Well after getting my red 68 done (or at least what I called done) I decided to start another project. This one will be just a little different but still have the factory vibe with the side trim. To help with putting my thoughts on paper and to get a visual I contacted Carter Hickman to do some of his magic and give me some spark to get this project rolling. If you ever need a rendering or some dang nice art work I would highly suggest dropping Carter a PM and he will get you hooked up. To start this madness off I bought a ¾ ton 68 without a bed from forum member lilred67, this is a super nice truck that has a great cab and front clip. It’s a good running truck that I will only be using the sheet metal but it was just too nice not to get. The original plan was to back-half the rear with a four link and up front install the Porterbuilt dropmember. After talking with Nathan (porterbuilt) numerous times he talked me into using his C4 front kit. Well after some more discussions with Nathan and then building this thing in my head a thousand times I asked myself why am I going to try and slick the stock frame to match the new rear back-half? That’s when this project went over the edge, I called Nathan back and asked if he would build me a full chassis with all C4 components, long story short is that the frame is in the works as I’m typing this and as soon as I get pictures from Nathan I will post them. The plan at this point is to run a 350 with a 700R behind it that will be slicked and detailed like most of the motors we do at Stoked Out Specialties but like all things up to this point it might change before the project is done. I’m going to shave most of the trim except the factory side trim and some on the front and rear trim. The color is going to be a green sage color or it might be a brownish color, another subject matter that might change several times before this thing actually gets painted. The wheels and tires will be 22’s in the rear and 20’s in the front, I’m looking at Intro wheels and Billet Specialties. The interior will be full custom that will have some touches that we used in the Red 68 that we did at the shop (Carter may be hired for some interior renderings to help me make some decisions). When it’s all said and done this thing will sit as low or lower than the rendering. As with all projects I needed some cash flow so I sold my red 68 (Lucy) and I’m about to sell my other 68 (Ethel) I hate letting them go but I will need the cash in order to get this thing off the ground and running. This is going to be a long build just because of my work situation and the general money outlay that this project is going to take because of some of the pieces that I’ve picked. I was going to post some pictures of the ¾ 68 but I forgot to load them on my laptop before I left to go on my business trip. I will ask Ken (n2trux) if he could post them while I’m out of the country. Also adding to this build was Scoti, he had some SWB bedsides that he sold me so I could get this thing mocked up when I get the frame back to the shop. Now why did I call it Project Swingset? I was talking with a fabricator at the shop telling him about the Porterbuilt bolt-in dropmember that I was planning on using for the truck when he turned to me and said “if it’s bolt-in it’s not custom and all your doing is building a swingset”) Hence the name! Let me know what you guys think!

Sounds absolutely awesome. I am looking forward to seeing the frame, Nathan's work is something else.

Judging from your last build, and your shop's work, this will be a beauty! Post lots of pics!

Just plain awesome. You guys never cease to amaze me. I actually dig the green color. You don't see that shade of green used that much, at least I haven't noticed it. Awesome build name too, "Project SwingSet".:metal: :metal: You guys rock!!!....................Bamm!

Outstanding! I like the color and the remaining trim. Are you planning on molding in the cowl as shown in the rendering?

Oh and my Wife approves:lol:

Kevin
LFD Inc.

I really like the green, should be a fun buildup to watch. Too bad you need to sell Ethel, I'd like to have her!

I will be watching! Sounds fantasic!

Looks good Keith. That is going to be a nice one. Will it be ready for GoodGuys!

And some more of CHD's great work!

Kevin
LFD Inc.

I really like the color! Everybody has red ones.

I really need to hook up w/Carter on mine Keith..... Those images are motivating to say the least.

As always, whatever I can do to help get things done.... let me know. Have fun w/the 'blokes'.

I'm watching this one! ALL of your projects are sweet. Keep us posted.

Looks like it's gonna be killer when it's done!:metal:

off the hook
That green looks great. Keeping the trim is sweet.

Love those renderings!

What software do you (or whoever does them) use? Those remind me somewhat of some renderings that were published in one of the mainstream mags of some concept f100's.

Just plain cool.

I'm pretty sure Carter uses Lightwave.

I'm glad you finally pulled to cover off of this project. I know it's been brewing for a while now and there are a few of us having a hard time keeping quiet about it.

Unfortunately I had a new (to me) camera with me when I dropped by Stoked Out for a very brief visit last Saturday morning. The camera would not retain the image setting for some reason and every pic I took was the largest format possible. The end result was the memory got used up rather quickly.

I only walked away with one pic of "Goldie"....:(

YeeHaw! Leave it a 3/4 ton!! Looks like he borrowed a hood off of the blue 68 he has!:metal:

cant wait to see this...........

sounds awesome and the rendering looks friggin sic, cant wait to see progress pictures

Looks good Keith. That is going to be a nice one. Will it be ready for GoodGuys!

Yes it will, don't know what YEAR but it will be ready!

YeeHaw! Leave it a 3/4 ton!! Looks like he borrowed a hood off of the blue 68 he has!:metal:

Well you know the saying: something old, something new, something borrowered and something BLUE!

I'm glad you finally pulled to cover off of this project. I know it's been brewing for a while now and there are a few of us having a hard time keeping quiet about it.

Unfortunately I had a new (to me) camera with me when I dropped by Stoked Out for a very brief visit last Saturday morning. The camera would not retain the image setting for some reason and every pic I took was the largest format possible. The end result was the memory got used up rather quickly.

I only walked away with one pic of "Goldie"....:(

Well at least you have a picture of it!

As with all projects I needed some cash flow so I sold my red 68 (Lucy) and I’m about to sell my other 68 (Ethel) I hate letting them go but I will need the cash in order to get this thing off the ground and running.

Is one of these two the Avatar? PLease tell me NO I am broke right now :whine:

Is one of these two the Avatar? PLease tell me NO I am broke right now :whine:

The red one (Lucy) in my avatar is sold, the other 68 (Ethel) is going on the chopping block. I hate it but I need the cash for some parts that are on the my list.

I'm sure this will be one of the sweetest one's the board when completed, Can't wait to see some progress!!!

BTW so how do you get ahold of Cater to speak with him about a rendering?

you sold lucy???!!! this project looks great man, carter does some amazing art work as well!!

I'm tuned in
Brandon

That's gonna be a great lookin' truck!

OK, you stole one of my possible colors. I guess it won't matter though, because by the time I'm done with mine, yours will be all rusted out, sitting in a junkyard (30-40 years. :lol:)

Also, if you are going with the complete frame instead of the bolt-in C4 Dropmember, doesn't that kinda kill the project name? Although it IS a cool one.:cool:

Make sure you keep us updated on the progress!

....Also, if you are going with the complete frame instead of the bolt-in C4 Dropmember, doesn't that kinda kill the project name?
Shhhh. . ..... Just don't tell the young guy @ the shop :lol: .

Also, if you are going with the complete frame instead of the bolt-in C4 Dropmember, doesn't that kinda kill the project name? Although it IS a cool one.:cool:


It's a bolt-on frame!:lol:

It's a bolt-on frame!:lol:

Good Point! I didn't think of that one. :lol:

OK, you stole one of my possible colors. I guess it won't matter though, because by the time I'm done with mine, yours will be all rusted out, sitting in a junkyard (30-40 years. :lol:)

Also, if you are going with the complete frame instead of the bolt-in C4 Dropmember, doesn't that kinda kill the project name? Although it IS a cool one.:cool:

Make sure you keep us updated on the progress!

Shhhh. . ..... Just don't tell the young guy @ the shop :lol: .

It's a bolt-on frame!:lol:

It's all about proving a point now!

everything is bolt on somehow someway aint it?

well almost everything, either custom or store bought

Keith, thanks for letting me hack away at your project. I really like your ideas and think the overall look is KILLER. See you at Goodguys later this year.

Carter

I finally found the file on Goldie. Here is what Keith is starting with. As you can tell it's a very solid "loaded" C/20.

More...

Nice :metal:

Thanks Ken for posting the pictures of Goldie! I should have loaded all my pictures on my laptop before I left but I was only suppost to be gone for two weeks and now it's going to be six.......should have known!

when it rains it pours right?


not a bad lookin truck, but something tells me youre missing something but i just cant figure out what it is

N2billet.... what time was it there when you posted?

I don't remember, I would estimate around 11:15am or so.... We are six hours ahead of Central Time if that helps......Why do you ask?


N2billet.... what time was it there when you posted?

I don't remember, I would estimate around 11:15am or so.... We are six hours ahead of Central Time if that helps......Why do you ask?
Just trying to establish how bored it's getting for you w/o us :lol: .

I envy you.

Wow, sounds like you've got your plan pretty much laid out. That's a killer rendering too! How much did that set you back?

I just wanted to post a comment about the wheels... The ones in the rendering look almost exactly like the "Hot Wheels: Sixty Eight" rim... I don't know how much the ones you're looking at cost, but the Hot Wheels rim seems pretty budget friendly... I was looking at getting a set for my 68 Chevelle, and painting the insets satin black, while leaving the spokes polished, for kind of a modern look on the 69-70 Chevy SS wheel.

Keith, where exactly are you right now out of the country?

Keith, where exactly are you right now out of the country? He could tell you, but then....well you know....:chop:

Renderings killer....love the simplicity. Good luck with the build.

Looks like its going to be a SWEET ride. I can't wait to see your chassis done. Keep us posted.:metal: ..... Carter,Nice work. How many renderings to go before my 62 is in the works? :lol:

I envy you.

Why?

Wow, sounds like you've got your plan pretty much laid out. That's a killer rendering too! How much did that set you back?

I just wanted to post a comment about the wheels... The ones in the rendering look almost exactly like the "Hot Wheels: Sixty Eight" rim... I don't know how much the ones you're looking at cost, but the Hot Wheels rim seems pretty budget friendly... I was looking at getting a set for my 68 Chevelle, and painting the insets satin black, while leaving the spokes polished, for kind of a modern look on the 69-70 Chevy SS wheel.

For the rendering contact Carter aka (Blaz-air) on the forum. He can get you all the infor you need. I highly recommend him!

The wheels in the rendering are Intro Haulers but the wheels are subject to change. We are a Billet Specialties dealer so it may end up with a set from them......

Keith, where exactly are you right now out of the country?

London, England.......

Renderings killer....love the simplicity. Good luck with the build.

Spot, you still have not come by the shop.....:lol:

n2billet-Why?

You have a sweet shop/job and seem to be always turning out first class rides. Envy in a good way of course :)

Must suck to be there right now I bet!! Maybe you can take me in your suitcase next time as your "carry on"!!

Keith, I've been by the shop many times....your always outta the country..j/k. For some reason I never run into you over there. I think I'll drive my 72 over there and see if anyone wants to buy it. Gimme a shout when your back home.

Whats happening with this project? TTT!

yeah wheres our update?

He's been busy 'hobb-nobbin' overseas & then comin' home only to get ready for Ohio. Updates Nathan?

Man that is so sweet, Carter did a great job, how do i get in touch with him?

He's been busy 'hobb-nobbin' overseas & then comin' home only to get ready for Ohio. Updates Nathan?

Of course... you guys couldn't wait one more week to get the updated pics... well, you're gonna have to!:) I have been prototyping a new product on Kieth's truck that I will be offering... a tube chassis that incorporates C4 suspension front and rear. A lot of time and energy has gone into the design (making it possible for me to incorporate other suspension configurations, with minimal effort/changes, and vary the body mounting points to allow me to use the same design for the 60-66 trucks as well as the 73-87 trucks, with minimal effort/changes as well. Also, the C4 back-half I will be offering is a modular piece that is incorporated into the new chassis design).
Well, the wait is finally coming to an end... the hard part is over, and the final product is in the jig and will be done in a week or so.:cool: :metal:

Wooot! :metal:

sweet..looks like a great truck to start with..cant wait to see it started...man the renderings are superb...sounds like you have a good idea on the frame, porterbuilt.. cant wait to see the finished product..when i win the lottery i will call you...i need to start saving up,, that will happen faster than winning the lottery..lol

subscribed!!! don't want to miss out on this one...

kieth, glad to see you getting some work done on your next creation.i'm glad i got to help you get started with such a cool truck. keep us posted and hurry home!!!! i have a few more pics,cause i know ya'll like pics......rusty

Like Nathan said the frame is coming together and should be done in the next month or so. I've been working at the shop every spare minute I have trying to help get the seven cars ready for Columbus plus I had to get my CDL so I could drive one of the rigs. Well, we are finally here and it looks like it was worth the effort, we have only taken in 5 of the seven today and we have 3 that have already been chosen for an award, tomorrow we take in all the cars and to see what happens. I also got a chance to talk with several vendors about using their products on Swingset so I'm still working on it in a since :rolleyes:
I also got a chance to talk with Carter in the HOK booth in between his demos so it's been a really good show this far.......When Nathan sends photo's I will post........


