towing build '66 (6.0LS swap)

[slimjim66]

hey guys, new to the site... I've got a 66 long bed stepper that i just bought. the truck was 100% original from factory. it was pulled from a barn in western canada last spring and made its way to my place few months ago. along with the '66 i bought a 2003 silverado 2500HD that i already tore the engine and trans out of.

little info on the '66, the body is in decent shape, has some rust holes where they all seem to rust (rockers, cab corners, bottom of fenders) all this will be addressed and fixed although trying to keep the patina look the truck has. the frame is nice and solid no rot or noticeable bend or damage from looking at it.

plans..... i want to use this truck to haul my car and trailer to shows. its a tandem 18" car hauler with a 5000lb car on top. is there anything i should be looking at or is there any known problems these things have when towing?

things I've bought so far....
- 13" ccp front and rear disc conversion
- rear air bags and air management system.
- front and rear suspension bushings,joints,bearings ect ect...
- class 3 hitch
- trailer brake controller


the truck will be on 22x9 wheels (already have them from another truck) the motor will be the 6.0 LQ4 LS based motor. it will be fully rebuilt along with transmission and have enough jam to be moving this trailer with ease.

is there any cross bracing or gusseting i need to be looking at while the box and body are off the truck? i might keep the front as static suspension or maybe just do the whole truck on bags. have people C notched the frame while towing and had good luck? have guys Z'd the front of the frame and had good luck?

im a metal fabricator by trade so all the work will be done by me, i have the tools and knowledge to make it happen. just looking for anyones experience or info if any for what i want to do. i see a few picture on the net of c10's hauling show cars around so i know people are doing it. i can't be the first.
-

[Captainfab]

Welcome to the forum

Is the '66 a C10 or a C20? Is the car trailer a bumper pull or a gooseneck/5th wheel?

[1971 GMC SHORTY]

Welcome Sounds like a Great start

[slimjim66]

Originally Posted by Captainfab

Welcome to the forum

Is the '66 a C10 or a C20? Is the car trailer a bumper pull or a gooseneck/5th wheel?

It's a C10, we'll actually it's a GMC 1000 but ya it's a 10 not 20... as for the trailer it's just a tag along bumper hook up style not a 5th wheel

[slimjim66]

This is my idea of what I want to do. It will spend most of its life without a trailer attached but I will need it to haul my car to a few far away shows. Like 4-6 shows a summer.

[slimjim66]

For anyone who cares, this is my other car I built last year.

'70 continental, blown big block, bagged, lots of fun...

[slimjim66]

And here's a pic of my truck, with the donor 03 beside it.

[earl84]

Pretty sure Captain asked about 5th wheel versus bumper pull was all about frame strength. Give this thread a read, well worth it.
http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=457037

Really like your plans for the old girl, such a cool idea. Good luck. Love the Continental!

[slimjim66]

Originally Posted by earl84

Pretty sure Captain asked about 5th wheel versus bumper pull was all about frame strength. Give this thread a read, well worth it.
http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=457037

Really like your plans for the old girl, such a cool idea. Good luck. Love the Continental!

Thanks a lot!!! That was a good read. I've been picking the brains of our mechanical engineers at work about what they thought. Kinda the same info there but I could understand it better with pictures. I think I'll be leaving the front part of the frame alone and maybe doing a rectangular boxed in notch at the back IF I need it lower.

For something like this I would rather have the strength over "cool factor" any day.

[Captainfab]

With a bumper pull you will need to maintain the frame strength/integrity front to back. Also you will want good reliable brakes as well as brakes on at least 1 trailer axle. Then you should be good to use your 1/2 ton truck to tow your trailer and car.

[slimjim66]

Originally Posted by Captainfab

With a bumper pull you will need to maintain the frame strength/integrity front to back. Also you will want good reliable brakes as well as brakes on at least 1 trailer axle. Then you should be good to use your 1/2 ton truck to tow your trailer and car.

Yes sir, thats why i went with the CCP 13" brake kit, comes with a twin piston front caliper and single in the rear. it seemed like the best combo before entering the Baer or Wilwood world. the trailer has electric brakes on both axles, and ill custom make my hitch so it extends further up to the rear axle to distribute the weight better. obviously some testing will be done before loading the car and taking it 6 hours away.

i appreciate your guys reply, when time comes (probably few months into the new year) ill make a post with my build.

[Greenlee]

That Lincoln is pretty sweet! Nice truck also.

[Palf70Step]

Looking forward to watching you build the truck. It should be a good pair-up towing your car!

[slimjim66]

Originally Posted by Greenlee

That Lincoln is pretty sweet! Nice truck also.

Thanks man

[slimjim66]

Originally Posted by Palf70Step

Looking forward to watching you build the truck. It should be a good pair-up towing your car!

Thanks!! I think so too. Can't wait to get it started. I just have a few things left to finish up the car then I'll start the truck

[jayoldschool]

Just put the old cab/bed/sheetmetal on the late model chassis. Many benefits. Suspension, brakes, frame, towing capacity, etc.

[slimjim66]

Originally Posted by jayoldschool

Just put the old cab/bed/sheetmetal on the late model chassis. Many benefits. Suspension, brakes, frame, towing capacity, etc.

Looked into it, it's a lot more work

[Bigd18]

New to the site also. I'll be watching too as I just picked up a 66 1 ton GMC. I was thinking about turning into a hauler.

[Captainfab]

Wise decision....stick with your original frame and upgrade the rest.

Originally Posted by slimjim66

Looked into it, it's a lot more work

[slimjim66]

Originally Posted by Bigd18

New to the site also. I'll be watching too as I just picked up a 66 1 ton GMC. I was thinking about turning into a hauler.

Nice, what's your plans with yours?

[Bigd18]

Originally Posted by slimjim66

Nice, what's your plans with yours?

Not certain. I picked it up in a group buy with a 64 C10 longbed. I’ve got a 64 short step that I’ve been working on mainly. It’s been in my family since it was purchased new and needs some attention before I worry about the one ton.

[rvrfoot]

Originally Posted by slimjim66

For anyone who cares, this is my other car I built last year.

'70 continental, blown big block, bagged, lots of fun...

That car is crazy cant wait to see what your going to do with the truck.

[slimjim66]

Originally Posted by rvrfoot

That car is crazy cant wait to see what your going to do with the truck.

thanks man, the car turned out awesome. I'm not sure ill go so overboard with the truck but..... i also thought that when i was building the lincoln. i seem to always make my toys as impractical as possible lol.