Project El Viejito, '66 C10 LWB BBW Build

[Grizz1963]

Clever.

I like that.

[19SIKtySix]

Originally Posted by Grizz1963

Clever.

I like that.

Thanks a bunch...from England, huh? Fish 'n Chips and spot of tea?? Sorry, I couldn't help it.

[19SIKtySix]

Still making progress on my build, onto the next task. I started tearing down the front suspension to replace bushings, ball joints and lower the front end. I'm using 2 1/2" Modular McGaughy drop spindles and 2" CPP drop springs. I went ahead and bought new tie rods and control arm shafts.

I'm looking forward to the day when I can fire this thing up and go enjoy it! One step at a time.

[19SIKtySix]

Originally Posted by jchav62

Coming along great! Nothing like having family and friends for help...
The wheels/tires look awesome! Love the "white walls".

There's no way I could some things by myself. Plus my nephews like to get involved and learn. So why don't we all learn at the same time??

Kill 2 birds with 1 stone, ya know?

[19SIKtySix]

It's been awhile since I've posted updates, I've made more progress on this thing.

I got the front end back together and back on the ground after lowering the front. I'm happy with the stance for now, eventually it will be bagged.

[19SIKtySix]

Next it was finally time to load the truck up to bring the truck to the shop at my work. The time had come to convert the truck from longbed to shortbed. I had waited a long time for this change...I was stoked to put it back together.

I used the conversion kit from Performance Online and it worked out really well.

[19SIKtySix]

I assembled the shortbed and it was time to see this thing as it was meant to be seen...a big window shortbed.

[Grizz1963]

Chuck,

Happy New Year.

If there was a Like button, you would get my Like.

Continue to love this truck and all you do to it.

My 66 is a short fleet big back window.

Currently messing with a 79 Blazer that’s included in my 66 thread on here.

Hope to get back on the 66 in summer.

[19SIKtySix]

Originally Posted by Grizz1963

Chuck,

Happy New Year.

If there was a Like button, you would get my Like.

Continue to love this truck and all you do to it.

Grizz, Happy New Year to you as well!

I forgot to tell you, I recently spent a few hours going thru your threads and I really enjoyed your detailed posts. From your trips to restorations, so much enjoyable content!

I really appreciate your kind words, sometimes I feel I don't do enough to this thing, but then I look back at the progress and realize I've done more than I think. I'm just stoked to give my truck the attention it deserves.

The next thing is work on getting the fuel lines and wiring situated, so I can fire this thing up again!

Stay tuned for more progress my friend!

[Grizz1963]

Internet, iPads etc.

Thanks a lot.

I do the whole random thing as it’s a road map for me.

Your truck will be up n running soon enough.

[Duncan K]

Great work on this build!! I absolutely love the wheels, I might just have to do something similar.

[jchav62]

Looking good!

[kdad]

Loving the white walls.... great build

[19SIKtySix]

Originally Posted by kdad

Loving the white walls.... great build

Thanks kdad, I appreciate that.

Your build is coming along nicely. I'm looking forward to your updated thread.

[19SIKtySix]

Now that the truck is back home, I've been able to start working on the key items like fuel lines and wiring.

Since I started this project, I've wanted to do as much myself to really get familiar with the truck and have the knowledge of just how everything works. I want to be able to troubleshoot potential problems, so I want to be responsible for the majority of the work.

For my fuel lines, I had bought a kit from CPP with push lok fittings and fuel line, which made it a lot easier to put together. Let me tell you, after getting the fuel line on the fittings, it doesn't budge at all. I got a Russell fuel filter and got my lines run.

Up next was getting the computer and TAC module inside the cab, I was able to mount the computer and TAC module on the firewall with a Dirty Dingo bracket. I tried to salvage the original wiring harness, but it wasn't going to work. So I ordered a Speedway harness and rewiring the whole truck.



I've had tons of wiring help from fellow forum member Dec010974 and he even built me my LS harness to complete my stand alone wiring harness. Can't thank him enough for all his help!



I got the power wires hooked up and checked for issues, everything checked out OK...and we've got power!

[19SIKtySix]

After getting power to the harness, I moved onto wiring up the ignition and LS harness. After checking things out, I turned the key to on and kept checking for fuel leaks but the fuel pump was kicking on...what a great feeling this was!





