okay all, it's my turn to start a build up thread here.....some of you may be familiar with my 88' blazer build up thread ( http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/showthread.php?t=168231 ).....i built the blaze to take over duties as my daily driver so i could finally get my 68' in the shop.....well the time has come

to make a long story short my plans to build this style truck have beenin the works since my first 71' c10 when i was 14. this is the 4th truck i have purchased of the 67-72 body style in my lifetime...i have parts of the 71' on current 68'.....i tried to track down the original 71' to build it, only to find out it has been made into a trailer....... anyway, i have had my 68' since 2000 and just plain tired of seeing it in primer, here's some pics of the way i have been driving it for last few years....
http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b278/sixty8c10/P1000158.jpg
http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b278/sixty8c10/P1000163.jpg
and here is some pics of it the day prior to going to shop, its got new drop spindles, disk brakes, 2" blocks in the rear, and some new sheet metal....plans included airbags 20's and orange and white paint
http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b278/sixty8c10/P1000245.jpg
http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b278/sixty8c10/P1000246.jpg
updates will be few and far between.....as i am in the army and am deploying for egypt on monday 13 feb.....but i do plan to update as often as possible:metal: :metal: :metal:

Can't wait to see the progress.:D BTW thank you for your service and keep your eyes peeled while you're overseas. You never know what's gonna sneak up on you.:(

Take a lot of pics with the rebuilding and keep us posted.

Many of us here are vets as you know and we support you. Keep an eye out for your buddies, they're families will thank you! Nice 68 chev. looking forward to more progress.

Good Looking Truck....What size of tires are on the 68 right now? I like the looks of those..

Nice! I love seeing new metal bring these things back to life :cool:

Looks like a great project - keep us posted.

thanks guys.....as i said, i will keep you all informed of the build as it comes along...or should i say as i get my updates....the truck is currently residing at "auto artistry" in russell, ks

bab59-you have a pm

what did you do with the four wheel drive parts you took off. Im in the process of rebuilding my truck and want to make it four wheel drive.

nice truck! lots of colors to look at too.

texas69truck - are you asking about the 4wd parts i took off my blazer? those went on the 2wd p/u i took the 2wd parts off of......that truck was sold.....my 68' has always been a 2wd.

I got an update from the shop today, here's a pic:
http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b278/sixty8c10/DSC000271.jpg
He has also got the new front fenders and the hood in primer.

Got another update; Finishing up smoothing the hood
http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b278/sixty8c10/tobystruck2.jpg
Working on smoothing the doors
http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b278/sixty8c10/tobystruck6.jpg
http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b278/sixty8c10/tobystruck4.jpg
Working on filling the cowl
http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b278/sixty8c10/tobystruck7.jpg
Here is another pic of the whole truck
http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b278/sixty8c10/tobystruck.jpg
I will keep you all posted as I get the updates.

got another update yesterday, he's got the cab off
http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b278/sixty8c10/DSC000341.jpg
http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b278/sixty8c10/DSC000331.jpg
found some hail damage on the roof
http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b278/sixty8c10/DSC000311.jpg

Gonna be a sharp one! Thanks for the updates and for your service! :metal:

you're smoothing the cowl?

yeah, i'm smoothing the cowl....i am putting in a/c and have no need for it....i was also very tired of constantly cleaning pine needles out of it.
i just can't make up my mind to shave the door handles or not, it will be driven and don't want the hassle of solenoid failure.

If you don't like the handles and don't want to shave them, why not mold some different handles in? I don't know how or if it would work, but something like 'vette handles are smooth against the body. Just a thought.

Mike

He's at it again. If you guys have the time, take a look at the link sixty8c10 posted. He did an amazing job of converting a 4wd Blazer in to a 2wd Blazer as well as converting the 2wd donor truck to 4wd so it could be sold off. The work that done was impressive considering his working conditions. What's more impressive is how quivkly he got it done. Everyone can take a lesson from this guy on how to get a project done in a timely manner.

Ok, everyone but TXfirefighter...;)

that thought has crossed my mind already 68HAYWAGON, but the shop has already spent hours smoothing the doors.

thanks for the compliments N2TRUX, i just wish i could be actually doing the work on this one as well, instead i am overseas and communicating via email with the custom shop. I am planning mid-tour r&r around mid-july, and will be able to visit my truck(s) in person. I am lookintg forward to it, my biggest problem now is trying to refrain from changing my mind 1000 times while i watch the bill grow at the shop....wish me luck.

Hey, your doing a job that a lot of us can't do, but all of appreciate. That goes a long way in my books.

The best way I have found is to help stay focused on the direction your project is heading is to keep a log. If you want to do something different, write it down. Then see how it work with your budget of things that you "have" to do. As long as the want list doesn't out weigh the "have to " list your in good shape.

I know it has been a while since the last time I posted, anyway went home on my r&r got a progress update here's the pics:

prepping the cab
http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b278/sixty8c10/DSC000171.jpg
http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b278/sixty8c10/DSC000181.jpg
smoothing the firewall
http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b278/sixty8c10/DSC000861.jpg
1st mock-up
http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b278/sixty8c10/DSC000881.jpg
http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b278/sixty8c10/DSC000921.jpg
I am getting excited

I'll bet you are 68! It's coming along right nicely. Looks like you had already replaced the core support and inner fenders before it went in.

Yeah, I purchased the whole front clip from a board member in Virginia while I was out there in May of 05'. I installed it the day before I dropped it at the shop.

Wow, it has been awhile since I put an update up here. Progress at the shop has slowed down quite a bit, but still moving forward. The list of parts I have been purchasing is HUGE. I suppose I could show pics of what I ordered, but it is just not as cool as waiting to see them installed.
I do have a couple more update pics, I decided to go with the shaved handles and one piece windows.
http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b278/sixty8c10/tobystruck14.jpg
Caddy Tail lights
http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b278/sixty8c10/tobystruck15.jpg

got another update, hes got the caddy lights molded in
http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b278/sixty8c10/taillight2.jpg
http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b278/sixty8c10/taillight3.jpg

Look out there 68. You are liable to have an all out double throwdown custom by the time you get back. ;) What's next, top chop? :lol:

Looking Good!! I agree with Boog ;)

looks like its going great man! If you see a guy by the name of Sgt Harvey tell him Hankey said whats up! He's a flight ops guy. Truck looks awesome!

looks awsome and it's nice to see a body man that isin't afraid to take and send you pictures as the work progresses. i imagine it's givng you some major peice of mind. btw i apsolutly love the shaved fire wall. it's nice to see one without the screwy looking 1/4in bumpout that doesn't match side for side.
ondrew

Looks great! At this rate you will have a show truck in no time!

Josh

ps. The caddy lights look sweet!

got another update, hes got the caddy lights molded in
http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b278/sixty8c10/taillight2.jpg
http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b278/sixty8c10/taillight3.jpg

Want to sell that center seat in the bed or are you planning a seat swap? Oh and great work so far. The caddy lights are sweet!! I have a set but they do not look to good in a step side.

Thanks for all the compliments guys, I am excited about every step closer to completion it gets. Though it has slowed down quite a bit.

No top choppin here.

Is SGT Harvey over here, or on his way? I am a Blackhawk crewchief so I know most of the OPS guys pretty well. Nevermind he is here.

I searched for a long time to find a body shop to do this to my truck, I am very particular when it comes to my truck. I want to see everything, and know exactly what is being used.

Yes, a seat swap is in the works, that particular seat is not mine, though it came out of another truck he is working on.

nice truck..keep your head down over there,,and thanks for all you do...:metal:
billy

here a new update for y'all
he's been working on the dash:
http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b278/sixty8c10/DSC001231.jpg

I just love the way some body shops cover the motor to protect it from overspray and sanding dust!!! Anyway, That is going to be one awesome ride. Congrats on the progress and can't wait to see it finished!

Okay I have a decision to make, and I need some help with this one.
Roll pan or bumper?
Here is some update pics with the tailgate.
without bumper
http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b278/sixty8c10/DSC000131.jpg
with bumper resting on exaust pipes
http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b278/sixty8c10/DSC000151.jpg
What is your opinion?

Bumper. YES

It looks very classy with those Caddy taillights!

I like bumpers

bumper gives it a more of a classic custom look. Hope that made sense??

Okay I have a decision to make, and I need some help with this one.
Roll pan or bumper?
Here is some update pics with the tailgate.
without bumper
http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b278/sixty8c10/DSC000131.jpg
with bumper resting on exaust pipes
http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b278/sixty8c10/DSC000151.jpg
What is your opinion?

