As some know, back in January ’09 I acquired a 1969 Chevrolet CST-10 SWB truck. Since purchasing this truck, I have had to pinch myself each time I walk into the garage to make sure I’m not dreaming.
Click here for the official introduction of this truck…
Time for a Name Change.
Since I was able to start with such a plain-Jane truck, I came up with the name
Blank Slate. Thanks to a quick turnaround by Scorp I was able to have this posted for some inspiration.
Initially, the truck started its life being built at a St Louis Plant, sold new in Chamois, MO, and since that time it has spent its life within the state. I am truly amazed how rust free this truck is as it has lived its entire life in the rust belt; but I'm not complaining. Thanks to two buddies I was able to locate this truck and bring it home, thanks Keith and Mike!
Luckily I was able to talk my wife into letting me bring another truck home, with the stipulation I would sell my ’72 C/10. After several months I was able to sell the truck and then the official start to the ’69 could begin.
The truck originally came with a 250 I6 backed by a 2 spd. Powerglide transmission. Over the first couple of months my wife and I took the truck out on several trips and the MPG ranged from 12-21. The motor will be staying in the truck, but I'm considering a few minor upgrades to it as well as the transmission. The truck’s exterior was repainted once in the ‘80s, but still holds a strong color, so I will be able to save money on the body and paint work. The PO replaced the stock steel rims with a set of rally wheels, and unfortunately his son hacked the radio portion of the truck. Outside of these minor changes, the truck is bone stock!
For the concept behind this build, I wanted to have a truck that would fulfill my love for the body lines and history of this model. In my mind, I am doing what Chevrolet should have done. I wanted a truck that would retain the original appearance (paint, interior, engine…), but with a tasteful custom flare to it. And unless my plans change in the future, any modifications that will be done will be easily reversed. (Unless if a few other members can persuade me to take the build a little farther…. you know who you are!) After talking with several board members, we were been able to pull together a good plan for the build, and can’t wait to get started.
Here's the basic plan:
Interior Mods:
- Install a new radio (radio area was already cut)
- Radio Mod (stay tuned for more info…)
- Upgrade the speakers currently in the truck (no hacking)
Engine/Tranny Mods:
- Retain the Inline 250
- Rebuild the 250
- Determine the best transmission
- Rebuild the 2 spd. Powerglide
- Upgrade to a 200R4
Exterior Mods:
- Wheels/Tires (still TBD)
- Add T-3 Headlights
Suspension/Chassis Upgrades:
- Lower the truck
- Upgrade the brakes
- Install Sway Bar
Needless to say, I should have started this thread about 4 months ago, but since I didn’t we need to play a little catch up.
Stay tuned... (Updates to come this weekend w/ pictures)