Should I mod/rod my truck or not? - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

shifty · 03-07-2005, 07:31 PM

My biggest dilemma:
So, I just bought my '68 swb shortbed step.

Truck is in great shape but engine needs an overhaul. The truck is has 98% of the original equipment in it, including the original I-6 engine and tranny.

I'm having a tough time deciding if I should work towards making everything 100% stock or if I should rod it out.

What do you guys think?

Should I bother rebuilding the original engine or just drop a new crate engine and MT tranny with floor shifter into it? (Might need to put in larger floor hump, I know)

Can I safely lower and bag my truck out with notching the frame or doing any seriously permanent damage?

Would rodding the truck out increase the value or decrease the value?

I've posted pics of the truck several times here already, but ... http://shifty.org/pics/68chevy/ ... just in case anyone wants to know what I'm dealing with.

I really want to smooth the firewall, drop a new V8 engine and manual tranny into it, lower it, bag it out, roll some 18" or larger stock on it and tinker with the gears. I also want to smooth out the firewall, shave some things on the body, add power locks and windows, remove the bench seat and add buckets, rework the sound system, add more gauges, add PB, PS and tilt steering, add A/C and .... hehe, I've got a long list.

greasemonkey · 03-07-2005, 07:38 PM

Build it how you want it. Sounds like you've got some good plans, go with it and who cares if someone thinks you shouldn't do it. It's your truck not theirs, have fun with it!

Sonny · 03-07-2005, 07:59 PM

If the truck is original as you say it is then you have a gem in the making and I would keep it original. If things have been modifed/swapped/upgraded beyond the possibilty of the truck being considerd original, then do what your heart desires.

IMO,
Sonny

slag · 03-07-2005, 08:17 PM

I would agree with Grease monkey, and let your heart decide....hopefully a tricked out ride!

Seriously tho, the pictures you posted look great. If you need to overhaul the motor, decide if a punny inline 6 will satisfy you, or if a 502 BB will be the flame to set you alive!

Have you had the truck appraised yet? Get a proffesional appraisal and submit that to your insurance company if you are worried about loss.
Meanwhile, keep it locked in the garage!!

I had a 250 sixer in my '68, used to run great. But once you upgrade to a BB your life will be changed forever!!!

shifty · 03-07-2005, 08:21 PM

It stays locked in the garage. My 6-8month old 2004 Accord EX sits out on the street. I think it might be angry at me right now

Strongly considering buying an rebuilt I-6 for $350 from someone here in town as a temp and putting PS and PB for now and selling my Honda to a CarMax dealership. No need for two cars when you have the truck you've always dreamed about

I don't have the slightest idea what to put in it motorwise. I don't want to race it, but I miss the balls that my '03 Sierra had. Had to sell that one for the Honda b/c it wouldn't fit in my garage.

Dual quad · 03-07-2005, 08:32 PM

I've always done mods on mine that could be undone and put back stock if I so chose. Remember to keep all parts and pieces that you remove or displace.

slag · 03-07-2005, 08:37 PM

Well, as far as motor wise..... It's fun to see the boys in their Hemi's cry

That's what I like to make them do!

69 longhorn · 03-07-2005, 08:50 PM

Nice truck as is, but its yours.....build it how you want it! for the most part, I dont see the orig truck pulling high dollars, unless they are the ones with a bunch of options on that glove box lid. my old longhorn was a pretty "plain package" from the factory, & I didnt worry too much about "rattling the resto crowd"! DARE TO BE DIFFERENT

L

Hook'em · 03-07-2005, 09:14 PM

Since it is that close to stock, I would work to keep it that way. On the other hand, I love to see old trucks saved from utter demise and rodded up.

shifty · 03-07-2005, 09:20 PM

I guess the better question to ask would be: With the number of trucks that are made for this year and model and options, will it really put a dent in anything to rod it out?

I mean, let's face it, it's not like this is a '64 Impala SS with matching numbers or anything...

XXL · 03-07-2005, 10:00 PM

70c10 · 03-07-2005, 10:07 PM

That is a nice truck you got there!. I personally prefer custom modifications but that is a tough call. It seems to me customized trucks bring more unless it's a special model with a big block, all the nice trim and all kinds of options.

71swb4x4 · 03-07-2005, 10:37 PM

Build it how you've always imagined it to be, whether it's stock or not. That's why you bought it

Hutch · 03-07-2005, 11:37 PM

shifty
I would vote for a rodstoration
That way you get the best of both worlds.
You get the stock look with performance upgrades that would add to the value.
I myself try to stay as close to the original as possible.
I am also a big fan of the Inline 6.
If you want a lot of upgrades try to market it as an original truck and if you can't get what you want then use it as you please.

CHEVIBUBBA · 03-07-2005, 11:48 PM

easy answer. do you like the luxury, smoothness & high power available in modern muscle?you can make your truck that way & better.+ if you do it right it'll be worth more in ten years than what you've got in it!minus the labor.
these trucks are relatively easy to make into nice riding corner carving acceleration machines.

Low69CST · 03-07-2005, 11:59 PM

Build it how you want. I always like originality. I've tried to build mine different than everyone else. If your worried about value then don't mess with the body. As long as the body is straight and solid it should bring good money. I've noticed that a nonoriginal V8 brings more than an original I-6.

pissonNOS · 03-08-2005, 12:04 AM

I would consider keeping that I-6 and putting a blower on it, a friend of mine is trying to gte me to do the same he said he seen somewhere on the net about guys getting 1000HP from I-6's dont get mad at me if thats untrue thats just what i was told

sdkid · 03-08-2005, 12:04 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 69 longhorn

Nice truck as is, but its yours.....build it how you want it! for the most part, I dont see the orig truck pulling high dollars, unless they are the ones with a bunch of options on that glove box lid. my old longhorn was a pretty "plain package" from the factory, & I didnt worry too much about "rattling the resto crowd"! DARE TO BE DIFFERENT

L

I must agree. It looks greta as is, But the lack of options will not bring you high dollars. A crate 350 with a tpi on top would look great under that hood. Go with your heart and give it the look you are dreaming of.

shifty · 03-08-2005, 12:59 AM

Thanks, guys. I really appreciate the feedback. I've always been a fan of custom everything, that's my style. I like to personalize everything.

I really love the green, but, eventually it's gotta go because I need to undo the three layers of paint that I see this thing has taken. I'm going to save the important original parts like the glove box door and gauges and the engine (which I think I'm replacing with a rebuilt and souped up I-6 this weekend) and go from there.

I know I can make this thing into a beaut', I just need some time and cash (I got the time, got a whole life ahead!)

I just really, really need to get power brakes and steering installed ASAP. Tough part will be finding the parts before this weekend to fit my I-6

I love a good challenge!

Anyone know good bone yards or used parts places in the Atlanta area?

shortymac83 · 03-08-2005, 01:08 AM

having an I6 is about as personalized as you can get in this "everything's gotta have a V8" world.

longhorn71 · 03-08-2005, 01:15 AM

In my opinion if you are worried about doing massive mods to this one.I would find something a little less original to start with.Either way you go would save it from the crusher.I have seen many low mileage vehicles get ran through the crusher

Me and the wife took a load of scrap steel to Edmonton and we wacthed a 67 camaro with vary little rust and was complete become a compact car

That was a sad day.It is YOUR truck and what ever YOU deicide to do with it,is up to YOU.Nobody can make those choices for YOU.My 46 chevy coupe was oringal and complete and i rodded it because i wanted to drive it and be able to keep up with traffic.

71RestoRod · 03-08-2005, 01:16 AM

I'd rod it, but I'd sure feel guilty about it.

Gary · 03-08-2005, 02:05 AM

I like modded/rodded myself, but I wouldn't START with a nearly original truck either, so tough call. My truck was already worked over before I got it, no trim, unoriginal paint, "possibly" unoriginal motor, 98 700r4 trans, late model wheels (that are GONE this week, to be replaced with chrome smoothies on some wicked fat rubber) so I have no qualms rodding the everliving crap outta my truck

Had I gotten my hands on a nearly original truck who knows, being me I'da probably still started sawing on it anyway. I like having something that no one else CAN have because I only made one and no one else is likely to be able to duplicate it exactly

**VetteVet** · 03-08-2005, 02:28 AM

Your last paragraph says it all. You wanta do it and a sweet ride like that deserves to have a sweet motor in it. Not that there's anything wrong with sixers. I 've got one myself. It's an f-150-- shush. Do what you want to to it just like everyone else said.
Vettevet
1974 corvette
1967 swb stepside
1988 f-150
1965 harley sportster

JBstor · 03-08-2005, 03:29 AM

No No No!

