Project "Ghost of Poseidon" - 1972 C10 Pro-touring
 

Howdy, all!

It's been a while since I've been on the forum. For years I worked on my last project "Second Chance" which was a 66' GMC Long-fleet. Due to life, circumstance, and what was left in the project I ended up selling it. It went to a great home, a quadriplegic father and his son wanting to finish putting it together. I hope it's out there somewhere giving them lots of pleasure :).

Now it's time to take up another project. Currently, I'm finishing a 1969 ElCamino for my father-in-law, so that's taking up precious garage space, so this project will be a slow going start.

The 1972 C10 came from someone who had done some custom bodywork on it, shortened the bed, widened the rear, tubbed it, etc. It seems to have been pretty well done, the body appears straight and seems to be minimal rust.

My plan for this is to build a menacing pro-touring truck that I can daily. I plan on going with a non-metallic grey paint akin to what Audi has and utilizing some carbon fiber parts, as well as some original parts painted to look a bit more modern. This may not be the build for everyone, and that's okay. There is enough out there for us all!

To start, I'm trying to make this a better driver.

In the short term I'll be:

1. Upgrading the headlights (ordered those today)
2. Upgrading the seat (thinking TMI buckets)
3. Upgrading the brakes (looking at 14" Z06 front, something matching in the rear, and a hydroboost unit).

From there I'll start looking into an LS swap with either a 4 or 6-speed auto.

Then suspension, new wheels, finish interior, and finally, paint!

Here is what I'm starting with.

https://i.imgur.com/IaE8P7yl.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/C4Ec2VUl.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/NeG2qpKl.jpg

Cheers all, and though it may not have mass appeal, I hope this project interests at least a few :).

PS. Apologies as I didn't realize someone else had a Project Ghost going. I might think of another name and ping a mod to change the title :).

Re: Project "Ghost" - 1972 C10 Pro-touring
 

Hey all,

I plan on getting more into this shortly. I've been wrapping up a project for my father-in-law that I'm delivering this coming Father's day. He handed over his 69' El Camino for me to freshen up after his mother passed and left it to him. I've had it about 9 months doing everything from brakes, engine, suspension, interior. Glad to finally finish a project.

Here are a few from then and now:

https://i.ibb.co/gm3DNt6/MVIMG-20180811-153227.jpg
https://i.ibb.co/8XBdJ2m/MVIMG-20180813-083443.jpg
https://i.ibb.co/NZtjQNz/IMG-20190505-094236.jpg
https://i.ibb.co/0t7d574/IMG-20190604-205611.jpg

As far as the truck goes, I've gotten the bed sprayed, as I have and intend to continue to use this as a truck. I have also upgraded the headlights to some Dapper true HID projectors, and wired in turn signals into the halo lens. They look awesome.

https://i.ibb.co/BC66T7g/IMG-20190511-120354.jpg
https://i.ibb.co/KbrvVsD/MVIMG-20190511-124043.jpg
https://i.ibb.co/fpr99rf/MVIMG-20190524-161214.jpg
https://i.ibb.co/CzKmTRw/IMG-20190601-104329.jpg
https://i.ibb.co/7Y1m7HX/IMG-20190603-151801.jpg


Once the Elky is totally done I'll turn to upgrading the brakes. Going from a disc/drum to a Bear disc/disc setup with hydro boost. Should be quite the change!

Re: Project "Ghost" - 1972 C10 Pro-touring
 

Got started on the big brake kit. Found out Baer sent me red calipers with black letters for the front (what I wanted) and black calipers with red letters for the front. So gotta get that sorted out.

While I wait on brakes, I'm also going to do the sound deadening, carpet, new seats, and seatbelts. Interior reeked of musk cologne, especially in the heat. Time for all that interior stuff to go!

Going to wait until I do suspension and upgrade/refresh the steering components and ball joints.

Also discovered the previous owner was running tires too big for the wheels. 255/45s on 18x7 in the front, and 305s on the 20x10 on the rear. Front needs new rubber badly, so I need to either go down a size, which I don't really want to do or eat it and upgrade the wheels now.

https://i.ibb.co/4NvPM7J/IMG-20190614-111832.jpg
https://i.ibb.co/BBGQvNx/IMG-20190614-144333.jpg

Re: Project "Ghost" - 1972 C10 Pro-touring
 

Got a little more done on the rear brakes. Decided while they're out to upgrade the axles and replace the bearing/seals. So I could only get so far with the rear brakes today . . .

https://i.ibb.co/qsZ2HP0/MVIMG-20190617-132728.jpg
https://i.ibb.co/z6M0R5V/IMG-20190617-143201.jpg

Re: Project "Ghost" - 1972 C10 Pro-touring
 

After cleaning up the floor, stripping it, and de-gluing I started the sound deadening.

