Help needed on 70 Chev - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

wugunguy · 09-07-2005, 06:02 PM

Hello, I am currently working on a 1970 chevy truck. It is a c10 short/fleet side bed, no AC, PS, PB. I am not for sure what it takes to convert it to AC, PS, PB. I am also going to put a stepside/wood bed-I know how to to this, just need the metal strips that hold the wood togethor and all brackets. Any information on these issues is greatly appreciated.

I am also wanting to lower the entire truck 2"-any help

I am new to the board, so if this has been brought up before, sorry.

thanks

Pete

farside847 · 09-07-2005, 06:15 PM

PB is the easiest by far to do. Here is some info on my install.

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s....php3?t=163387

wugunguy · 09-07-2005, 06:25 PM

Man, this place is quick. My posted has only been up a few minutes and I already have 1 answer I was looking for-Thanks farside847.

Let's see how fast you other guys are.

thanks

Pete

motocrosschump · 09-07-2005, 06:35 PM

www.vintageair.com on the AC

**pjmoreland** · 09-07-2005, 09:25 PM

What side of your engine is your alternator on?

69Goody · 09-07-2005, 09:56 PM

I installed a new Vintage Air unit in my 69 GMC. Although, mine was originally an air cab. Vintage Air carries the system for non air cabs too...but I found this awesome article on classic trucks website on their installation of a Classic Auto Air.
This is being installed in a 67 NON air cab.
http://www.classictrucksweb.com/tech/0408cl_air/
Good luck!

wugunguy · 09-08-2005, 09:56 PM

Alternator is on the passenger side. Again, thanks for the help on the AC installation.

Pete

**VetteVet** · 09-08-2005, 11:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by farside847

PB is the easiest by far to do. Here is some info on my install.

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s....php3?t=163387

Nice post now when are you going to do the HEI conversion and the internal
regulated alternator conversion. We need more Pics. LOL

*FormerMember* · 09-09-2005, 12:52 AM

What shape is the bed in?

I may be interested in it.

Converting your bed to wood.

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s....php3?t=169893

Early Classic Enterprises for lowering springs and shocks or spindles and shackles:

http://www.earlyclassic.com

shifty · 09-09-2005, 01:09 AM

I created a decent thread with pictures on how to do the HEI upgrade over in the FAQ forum. You should check it out.

Power brakes - simply add a booster on.

Power steering - you'll need a power steering gearbox, both hydraulic lines, a power steering pump/resevoir with the correct pulley on it, the pump bracket to mount it to the block, and the pitman arm for the power steering gearbox is different, so you'll need a new one of those with the rag joint as well, if memory serves right. Chances are you can buy a whole used setup from someone at the forum for around $200. Visit the parts forum for more information on that. Vendors like 'teeitup' and PICKMUP (sp?) usually have lots of salvage parts on hand.

Lowering you can use springs for a quick 2" drop if you don't have leafs in the rear. Otherwise, lowered springs in the front and blocks in the rear are possible. You could always cut or heat the springs with a torch also, but ... you lose some of the necessary resistance on the spring when you do either, which will give you a bouncier ride in many cases. The best possible suspension and handling upgrade you can do is adding a swaybar. You'll be amazed by the difference.

As for A/C, you might as well go aftermarket. If you didn't have A/C at stock, you probably do not have the vent hole above the radio, nor the ones on the dash next to the glovebox and the gauges. The only vents you'll probably have are on the floor and in the top of the dash (defrost). I have the same thing in mine. There are lots of aftermarket solutions. Here is an install of Vintage Air, which is highly recommended by lots of people:

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...75#post1310375

There are several very informative threads floating around here on the subject. Expect to drop about $1k-1.5k on the aftermarket air. It's a lot colder and easier to take care of and get recharged than the stock air from the 70's was.

HeavyD · 09-09-2005, 04:12 AM

Too bad we live a million miles apart..I would sell you my complete running 71 with power steering for $400. The p.s. and p.b will be easy to find, and now might be a good opportunity to swap to discs if you want to upgrade your braking a bit.

wugunguy · 09-10-2005, 08:54 PM

Wow, thanks gus for the great advice and information. I am a new guy and basically have all my questions answered now.

Grendal-The bed is in fair shape with the usual dings/dents, one fender is beat up on the rear. The floor is decent-no rusting through-has some pitting and it likes like if was used for hauling some heavier loads as the floor is bowed a little between cross members-not bad could probably be pounded out. Both fenders have a little rust in normal sponts but nothing horibble. Would be a good work truck bed or daily driver bed if not worried about cosmetics, but could be fixed up with some work/time.

I actually have a guy wanting to come look at it-he asked the same questions you did after I posted this forum. Not sure what will come of it but it is definitely for sale.

Shifty-Simply amazing, I greatly appreciate all the info.