Bumper all the way! Just about every custom I ever see built has the roll-pan. :crazy: I say dare to be different! :metal:

The truck is looking awesome! :phat: Are you going to have it bagged or just a conventional drop?

Get back soon, & thanks for what you are doing over there. I know that I for one appreciate the kind of sacrifices that you servicemen are making for liberty.

God bless,
Buddy

I would go with the bumper and a hidden hitch. Thanks for the service for our country.

I thought I was already different, I am keeping it a long bed...lol

Yes its getting bags, hidden hitch is already in the plans

Keep them opinions coming.

........................................

Keep them opinions coming.

My opinion, turn the keys over to me.;)

OK you can keep the 68, I'll let you give me the Blazer :rolleyes:


Hey you did ask for opinions :haha: even terrible ones.:lol:

awesome truck...especially like the caddy lights.

:agree: Keep the bumper but do something with those tailpipes.

Sweeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeet Progress :metal:

palf70 thanks, but no

The exhaust will be completely redone at a later time.

So far the bumpers have it, which is good cause I like it myself.

WOW... it has been a long time since I put anything up here. I am back in the states now.. at home visiting my kids and my truck....then its of to Louisiana again. My truck is still in the shop, they have torn it back down to clean and paint the frame. Then it will be going back together again for paint.
I asked the guys over in photoshop to hook me up with an inspiration photo. That's enough rambling here's a photo a few days old...hope fully I will be able to get another before I leave here for Louisiana again.
http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b278/sixty8c10/DSC000121-1.jpg

Hey 68. Welcome back. Home for long this time? Everytime you post a pic of the progress the trucks torn down farther. LOL Ah but you'll be smelling some paint before long I'll bet. You are ahead of me! ;)

i like the lights

While I was home I helped strip, clean, notch, and set up the frame for air bags. After I got back to Louisiana, he had painted and reassembled it. Here's some pics:
http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b278/sixty8c10/DSC000021.jpg
http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b278/sixty8c10/DSC000011.jpg

I forgot to add the inspiration photo that I had the guys over in photoshop do up for me (thanx guys).
http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b278/sixty8c10/phtochopoftruck.jpg

Hey, now we're talking. We got a vision now. That looks good.

keep up the good work!

It has been a long time since I updated this, got a little paint on'er
http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b278/sixty8c10/tn5.jpg http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b278/sixty8c10/tn4.jpg http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b278/sixty8c10/tn3.jpg http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b278/sixty8c10/tn2.jpghttp://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b278/sixty8c10/tn.jpg

That thing is looking sweet!:thumbs: Im officially jealous.

Looks like it's gonna be a really cool truck..keep posting pics
btw. check out Lokar..they have some cools stuff for the handles and such.
Keep up the good work

I forgot to add the inspiration photo that I had the guys over in photoshop do up for me (thanx guys).
http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b278/sixty8c10/phtochopoftruck.jpg

is that grille white or chrome ??????

Looking good

cstm68- white with chrome trim

cstm68- white with chrome trim

thanx, thats what u thought but the pic makes the whole thing look chrome

some teaser pics....its going back together......finally
http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b278/sixty8c10/S6000331.jpg
http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b278/sixty8c10/S6000332.jpg

looking good man, nice long bed... keep up posted

a great looking truck indeed. it gives us all an inspiration. looks like you took it to a great shop also.

bump...please move to new sub-forum

U Got it!

Sorry it has been so long since I updated this.......but it finally has paint on it...I can't post picks from this computer, and my computer at home is broken....I promise I will get some pics up as soon as I can.

lol what a tease

Sorry it has been so long since I updated this.......but it finally has paint on it...I can't post picks from this computer, and my computer at home is broken....I promise I will get some pics up as soon as I can.

:wop:

My computer is still broken and I'm broke but I will try to post A link to the shop that is doing the body its almost time to bring it home for final assembly....... http://www.autoartistry.com/1968%20chevrolet%20pickup.html ...hopefully the link works.

Link works. Looking sweet!

It is looking very good. Can't wait to see it assembled!

I've always like longbeds.

i really like how those taillights look
i think i might add a set like that into my truck
maybe my welding teacher will give me extra credit cause he is also my autobody teacher
thanks for serving the nation my older brother is a marine overseas and a few of my other relatives me, myfamily anf the rest ofthe country thanks you for what u andall the other soldiers are doing god bless and hope u come home same to your amazing truck!