That truck is all wrong for you! Sell me that truck cheap and get something else! I should be the one to paint it yellow with huge flames, and slam it good !

Listen to me! I make sense! (Jedi mind trick)

Seriously, do what you want, save the old parts, and enjoy!

JB

03-07-2005, 07:31 PM	#1
shifty Questionable Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Atlanta Posts: 13,376	Should I mod/rod my truck or not? My biggest dilemma: So, I just bought my '68 swb shortbed step. Truck is in great shape but engine needs an overhaul. The truck is has 98% of the original equipment in it, including the original I-6 engine and tranny. I'm having a tough time deciding if I should work towards making everything 100% stock or if I should rod it out. What do you guys think? Should I bother rebuilding the original engine or just drop a new crate engine and MT tranny with floor shifter into it? (Might need to put in larger floor hump, I know) Can I safely lower and bag my truck out with notching the frame or doing any seriously permanent damage? Would rodding the truck out increase the value or decrease the value? I've posted pics of the truck several times here already, but ... http://shifty.org/pics/68chevy/ ... just in case anyone wants to know what I'm dealing with. I really want to smooth the firewall, drop a new V8 engine and manual tranny into it, lower it, bag it out, roll some 18" or larger stock on it and tinker with the gears. I also want to smooth out the firewall, shave some things on the body, add power locks and windows, remove the bench seat and add buckets, rework the sound system, add more gauges, add PB, PS and tilt steering, add A/C and .... hehe, I've got a long list.

03-07-2005, 07:38 PM	#2
greasemonkey Registered User Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: Pace, FL Posts: 2,155	Build it how you want it. Sounds like you've got some good plans, go with it and who cares if someone thinks you shouldn't do it. It's your truck not theirs, have fun with it! __________________ 1942 Master Deluxe 1969 C/10 1985 Blazer CUCV 1987 Jimmy 2004 Tahoe 2005 Silverado 1500 2005 Silverado 3500

03-07-2005, 08:17 PM	#4
slag Registered User Join Date: Feb 2005 Posts: 35	I would agree with Grease monkey, and let your heart decide....hopefully a tricked out ride! Seriously tho, the pictures you posted look great. If you need to overhaul the motor, decide if a punny inline 6 will satisfy you, or if a 502 BB will be the flame to set you alive! Have you had the truck appraised yet? Get a proffesional appraisal and submit that to your insurance company if you are worried about loss. Meanwhile, keep it locked in the garage!! I had a 250 sixer in my '68, used to run great. But once you upgrade to a BB your life will be changed forever!!! __________________ http://www.slagtime.terrashare.com Last edited by slag; 03-07-2005 at 08:19 PM.

03-07-2005, 08:37 PM	#7
slag Registered User Join Date: Feb 2005 Posts: 35	Well, as far as motor wise..... It's fun to see the boys in their Hemi's cry That's what I like to make them do! __________________ http://www.slagtime.terrashare.com

03-07-2005, 08:50 PM	#8
69 longhorn Registered User Join Date: Aug 2001 Location: rock island,il,usa Posts: 5,382	Nice truck as is, but its yours.....build it how you want it! for the most part, I dont see the orig truck pulling high dollars, unless they are the ones with a bunch of options on that glove box lid. my old longhorn was a pretty "plain package" from the factory, & I didnt worry too much about "rattling the resto crowd"! DARE TO BE DIFFERENT L __________________ http://community.webshots.com/user/hotrodhorn

03-07-2005, 07:59 PM	#3
Sonny Active Member Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Centerville, GA Posts: 240	If the truck is original as you say it is then you have a gem in the making and I would keep it original. If things have been modifed/swapped/upgraded beyond the possibilty of the truck being considerd original, then do what your heart desires. IMO, Sonny

03-07-2005, 08:21 PM	#5
shifty Questionable Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Atlanta Posts: 13,376	It stays locked in the garage. My 6-8month old 2004 Accord EX sits out on the street. I think it might be angry at me right now Strongly considering buying an rebuilt I-6 for $350 from someone here in town as a temp and putting PS and PB for now and selling my Honda to a CarMax dealership. No need for two cars when you have the truck you've always dreamed about I don't have the slightest idea what to put in it motorwise. I don't want to race it, but I miss the balls that my '03 Sierra had. Had to sell that one for the Honda b/c it wouldn't fit in my garage.

03-07-2005, 08:32 PM	#6
Dual quad Smell that burnin' rubber Join Date: Sep 2000 Location: Ontario Posts: 171	I've always done mods on mine that could be undone and put back stock if I so chose. Remember to keep all parts and pieces that you remove or displace.

03-07-2005, 09:14 PM	#9
Hook'em Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: Round Rock, Texas Posts: 858	Since it is that close to stock, I would work to keep it that way. On the other hand, I love to see old trucks saved from utter demise and rodded up. __________________ Hook'em

03-07-2005, 09:20 PM	#10
shifty Questionable Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Atlanta Posts: 13,376	I guess the better question to ask would be: With the number of trucks that are made for this year and model and options, will it really put a dent in anything to rod it out? I mean, let's face it, it's not like this is a '64 Impala SS with matching numbers or anything...

03-07-2005, 10:00 PM	#11
XXL Señor Member Join Date: May 2002 Location: Edge of the world Posts: 5,367	__________________ Craigslist \| ebay \| Engrishtees \| www.myattitudesucks.com \| Follow me on Twitter

03-07-2005, 10:07 PM	#12
70c10 67-72 Addict! Join Date: Feb 2002 Location: The TAX State! Posts: 7,857	That is a nice truck you got there!. I personally prefer custom modifications but that is a tough call. It seems to me customized trucks bring more unless it's a special model with a big block, all the nice trim and all kinds of options. __________________ Jim 1970 C/10 Fleetside w/Ghost Flames Lowered 4.5" front and 4" rear (Raked) 355/350 Turbo w/shift kit 10" Redneck Performance Verter w/2500 stall Hooker Super Comps part#2808-1 Performer RPM Air-Gap 12 Bolt w/3:73 gears- Eaton Posi Comp Cams XE262 with 1.6 Crane Energizers, Road Demon 625 and Brodix IK 180 heads

03-07-2005, 10:37 PM	#13
71swb4x4 Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Brookings, SD Posts: 10,497	Build it how you've always imagined it to be, whether it's stock or not. That's why you bought it __________________ Some people are like slinkies, they aren't good for anything, but you can't help but smile when you see one tumble down the stairs.

03-07-2005, 11:37 PM	#14
Hutch Registered User Join Date: Oct 2001 Location: Grapevine, Tx. Posts: 2,142	shifty I would vote for a rodstoration That way you get the best of both worlds. You get the stock look with performance upgrades that would add to the value. I myself try to stay as close to the original as possible. I am also a big fan of the Inline 6. If you want a lot of upgrades try to market it as an original truck and if you can't get what you want then use it as you please. __________________ John Hutchison Grapevine,Texas 68 1/2 t swb 68 Mustang 69 Jaguar 71 1/2 t swb 88 Supra CompTs6m 93 Escort GT 2005 Corolla XRS

03-07-2005, 11:48 PM	#15
CHEVIBUBBA got boost? Join Date: Mar 2005 Posts: 123	easy answer. do you like the luxury, smoothness & high power available in modern muscle?you can make your truck that way & better.+ if you do it right it'll be worth more in ten years than what you've got in it!minus the labor. these trucks are relatively easy to make into nice riding corner carving acceleration machines.