Heavy-If it weren't for this 800.00 a gallon gas, I would be interested, I love road trips and love the North-nice and cool. I went to TX to get this truck (1630 miles in less than 2.5 days) Is it SB or LB, Fleet or step. I am definetely going to disc-was one of the first things I put on my list to do.

I will try to get some pics up soon, might as well show the heap off.

Again, thanks everyone for all the info

Longhorn Man · 09-10-2005, 09:17 PM

Welcome to the board from central ohio. You'll find everything you'll ever want to know on here...and you'll discover many things you never even considered...yet.

**pjmoreland** · 09-10-2005, 11:18 PM

Since your alternator is on the passenger side, it most likely means that your engine has a long water pump setup from a newer truck ('70s or '80s). If you're adding AC and PS, you might be better off trying to find an entire set of matched pulleys and pumps off of a donor vehicle. It's kind of a pain to try to find a power steering pump if you don't know exactly which year your pulleys are from.

wugunguy · 09-11-2005, 11:39 PM

My truck has rear coil springs, but I am going to put leaf springs on it and lowering it 2 or 3" does anyone have any pics of this conversion-would like to know what I am supposed to end up with.

Does adding the Vintage air system require any cutting to firewall or cab?

thanks

Longhorn Man · 09-12-2005, 12:09 AM

Why would you want to swap to leaf?!?!?!

shifty · 09-12-2005, 09:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wugunguy

Does adding the Vintage air system require any cutting to firewall or cab?

Most people smooth their firewall when adding the Vintage air system, then cut holes in the plates used to smooth it. I really suggest you look at what Taylor did here:

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...75#post1310375

Call Vintage air - they are good guys, very helpful, I've talked to them before. They will tell you all of the possible options with their products. (800) 862-6658 or (210) 654-7171

Here's their website, read the "tech tips" section (link is in the bottom of hte navigation bar on the left). They give good suggestions of things to think about before purchase:

www.vintageair.com

09-07-2005, 06:02 PM	#1
wugunguy 70 C/10-Work in progress Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Kansas Posts: 601	Help needed on 70 Chev Hello, I am currently working on a 1970 chevy truck. It is a c10 short/fleet side bed, no AC, PS, PB. I am not for sure what it takes to convert it to AC, PS, PB. I am also going to put a stepside/wood bed-I know how to to this, just need the metal strips that hold the wood togethor and all brackets. Any information on these issues is greatly appreciated. I am also wanting to lower the entire truck 2"-any help I am new to the board, so if this has been brought up before, sorry. thanks Pete Last edited by wugunguy; 09-07-2005 at 06:22 PM.

09-07-2005, 06:15 PM	#2
farside847 Registered User Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Bay Area, California Posts: 995	PB is the easiest by far to do. Here is some info on my install. http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s....php3?t=163387 __________________ 1971 Chevy C10 Shortbed Stepside, 307v8 3-on-the-tree

09-07-2005, 06:35 PM	#4
motocrosschump Registered User Join Date: May 2005 Location: Texarkana, AR 71854 Posts: 397	www.vintageair.com on the AC __________________ 2006 Titan SE Crew Cab Daily Driver 2005 Mazda Tribute (Wifes car) 1969 C10 SWB 350/3 Fleet "Max" 1969 Chevelle 2 door 350/3

09-07-2005, 09:56 PM	#6
69Goody Registered User Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: Southern Tip of OHIO 45680 Posts: 49	I installed a new Vintage Air unit in my 69 GMC. Although, mine was originally an air cab. Vintage Air carries the system for non air cabs too...but I found this awesome article on classic trucks website on their installation of a Classic Auto Air. This is being installed in a 67 NON air cab. http://www.classictrucksweb.com/tech/0408cl_air/ Good luck! __________________ Only the Mediocre are always at their best... '69 GMC LWB 406, TH400, 3.73 Posi' Things I've learned from my truck...If I was an automaker, my vehicles would be overpriced, run rough, and get 5MPG.

09-08-2005, 09:56 PM	#7
wugunguy 70 C/10-Work in progress Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Kansas Posts: 601	Alternator is on the passenger side. Again, thanks for the help on the AC installation. Pete Last edited by wugunguy; 09-08-2005 at 09:56 PM.

09-07-2005, 06:25 PM	#3
wugunguy 70 C/10-Work in progress Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Kansas Posts: 601	Man, this place is quick. My posted has only been up a few minutes and I already have 1 answer I was looking for-Thanks farside847. Let's see how fast you other guys are. thanks Pete

09-07-2005, 09:25 PM	#5
pjmoreland Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: CA Posts: 5,667	What side of your engine is your alternator on?

09-09-2005, 12:52 AM	#9
FormerMember Account Suspended Join Date: Feb 2004 Posts: 3,051	What shape is the bed in? I may be interested in it. Converting your bed to wood. http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s....php3?t=169893 Early Classic Enterprises for lowering springs and shocks or spindles and shackles: http://www.earlyclassic.com Last edited by FormerMember; 09-09-2005 at 12:53 AM.

