Project: "Out of Retirement" 67 SWB, ls5.3

[dukes72]

It's been about 5 years since I've done a build. In fact I sold my 69 swb Chevy to make payroll for my business I had recently started. T
I told myself when my business and life stabilized I get back in it. Well after two kids and building a really great steel fabrication business it's time to get back to my roots and build another old truck.
My first truck was a 54 Chevy that my dad I restored when I was 16. I drove that through college and then bought a 68 camaro. I built a daily driver pro touring car, with a 6.0 ls and six speed. I built the business Touring Classics around this car. We sold big brake kits. I've owned a 69 longbed, 70 shortbed, 71 shortbed, I had 72 2wd blazer which I sold to gringo loco.
So I set out to find a swb 67-72 and found an original farm truck in north Texas. It had rust in the usual spots but overall was in great shape. We've been working on it over the last few months and have made some good progress. The plans are
5.3 ls motor
Early classics 4.5/6 static drop
20" gunmetal coys, 295/40 and 245/45
Basic retro exterior. Nothing too crazy. Just simple and clean
Custom stainless tank, not aftermarket

This should be fun. I've always built projects in my garage with limited tools. I now have a 15000 sqr ft metal fabrication shop with all the fun stuff. Ir cnc plasma, shear, press brake, iron worker mig and tig welders. One of my employees who is helping me after hours went to wyotech and is helping with the body work. I'll post some pics of the progress.
I love this board! I have already learned so much in the research I have been doing in the last few months.

[Hutch]

dukes72
Welcome back
Sound's like you have a great plan for the 68

[slowcpe]

Sounds like a cool build. Can't wait to see the progress!

[dukes72]

Here's a couple of pics of the tear down.

[dukes72]

Here's a couple more of some progress. Overall the truck was in pretty good condition. The rockers and part of the floor needed repair, but most of the truck was is really good condition. I bought a repro fender and it was terrible. The main line was 3/8" off and couldn't be fixed. I ended up finding a used one at a swap meet. I did do a skin on the drivers side and that worked out pretty well. I was surprised.

[dukes72]

Currently we are about done with the metal work. We have replaced both Rockers, the bottom of the kick panel, smoothed the firewall, replaced a door skin, and generally hammered out any dents. Bodywork is about to start. I have also finished up the front suspension and have mocked up the the rear end. I used a Zr-2 s10 rear end, which is a 8.5 10 bolt 3.73 posi. I cnc cut some mounts and got it set up.

[Zoomin]

Oh yeah, that's that good look!

Good life lesson there about sacrificing the toys for a higher priority. Glad things turned around for ya.

[swamp rat]

Subscribed!

[jdw]

Oh, that's all?

[Tom Vogel]

Really nice find. Not to many short beds with the big back window it seems. I hope you are going to put the trim back on it. Is it a CST?

[dukes72]

The truck is not a cst. I'm planning on keeping the trim. The only thing I am removing is the two trim strip on the back of the cab. I'm pretty sure I am not going two tone. I've always like it that way. I'm in love with the holley shop truck. I've been thinking about going that route since sits the original color.

[dukes72]

I picked up my motor not too long ago. It's an 02 ls5.3 with 4l60e. It's got about 82000 on it. I picked up a complete pull out for $1300.00. I went over to http://lt1swap.com/2000harness.htm. And used their info to modify the harness. Sorry, didn't take any pics, but there are plenty of them there. It took two long evenings to get it done. It really wasn't that bad. Let's hope it works. For the fuel system i am going to build a custom stainless tank to mount in the rear. It will have a Walbro in tank pump. I'll detail the build on that. I just have it drawn up in cad right now.
I am also running pypes stainless exhaust with street pro mufflers. Anyone have any likes or dislikes about this system.
I am debating on headers or using the stock manifolds. I'm trying to save money where I can so I don't feel this is absolutely necessary. I kind of wish the manifolds were missing, then the decision would be easier.

[dukes72]

Got the cab all finished up and primed this weekend. It's nice to see it in one color

[SierraMtns]

Looks awesome. What size are those rims?

[boostedc10]

Originally Posted by SierraMtns

Looks awesome. What size are those rims?

He said 20's earlier in the thread.

"20" gunmetal coys, 295/40 and 245/45"

[1911a1]

Looks like your well on your way to a great truck.
I also like the Holley truck, saw at the power tour in Arlington a few years back.
My '68 swb is light green also. We called it "baby sh$t green" when i was young. But I like it now.
Looking forward to more info and pics of your build. Good Luck.

[cobra_4]

Great project so far! Subin'

[AMERICAN PICK-UP]

looking good....

[Palf70Step]

This will be a neat build to follow!

[dukes72]

We've made some good progress on the truck lately. The cab is ready for block sanding and the rest of the front sheet metal should be ready real soon. I'm going on an extended vacation so the truck will sit for a couple weeks, but I still think the cab forward will be ready for paint in the next 4-5 weeks. I might be ambitious, but we'll see. I'm looking forward to tomorrow, I made the decision to go ahead and replace the rear sheet metal. I ordered a new bed from GMC Paul's. I can't wait to see the new panels. I hope they don't need too much body work to make them look right. Anyway, I should have some good pics coming this week, as I plan to mock up the sheet metal of the entire truck. I also just got my 295/40/20's toyo Proxies II mounted. It's nice to see it on the ground.

I will be selling my old SWB Bed, It's really not that bad, very little rust and just a few dings here and there. I'll post some pics later for it.

[slowcpe]

Wow, looks like you are cruising right along. Looking good!

[dukes72]

I need a door for the drivers side. We did a skin on the door and I am just not completely happy with it. Let me know if anyone has one.

[dukes72]

My new bed showed up from gmcpauls. So far it looks pretty good. I'll do a write up once I get it fully assembled.

[Woodnears]

Interested in where this build goes. Will follow to see how that bed turns out.

[dukes72]

It's been too long since I posted some updates on the project. The truck is moving slower than I'd like, but it is still progressing. I got some paint on the interior of the cab. It's amaizing how good that feels...
Lately, I have been working on getting the new bed together, fitting door gaps, and generally getting everything the way I want to it before the final body work for paint.
So far, I am really happy with the bed kit I got from GMC Pauls and the overall service from them. They are the best. The bedsides are great.
I bought a door and a front fender from them as well. They actually delayed shipment to me on door because they inspected it and it wasn't nice enough. I wish summit would have done that with the mangled tailgate I got from them... The fender and the door didn't line up too well. I have to slice the inner bracer to relax the fender and re-weld it back together to get the contour correct. I also ground the door edge as well as welded additional metal to get the door gaps right. Now they look great.