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03-07-2005, 11:59 PM	#16
Low69CST Registered User Join Date: May 2000 Location: Frankfort, Kentucky, USA Posts: 2,163	Build it how you want. I always like originality. I've tried to build mine different than everyone else. If your worried about value then don't mess with the body. As long as the body is straight and solid it should bring good money. I've noticed that a nonoriginal V8 brings more than an original I-6. __________________ '69 CST Short fleetside Lowered, 400 small block, 700R4, 4 wheel disc brakes, front sway bar & rear camaro sway bar (in progress) '87 V10 4x4 Short Fleetside Quad Suspension and Dual Tanks

03-08-2005, 12:04 AM	#17
pissonNOS senior member Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: fort macleod alberta Posts: 2,770	I would consider keeping that I-6 and putting a blower on it, a friend of mine is trying to gte me to do the same he said he seen somewhere on the net about guys getting 1000HP from I-6's dont get mad at me if thats untrue thats just what i was told __________________ 69 GMC bagged

03-08-2005, 12:59 AM	#19
shifty Questionable Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Atlanta Posts: 13,376	Thanks, guys. I really appreciate the feedback. I've always been a fan of custom everything, that's my style. I like to personalize everything. I really love the green, but, eventually it's gotta go because I need to undo the three layers of paint that I see this thing has taken. I'm going to save the important original parts like the glove box door and gauges and the engine (which I think I'm replacing with a rebuilt and souped up I-6 this weekend) and go from there. I know I can make this thing into a beaut', I just need some time and cash (I got the time, got a whole life ahead!) I just really, really need to get power brakes and steering installed ASAP. Tough part will be finding the parts before this weekend to fit my I-6 I love a good challenge! Anyone know good bone yards or used parts places in the Atlanta area?

03-08-2005, 01:08 AM	#20
shortymac83 hmm... Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Culver, Indiana Posts: 1,631	having an I6 is about as personalized as you can get in this "everything's gotta have a V8" world. __________________ 1983 Oldsmobile Delta 88 1967 Chevy C-10 stripper www.fcrperformance.com - wanna go...faster? talk to FCR.

03-08-2005, 01:15 AM	#21
longhorn71 Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: CANADA Posts: 1,681	In my opinion if you are worried about doing massive mods to this one.I would find something a little less original to start with.Either way you go would save it from the crusher.I have seen many low mileage vehicles get ran through the crusher Me and the wife took a load of scrap steel to Edmonton and we wacthed a 67 camaro with vary little rust and was complete become a compact car That was a sad day.It is YOUR truck and what ever YOU deicide to do with it,is up to YOU.Nobody can make those choices for YOU.My 46 chevy coupe was oringal and complete and i rodded it because i wanted to drive it and be able to keep up with traffic.

03-08-2005, 01:16 AM	#22
71RestoRod Registered User Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: Evergreen, CO Posts: 494	I'd rod it, but I'd sure feel guilty about it.

03-08-2005, 02:05 AM	#23
Gary Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Harvest, AL Posts: 545	I like modded/rodded myself, but I wouldn't START with a nearly original truck either, so tough call. My truck was already worked over before I got it, no trim, unoriginal paint, "possibly" unoriginal motor, 98 700r4 trans, late model wheels (that are GONE this week, to be replaced with chrome smoothies on some wicked fat rubber) so I have no qualms rodding the everliving crap outta my truck Had I gotten my hands on a nearly original truck who knows, being me I'da probably still started sawing on it anyway. I like having something that no one else CAN have because I only made one and no one else is likely to be able to duplicate it exactly __________________ Gary Harris 85 Silverado - 87 Grand National 2007 Ardmore Car Show

03-08-2005, 02:28 AM	#24
VetteVet Msgt USAF Ret Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Kalamazoo, Michigan Posts: 8,709	Your last paragraph says it all. You wanta do it and a sweet ride like that deserves to have a sweet motor in it. Not that there's anything wrong with sixers. I 've got one myself. It's an f-150-- shush. Do what you want to to it just like everyone else said. Vettevet 1974 corvette 1967 swb stepside 1988 f-150 1965 harley sportster __________________ VetteVet metallic green 67 stepside 74 corvette convertible 1965 Harley sportster 1995 Harley wide glide Growing old is hell, but it beats the alternative.

03-08-2005, 03:29 AM	#25
JBstor Registered User Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada Posts: 66	No No No! That truck is all wrong for you! Sell me that truck cheap and get something else! I should be the one to paint it yellow with huge flames, and slam it good ! Listen to me! I make sense! (Jedi mind trick) Seriously, do what you want, save the old parts, and enjoy! JB

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