09-09-2005, 01:09 AM	#10
shifty Questionable Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Atlanta Posts: 13,376	I created a decent thread with pictures on how to do the HEI upgrade over in the FAQ forum. You should check it out. Power brakes - simply add a booster on. Power steering - you'll need a power steering gearbox, both hydraulic lines, a power steering pump/resevoir with the correct pulley on it, the pump bracket to mount it to the block, and the pitman arm for the power steering gearbox is different, so you'll need a new one of those with the rag joint as well, if memory serves right. Chances are you can buy a whole used setup from someone at the forum for around $200. Visit the parts forum for more information on that. Vendors like 'teeitup' and PICKMUP (sp?) usually have lots of salvage parts on hand. Lowering you can use springs for a quick 2" drop if you don't have leafs in the rear. Otherwise, lowered springs in the front and blocks in the rear are possible. You could always cut or heat the springs with a torch also, but ... you lose some of the necessary resistance on the spring when you do either, which will give you a bouncier ride in many cases. The best possible suspension and handling upgrade you can do is adding a swaybar. You'll be amazed by the difference. As for A/C, you might as well go aftermarket. If you didn't have A/C at stock, you probably do not have the vent hole above the radio, nor the ones on the dash next to the glovebox and the gauges. The only vents you'll probably have are on the floor and in the top of the dash (defrost). I have the same thing in mine. There are lots of aftermarket solutions. Here is an install of Vintage Air, which is highly recommended by lots of people: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...75#post1310375 There are several very informative threads floating around here on the subject. Expect to drop about $1k-1.5k on the aftermarket air. It's a lot colder and easier to take care of and get recharged than the stock air from the 70's was. __________________ If I've got anything up for grabs, it'll be here: 7-hole gauge cluster for a 67-72 p/u FREE (link) I can't check the forum daily. If I don't reply to you within 24 hours, drop me a PM! I'm (hopefully) still alive and will reply faster to a PM.

09-09-2005, 04:12 AM	#11
HeavyD Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: Wakaw, Sask, Canada Posts: 3,180	Too bad we live a million miles apart..I would sell you my complete running 71 with power steering for $400. The p.s. and p.b will be easy to find, and now might be a good opportunity to swap to discs if you want to upgrade your braking a bit. __________________ "You can take the man out of PA, but you can't take PA out of the man"

09-10-2005, 08:54 PM	#12
wugunguy 70 C/10-Work in progress Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Kansas Posts: 601	Wow, thanks gus for the great advice and information. I am a new guy and basically have all my questions answered now. Grendal-The bed is in fair shape with the usual dings/dents, one fender is beat up on the rear. The floor is decent-no rusting through-has some pitting and it likes like if was used for hauling some heavier loads as the floor is bowed a little between cross members-not bad could probably be pounded out. Both fenders have a little rust in normal sponts but nothing horibble. Would be a good work truck bed or daily driver bed if not worried about cosmetics, but could be fixed up with some work/time. I actually have a guy wanting to come look at it-he asked the same questions you did after I posted this forum. Not sure what will come of it but it is definitely for sale. Shifty-Simply amazing, I greatly appreciate all the info. Heavy-If it weren't for this 800.00 a gallon gas, I would be interested, I love road trips and love the North-nice and cool. I went to TX to get this truck (1630 miles in less than 2.5 days) Is it SB or LB, Fleet or step. I am definetely going to disc-was one of the first things I put on my list to do. I will try to get some pics up soon, might as well show the heap off. Again, thanks everyone for all the info Last edited by wugunguy; 09-10-2005 at 09:11 PM.

09-10-2005, 09:17 PM	#13
Longhorn Man its all about the +6 inches Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Hilliard Ohio Posts: 2,693	Welcome to the board from central ohio. You'll find everything you'll ever want to know on here...and you'll discover many things you never even considered...yet.

09-10-2005, 11:18 PM	#14
pjmoreland Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: CA Posts: 5,667	Since your alternator is on the passenger side, it most likely means that your engine has a long water pump setup from a newer truck ('70s or '80s). If you're adding AC and PS, you might be better off trying to find an entire set of matched pulleys and pumps off of a donor vehicle. It's kind of a pain to try to find a power steering pump if you don't know exactly which year your pulleys are from.

09-11-2005, 11:39 PM	#15
wugunguy 70 C/10-Work in progress Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Kansas Posts: 601	My truck has rear coil springs, but I am going to put leaf springs on it and lowering it 2 or 3" does anyone have any pics of this conversion-would like to know what I am supposed to end up with. Does adding the Vintage air system require any cutting to firewall or cab? thanks Last edited by wugunguy; 09-11-2005 at 11:45 PM.

09-12-2005, 12:09 AM	#16
Longhorn Man its all about the +6 inches Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Hilliard Ohio Posts: 2,693	Why would you want to swap to leaf?!?!?!



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