1968 50th Longbed build thread
 

Starting a build thread instead of keeping my first post going.

(backstory) Traded my 98 S10 for this straight up. Bruceman1968 determined it is a 50th anniversary edition.

http://i.imgur.com/vN5IMYoh.jpg?2

http://i.imgur.com/ZQ3hV6El.jpg?1

http://i.imgur.com/YHMQPS6h.jpg?1

Re: 1968 50th Longbed build thread
 

Truck needs rewired before I can do anything with it. PO's wiring job is a hazard.

Bought a new harness and diagram/manual

http://i.imgur.com/iVreu4gl.jpg

Picked up some parts off CL

http://i.imgur.com/1jiFrKUl.jpg

Re: 1968 50th Longbed build thread
 

Update: Started prepping for rewiring today. Pulled the battery and cut out most of the old wiring under the hood. Pulled the carpet and seat as well and I was pretty impressed with the floor. Going to take off the cluster next now that I have learned how to properly remove the headlight switch.

http://i.imgur.com/K8G14fSh.jpg

Re: 1968 50th Longbed build thread
 

some of those headlight switches do not cooperate. sounds like you made a good trade.

Re: 1968 50th Longbed build thread
 

I found the button but couldn't get it out. To turn it on do I pull all the way out then twist right?

Re: 1968 50th Longbed build thread
 

Good looking truck. I'm subscribed to this one. What is the trick for the headlight switch?

Re: 1968 50th Longbed build thread
 

Sounds good! I'll follow along.

Re: 1968 50th Longbed build thread
 

Pull headlight switch all the way out. Then push the spring-loaded button on the switch behind the dash and pull it out.

Re: 1968 50th Longbed build thread
 

Update:

My door hardware came in the mail today so I could begin installing the CL door panels and armrests. Before I did this I installed my new door locks from Leon.
I could not leave any tools in the truck before because it didn't come with a door key. Thanks LockDoc!

http://i.imgur.com/c1ZWUz6l.jpg

Re: 1968 50th Longbed build thread
 

Luckily I have had help wiring from a friend. Over halfway done.

http://i.imgur.com/YjbgOcSh.jpg

Re: 1968 50th Longbed build thread
 

Wiring is finally done!

got a free tailgate

http://i.imgur.com/MisiCjjl.jpg

bought some more parts off CL

http://i.imgur.com/a37eXbdl.jpg

Re: 1968 50th Longbed build thread
 

Glad to hear you're moving forward! Enjoy and be aware of the first drive.Love it or hate it it will be in your memory forever!!!

Re: 1968 50th Longbed build thread
 

Still have not driven it since rewiring. I discovered that I had a crack in my exhaust manifold that had melted a boot. Could explain why it was backfiring through the carb. I got Summit coated headers for Christmas so I have been working on installing them. I also had to get a bracket for the alternator to work with the headers. Had to pull the starter to get the pass side header to fit. At least one of my plugs is way too close to the tube. I am going to have to buy some shorty plugs and possibly have to put in a well placed ding in a tube. I have heat wraps for the boots. This is also my first post since running a steel fuel line to replace the leaking rubber one it came with. I also took the cowl off and put some seam sealer under there to stop a leak I had in the pass side floorboard from the antenna hole.

http://i.imgur.com/ChiBwC5l.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/LP2NUcZl.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/CNg5vtAl.jpg

Re: 1968 50th Longbed build thread
 

Also I picked up a set of 15x8 4 nubs for $100! I just sold the hubcaps on ebay for $65. So I basically got four 4 nub 15x8 steelies for $40. Pretty damn lucky considering they are $900 on ebay. I will be buying a new set of tires for them soon.

http://i.imgur.com/e9bOYZ9l.jpg

Here they are sitting next to the truck

http://i.imgur.com/ffNg1ZDl.jpg

Re: 1968 50th Longbed build thread
 

Well those wheels ended up being 15x6 but they are 4 nub at least and will clear disc brakes if I install them. I sandblasted them and primer/painted them with rustoleum rattle can with a handle attachment. Saving up for white walls at the moment.

http://i.imgur.com/Wfda1LFh.jpg

Re: 1968 50th Longbed build thread
 

Picked up some Yankee 77s off ebay to fill the holes left by the PO. Not a huge fan but they sure beat tape!

http://i.imgur.com/NEqGRLnl.jpg

Re: 1968 50th Longbed build thread
 

New belt, valve covers, and EGR delete plate installed.

http://i.imgur.com/akzII0al.jpg

Pic of the new alternator bracket. You can see why I have to install short plugs. Plugs, wires, and starter heat shield is next on the to do list.

http://i.imgur.com/GYssFUgl.jpg

Re: 1968 50th Longbed build thread
 

I finally saved up enough for some new tires. 235/75/15

http://i.imgur.com/4Io8jljh.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/WJw1roAh.jpg

Re: 1968 50th Longbed build thread
 

Nice truck!

Re: 1968 50th Longbed build thread
 

Finally running 1 year later! Rewired, replaced blown manifolds with headers, new plugs, wires, and fuel line. Changed the oil and rebuilt the carb.

http://i.imgur.com/43hdYvv.gif

Re: 1968 50th Longbed build thread
 

Re: 1968 50th Longbed build thread
 

Making progress.
BTW, I'm in Normal.

Re: 1968 50th Longbed build thread
 

Glad to see a 50th getting some proper work done to it, now for mine...
I can see why someone might change the color, the original gold was not an eye catcher. It's likely the owner knew nothing of the significance of the original gold color.
There's a build here, fellow named Chad, doing a 69 in gold, converting to a 68. The color is awesome! Have you seen that thread? If not I will dig for it, and bring it ahead...

Re: 1968 50th Longbed build thread
 

That's awesome. I don't think I have seen it. Link if you don't mind.

Re: 1968 50th Longbed build thread
 

So I got the timing where I wanted it with a little help. Sounds great now and starts right up. Time to move on to the transmission. I need to stop the leaks, fill it with fluid, hook up the shift cable, and I should be able to drive to the exhaust shop.

https://youtu.be/EqE7fwPNPWk Sorry about the poor audio quality. (Open headers are loud) :devil: