Project "Andes" - Halen's First Truck

[5150]

I've been looking for a SWB truck for my 7 year old little girl, Halen, for a few months now. The problem is that I didn't want to spend hardly anything since I knew that it will be a 8 year build. Saw this 1969 SWB truck on Craigslist south of Nashville and went to pick it up this afternoon. Got it for almost nothing and it's a good start for something that will be a slow build. Cab is shot, but the doghouse is pretty decent and the SWB needs some work, but they're hard to come by, at least around here they are.

I'm sure this build will change directions a thousand different ways before December 16th, 2020. The only certainty(for now) is that she wants it pink. I know I'll lower it by springs, not bags, probably a 4/6 drop, or lower if I can. Haven't decided on the drivetrain. Don't exactly know what to give a 16 year old girl. Thought about a 250, but thinking about a 4.3 Vortec.

Her input so far has been pink and she would like me to swap it to stepside.

[oldblue1968chevy]

Heyyy I saw this on craigslist, I was looking for a frame.

Cool build! Maybe the TN guys can get together someday lol

[CG]

That is awesome! You will probably have it done before my panel lol (6 years and counting). Now don't you need one more ?

[5150]

There's another one on Craigslist for $450 obo. I think it's over in Chapmansboro. It's already 5 lug also. May have been a better deal then this one. The cab is shot, but the doors are salvageable, hood, fenders, and the SWB is fixable.

[Ron 586]

Good job B. I know it will be sharp when you get done with it.I think your "best helper" will learn alot by the time you get finished with it.

[krazy_texan]

Got to go with atleast a decent 350 so she can smoke the tired good and show off to all the boys at school lol
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[5150]

Probably LS.
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[Xeen]

I love this idea, what a great dad.
Her first whip will be a vintage Chevy pickup thats hard to beat.
It will also be safe I noticed it has the factory mounts for the 3-point seatbelts so thats a major plus but you can make it much safer.
Being a dad myself safety is a huge consideration and I have a couple of ideas for you.
With safety in mind grab yourself a factory power front disk setup off of a 71-72, add the front sway bar if it didnt come with one, add a Rear Sway Bar and of course lower it for a more stable center of gravity.
Also you may want to consider doing the rear disk conversion for that added stopping power because when it comes to safety being able to stop really fast is king and with that in mind you will want to grab an aftermarket brake master cylinder and prop valve for the 4 wheel disk setup.
A quick ratio power steering box would also be a really good idea, because if she cant brake her way out of trouble she needs to be able to steer her way out.
Be ready to spend some money on tires because you will want to take her out somewhere she can learn to drift that beast so she can be an Ice cold Ace behind the steering wheel because there is no replacement for advanced driving skills.
You will also want to grab a Tilt Steering Column with a 14" steering wheel, girls are generaly shorter and not being able to see over the steering wheel is a problem.
This will make the truck as safe to operate as possible Dad.
I am looking forward to watching this build over the next 8 years, and remember you have all the time in the world so take your time and make it a pickup she will be proud of.

[5150]

The cab is toast so I won't be using it. Odds are it will receive buckets from the later model chevy trucks with integrated seatbelts. I hadn't thought about the rear disc conversion, I'm sure it would have occurred to me. That's a definite upgrade that I will make. It will definitely get lowered, 4/6 or 5/7.

[aggie91]

Great to see you getting her involved from the start. My daughter is 9 but she does not want an old car, plus she has two older brothers that will be driving sooner. I started with my oldest on his truck nearly 3 years ago and we only have 20 weeks left to finish his by his 16th birthday, the time will go by FAST!

I'll be watching!!

[5150]

Picked up another cab the other day. Rusbuilt was nice enough to drop it off.
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[Ol Blue K20]

Nice find congrats, let me know when you sell the stuff you don't want. I could use both upper fender moldings LOL

[5150]

I'm not using them, so remind me and I'll get them off.

[AMERICAN PICK-UP]

I like it. keep up the good work. young people should have a nice project to keep them busy. they are far too many kids addicted to video games these days. this will be a good father-daughter project. good luck with the truck.

[Ol Blue K20]

Originally Posted by 5150

I'm not using them, so remind me and I'll get them off.

Thanks, just let me know it's no rush.

[Rusbuilt]

Originally Posted by 5150

Picked up another cab the other day. Rusbuilt was nice enough to drop it off.
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Glad I could help Bryan! Plus it helps me too!

[5150]

We started tearing the front end off of it today. Trying to find out what is usable and what is not. It's also a little in front of the garage door that the burb is in. I need to get the burb out in a couple of weeks so I need to scoot the truck over a bit.

[VA72C10]

Just noticed the link....will follow along! Hope i can convince my girls they want vintage iron

[Hardesty454]

Awesome. This looks like it will be fun to watch. She doesnt like the fleet? Shoot, Ill swap ya for my stepper! its already off and in pieces!

[5150]

Ron, I'd take you up on that in a heartbeat if you were closer. I'll be out your way for the Brothers show, but I don't think I can fit that in the overhead bin.
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[Hardesty454]

Originally Posted by 5150

Ron, I'd take you up on that in a heartbeat if you were closer. I'll be out your way for the Brothers show, but I don't think I can fit that in the overhead bin.
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Whaaa!?? its not a carry on item? I wonder how much shipping would be between the two back and forth.....

The Brothers show is still about 8 hours south of me :/

plus my fenders are modified for the tail lights to be inset... some dont like that style. But id love to swap!

[keh27]

glad she's having fun with it. I have finally started on my stepper.

[5150]

Originally Posted by Hardesty454

Whaaa!?? its not a carry on item? I wonder how much shipping would be between the two back and forth.....

The Brothers show is still about 8 hours south of me :/

plus my fenders are modified for the tail lights to be inset... some dont like that style. But id love to swap!

Sorry, I saw Riverbank and was thinking Riverside.
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[5150]

Okay, Halen's truck has taken a small turn. The frame was weak in some spots and I didn't trust it, especially when it's your daughter driving it. Sold the frame and made a trade with Rusbuilt for a 67 swb frame that's already been swapped over to 5 lug. Once it warms up we're going to start tearing it down to bare frame.

[Rusbuilt]

We need a picture!! lol