My Big block 1969 C10 step side project

[mikl911]

Picked up a project truck. It's a 1969 C10 short bed step side. It has been modified with a 396 big block bored out to a 402 automatic transmission. Tilt steering column, AC and a custom interior. It was a California truck and the rockers appear to be original and in exillent condition as are the floors and cab corners. the bed needs some attention as does the front grill. At some point I will change the interior. The paint is a little faded but should come back to life with some TLC. My short them goals are to get it together and running (it needs a fuel pump) and drive it as is. Long term I may change it to a fleet side (step side is growing on me) and paint it a different color, Black with a black and saddle brown leather interior. Air bag suspension and wide steelie rims with dog dish hub caps and Hoosier white letter tires and update the stereo. I would like to do an air bag suspension to be able to lower it and do some light towing.
This is a little different then some of my resent projects, my last two projects were Porsche 911's. With my cars I like to incorporate modern and performance pieces but limit the impact to any original parts. This truck is not an original pristine numbers matching truck so I don't feel making the changes I want will effect it's value in a negative way. But I will try to do things so the next owner could restore it to be more original without having to do extensive modifications. I'm into this truck cheap enough I have plenty of budget left to do what i want to do and then some
Let me know what you guys think!

[mikl911]

Sorry about the sideways images not sure why they are like that.

[Redneck Rydes]

Awesome, looks like a great project,what are your plans with it?

[Mike C]

Looks like a nice conversion with ‘72 factory accessory drive (at least alternator bracket). Has factory big block fan shroud as well.

Disc brake conversion with 2 1/2” drop spindles, front sway bar and upgrade to some modern 17” or 18” wheel and tire combo. Won’t handle like a 911, but you will be surprised at how well it drives.

I like a 4 1/2” front 6” drop rear myself.

[mikl911]

Originally Posted by Mike C

Looks like a nice conversion with ‘72 factory accessory drive (at least alternator bracket). Has factory big block fan shroud as well.

Disc brake conversion with 2 1/2” drop spindles, front sway bar and upgrade to some modern 17” or 18” wheel and tire combo. Won’t handle like a 911, but you will be surprised at how well it drives.

I like a 4 1/2” front 6” drop rear myself.

Thank you! drop spindles and disc brake conversion for sure. Hadn't thought about sway bars but great idea. I want to improve the handling and the stance but need to keep the drivability that's why I was thinking airbags.

[mikl911]

Originally Posted by Redneck Rydes

Awesome, looks like a great project,what are your plans with it?

Drive it!!

[zicc1835]

I put bags in the rear of my step side and hidden hitch when I can get to it I will drop the front static I think maybe bags not sure �� mine too from low desert SoCal yours is nice project I’ll be following along

[zicc1835]

I put bags in the rear of my step side and hidden hitch when I can get to it I will drop the front static I think maybe bags not sure 🤔 mine too from low desert SoCal yours is nice project I’ll be following along

[mikl911]

Does anyone know if there is any vintage style steering wheels available for the tilt column I have?

[weq92f]

Good looking truck.

Flip fa ya...

-klb

[Speedracer39]

Looking good—- your gonna love the torque of a big block.