I'm waiting on the new Moser axles to be turned so the fit the Baer rotors.

I'll be doing two layers of the mat, then a layer of dynaliner, then carpet.

https://i.ibb.co/V3FRc7z/IMG-20190618-105351.jpg

Re: Project "Ghost" - 1972 C10 Pro-touring
 

I cant stop looking at the back end!! :smoke:

Re: Project "Ghost" - 1972 C10 Pro-touring
 

Any reason you don’t want to get tires that fit properly on the front? If your like me, I use excuses to justify new wheels. :lol: Like...“ well, there is a decent layer of brake dust on the chrome, so I better just get ahead of it and grab that new set...” Really though, what are your plans for wheels? Perhaps something to show off the purdy big brakes? You’ getting a bunch of work done in a hurry on this man. Very cool.
Brian

Re: Project "Ghost" - 1972 C10 Pro-touring
 

Mainly because I want larger tires. They're 255 on the front, and I'd really like to stick with that or go bigger. I have 305's on the rear, so I'd like to get like a 275 or 285 on the front. Sticking with the rim there now the MOST I could get would be a 235 I think as it's a 7" rim, and even that might be bigger than ideal for good handling.

So I'd really like to go with an 18x9 or 18x10 on the front. I'm happy to keep the rears as I think they're 20x11, and I don't mind a staggered look.

But I NEED new front tires, as they're down to the wear bars, so If I'm dropping a few hundred on nice tires, I'd rather not spend the money twice.

I love a Rambler-style wheel, but if I stick with these American racing wheels, which I do like, it'll be cheaper replacing 2 wheels instead of 4.

Re: Project "Ghost" - 1972 C10 Pro-touring
 

Is that a "come hither" stare, or a "WTF did you do" stare? :)

Re: Project "Ghost" - 1972 C10 Pro-touring
 

Don't change your tail!

Re: Project "Ghost" - 1972 C10 Pro-touring
 

I'm still deciding whether I like the tail or not. It is intriguing to say the least. Someone definitely did a lot of work to accomplish it.

Re: Project "Ghost" - 1972 C10 Pro-touring
 

Some of just like big butts I guess :). I should have named this project J Lo.

Re: Project "Ghost" - 1972 C10 Pro-touring
 

That's funny :lol::lol::lol:

Re: Project "Ghost" - 1972 C10 Pro-touring
 

More of the interior is coming together. Got both seats in now, and boy am I happy with the extra space I get from them. Will certainly feel way less cramped and make my driving position way more comfortable than the bench seat.

1. Added some dynapad over two layers of dynamat to increase sound and heat insulation.
2. Added carpet
3. Installed the 3 point seatbelts
4. Installed seat frame
5. Installed TMI bucket seats.

Can't wait to finish the brakes and drive it again.

https://i.ibb.co/Qky68qb/IMG-20190622-090101.jpg
https://i.ibb.co/MpxLcGj/IMG-20190622-091746.jpg
https://i.ibb.co/4FpVmzC/IMG-20190622-144715.jpg
https://i.ibb.co/MsbRnLd/IMG-20190622-144951.jpg

Re: Project "Ghost" - 1972 C10 Pro-touring
 

I may have missed this but, is that a standard truck 12 bolt rear? If so where did you get the swap parts?

Re: Project "Ghost" - 1972 C10 Pro-touring
 

Yup it's a standard truck 12 bolt. Baer brakes make 4 different kits for these rears. I'm using their smallest one since the rest are more expensive and overkill for my forseeable needs.

https://baer.com/12-Rear-SS4-Brake-S...e-4302468.html

Matt's Classic Bowties offers really good pricing on these through the forum, which saved me more money.

I ended up having to mill down both the inner circle and outer diameter of my rear axles so they'd fit the rotors flush. Baer said this isn't unordinary and that I could turn the rotors or axles, either was okay. I figured I'd do the axles so future rotor replacements would fit. Baer said they could pre-turn the rotors for me if I knew the size when ordering.

Re: Project "Ghost" - 1972 C10 Pro-touring
 

Good info and agreed.

Re: Project "Ghost" - 1972 C10 Pro-touring
 

It's looking great! Keep up the great work.....I wanna ride when ya go for a ride!

Re: Project "Ghost" - 1972 C10 Pro-touring
 

Brakes almost done. Had to order some 1/8" wheel spacers so these Torq Thrust IIs would clear the Baer calipers. I thought they would, but the spokes barely graze them. So spacers it is until I change wheels later on.

Ended up making my own brake lines as the premade ones had the wrong size ends on one side. They turned out okay I think. Had about 4 leaks on initial test, but they just required a little more synching and so far no leaking when using full force on the pedal. I'll give it another test tomorrow with the engine running and hydroboost going. If no leaks there then I'd say good to go for a field test!

Also formed my own power steering and hydrolines with some AN fitting and high pressure lines.

Here is some eye candy.

https://i.ibb.co/vkFb2PV/IMG-20190715-151320.jpg

https://i.ibb.co/nLDcRp6/IMG-20190709-112233.jpg

https://i.ibb.co/grN18QY/IMG-20190715-221804.jpg

https://i.ibb.co/pRfChH7/IMG-20190715-224529.jpg

https://i.ibb.co/nL5jQGy/IMG-20190715-224543.jpg

Re: Project "Ghost" - 1972 C10 Pro-touring
 

Well, the spacers didn't work. They simply moved the area of the rim that contacts the calipers. After a discussion with MCB, and their info from Baer, it appears Torque Thrust IIs are the worst wheel possible to have with big brake upgrades. Fortunately, they came with the truck (as opposed to me buying them), and while I like the style, they're pretty commonplace and I had intended to go with different wheels. I just hadn't planned on it so soon.

It sounds like I'll need to go the custom wheel route, and after much looking, I've landed on these:

https://forgeline.com/wp-content/upl...ge-768x768.png

I'm currently between jobs, but once I do I'll be ordering a set in 20x10 (front) and 20x12 (rear) after I ensure they'll fit.

Re: Project "Ghost" - 1972 C10 Pro-touring
 

Following along. Anything new going on with the project?

Re: Project "Ghost" - 1972 C10 Pro-touring
 

Cool build. I am along for the ride.

Re: Project "Ghost" - 1972 C10 Pro-touring
 

Nothing too new as of late. I think I finally got the hydroboost system bled, but still have to get wheels and tires to test it all out.

Still deciding on what wheels to get, but I have a tool coming, and a company that is going to bring out about 5-6 different tires sizes so I can take measurements and get them ordered.

After wheels and tires I'll likely start saving for suspension. I plan to do a full coilover build.

I also bought new altman door latches, so I'll be doing that sometime as well

I'm selling my house, so I'm reticent to start anything major, as who knows when it will sell and I'll need to move the project to the next place. Will be easier to keep it running/driving until then :).

Re: Project "Ghost" - 1972 C10 Pro-touring
 

Hey all,

It's been awhile since the last update, so I thought I'd do a video to summarize some of the more recent work. Check it out and leave some feedback here in the thread :).

Re: Project "Ghost" - 1972 C10 Pro-touring
 

Nice video. I like the dapper headlights also, and was wondering about the options when in use. Thanks for the thorough rundown on the work done.

Re: Project "Ghost" - 1972 C10 Pro-touring
 

No prob. There are a few different ways to wire them, so it's a little of dealer's choice. I did it the way they recommended, and I'm happy with the results so far.

Re: Project "Ghost" - 1972 C10 Pro-touring
 

Did some wheel and tire measuring today. Looks like I'm going to squeeze a 315/35R20 front and rear.

Thanks to MCB for letting me borrow their wheel measuring tool, and thank you to GoMobileTires for coming out with different sizes to test out!

I'll be posting a video of the mounting/balance process in the future.

Now I just have to decide on the Forgeline wheels I want :)

https://i.ibb.co/8PDnBYQ/Tire2.jpghttps://i.ibb.co/NrxVxJ6/MVIMG-20190831-104826.jpg

Re: Project "Ghost" - 1972 C10 Pro-touring
 

Wheels ordered!

Going with the Forgeline ML3C in a pearl grey. I really like how they look on the site, so just going with that.

20x11 fronts with a 6.75" BS, 20x12 rears with a 7.75" BS

https://forgeline.com/wp-content/upl...NG-768x768.png

Re: Project "Ghost" - 1972 C10 Pro-touring
 

Nice video, excited to see some of these things come to life. I'm at a crossroads right now about radio/backup camera. I like your ideas. Unfortunately I am at a pace where I don't have much time left to decide so I need to figure it out quick. I want a backup camera. And am trying to figure out if I should either do a rear view mirror camera and keep the stock dash look, or install a double din radio and use that for rear view camera.... I am very interested in your GM rear camera mirror....

Keep up the good work!

:chevy:

Re: Project "Ghost" - 1972 C10 Pro-touring
 

It's not cheap, but this is what I'm going with I think. I recall the Ring brothers mentioning this company makes the OEM unit for the Bolt and other Chevy vehicles with the trick mirror. But this is less of a backup camera solution and more of a crystal clear rearview solution. It's the same mirror perspective, just without reflection/obstruction by objects in the cab.

