slowcpe's '67 swb C10

[slowcpe]

So I decided I'm getting too old and fat for my car and picked up really the only thing I would rather have than my Mustang. I've wanted one since I was a kid as my grandpa had nothing but old Red Chevy Pickups. I used to own his '77 swb 4x4 but reluctantly sold it when I started my company 9 years ago. After getting permission (and encouragement) I set out to find a '67-'72 C10. I ended up with a 1967 swb with a '72 front end.

The truck is a roller and body is ok. The frame appears to be damn near perfect and only the usual rust on the cab. The front clip is in pretty decent shape. The bed was originally a long bed and whoever did the work didn't hide it very well. I'll eventually replace the bed or put a new floor and bedsides on, but for now I'll teach myself body work. For what I'm wanting to do and the purchase price of the truck, this is a great starting point to make the truck exactly how I want it.

Plans are:

Powdercoat the frame
New suspension (undecided on a static drop or air ride)
5.3/6.0 engine with cam
Hopefully a T-56 but may settle on a 4l60/80 transmission
Build the rearend
5-lug/4-wheel disc brakes
Nice set of wheels. Currently like the Chrome Riddler 595s in 20x8s/20x10s. (This will be towards the end so I'm sure my mind will change 1000x)
May start off with a set of 15x8/15x10 draglites if I can score some nice used ones.
Get it on the road and enjoy it
Later on finish out the body with a '67-'68 front end
Paint it red. Considering a matte red.
A/C

Since the truck is a roller I am in need of a whole bunch of parts. In the next few days I will be cleaning it up and start my list. The truck came with a 5-lug disc conversion setup and new cab corners.

This will be a slow moving project at first, but I will try and update as much as possible.

Here are a couple of pics. Note the front clip is only held in place by two bolts. Should line up well with the remaining bolts.

[68bowtie]

sounds like fun!

[71swb4x4]

Looks like a great start. How about some more pictures of the notch?

[slowcpe]

I'll post some pics of the car tomorrow.

Picked up a clutch/brake pedal assembly today so I have that if I go manual. Truck is setup for auto. Also started cleaning up some of the interior pieces.

Made a cool discovery while measuring the rearend to see which 12-bolt I have. It appears the truck already has a posi carrier. There's one part I might not have to buy.

Still doing a lot of reading/learning. It feels good to be out in the garage again building something. Haven't done it in about 9-10 years.

[Xeen]

Welcome to the board.
Do you plan on putting a 67 front clip back on it?

[slowcpe]

Yes that is the plan. I like the '72 front end but the 67-68 is my favorite.

[Xeen]

That's a really nice shop you got there, do you plan on putting in a lift?

[slowcpe]

I would love to but with 4 vehicles and a 21' boat I don't have the room. Either I would have to get rid of the boat or her car would have to sit outside. Pretty sure neither one is going to happen. Lol

Thanks

[slowcpe]

Not much progress to the truck other than collecting parts and cleaning. Got most of the interior out and now working on the front end. Most of my interior trim pieces are cleaned/polished. Now I'm about to start restoring the steering wheel. Also scored a sweet deal on a brass 4-core radiator w/electric fan.

While not truck related I decided to add more lights to the garage. Got tired of working in a cave. Wow what a difference (2) 8' lights make. Btw I have two from Lowe's and these came from Menards. The Menards where $5 cheaper and like them better. Still need more but this was a huge improvement. Next weekends project is to add drops for my air compressor and finish up insulation then it's time to tear into the truck!

Pick of the garage with new lights.

[slowcpe]

Here's a pick of the car in its natural habitat.

[Bomp]

Welcome to the forum.
That is one nice shop there.
Boat would look real good in an added on lean-to so you can have more room for the truck.
I have to hang my extra projects but that a whole nuther story.

Looks like you have a solid plan on the build.

Sub'd

[slowcpe]

Thanks. After having the boat sit under a carport for a couple of years and in the garage the last 2, its not going anywhere. Its so nice to back it in the garage, unhook and leave it. Plus working on it in the winter is sooo much nicer.

To make more room and increase the truck budget, the Mustang is going up for sale.

[slowcpe]

Progress should start speeding up now. Well once deer season is over. Sold the Mustang Saturday, which was bittersweet, so now I have a nice little starter budget.

Spent Saturday rearranging the garage to get the truck in a position for tear down. Sunday was spent watching football and the race while pulling the front end and start cleaning the frame.

I acquired a few more parts: a nice '67-68 hood, a '67-72 auto/tilt steering column, and tires/wheels. The wheels aren't exactly what I want but the price was really nice and will make the truck look good in the garage. This allows me to free up some money for other stuff. I'm sure this truck will see its fair share of wheels.

Friday I went up and visited Ridetech since they are only an hour away from home. Toured the facility, checked out their rides, and took a ride in their C10 shop truck, Gumby. Left very impressed and I believe I'm going to now go with their A-arms, coilovers, and HQ shocks.

Here's some pics: