my C20 build thread

[moregrip]

The start:


The rough plan:

OK, I think I've got some details together......still researching but a plan is forming.........as you might expect at this stage everything is subject to change, however, one of my goals is that nothing on this build is going to be spendy if I can help it. Ideally I'd like to re-use the things I already own or keep the stuff I have to buy on a solid budget without cheaping out.

Exterior-I will most likely be doing all bodywork and paint myself. What does that mean? Kiss. Unless I get inspired the plan is to go with a solid color. Haven't decided if I'll keep the trim or not. Probably something like Summits paint system or Duplicolors Paint Shop stuff or equivalent. Still thinking about what bumpers I'll use, if any, and finish.

Interior-Ditching the bench seat and going with some buckets from either Scat or Corbeau. Price will most likely be the decider or just being able to drive to one of them to find a seat I like. Probably incorporate a center jump-seat of some kind or console. Will install the Clifford Alarm I have laying around with a mild sound system (thinking one set of components and a subwoofer). Use the 3 hides of leather I have had forever on the interior, think dash/doors/headliner/sun visors.

Suspension: Nothing high dollar. Obtain a late model disc brake equipped 14bolt 10.5" FF axle. Convert it for use on the C20; Install the Eaton Posi-traction I have laying around (thinking 4.56 gears). Use the late model Hotchkis drop leaf springs I have laying around and mount them inline with the frame (think BIG tires) with a flip kit and C-Notch or whatever it takes. Mount shocks outboard of the frame rails, install factory sway bar (urethane bushings). Front suspension will be Made in the USA drop spindles and springs, factory sway bar/urethane bushings. looking at around a 5-6/7-8 static drop total or whatever it turns out to be.

Frame/Bed: Cut and weld longbed to shortbed. Cut and weld frame 14" to fit the shortbed. Depending on how the bed turns out, may purchase new bedsides (TBD)

Body: Haven't made up my mind on a stock or cowl induction hood. The condition of the stock hood will most likely be the decider. Would love one piece side windows but that may not be in the budget. Would love installing the rear window more like the late model stuff (i.e. no rubber boot) but that may also not be in the budget. Will probably ditch the molding/trim pieces as it's cheaper to get rid of them than replace. custom license plates are on order!

Drivetrain: Will be the Magnacharged LQ4/4L80e combo I already have. A friend of mine and myself built the motor back in 2005 at West Coast Racing Cylinder Heads in the SFV. Super strong, but needs some cosmetic tlc. the 4l80 was built by Art Carr in Huntington Beach, CA.....great guy!

I guess the one high$$ thing I'd like would be a Gear Vendors overdrive but if that ever happens it won't be anytime soon.

that's it for now. I'm new to the squarebody community so any help/advice/critique/whatever is much appreciated.

[MadManAndrew]

My only question is why a C20? There's plenty of shortbed C10's around, why not start with one of those rather than chopping a perfectly good 3/4 ton that somebody would love to use for its intended purpose.
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[Billy81]

Maybe he wants to be different everyone builds 1/2 ton short beds but not too many people build C20's.

[moregrip]

Originally Posted by MadManAndrew

My only question is why a C20? There's plenty of shortbed C10's around, why not start with one of those rather than chopping a perfectly good 3/4 ton that somebody would love to use for its intended purpose.
Posted via Mobile Device

Originally Posted by Billy81

Maybe he wants to be different everyone builds 1/2 ton short beds but not too many people build C20's.

Being different is never a bad thing in my book and has a certain cool factor for sure, but the main reason I'm switching to a shortbed is I prefer the look. So why a C20?............ 8 lug strength primarily.....and that the associated parts typically spec'd with them (i.e. 4l80e, th400, steering components, brakes, etc.) are stronger.
With the amount of power I'm going to be pushing and because I already have alot of 8lug stuff I figured I'd continue on with it as a cost saver

forgot to mention.....

Wheels: Re-use 20" billet 8lug wheels/tires and 16" rear drag wheels/tires for the track.

