kind of hate to pull this sweet little 350. It does need some help with the stance though... and those wagon wheels gotta go....

1971 Cheyenne · 12-31-2004, 12:56 PM

Nice truck, I gotta agree with tx firefighter about ECE, I have ordered over a thousand dollars of stuff from them, and their service, products, shipping time- everything, has been top notch.

SCOTI · 12-31-2004, 01:34 PM

I had the same issues finding mine: Unrestored, low rust, original paint trucks are hard to find. It was even harder finding mine because I won't buy them if the wiring has been hacked into under the dash.

Be sure & keep the progress pics coming.

ChevyDude · 12-31-2004, 02:31 PM

I would agree 100%, get the front 2.5" drop spindals and your drop rear coils from ECE and if you want to incorporate drop springs for an additional lowered look...you have some options. ECE makes super nice stuff and backs it up with great customer service and fast shipping...all at a fair price! ECE is also looked at as a leader in the lowering market.

12-30-2004, 12:56 AM	#1
Purs Got Big Block? Join Date: Apr 2000 Location: West Texas Posts: 1,510	New '68 SWB owner! I just bought a sweet little '68 C-10. It's not a show truck but I really like it. I didn't realize how much I missed having one of these trucks! My goals for the truck are to give it a good stance while maintaining a fairly stock appearance (15" rally's, etc...) be comfortable to drive, and run low 7's (or high 6's ) at our local 1/8th mile drag strip. I haven't had a truck for a few years so be patient with my ignorance. It seems that I've been reading for days and I'm more confused than ever. I want to start off by saying thanks to Tx Firefighter for the FAQ he did on the ECE drop kit, it helped me get a better understanding of what's going on. I'm thinking of getting the 2.5" spindles and disc brake 5 lug conversion for the front and some 4" springs for the rear. I know, most everyone likes to go more, but our streets are crappy here in my small town and I don't want to constantly worry about bottoming out. I've read many positive things about ECE's stuff, but I've had some local people tell me they prefer McGaughy's kits. I checked the websites and it looks like McGaughy's is around $200-$300 cheaper for the similar kits. Can someone tell me what I'm missing? Is ECE the way to go or not? I also can pick up all the disc brake stuff from a mid 80's pickup real cheap. Will that stuff work with the drop spindles or should I buy everything from one supplier? I'm confused. If anyone can help I'd appreciate it. Hey TX, I bought this truck of a local Firefighter! Attached Images __________________ "Experience is what you get when you didn't get what you wanted." Last edited by Purs; 12-30-2004 at 12:58 AM.

12-30-2004, 01:03 AM	#2
68w/sbc406 Got Light Emitting Diode? Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Newberg, OR Posts: 2,485	after 80 they have a light duty and heavy duty half ton, the heavey duty stuff is the same as older stuff. but if you use everything off of that one truck you should be fine ( speaking from what i have read, about do embark on the same project ) as far as the spindle then i think that is where the difference with the light and heavy duty is, so if you get a light duty the rotors wont work with a ECE drop spindle, id look for a 70'2 truck, it would be less confusing __________________ 1968 1/2 ton 2wd lwb 6 lug disc and bags up front. Next c notch and rear bags '02 Chevy Silverado LT ext cab short bed 2WD 5/7 drop on 22's(the family car) 1993 Cherokee work ride/weekend wheeler

12-30-2004, 08:27 AM	#3
Blue Beard Registered User Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Washington State Posts: 8,834	Looks like a pretty solid truck for a starter... __________________ 1970 Chev CST 2003 Harley Fatboy 1975 Chevrolet Step Van 1956 Chev Bel Air 1977 Blazer 2WD For Sale $3000.00 1978 Blazer 2WD For Sale $7000.00 1978 Silverado 2005 Monte Carlo

12-30-2004, 08:54 AM	#5
Tx Firefighter Watch out for your cornhole ! Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Azle, Texas Posts: 14,162	Before you spends any money, call ECE and tell them what you want to do. They will advise you best. Then, if you're not convinced, order the McGauheys stuff, but I think ECE will win you over. Last time I ordered from ECE, the stuff was on sale and they cut me a break on shipping so it wound up being a good bit cheaper than I thought. They want your business and will do what it takes to make the customer satisfied way after the sale. I'd be willing to bet that if you compare absolute apples to apples, the prices are right on the money. Make sure the kits you are comparing are including exact similar stuff. Little trinkets like brake lines and hoses and such add up real quick. Plus, personally, I may start a project on a Saturday morning and I want to get it done and not have to worry about chasing odd and ends to finish the job. My 70 truck, I did the whole 4/6 lowering, 5 lug conversion and everything in one marathon session lasting a whole day. Last thing I wanted was to have to clean up and run to the parts store for a bolt or widget. All of the ECE stuff came with everything I needed right down to the cotter keys and lock washers. I never had to leave the garage for anything during the whole swap. By the way, lowering one 4/6 and converting it from 6 lug drums to 5 lug brakes front and rear is one heck of a job to do by yourself in one day. Those parts are heavy after about 8 hours. Plan on spending 2 or 3 leisurely days doing it for more fun. Also, don't be like me, pay someone to dismount and mount your tires. Doing it with prybars on the garage floor gets old real fast. __________________ I'm on the Instagram- @Gearhead_Kevin

