2-yr build for my 13-yr old (1968 C-10 SWB fleetside)

[neal64ss]

Always wanted to build one of the 67-72 SWB fleetside trucks and when my 13 yr old son said he was interested as well I decided to go get one. I did not pay very much and I didn't get very much as well. Hope I can put it in nice, safe, dependable driving condition before he hits 16 yrs old.

[thelonerife]

Nice starting point.

[neal64ss]

We got the front clip removed and found a few surprises. Looks like it was hit in front drivers side corner, not so bad. Rusted where bottom rear of fender bolts to cab, guess this is fairly common. Can I get replacement sheetmetal for that area? Where is the best place to get the sheetmetal parts like rockers and floorpan sections? Also noticed a strange upward bend in the frame on the passsenger side. Anyone know why the frame would be bent there and how does a guy go about fixing that? See pics.

[Low Elco]

You can get the cab metal from most of the usual vendors, classic, lmc, brothers, GMCPaul, Jim Carter, Ron Manes. The turned up lip is factory. No one knows why. Torch it and beat it flat if it bugs you. Leave it if you're going LS, some guys use it to their advantage dealing with AC lines. Good luck!

[neal64ss]

Originally Posted by Low Elco

You can get the cab metal from most of the usual vendors, classic, lmc, brothers, GMCPaul, Jim Carter, Ron Manes. The turned up lip is factory. No one knows why. Torch it and beat it flat if it bugs you. Leave it if you're going LS, some guys use it to their advantage dealing with AC lines. Good luck!

Great, one less thing to worry about. I am going LS so that may help with clearance.

[mcbassin]

Looks like a pretty solid start. Two year build is ambitious. Looking forward to following along. Welcome to the forum BTW.

[nlped]

I'm watching... 2 years is a great timeframe, but you better get to work

[KMC3420]

Looks like a great start to me, appears you have all the body panels. I think two years is a great goal and maybe with your sons help you will be able to achieve that. Good luck and welcome!

[scotts72heavyhalf]

Two years? No problem. From start to finish me and my two boys finished our truck in less than one year, you will have her done in no time.

[eagleuh1]

Hey Neal64ss, glad to see you got the build thread going. Was going to say that lip helps to keep the AC lines from hitting the frame. Also allows wrench room. Truck looks nice. Good start for a project. I got most of my panels from Banana something or other. Triplus parts. Most we're good quality. Don't get the bed floor repair panel, nowhere near matching oe. Everything else was close enough to make work. There's a nice crate LS3 in the adds section. Just what a 16 year old boy needs. Good luck. Jim

[neal64ss]

Originally Posted by eagleuh1

Hey Neal64ss, glad to see you got the build thread going. Was going to say that lip helps to keep the AC lines from hitting the frame. Also allows wrench room. Truck looks nice. Good start for a project. I got most of my panels from Banana something or other. Triplus parts. Most we're good quality. Don't get the bed floor repair panel, nowhere near matching oe. Everything else was close enough to make work. There's a nice crate LS3 in the adds section. Just what a 16 year old boy needs. Good luck. Jim

If I buy an LS3 crate engine it will go in my 64 chevelle and the boy will get the 5.3L I am currently running.

[Xeen]

Originally Posted by neal64ss

If I buy an LS3 crate engine it will go in my 64 chevelle and the boy will get the 5.3L I am currently running.

Good plan, no 16 year old boy needs 430 HP that's just asking for trouble.
You are going to enjoy this truck just as much as he will they are a lot of fun.
Tabco makes some of the best fitting replacement panels and patch panels and they are made in the USA , no matter where you buy the patch panels make sure you get the direct replacement version not the slip on version because there are both types available, Tabco indicates the difference on their website but unfortunately most others don't so be careful when ordering. http://www.tabcobodyparts.com/
One other thing, don't forget to have fun and cherish the one on one time because as you know they grow up way too fast and are gone before you know what happened.

[neal64ss]

Originally Posted by Xeen

Good plan, no 16 year old boy needs 430 HP that's just asking for trouble.
You are going to enjoy this truck just as much as he will they are a lot of fun.
Tabco makes some of the best fitting replacement panels and patch panels and they are made in the USA , no matter where you buy the patch panels make sure you get the direct replacement version not the slip on version because there are both types available, Tabco indicates the difference on their website but unfortunately most others don't so be careful when ordering. http://www.tabcobodyparts.com/
One other thing, don't forget to have fun and cherish the one on one time because as you know they grow up way too fast and are gone before you know what happened.

Thanks for the info. Looks like they have competitive pricing as well.

[neal64ss]

Update time. Been busy last few monthsbut trying to get back to work on the 68 truck. Found a frame on craigslist. It had 5 lug discs and rear, which I was planning to change anyhow and it is straight, so I bought it. Got it stripped down and plan to flip the rear trailing arm brackets, install bolt in c notch, and sandblast it in the next week. Will then give it a couple coats of rust encapsulator and a couple coats of chassis black.

[neal64ss]

Update time. Been busy last few monthsbut trying to get back to work on the 68 truck. Found a frame on craigslist. It had 5 lug discs and rear, which I was planning to change anyhow and it is straight, so I bought it. Got it stripped down and plan to flip the rear trailing arm brackets, install bolt in c notch, and sandblast it in the next week. Will then give it a couple coats of rust encapsulator and a couple coats of chassis black.

[KMC3420]

Nice update, looks like a good score, and one step forward. Keep us updated and remember to have fun with the kiddo.

[mcbassin]

Nice looking frame. Craigslist scores are good

[gdavis]

good luck there man. At least you have some help. Grab hold and enjoy the ride.

[neal64ss]

Working today at installing c-notches. I hate rivets. Took out about 20 a week or two ago and thought I had developed a winning method (Dremel & air chisel). Currently am stuck trying to get the two rivets out where the coil spring mounts. Got the c-notch section cut out but the rivets are kicking my butt.

[eagleuh1]

I like drilling the head out till it falls off then punching the rest out with a hammer and punch. Any pics?

[kxmotox247]

Drilling rivets sucks. Quickest way I've found so far is to use a flap disc like these:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/WEILER-50603...item4874fa21ff

With a 4" grinder it takes about 90 seconds to grind the whole rivet head off. Then just use a punch to knock the rest out.

Looks like a great project!

[neal64ss]

Got the c-notches installed. My new method for removing rivets is cut head longways with cutoff wheel, air chisel to remove head, punch out if possible, drill out if it will not punch out. Now to get this frame painted.

[neal64ss]

Got frame painted over the weekend. Used rust encapsulator and chasis black from eastwood. Put both on with brush. Rust encapsulator went on great and easy. Chassis black went on OK but if I had to do it over again I would have sprayed it instead of using a brush. Just the frame, so I am happy with the result. Big milestone in the build to now have the frame done and ready to start on the suspension.

[slowcpe]

Looking good. Its amazing what a coat of paint can do.

[KMC3420]

Looking good! Wait til it rolls. That is a great feeling. Warm weather will be here soon enough. That's much more fun when it's nice out. GO HOGS! Saw your little razorback sticker.