1968 C10 Snow Bird

[68anthony]

This build is for my cousin's wife. He didn't know what kind of truck but he wanted a truck that was for sure. We decided to go with a C10. This is a great looking truck and easy to get parts for. I started looking on craigslist for a truck and since I live in Arizona it was not hard to find a project truck. Me and my friend drove up to Payson and picked up this sweet ride a 1968 C10. This truck was all original. The bed was even full of snow when we picked her up. The kids thought this was awesome since we don't really get snow in mesa. Once we got it home it wasn't long until we got it running and driving. It did not run very well but it was fun to cruise it up and down the street. We picked this truck up from the original owners grandson. His grandpa bought this truck in 1968 and drove it every day. This truck is an original Arizona truck it worked it whole life in Bagdad Arizona. Now the fun begins give this old girl a new life. I am naming this build Snow Bird since it had a bed full of snow when we brought it to the shop.

[68anthony]

some pictures of the disassembly

[68anthony]

more

[68anthony]

Time to tackle the bed. The bed floor on this truck was shot. I didn't realize how bad it was until the snow melted. All the bolts were rusted and pretty much a pain to get out we ended up plasma cutting most of it apart. I never really intended on using the original bed floor anyway.

[68anthony]

Once the bed was disassembled it was on to the front end.

[68anthony]

I thought I would try and save some money by sanding on the body parts my self. That got old pretty quick even with my big compressor and air sanders this is not something that I enjoy doing. So the parts went to media blast, this was much more enjoyable. I don't even know why I tried you can not compete with media blast. It seems like it is just something I have to remind my self on every build I hate sanding down old paint.

[68anthony]

I started working on the cnotch when the cab was at media blast. I wanted to make one that could be bolted in or welded in. My intention is to try and make some of the suspension parts and sell them on here. This cnotch is my prototype, I cut the top and side plates on my cnc mill. When I make more I would like to have the parts laser cut. I think it would be nice for some of the home builders to sell a unwelded kit. It would be a little cheaper and easier to ship. This would make it easier for those people that do not have all the tools to fabricate some of these parts but can weld them together. If you guys would like to see a unwelded kit sold on here let me know. If I have enough interest I will make more time to get this going.

[68anthony]

New wheels. Foose Legend Chrome wheels.

[68anthony]

I modified the 6 lug axles to fit the new 5 lug wheels. Welded up the old holes refaced and turned the flanges to fit the disk brake rotors and they are good as new.

[68anthony]

I have also been working on my trailing arms. I was not able to use the original ones because they were pretty messed up. They also do not look very cool. One of them was actually broken in half where the U bolt goes through. That was kind of funny esp since I had been driving the truck a little. Making new trailing arms was pretty easy once I figured out how I wanted them to look. I thought it would be easiest if I made some threaded bungs and used heims on the end that mounts to the cross member. Decided to go with 1.0-14 heims and used some spacers to reduce the bolt size to 3/4. Milled out my axle block's and turn the spring cups. Welded everything up and had some nice new trailing arms.

[68anthony]

I went to the Turn Key shop to check out some engine packages they have. Pretty cool shop Tons of custom engines to choose from with every kind of modification you can think of. I went just to pick out a LS327 for this build. Its nothing to crazy just a good all around engine with about 350 hp. This kit comes with everything you need to do a motor swap, I highly recommend Turn key. I also went with a 4l60e transmission which they provided to me. Every thing showed up at my shop in one big crate it was awesome.

[stfinney]

I want one!! lol

[68anthony]

Turn Key makes the install super easy. I helped my friend Install one of their Ecotec motors into his sand rail and it is literally 5 wires and you are up and running.

[hardcore4life]

Are they easier and cheaper than going through GM Performance Parts for their E-Rod set up?

[68anthony]

I looked into the E-Rod set up when I was making my decision. It didn't seem like it was much cheaper. I got everything for about 10K that included the trans.

http://www.turnkeyenginesupply.com/

Standard Items on ALL Turn Key Engines:
Street Package Includes

Flywheel or Flexplate
Mass airflow sensor
Starter
Ceramic coated block hugger headers
Complete Accessories
Alternator
Water Pump
Serpentine Belt System
Brackets and Tensioners
Complete Ignition - 5-Wire Hook-Up
Coil packs
Spark plugs and wires
Delphi ECM with Turn Key calibration
Custom marine grade engine wiring harness
Uses all OEM connectors
Electric fan controls
Fuse block and relays
Complete Detail Package
Engine oil and filter
K&N air filter
Hardware kit
Motor mount bolts
Oil temperature sending unit port
Water temperature sending unit port
Engine covers
Cable drive throttle body
Installation guide
Complete AN Fitted Fuel System
EFI fuel pump kit
AN fitted fuel rails
Pre-filter
Post-filter
Fuel pressure regulator
AN-6 & AN-8 fittings
O-rings & crush washers
O2 sensors

Options:
Power steering pump
AC compressor
Motor Mount Adapter plates
4L60E

[68anthony]

I got some parts from Classic Industries. Got every thing to put together a new bed. I am pretty stoked to put the bed together it will be a night and day difference from the original one.

[68anthony]

Media blasting and powder coating is a great way to make old parts look better than new. I have been using the hot coat system that Eastwood sells for some time now. http://www.eastwood.com/dual-voltage...arter-kit.html This is a great product for the the occasional powder coater. I have not found anything that I couldn't powder coat. Used in conjunction with prismatic powders the possibilities are endless.http://www.prismaticpowders.com/ The only thing that limits your capabilities is the size of oven you have.

[lolife99]

What a great truck build!
Subscribiing to watch this one.

[Squareforceone]

nice

[72BlckButy]

High quality build. Nice work!

[68anthony]

I was able to set the motor and trans in place finally. I got the motor mounts and trans crossmember from cpp. This was super easy, I had it installed in about an hour or less. The adapter plates that I got from Turn Key were right on point also.

[1968k10blue]

Subscribed! Looking forward to what you do to this thing!

[knomadd]

I wish I had that kind of space to work in. I like the motor/trans combo. Subscribed!

[Mr Chevorlet]

Nice build i see happening and a very nice place to do the work.

[68anthony]

Thanks Guys. This is at my home shop. I have been wanting to post some pictures of my shop on the forum, just need to do a quick clean up and snap some photos.