FYI- We also got our new website up and running.... let me know what ya'll think......It still needs some tweaking but it's getting there....

http://www.stokedoutspecialties.com/

I see how it is......you promise me pics, but I have to stumble across them on here. I feel betrayed...lol :lol:
j/k buddy , the new website looks killer

FYI- We also got our new website up and running.... let me know what ya'll think......It still needs some tweaking but it's getting there....

http://www.stokedoutspecialties.com/

Looks good ,but your side buttons need to be more visible.

that is going to look great when it is finished

I have been prototyping a new product on Kieth's truck that I will be offering...
a tube chassis that incorporates C4 suspension front and rear.

Kinda like we discussed a few months back eh? Sounds killer, you can
do his and then when I'm ready for mine it will be an easier than from
scratch. :D Keep us posted and I'm patiently awaiting this prototype.

Keith the updates on the site are awesome. As mentioned it still needs some tweaking, but that a HUGE improvement from before.

Be sure to take lots of pics while your there, and call me when you get time.

sub too

updates?? I can tell this is going to be one of those builds that makes a guy want to get off is arse and get their own projects done. Good luck.

I see how it is......you promise me pics, but I have to stumble across them on here. I feel betrayed...lol :lol:
j/k buddy , the new website looks killer

I was under the impression that you already knew about this link.......I was going to send some "new" pictures when I got them but now I don't know :rolleyes:

[QUOTE=N2TRUX;2263272]Keith the updates on the site are awesome. As mentioned it still needs some tweaking, but that a HUGE improvement from before.

The website is going to be tweaked over the next few weeks to dial it in so it's going to be a work in progress so to speak. They were just trying to get it up before we handed out any business cards with the link.

Be sure to take lots of pics while your there, and call me when you get time.[/QUOTE

I've been taken mainly interior shots but I will download all the other guys pictures and post some for you later. I did get to meet a forum member (Adam) today and had a good time talking with him, I just wished I wasn't so tired.....I probably wasn't making much since.....sorry Adam.

We picked up a few awards with our cars today and the whole team seems to happy. The 37 picked up 3 awards, a Boyds pick, Top 10 Street Rod and a Finalist for street rod of the year. The 55 also picked up a Boyds pick, the 70 swb picked up a finalist for Truck of the year Late and the 62 Buick got a top 10 Rod and Custom pick. We brought two other cars that we thought might have a chance at a pick but we had major problems with one and elected to leave it on the trailer, the other one we just couldn't get it in the Pro's Pick area in time for judging......:cool: The car God's looked down on us today.....and we got real lucky!

and we got real lucky!

"Luck" he says...:cool:

That's just what happens when you do the highest quality of work. You guys will have to take one more semi truck next year!

"Luck" he says...:cool:

You guys will have to take one more semi truck next year!

I don't think so....I took my CDL test on Tuesday, hooked a 48 foot trailer to my backside Wednesday morning and then drove almost 19 hours....... no more semi's.

Nathan I did talk with Art Morrison about their chassis (future projects) and while I was running my mouth I realized I'm getting real close to having my own chassis! You should have made the trip my friend......should have made the trip.... oh and Carter says Hi!

updates?? I can tell this is going to be one of those builds that makes a guy want to get off is arse and get their own projects done. Good luck.
Actually this will be one of those builds that most people will look at and say "another useless trailer queen". That is until they see it blasting past them hovering about an inch off the pavement..... :jdp:

Actually this will be one of those builds that most people will look at and say "another useless trailer queen". That is until they see it blasting past them hovering about an inch off the pavement..... :jdp:

That's what I'm thinking! :rolleyes:

Are we there yet?
Is it time to go?
My hands smell like gas . . ..... again.
Where's the canuck?
What time are we meeting in the morning?

Famous quotes (or not so much) from 07 GG/Ohio :lol: . It been a great show....