Finally, after continually turning the key and checking for leaks, it was time to see if the engine would fire and it did 1st try!!! (Sorry I have video of my 2nd attempt, but I'm not sure how to post a video and it's pretty shaky).

My next step was to get the Champion radiator/shroud/electric fan mounted up. I purchased all the pieces from AZProPerformance and I'm super happy with how it turned out.

[19SIKtySix]

I haven't been doing well with keeping up on my build thread. Most of the work has been tedious and doing things 2 or 3 times. My goal with this build was to be able to learn how the truck goes together myself. I want to be able to make repairs if needed.

After getting the radiator/fan mounted, I went back to wiring and got the LED headlights and taillights wired up and working.





Then I moved onto upgrading to power steering, I used the mount from CaptainFab and got the power steering hooked up and turns easily now.

[lownslw64]

Looks good! your making great progress and will be really happy you ls swap your truck. I just completed mine. I'll be at the intervention also. i'll have to come by and check it out.

[19SIKtySix]

Originally Posted by lownslw64

Looks good! your making great progress and will be really happy you ls swap your truck. I just completed mine. I'll be at the intervention also. i'll have to come by and check it out.

lownslw64, thanks for the props. I'm really eager to drive it with the swap and just enjoy the reliability and have fun.

I'll be sure to keep an eye out for your build at the show.

I heard there was a cruise on Sat, know anything about that?

[lownslw64]

Yes, there is a cruise on sat from 2-5 and if your registered it tells on the paperwork you received about were you start and end. Then at night there is a mixer they call it at crooked lane brewery after the cruise. Let me know if you need the start and end point of cruise and I can check on my paperwork when I get home and give it to you.

[0ldSoul]

Just read through the build, nice truck! Any updates?

[19SIKtySix]

Originally Posted by 0ldSoul

Just read through the build, nice truck! Any updates?

Thanks a lot Old Soul, I haven't checked my thread in a while, so it's behind on updates.

I was able to trailer the truck to the C10 intervention show last September (which was my goal). Now the truck is legal and I've been driving it around and enjoying it like I always wanted.

I'll try to update this thread with more photos, but here's a picture from a few weeks ago rolling into a show.

[19SIKtySix]

The small things I done to the truck lately are added hinges and latches to remove the chains for my tailgate. I temporarily added a roll pan to the bed. The front end now has a POL sway bar and I've started changing out all the weather stripping.

Up next on the to-do-list is to put a bed floor back in, as it's currently totally open.

[19SIKtySix]

This message is for LH Lead Foot:

It won't let me send the message because you're at max capacity for messages.


Good morning LH, I apologize for the delayed response. I haven't logged in here in a while. My 66 is lowered about 4/6 and I used the GM oil pan for F Bodys that I purchased from Dirty Dingo. There was no dipstick hole on my particular block for the dipstick. I had to drill a hole thru a provision on my block, I can't remember the size of hole I had to drill, but I found the information online. I believe I had a thread on here regarding that.

My engine is a pullout from an 03 Envoy, it's the aluminum block/heads. So my original oil pan had the hole thru it for the 4wd axles and the sump was at the front. I needed to purchase a new oil pan anyway. My plans are to eventually have the truck on airbags, so the F body works perfect for that.

I also purchased from Dirty Dingo their LS adapter plates that have 4 different engine placement locations.

Here are the part numbers for both items I bought from Dirty Dingo, hope it helps.

1 x Complete Oil Pan Swap Kit for LS1 Camaro / Firebird (F-Body) (DD-LS-OP-CAM) = $349.99
1 x Dingo Double-D 3/8 Steel LS Adapter Plates (DD-LS-DOUBLE-D-S) = $59.99

Let me know if you have any other questions and I'll help if I can.

[0ldSoul]

Right on, awesome picture! That can't be the only one ya got!!

Also, what size rubber did you end up with?

Love the look.. I'm working on installing a similar drop right now.. 4.5/7 but sticking with 20s, those 22s do look killer though! Wish I could find a set of transits, they're tough to find. Where'd you score your set from? I've tried several dealerships near me and none sell them because of a core price. I've even asked what their core price was and if they'd be willing to sell me a set if I paid their core price, no dice.