1968 C20-1977 frame

[California gold 68]

Well I finally pulled my head out of my -ss and figured how to post a picture... quite a accomplishment for someone who is so computer challenged I started this build with 1972 chassis and sheet metal, but the frame was kinda crummy and the body was rougher than I first thought. So the search was on...... my brother had a friend who's neighbor had a 1968 C20 and I got it for $200. Next up was a rolling chassis for $500. Really nice frame from a 1977 GMC K2500 with a Dana 44 and 14 bolt rear. Heavy duty 13'' brakes and beefy rear leafs! Started with the rear end and painted it with POR15.... don't get this stuff on your hands.... comes off only with a week's worth of time!!!







My finished truck will be a flat bed. The original bed from the 68 was recycled. It came with a wood bed that was junk. The truck is going to roll on 35's. Really are lighter weight than I wanted for a 3/4T, but the price was right. I was told Yokohama's are pretty decent. Thanks go out to you guys & gals for posting your builds... gives me hope that I'll be rolling by this fall

[California gold 68]

Here are some more photos........ dreaming.... this shows the 396 which is now a 408 cu.in. The engine was built by my brothers friend who builds circle track racing engines. We test fired it on a start up stand... really sounds great!! Nothing to radical... forged crank and pistons,RV cam eldelbrock air gap, 650 carb and MSD pro billet distributor. The trans is a Sm465 and a Np205... about as strong as it gets. The old set up is in the background. My brother had the same set up as I did and didn't have anything going, so when he does I'll be going through the old one and handing it back...thank you!!! This shows the front springs going bye-bye! Lastly, the motor had to be bumped up. Added these motor mounts from DIY4x4 and welded a 3/8'' plate to raise up the BBC for clearance regarding the oil pan.

[California gold 68]

I found some earlier pictures of my 68 and the frame in the process of cleaning.[ATTACH][/ATTACH]

This will keep me busy..........[ATTACH][/ATTACH]


This build at present is in the mock up stage. All the fabricated body mounts will be gusseted after the cab and front clip is removed. I'm just now realizing how much work is ahead of me!

[California gold 68]

I"m starting to think that 35'' tires won't be big enough!! Any suggestions on who makes a good 38''?

[California gold 68]

Today at the shop snapped a photo of the 327 that came with my 68. Didn't have any plans, so I gave it to my brother along with the Turbo 400. It's a far cry from the greasy, oily mess it was. The engine guy that built my BBC also put this together. The last pull on the dyno registered 403 hp! At this time my brother doesn't have a project going for the engine, but we installed a new heating & air system for the engine guy and so it worked out well for the both of them. Can't beat the barter system!

[Mr-Jack]

looks like a good start...hard to tell about the wheel and tire setup from that angle. can't really see how it sets under the wheel wells.

[California gold 68]

Mr Jack, didn't have much room to roll the truck around. My brother was working on his jeep. This angle is a bit better.
The truck ended up setting higher on the frame than I wanted, but with the clearance issues on the frame that's the best I could do. I think Mudder has a 67 or 68 on a 77 chassis as well. I'll run the 35's for a while when it's up and running.

[Mr-Jack]

yeah...looks like a bit of fender gap there...maybe the springs will sag a bit and clear that up...if not...i'd say 37's would fit nice

i have ran Goodyear wrangler MTR's on the street trail rocks mud snow and they work great in all arenas...37x12.50x15 on a 10" wide rim is what i had...i loved them. I'm gonna probably end up running BFG's on my 67 tho

[California gold 68]

Thinking the same as you, 37's maybe 38's.Also, I'll be extending the inner fender. Being that we're a sheet metal shop sure helps!

[Mr-Jack]

i think you also just allowed me to finalize my decision on rims...i've been debating on them for a while between the uniques like yours sort of with a street lock look or the classic mt II's. i like the black rims...and i think the street lock will hide the weights they use for balancing pretty nicely as well.

yeah i'd definatly roll it for a while to let the springs cycle and settle before getting new tires...you never know you might just end up liking the 35's...but too much gap bugs me...hell the 40's on my blazer look small sometimes.

[1985-GMC]

Cool build, Im doing the same thing with my 1985 gmc going on a 1980 k20 frame. I need to sit down one day and put my build on here!