Project Cheap Thrills!

[VA72C10]

Looking good! I agree though...lower is better

[BMERDOC]

Originally Posted by VA72C10

lower is better

I know!! I wanted to throw the Mcgaughy's in the rear but so far the front measures at 29.5" and the rear sits at 31.5". By the measuring tape the springs would put the rear 1" lower than the front. We'll see what happens with the crossmember swap and a 4 or 4.5" front drop.

[VA72C10]

Sounds like the front needs to settle more....probably almost an inch....your stock springs were probably sagging somewhat too....

since a 3/5 drop is level...and you are at 3/2 and only 2" off...that means the front to me should drop 1" more....

[Frkypunk70]

Looks good Doc. The front will probably settle like others said.If you want that extra half inch lower quick, just throw a v8 in it. It looks like a good ride height to me though. Keep up the good work.
Posted via Mobile Device

[BMERDOC]

My pockets are the only thing inhibiting me! I'd love to find a big block. I'm looking for a clapped out 73-87 Square as a donor. She's only coming up from here, peek in when you have time!

[VA72C10]

Found this....

http://richmond.craigslist.org/pts/2677818945.html

Not a truck but the frame with front and rear (and maybe the engine?) for $100

[VA72C10]

Also have some spring cups for you if you still need them

[litew8]

Like this look

[oldblue1968chevy]

looks good! is that just a 2 inch drop in the rear???

[BMERDOC]

Yeah, two inch homemade blocks. They were the reason for the extra long u bolts.
I broke the bolt off in the lower sring retainer so I ordered another pair. I'll be installing the 3" rear springs when they get here. I haven't been able to work on it because I've been busy doing side work to fund the project. I did have a vision and now know what my plans are for the truck, more on that later. Anyone have $25-$30k layin around they dont have a use for?

[VA72C10]

Originally Posted by BMERDOC

Yeah, two inch homemade blocks. They were the reason for the extra long u bolts.
I broke the bolt off in the lower sring retainer so I ordered another pair. I'll be installing the 3" rear springs when they get here. I haven't been able to work on it because I've been busy doing side work to fund the project. I did have a vision and now know what my plans are for the truck, more on that later. Anyone have $25-$30k layin around they dont have a use for?

Sure thing.....oh wait....missed the "k"


edit: Not that I even have 25-30 cents much less dollars laying around that I "don't have a use for"

[VA72C10]

Originally Posted by VA72C10

Also have some spring cups for you if you still need them

I guess I was a little late letting you know on this...

[BMERDOC]

Thanks litew8! Sorry Johnathan I peeked in and only saw OldBlue's post. I ordered the cups/retainer the day before you posted. $6.95 each (x2) plus $7.30 shipping! Oh well, I just figured they were about $10.50 a piece.

I found this:
http://richmond.craigslist.org/cto/2624449402.html

I know the square body guys would not like me but its only one and would be sacraficed to the C10 gods for a good cause!

[BMERDOC]

And now to announce my ulitimate goal for my truck!

I have been asked multiple times about what color I'm gonna paint it. I thought I would paint it silver or white with a red interior but I really thought hard about the trucks factory color (506 medium blue poly). I looked around for blue C10s and was inspired.

My intention is to go with the factory color, inside and out. I wanna install a set of custom upholstered buddy buckets. The interior will be restored with a combination of resto parts and custom parts. I wanna use an aftermarket column with a column shift, probably painted to match or could be polished. The stock sheetmetal door panels will be covered in a thin foam and finished off with upholstery that matches the seats. It will have power windows, power locks, a/c, sat radio and other modern ammenities.
On the exterior I plan to shave the door locks, c10 fender emblems, front turn signals, bow tie, "CHEVROLET" hood letters, fill the cowl, fill the stake holes, move the tailgate handle inside, add the Spaghetti Engineering LED tail lamps from Musclerodz and use chrome sport bumpers (I've seen ready made shaved bumpers but would have to find them again). I think I still wanna use the Tandor style side mirror, I know someone who has a good pair . I'm still not sure what bed wood I wanna go with but www.bedwoodandparts.com has some nice choices. I like the idea of the leopard wood with either polished stainless or extuded aluminum with hidden fasteners.
The suspension will probably be a static drop but will be made to handle. I wanna use all tubular control arms and trailing arms. I haven't decided wether the rim combo will be 18/20, 20/20 or 20/22 but, of course I'm not on a big time crunch so I'll have plenty o' time to figure that out.
I'd like a big block/auto trans combination. I love Hazel's engine with its "restored" appearance and plan to use the basic idea for mine. I have some good ideas of how I want it to look but I wanna keep those to myself until the right time.
Ultimately I'd love to get it in a magazine. I could scratch one more thing off my bucket list! Heres some pics of my inspirations.