12-31-2004, 01:14 AM	#6
Purs Got Big Block? Join Date: Apr 2000 Location: West Texas Posts: 1,510	thanks everyone. I'd like to order everything at once, so I'm compiling a list right now. I may just get the 2.5" spindles and try to get the rest from a 73-87 donor. With swapping the rear end (Dana or 9 inch), the disc brake and 5 lug conversion, springs, new wheels and tires, big block frame towers and mounts, panhard bar, and front swaybar, .......wait....I'm getting dizzy..... this thing could get over budget REAL quick! That doesn't include the 496 that will be going in. I may be biting off more than I can chew.... oh well, you can't take it with you right? __________________ "Experience is what you get when you didn't get what you wanted."

12-30-2004, 08:36 AM	#4
SuperCheyanne72 #1 OU Soonerfan Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Oklahoma Posts: 85	Hi, its looks pretty clean, how much did you end up paying for it? Keep us posted, on your progress.

12-31-2004, 01:29 AM	#7
ROBBY WHITE ZOIE AND ZACK Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: ABILENE, TX. Posts: 212	Looks Like A Great Project, Can't Wait To See The 496. Where In Texas Are You. __________________ AMERICAN BULLDOGS AND CHEVY TRUCKS 71 1/2 SUBURBAN 402BB IN PROGRESS 90 1/2 TON SILVERADO 02 1/2 SUBURBAN 67 GMC 1/2 TON LONGBED 05 AVALANCHE

12-31-2004, 01:41 AM	#8
ChevyDude Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Westminster, CO Posts: 3,071	Congrats Brit! Looks like a sweet lil' 68 SWB!!! __________________ Alex 1971 Lil' Red 350 SBC 700R4

12-31-2004, 01:46 AM	#9
Purs Got Big Block? Join Date: Apr 2000 Location: West Texas Posts: 1,510	Robby, closer than you think. I'm in Abilene almost every day. Thanks Alex. Hey, I'm still waiting on that email with pics and info... __________________ "Experience is what you get when you didn't get what you wanted."

12-31-2004, 01:48 AM	#10
Canadian694x4 Born To Lose Club Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: Calgary, Alberta/Oxenden, Ontario, Great White North Posts: 13,306	Sweet Find, Nice 68! __________________ Brian Smith - "Born To Lose" 1969 Chevrolet K10 LWB Fleetside - Proud Owner For 20 Yrs - 1 of 208 Built & Sold In Canada! - 283 V8/350TH/NP208, 2" All Spring Lift, 32" Good Year MT/R's. 1972 GMC K2500 Custom LWB Fleetside - Proud Owner For 2 Yrs - 1 of 571 Built & Sold In Canada! - 350 V8/SM465/NP205, 4” Rough Country Lift, 33” Interco TSL Thornbirds 2007.5 GMC Sierra SLE 2500HD 4x4 - Proud Owner For 15 Yrs - 6.6L V8 Duramax Diesel/Allison 1000, 2" Lift, 33" Mickey Thompson MTZ's. 2008 Yamaha Raptor 700r - Proud Owner For 13 Yrs - ITP Mud Lites. 2015 John Deere 1025R - Proud Owner For 6 Yrs - 24HP Diesel/H120/54D/260B/SB1154.

12-31-2004, 01:50 AM	#11
ROBBY WHITE ZOIE AND ZACK Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: ABILENE, TX. Posts: 212	That Snow Sure Looks Like What We Had Last Week.did You Buy In Abilene? What Do You Do In Abilene? Hope To See It On Street Soon. __________________ AMERICAN BULLDOGS AND CHEVY TRUCKS 71 1/2 SUBURBAN 402BB IN PROGRESS 90 1/2 TON SILVERADO 02 1/2 SUBURBAN 67 GMC 1/2 TON LONGBED 05 AVALANCHE

12-31-2004, 01:54 AM	#12
ChevyDude Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Westminster, CO Posts: 3,071	Post or send me your email address...mine is: 2Leedhams@comcast.net __________________ Alex 1971 Lil' Red 350 SBC 700R4

12-31-2004, 01:55 AM	#13
Purs Got Big Block? Join Date: Apr 2000 Location: West Texas Posts: 1,510	bpursley@esc14.net Thanks! __________________ "Experience is what you get when you didn't get what you wanted."

12-31-2004, 01:57 AM	#14
ChevyDude Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Westminster, CO Posts: 3,071	Got it. I'll see if I can snap some pics tomorrow and dig out all the vitals that this 71' SWB of mine had performed on it. __________________ Alex 1971 Lil' Red 350 SBC 700R4

12-31-2004, 03:15 AM	#15
chevjayfsd Project 7dos Join Date: Aug 2001 Location: Abilene, Texas Posts: 876	Purs, that background looks familiar... Just can't put my finger on it? Wylie??? Jason __________________ 7DOS - 1972 C-10 350/350 Porterbuilt/Accuair 20x8.5/20x10 Ride Low or Die PSSST - Yes it's bagged. 7dos build thread: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=610290



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12-31-2004, 03:33 AM	#16
Purs Got Big Block? Join Date: Apr 2000 Location: West Texas Posts: 1,510	chevjayfsd , close, it's near the new CJC campus. __________________ "Experience is what you get when you didn't get what you wanted."

12-31-2004, 11:57 AM	#17
ROBBY WHITE ZOIE AND ZACK Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: ABILENE, TX. Posts: 212	I Knew That Was In Abilene. Did You Buy Here Also. I Think I Saw It In The Paper But Was A Day Late. __________________ AMERICAN BULLDOGS AND CHEVY TRUCKS 71 1/2 SUBURBAN 402BB IN PROGRESS 90 1/2 TON SILVERADO 02 1/2 SUBURBAN 67 GMC 1/2 TON LONGBED 05 AVALANCHE

12-31-2004, 12:11 PM	#18
784X4GUY Did someone say MUD? Join Date: Aug 2003 Location: Pullman,WA Posts: 1,089	Nice starter truck, good luck with it...Later Mike __________________ Im in the market guys...so keep ya eyes peeled -------------------- Mini trucks are for guys who cant get it up!

12-31-2004, 12:45 PM	#19
Purs Got Big Block? Join Date: Apr 2000 Location: West Texas Posts: 1,510	Yeah, it was in the Nickel. I've looked at alot of 67-72 trucks in the past 6 or so years and this is the most rust free "unrestored" trucks I've ever seen. And mechanically it's outstanding. It runs and drives excellent. I kind of hate to pull this sweet little 350. It does need some help with the stance though... and those wagon wheels gotta go.... __________________ "Experience is what you get when you didn't get what you wanted."

12-31-2004, 12:56 PM	#20
1971 Cheyenne Registered User Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: Bellevue, WA Posts: 1,480	Nice truck, I gotta agree with tx firefighter about ECE, I have ordered over a thousand dollars of stuff from them, and their service, products, shipping time- everything, has been top notch. __________________ Brian Pal 1971 Cheyenne 10 454/th400-Undergoing a full frame off resto. 1972 Chevy short/step 2wd, 350/th350 1983 M1009 CUCV Military K5 Blazer 1981 Dodge 1 ton 4x4 dually flatbed

12-31-2004, 01:34 PM	#21
SCOTI Registered User Join Date: Apr 2001 Location: DALLAS,TX Posts: 21,947	Cool color.... I had the same issues finding mine: Unrestored, low rust, original paint trucks are hard to find. It was even harder finding mine because I won't buy them if the wiring has been hacked into under the dash. Be sure & keep the progress pics coming. Attached Images __________________ 67SWB-B.B.RetroRod 64SWB-Recycle 89CCDually-Driver/Tow Truck 99CCSWB Driver All Fleetsides @rattlecankustoms in IG Building a small, high rpm engine with the perfect bore, stroke and rod ratio is very impressive. It's like a highly skilled Morrocan sword fighter with a Damascus Steel Scimitar..... *Cubic inches is like Indiana Jones with a cheap pistol.*

12-31-2004, 02:31 PM	#22
ChevyDude Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Westminster, CO Posts: 3,071	I would agree 100%, get the front 2.5" drop spindals and your drop rear coils from ECE and if you want to incorporate drop springs for an additional lowered look...you have some options. ECE makes super nice stuff and backs it up with great customer service and fast shipping...all at a fair price! ECE is also looked at as a leader in the lowering market. __________________ Alex 1971 Lil' Red 350 SBC 700R4

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