[Chop Top Ford]

Well here is my attempt at a build page:

I guess a good place to start would be when I was 9. I have wanted a 67-72 C-10 since I was a kid. There has always been something about the body lines, the design of the front end, simplicity of the interior, and the overall attitude that the trucks possess. I always wanted a short bed. But, as I grew up and I started seeing the prices on some of the short beds I quickly realized the long beds were much more affordable. Additionally, my love for motorcycles influenced my decision for a long bed as well.

A friend located the one I eventually bought. It wasn't a barn find, but rather one that had been sitting in a field for 9 years. The field belonged to an elderly farmer and the truck belonged to his daughter's ex-husband's son. Yea... its an odd situation but the old man was tired of mowing around it so now it belongs to me for $300.

It had tons of issues and all kinds of things were rusted shut and had to be cut. One of my favorite finds was that the kid (previous owner) torched the center cross member to drop the carrier bearing and remove the drive shaft! So, with the help of a close friend and his father we got to work. The way it sits now only took us 3.5 months and mainly we worked on weekends. I have done little things here and there on my own time but the big ticket items were knocked out as quick as possible.

It did come with a 350 SBC and a TH400. We did a very minor invasive surgery on the 350 and slapped some parts to make it run and sound better. Since getting it on the road I have replaced the TH400 with a 700R4. Being budget during the beginning of the build, I wasn't able to take it down to the frame and clean it all up. We did add tons of new parts from CPP for safety and performance. Again it was only three of us that worked on it with some help of other friends only here and there. The only work we didn't do was the mufflers, alignment, and the scallops on the front. I will try and let the photos speak for themselves on or progress. Besides. Who wants to read when you can look at photos right?

Future of this truck will begin in about 1-1.5 years. I am just enjoying the way it is right now. My three year old adores it and I want him hooked to Hot Rods as early as possible. I do have an LS6 that I am building for it. It will be a carb conversion motor. I also have a Ford 9" to shorten and install as well. I was lucky enough to have a friend give me a '72 long bed and I have the cab off of it and have been reworking it so that I have a fresh cab to install when I tear it all down again. I still need a good bed, fenders, and doors. Other than the TCi 6x transmission I have about everything I need. It will be fast, it will be loud, and it will appear original.

Why the LS6? I paid $1000 and I can't buy Aluminum heads for that. Why carburate a modern motor? Because I like things simple. Additionally I am trying to stick with something that is true to hot rodding roots. I like modern motors, but I don't like wires running my pre 70 truck.

So this is where I shut up and let you see for yourself. Hope you guys enjoy. I always appreciate advice and tips, just remember, it's my truck not yours. If you need advice or pointer on anything I have done please feel free to message me. I am always willing to help.