It probably won't be within your timeline, but I'd really love to get a new printer and 3d print a solution for that bed light/3rd brake light/camera holder. But the 3d printer I want is about 5-6k, so that will be awhile. Right now that money is going to wheels so I can drive the darn thing again.

Re: Project "Ghost" - 1972 C10 Pro-touring
 

Hey all,

Minor update, but no video this time. Got the wheels in, and tires mounted! I ended up going with 20x11" front, 20x12 rear, with 315/35R20 on all 4 corners. 315 was about the widest I could find that still had a bigger sidewall profile. I also wanted to run a square setup, and 315 seems about the max front width.

As it is I get rubbing at full turn on the LCA's shock mount. That will go away when I swap to new front suspension though. I'm considering Ridetechs strong-arms with Shockwaves at the moment.

Drives and brakes very nice so far. Going through the bedding process, which requires 4-5 days of just regular driving before baking in the rotors, then pads. I need to adjust my brake light switch though, as it requires much less travel to stop, so my brake lights aren't even engaging at the moment.

At some point I'm also going to shift my brake pedal back so it's even with the gas. I may wait until I get a plasma table down the road, then I'll cut one out in the shape I want.

Here are some photos:

https://i.ibb.co/tp83CXy/IMG-20191026-121252.jpg https://i.ibb.co/vVKbtDR/MVIMG-20191026-130324.jpg https://i.ibb.co/nzZN7zq/IMG-20191026-134810.jpg https://i.ibb.co/9sv6j9G/IMG-20191027-210258.jpg

Re: Project "Ghost" - 1972 C10 Pro-touring
 

Love the wheels!!

Re: Project "Ghost" - 1972 C10 Pro-touring
 

Truck looks good man!

Re: Project "Ghost" - 1972 C10 Pro-touring
 

Thank you both!

Re: Project "Ghost" - 1972 C10 Pro-touring
 

Wowzers! 315s all the way round :metal::metal::metal:

At your front door tire and wheel delivery? Love it!

Re: Project "Ghost" - 1972 C10 Pro-touring
 

Tagging in to watch the build.

I will ask this as well.... Why staggered wheel sizes but same size tire @ all 4 corners? Is your plan to break the tires down off the wheels for rotation?

Re: Project "Ghost" - 1972 C10 Pro-touring
 

Yup, the 315's fit rather well, aside from rubbing the lower shock mount on the LCA at full turn. That will go away when I switch to new control arms and suspension in the front. I will say the truck feels way more planted so far driving on these tires. With the brakes and steadiness on the road it's way more of a pleasure. Once the new suspension gets in it'll be even better.

The wheels I bought through Matt's Classic bowties, and they shipped right from Forgeline to my door. The tires I got through a company called GoMobileTires. They're in like 4-5 different locations across the US. The owner is up here. He came out a few months back and brought 3 different tire sizes to try out with a wheel fitment tool I borrowed, and then came back when it was time to mount them.

The nice thing is that their tools don't really touch the wheel at all. So unlike a lot of tire shops that use those pry bars and whatnot, your wheels don't get touched and won't get scratched up with their process. They mount them, air them up, and balance them right there in the van. Takes about an hour, their tire prices are on par with discount tire and amazon, and they charge $150 for the service and to take away old tires, if you have any. For me it was totally worth it as opposed to going to a shop.

I highly recommend them.

Re: Project "Ghost" - 1972 C10 Pro-touring
 

At first, I was going to go with a true square setup, but the wheels are hub-centric, and the hubs front-to-back are different sizes. So almost immediately I realized that I'd have unique front and rears, even if they were the same size and backspacing.

Once I realized that I opted to go with a concave design on the rears, and since there was the room I also opted to go with a wider wheel to allow for a wider drag tire (like a 345) in the future if I ever wanted it.

The reason I didn't go with wider rear tires, to begin with, is one, I wanted to feel what a square setup did for stability and handling, and two, going above a 315 also meant going down a size in sidewall (from 35 to 30), and I didn't want to do that for my daily driving tires.

Re: Project "Ghost" - 1972 C10 Pro-touring
 

I like the stance and the wheel widths.
Question on the rear tire fitment.
How wide are your wheel wells?
Has the axle been shortened?
Is it a 72 axle?
If you can’t tell I’m researching:)

Re: Project "Ghost" - 1972 C10 Pro-touring
 

Hey there.

I'll have to measure the wheel wells, I forget what the measurements are on them.

Axle has not been shortened. Yeah it's a 70.5+ axle, so wider than the previous incarnation.

Here are my measurements I took for my wheels. They give you the details on how much back and front spacing I have. Hub and caliper specs are unique to my axles and Baer brakes.

https://i.ibb.co/Z2wFpxR/spacingspecs.png