66 "Big Blue" Project - Custom

[yalpngulp]

Ok, I have decided to start a build thread of my 66 C20, that is being converted to a C10. If you are into original trucks, this is not the thread for you lol. It is getting many custom touches along the way. I bought this truck last spring and have been chipping away at it since, so I'll try to get this post up to date. The first pics are from the original sale ad that I bought it from.

Some modifications so far are:
automatic tranny
1/2 ton axle conversion
2 1/2" dropped spindles
front disc brakes
2" lowering blocks on rear
suicide side swing tailgate with actuator to open at the push of a button
shaved stake holes
class 3 hitch hiding behind a homemade rollpan with custom taillights
shaved stock taillights
custom grille (modified from a gmc grille)
HID headlights and custom lenses

Upcoming mods:
flush mount steel tonneau cover with actuators to open
front flip hood
helper airbags
bucket seats
custom console
tilt auto column from late 70's van
custom front rollpan
smoothie tailgate
front and rear sway bars
20" Riddler wheels

The truck is going to be used to tow my car hauler to the track. So it's for show and tow so I'm keeping the 3/4 suspension with helper springs

[yalpngulp]

I have a not so professional photochop of the finished product, other than the ride height will be a bit higher than the pic. Also, are some more pics of the original ad and the 20" wheels I bought for it

[bubba327]

Looks like a sound truck to start a project with. Is it an original Canadian truck or one that has moved north?? It appears to be in pretty straight condition.
Take lots of pictures and we will follow along with you and your progress

[yalpngulp]

I guess I'll start with the swing-out tailgate since I've spent more time on that than anything else. I wanted to do this truck low budget so I made my own hinges from 1 1/2 x 1/4" steel for the arms, 2" square tubing for the base and then I just used 5/8 round tubing that I drilled to size for the bushings. This drawing is an overhead view of the setup. I've seen people inquire as to how it can be done so I wanted to share.

[yalpngulp]

Originally Posted by bubba327

Looks like a sound truck to start a project with. Is it an original Canadian truck or one that has moved north?? It appears to be in pretty straight condition.
Take lots of pictures and we will follow along with you and your progress

It is a Canadian truck from Niagara Falls, It was used on a peach farm to haul fruit to the Toronto market. Only summer driven and stored in the winter so it survived very well. I haven't taken alot of pics so far but i will do for the rest of the build for everyone to see as well as myself in the end, if there ever is an end lol

[yalpngulp]

The bed I want to do will be the smooth stainless strips with a flush mounted gas filler. I have a tank from a swap meet for a 70 or 71 Mustang. that measures up to be perfect for the frame rails. The cap is an aftermarket popup Harley Davidson cap. Like the on in the pic

[piratexpress1369a]

any updates ..where in ontario are you

[CRGRS 66]

Originally Posted by piratexpress1369a

any updates ..where in ontario are you

x2, and x2

[yalpngulp]

Originally Posted by piratexpress1369a

any updates ..where in ontario are you

I live near Oshawa.

I have a ton of updates...I never really got any feedback through this thread so I figured nobody was interested in what I was building.

I will try to post and catchup on what has been done.

Here is pics from last month.

I'll keep posting to catch up as I can

[yalpngulp]

Here is a pic of the airbags installed. The tailgate Frame is roughed out for the suicide swing gate.

[yalpngulp]

Starting Paint.

[yalpngulp]

more paint and box is on.

[yalpngulp]

paint completed

[yalpngulp]

last pics of paint. Now keep in mind this is only a temporary paint job, I have tons of mods to do yet.

[yalpngulp]

now to work on the tailgate. I started by shaping the top of the skin on a piece of pipe then attached it with screws at the top of the frame, put ratchet straps to help get it to shape and used a dead blow hammer to convince it to stay.

[yalpngulp]

I know I have been throwing a mouthful of pics and progress and I for sure am missing details, feel free to ask questions.

[kikkegek]

damn, car looks killer....cant waite for the updates...any info on those headlights? I Kind of like the blueish color they have.

[yalpngulp]

I got the headlights from a local rice rocket shop tooltymecarstuff.ca , they were only $40 each. Then I added 8000k HID lights to them. I also hooked relays on the wiring for extra power so not to draw too much to the stock wiring. I have seen the blue lights online before.

[Dinos63]

Cool stuff nice work!!

[CRGRS 66]

looking good! you have been a busy boy!
Have you been dealing with Bill's at all?

[yalpngulp]

Originally Posted by CRGRS 66

looking good! you have been a busy boy!
Have you been dealing with Bill's at all?

he makes alot of money from me lol

[kgmunro]

wow nice work! what kind of latch are you using to hold the rear gate shut?

[yalpngulp]

Originally Posted by kgmunro

wow nice work! what kind of latch are you using to hold the rear gate shut?

from a 70 blazer tailgate

[piratexpress1369a]

nice job ..love the tail gate..is that gun metal on the grill . have you taking it out for a spin yet

[yalpngulp]

Originally Posted by piratexpress1369a

nice job ..love the tail gate..is that gun metal on the grill . have you taking it out for a spin yet

thanks. yes the grill is gunmetal. I took it to a car show last week, I had a couple of issues with it, but they're resolved now.

The truck hasn't been on the road since 1980, so she's bound to have a few problems.