68’ GMC frame off build
 

I started a new frame for my 1967 c-10. On a whim I decided to I decided to make it a short box. Even though I got the blessing from the original owner, I got a ton flack from my friends and family for planning on cutting up my Original Paint truck. They wore me down, probably the right decision.

Re: 68’ GMC frame off build
 

I had had a very good friend shorten and step notch the frame for me. He did an amazing job, and since it would be such a shame to let it go to waste or to someone else. I decided to build another truck. Here’s a few pics of the frame.

Re: 68’ GMC frame off build
 

Good Choice.
Your 67 is a great looking truck.
I personally like long bed trucks.
But I will admit as far as looks go Short beds are Cool.
I am in for your short bed build.







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Re: 68’ GMC frame off build
 

Spent the last year looking for an original paint light yellow truck. Had to be 67/68 and it had to have either original paint or a very old repaint. I’m not interested in Paint prison. The costs are too high and it takes too long.

Here is the first truck i found, A lot rougher than I wanted but it would do if I couldn’t find a better truck.

It’s a 1968 GMC 1/2 ton had been sitting for about 25 years.

Re: 68’ GMC frame off build
 

It was super cheap even when you factor in the fluke and time to go get it.

But she needs full floors and the box sides are far too rough to shorten. It’s basically a parts truck. So I removed the coils and its driveway art for the time being.

Re: 68’ GMC frame off build
 

im in for the ride:)

Re: 68’ GMC frame off build
 

Thanks, I agree. Besides I have a fantasy 4 truck collection in mind. This gives me build #3. The only truck i’ll need after this is a 67/68 suburban. :metal:

Re: 68’ GMC frame off build
 

That’s how things sat for the last 6months or so. Then last weekend a buddy sent me an ad for this one. Kind of funny since 67/68 GMC’s have never been that common around here. But here it is, another 68’. Only without all the rust and body damage.

It’s an original paint truck that has never been wrecked and barely left the farm, or at least that’s what I was told. It definitely never left the area anyways. As the farm I got it from was only 65km away from the dealership it was sold at.

Re: 68’ GMC frame off build
 

Some better pics now that I’ve got it home. Definitely a good builder.

Re: 68’ GMC frame off build
 

Congrats on the find. And thanks for sharing. Looks like fun, I'm down for the follow.

Re: 68’ GMC frame off build
 

Thanks!! I’ll try and keep it interesting.

Re: 68’ GMC frame off build
 

Pulled the seat and floor mats today. Wanted to get a good look at how good the floor actually is.

For a farm truck that’s been sitting for a few years (Last registration was in 2008) its really not that bad. Needs small patches on the cab corners and there’s a bit of rust at the floor pan/A-pillar intersection. Otherwise its in great shape.

Re: 68’ GMC frame off build
 

Thought they looked cool just hanging out.

I love driveway pics.

Re: 68’ GMC frame off build
 

One more driveway pic for the end of the night.

Re: 68’ GMC frame off build
 

Gave the GMC a quick wash. No real scrubbing just wanted to see if the Butternut would come through at all.

Not bad at all, cant wait to give it a Comet scrub and some serious polishing. Should be cool.

Re: 68’ GMC frame off build
 

A good friend of mine, CabuckVetter who’s also a board member heard about the new truck and pulled these out of his parts stash. Absolutely killer, and very hard to find in this area of the world.

Not perfect, but this truck will never be perfect:metal:

Re: 68’ GMC frame off build
 

That truck from here in western Canada is in real nice shape. I'd clean it up and drive the wheels off it. Your driveway spells addiction lol. Kind of like my back yard.

Re: 68’ GMC frame off build
 

Really looking forward to the new build. I'm totally in for the chop'n'drop...:metal: My truck was an original paint longbed truck also...but in Ochre. I call it babysh_t yellow. My thinking was this, Its a base model C10, it's as close to rust free as I'll ever find, it's paid for, and it's mine. So now it is a SWB and will soon be light blue and white.;)

Re: 68’ GMC frame off build
 

Looking good! Really like your Blazer too!

Re: 68’ GMC frame off build
 

Sort of the plan, no real paint or body work. Just fix the rust and shorten the box. Just a restored frame bed and interior.

Exactly. The way I look at it, this truck was sitting for about 11 years. I saved it and as long as I get it back on the road in some form. It’s a win.


Thanks!!!

Re: 68’ GMC frame off build
 

A few pics of the frame shortening. I used the ECE c-channel, cut 12” out and bolted it all together. Then I took it over to my buddies who burned it all together.
She measures out straight and true. Next up will be blasting and paint.

Re: 68’ GMC frame off build
 

I think painted grill would be best for this build.
Just my opinion.
You have the parts to do this build.
Frame is looking good.
A+












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Re: 68’ GMC frame off build
 

Agreed. White is the only option as far as I’m concerned.

I’m hoping to keep this build as low-buck as possible. I just want my short box truck. A fun little driver and I’ll be happy.

Re: 68’ GMC frame off build
 

Blazer and the 67’ are both about to head off to storage, so i thought I’d take a little group shot.
Makes for a pretty cool looking driveway. 2 drivers, a project and a parts truck:metal::metal:


I’m so lucky that i have cool neighbours.

Re: 68’ GMC frame off build
 

Started the tear down today.

Re: 68’ GMC frame off build
 

In the air. I couldn’t do what i do without this lift.

Because I lift from the rear, the box is very front heavy. A few 66lb bags of concrete level things out nicely. Making for a very easy lift.

Re: 68’ GMC frame off build
 

Alright alright alright...here we go!

Re: 68’ GMC frame off build
 

As I’m sure most know. Removing 51 year old carriage bolts is a PITA. Since the bed floor is junk, I just cut the floor 6” along the boxside. Then I just flipped them over to grind the bolts off.

Re: 68’ GMC frame off build
 

Swapped the body cart for some wheel dollys.

Need the body cart for the cab, which will be off shortly.

Re: 68’ GMC frame off build
 

I really like The Wheel Dollys .
Did you make them?










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Re: 68’ GMC frame off build
 

I did not. The same guy who shortened my frame and notched it built them. He has a whole line of Automotive restoration Accessories. Rottiseries, cab lifts, body carts, these dollies. And he’s always tinkering with other ideas.

Re: 68’ GMC frame off build
 

Finally drug the cab and chassis in the shop tonight.

Re: 68’ GMC frame off build
 

Got a bit more disassembled tonight. It sure is nice to take apart a truck that isn’t super rusty! All bolts came out without any issue. Not common around here.

I don’t plan on taking the front clip apart so have to wait for some assistance to get it off. Should be fully disassembled tomorrow.

Re: 68’ GMC frame off build
 

Popped the windshield out for a pleasant surprise. Some well earned patina but no rust.

Around here, these corners really like to bubble up when trucks sit.

Re: 68’ GMC frame off build
 

Looking good! Keep them progress pics coming!

Re: 68’ GMC frame off build
 

The floor on the other hand isn’t quite as clean, but still in better shape than most around here.

2 cab corners
2 lower kicks and floor panel
Both sills above the rocker.

Not sure about the mounts yet. They look pretty good so far but won’t know for sure until I get it off the frame.

Re: 68’ GMC frame off build
 

Thanks! Slow going but post when I can.

Re: 68’ GMC frame off build
 

Looks like fun. Thanks for the update. PS...What's that white stuff on it in post #32?

Re: 68’ GMC frame off build
 

That’s nothing!! Look at this :bsf:

Re: 68’ GMC frame off build
 

Well that’s it, body is now completely disassembled.