[VA72C10]

Originally Posted by BMERDOC

Thanks litew8! Sorry Johnathan I peeked in and only saw OldBlue's post. I ordered the cups/retainer the day before you posted. $6.95 each (x2) plus $7.30 shipping! Oh well, I just figured they were about $10.50 a piece.

I found this:
http://richmond.craigslist.org/cto/2624449402.html

I know the square body guys would not like me but its only one and would be sacraficed to the C10 gods for a good cause!

So, did you already pick it up? Looks nice and sure you can part it out after getting the suspension.

Originally Posted by BMERDOC

And now to announce my ulitimate goal for my truck!

I have been asked multiple times about what color I'm gonna paint it. I thought I would paint it silver or white with a red interior but I really thought hard about the trucks factory color (506 medium blue poly). I looked around for blue C10s and was inspired.

My intention is to go with the factory color, inside and out. I wanna install a set of custom upholstered buddy buckets. The interior will be restored with a combination of resto parts and custom parts. I wanna use an aftermarket column with a column shift, probably painted to match or could be polished. The stock sheetmetal door panels will be covered in a thin foam and finished off with upholstery that matches the seats. It will have power windows, power locks, a/c, sat radio and other modern ammenities.
On the exterior I plan to shave the door locks, c10 fender emblems, front turn signals, bow tie, "CHEVROLET" hood letters, fill the cowl, fill the stake holes, move the tailgate handle inside, add the Spaghetti Engineering LED tail lamps from Musclerodz and use chrome sport bumpers (I've seen ready made shaved bumpers but would have to find them again). I think I still wanna use the Tandor style side mirror, I know someone who has a good pair . I'm still not sure what bed wood I wanna go with but www.bedwoodandparts.com has some nice choices. I like the idea of the leopard wood with either polished stainless or extuded aluminum with hidden fasteners.
The suspension will probably be a static drop but will be made to handle. I wanna use all tubular control arms and trailing arms. I haven't decided wether the rim combo will be 18/20, 20/20 or 20/22 but, of course I'm not on a big time crunch so I'll have plenty o' time to figure that out.
I'd like a big block/auto trans combination. I love Hazel's engine with its "restored" appearance and plan to use the basic idea for mine. I have some good ideas of how I want it to look but I wanna keep those to myself until the right time.
Ultimately I'd love to get it in a magazine. I could scratch one more thing off my bucket list! Heres some pics of my inspirations.

Love the vision for the truck. Many of the things I want on my "dream truck" but some cool different touches too! Looking forward to seeing it come together over time!!!

[BMERDOC]

I haven't bought the truck yet but I have been in contact with the owner. Scraping money together. I wish such little dough wasn't so hard to come by but these days...

As far as the vision goes, those are the big details and I'll iron out the little ones as plans progress. I want to build a clean, simple truck that doesn't cost a lot and is beautiful (don't we all!). I'll be collecting the parts that I consider timeless (sheetmetal, restoration parts) and saving money for the custom parts so that when I think I have everything I'll blow it apart, clean it up and put it bck together. Hopefully, this won't take too long!

[BMERDOC]

A little update:

Added the rear drop springs to finalize the 3/5 drop. With the tires sizes staggered I think a 4/5 would look better, it would equalize the gaps over the tires and add some rake. I've still gotta install dropped shocks. Here are some pics. Had to add the DD in there

[VA72C10]

Looking good! I agree...you can drop the front a little more Try cutting off a 1/2 coil off the spring maybe?

Did you get the new hood already for the beamer?

[BMERDOC]

Thanks Johnthan! I thought about trimming the fronts but the jury is still out. As far as the Green Machine's hood is concerned, it hasn't been replaced, I'm trying to ignore it. If you look hard enough you can see the ripples on the pass side. Most people dont even notice it and I can't see it while driving.

[VA72C10]

Couldn't tell if that was the light or not

[oldblue1968chevy]

looks good man!!!

[CrazyDave]

I have a 68 shortbed and you are going the same route as me keep it up looks good!!!

[BMERDOC]

Thanks CrazyDave! Im honored to have your first post. I hope you enjoy the site. I know I have. Your among a great group of people here!

[VA72C10]

any updates? or is your build stalled like mine right now?

[BMERDOC]

I wouldn't call it stalled but it is running and driving and is at a good point. I do have some stuff I could be doing (windshield removal to inspect channel and replace seal, add the sealer to the drip channel, etc..).
I have to go see that Suburban tomorrow but I am having some reservations about using it as a donor. It seems to be in nice shape and I don't know if I should gut it or clean it up and flip it. I guess I have to see it up close first. IF I do aquire it and gut it that turns into a whole other project! I'll have to install the motor, trans, front crossmember, steering box, so on so forth. Which leads to more parts needed which requires yet more money which isn't easy to come by these days. All which need to get done before next cruise season!