[moregrip]

Here are some of the parts I will be re-using:

track

street

engine/trans

TVS2300

rear diff


I think those are all the old pics I can scrounge up for now.....if I find more I'll post them up.

[luifer76]

wow some nice stuff you have there bro.....

[luifer76]

truck looks like is in one piece too nice find....

[moregrip]

Originally Posted by luifer76

wow some nice stuff you have there bro.....

Originally Posted by luifer76

truck looks like is in one piece too nice find....

thanks brother! It was either find a project for my stuff or sell it off and start over.........lol...........it just makes it more cost effective to use what I have in the long run. The truck is complete minus the engine. Had a 454 in it. Can't wait to tow it home from the hobby shop on base and start tearing into it! I've been reading your build (along with others) trying to learn all I can and get my thoughts together on how I wan't to proceed

[moregrip]

here are some pics of the truck when it was in storage:

[bharrison1]

Looks like a great truck to start with!

[moregrip]

Originally Posted by bharrison1

Looks like a great truck to start with!

Thanks bro......i believe it to be a solid starting point........wont know for sure until the tear down. Fingers crossed!
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[oldone]

Best of luck during the "discovery" stage...

[moregrip]

Originally Posted by oldone

Best of luck during the "discovery" stage...

thank you sir!

BREAK

Am I over thinking this?

My thought.....use a late model 14bolt 10.5" rear end that from the 2500HD's as it comes with a very nice disc brake stock w/parking brake. I have all the bearings/seals needed on hand to rebuild that assembly plus a NIB Eaton Posi.
For the front, see if there's a way to use late model spindles from the same platform for the same reason. plus it will keep my wheel studs both metric. your thoughts? I know I'm probably overlooking some things here.

[moregrip]

also, I know a long shot, with the late model stuff coming with ABS, and both assemblies having the appropriate sensors, I wonder if down the road I could incorporate the ABS system?

[luifer76]

Originally Posted by moregrip

thanks brother! It was either find a project for my stuff or sell it off and start over.........lol...........it just makes it more cost effective to use what I have in the long run. The truck is complete minus the engine. Had a 454 in it. Can't wait to tow it home from the hobby shop on base and start tearing into it! I've been reading your build (along with others) trying to learn all I can and get my thoughts together on how I wan't to proceed

is gonna be sweet bro....keep us posted of the progress as you go....

[moregrip]

Originally Posted by luifer76

is gonna be sweet bro....keep us posted of the progress as you go....

will do

I haven't cleaned an old dirty frame down to metal in about 20yrs! looking forward to it. The first time I did I used a wire wheel and drill motor! lmao!

[CrazyDave]

man you are starting with a clean piece nice start

[luifer76]

Originally Posted by moregrip

will do

I haven't cleaned an old dirty frame down to metal in about 20yrs! looking forward to it. The first time I did I used a wire wheel and drill motor! lmao!

lol.....

[moregrip]

Originally Posted by CrazyDave

man you are starting with a clean piece nice start

thank you

Originally Posted by luifer76

lol.....

it is the truth! who knows.....I may do it that way again

[luifer76]

any updates bro?....

[moregrip]

finally on its way home!!

[moregrip]

few pics in the driveway:





found a little rot:



a little more of the interior condition:



no idea if this is original:

[luifer76]

good to see you go it home bro.... can't wait to see the progress as you go.

[luifer76]

my father n law has a long bed c10 that he's giving to my wife we just have to find a way to get it home he lives 6 hrs away from us and she wants to make it a short bed so im gonna take notes on your build when you cut the frame to make it a shortbed ...

[moregrip]

Originally Posted by luifer76

my father n law has a long bed c10 that he's giving to my wife we just have to find a way to get it home he lives 6 hrs away from us and she wants to make it a short bed so im gonna take notes on your build when you cut the frame to make it a shortbed ...

no worries, I'm going to roughly follow the way they cut the frame on Car Fix. Although details where left out I think I'll be able to piece a decent plan together. So far the truck bed looks to be in really great shape so I'll probably cut it as well vs buying a short bed (unless) something pops up I just can't refuse