1979 C10....The last 20 years

[bowtieguy79]

Originally Posted by LT7A

How are those to 255/60s? That's what I'd like to run on all four corners.

Rears are 275-60s I think the fronts are 255-60s. They are short lol I don't drive it enough to like/dislike them. They hold air and don't shake at 90 so they can stay.

[Advanced Design]

Great story on your truck Brad. That is a keeper for sure!

[bowtieguy79]

I have come to a cross roads with my use and love of the 79 C10. I love the stance the wheel tire package and the look. That being said, I am going 180* the other direction with it starting this winter.

I am working on a deal for a K20 Frame/Axles/205 T-case and going to donate the body from my C10 to the truck I have always dreamed of.

I grew up on a farm in central illinois in the 80s. Like the rest of you my age do you recall at EVERY farm you drove past you saw a 77-80 K20 with a Cattle trailer hooked to it, or stacked full of square bales. These trucks sported directional mud tires and factory duals in most cases. Cocky looking ride height. They made a TV show with a K20 as the star when we where kids. I have to do it, its just in my blood.

The truck that has always been my unicorn was the 78 K20 my dad bought new in 78. Was a 350/400/203 truck with 3.73's He love it, to this day speaks to how tough of a truck it was and how nice it was. Farm life drove it into the ground and it was lost to horse trading long before I was in to trucks.

My dad is 74, my son is 10, I'm nearly 37. Life is ticking away, we are not promised tomorrow. I am going to build the truck of my dreams out of the truck Dad and I have slaved over and put our time into. My dad said I was nuts, but chuckled and said "ya, I'll help" The 10 year old was easy to convince, he likes big trucks.

The plan is to do a little engine swapping with my current 72 Suburban. It has a cammed LQ9 that is strong as an ox. I will use a 4L80E and a 205 Tcase, 4.10 axles and depending on lift I settle on ( 2 or 4 we'll see ) 33's or 35's.

This truck will be a fair weather trailer tow rig and continue its cruise inn duties from time to time. I'm excited, will give me a piece of my childhood past, my current truck and memories of continued gear head stuff with the family!

Here is a pic of the motivation.

[MTCK]

Cool plan. Nothing wrong with some locking hubs!

[LT7A]

I get it completely. Those K20s and probably that same TV show are what got me back into these trucks after having one when I was 23. You might be able to get a complete truck for about the same that you would get that chassis, transfer case, and axles. If you got room, maybe you can just have two!

How ever you decide to do it, good luck!

[OutlawDrifter]

Don't go 4". Two at the most! I like your idea, but will be sad to see the 2wd version of this pickup go. 33's fit pretty good at stock K20 ride height...just saying.

[Corts60]

Thanks for sharing! Great post. Beautiful truck.

[bowtieguy79]

I picked up an original frame from an old farm truck. 79 even!

3.73 Gears posi rear. Wanted 4.11 but hey, this will work for now, i can always change them.

Purchased a 4L80E already mounted to a 205 as well. Frame is going to take a trip to the sand blaster at some point. I'm pumped about this transformation!

[daddyjeep]

Is there some plan for the bed pieces? Looks like a shop bench in the making.

[bowtieguy79]

Originally Posted by daddyjeep

Is there some plan for the bed pieces? Looks like a shop bench in the making.

Bingo, also got the front nose off of two different 78 Chevy Trucks too

[palposity]

Love the truck. Great color!

[rusty76]

Cool story and I will ride along.

[bowtieguy79]

Well... the C10 continues to live as is as was in my last update. the K20 project stalled and another K20 came into my stable. The C10 was left alone!