Re: 1969 C10 SWB - Big Block project
 

I have a long time friend that owns a Chevy restoration store. That's where I was getting the three-spoke steering wheels a while back. Just out of curiosity I called him and found he can get ADM bedsides. I think this is a company called 'American Direct Metal' (?) Something like that.. you guys ever heard of them?

He said they were as good or better than OEM. I can get both bedsides, out the door for $1,000. Just looking for experience with ADM ? Or it might be AMD ..

I have ordered the rear panel and cross sills from Mar-K. Still looking for a good wood floor front bed panel.


I appreciate all the encouragement fellas. I have been in a fog for the past few months no doubt. Done and said some bonehead stuff, some days are better than others. One thing I do miss is time with my old man. Once the weather clears up I'm planning to hit this truck pretty hard. It has been sitting for way too long.

Re: 1969 C10 SWB - Big Block project
 

Chad,... it's Auto Metal Direct.
https://www.autometaldirect.com/

I've heard lots of good things about them from the Mopar guys.
I know a guy that restores Mopars and this is what he's been using for the the last few years.
I don't know anything about the fit of the GM panels.

I this is about the only way to build a quality shortbed anymore, short of finding good NOS panels.

Re: 1969 C10 SWB - Big Block project
 

My front fenders are from Auto Metal Direct and they are Tri-Plus. I can say the fit is pretty much spot on. Only needed a little hammering on the flanges where the front grill mounts to fit right, overall very impressed. When I spoke to AMD they stated that they carry Tri-Plus panels, so I would bet the bedsides are Tri-Plus.

Re: 1969 C10 SWB - Big Block project
 

Auto Metal Direct! I stop by to pick up parts a lot since they are in Buford, GA. Great guys up there - I usually talk to Jeff when I'm up there. Great parts and their stock keeps growing so much that they had to get rid of the classic car showroom....bittersweet I guess.

Re: 1969 C10 SWB - Big Block project
 

Ok, .. done deal. I had considered SoKy before, then had some issues getting the $ together and had to hold off .. but I'll just go this route.

Next question. I'm considering 20x12, and putting a 2" (?) band in factory wheel tubs. For the most part on a factory wood floor the boards that wrap around the wheel wells I would just offset it back what .. 2" or so? and make that inner edge of the wheel well even with the edge of the frame rail. I'm sure it has been done before do you guys know of a write up on it ? Pics ? The second board from the outer edge of the bedside would just be cut off like the first one and the wheel tub moved over to mount on the third board instead. I guess I'm explaining it right .. :D 335/40/20? How much tire can you get on a 12 ? Thanks.

Re: 1969 C10 SWB - Big Block project
 

The worst part about a 12" wide wheel is finding a tire that fits.
I'm not sure if anyone make a 40 series 335.
Here's a 30 series at $551 each!
http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tires....=yes&tab=Specs

Re: 1969 C10 SWB - Big Block project
 

Like Keith said trying to find a tire for a 12" wheel is hard. Seems like most people either run a 315/35/20 or step up to the Mickey Thompson SR. Check out hart_rob's 68. I think he is running a 31x16 on a 20x12. I'm pretty sure bowtie468 is running the same.

I'm still planning on going with Soky Classics for my bed because they make the custom bedsides with no side markers lights or stake pocket holes.

Re: 1969 C10 SWB - Big Block project
 

Here is a 345/30/20 that will work on a 12" rim...a little less expensive at $485 each...

http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tires....=yes&tab=Specs

Re: 1969 C10 SWB - Big Block project
 

.. may just stick with a 20x10.. :D. I have the early housing so the wheels will 'look' plenty wide. I did some research earlier and I don't see paying $500 a tire.

22x12 ?.. humm.

Re: 1969 C10 SWB - Big Block project
 

If you did a 20x12 on a 315/35/20 it wouldn't cost you $500 per tire. You can get the Toyo ST II for around $200. Might not give you the sidewall height you are looking for though. I also discovered yesterday that they no longer make the 31x16x20 Mickey Thompsons any more, only the 31x18x20.

Re: 1969 C10 SWB - Big Block project
 

Just thinking a 315 might be stretched a little on a 12" wheel. I haven't seen one mounted up though. Some people like the stretched look though.. I'll check it out and see.

Re: 1969 C10 SWB - Big Block project
 

Here's a camaro with a 20x12 forgeline on the rear... Looks mighty sexy to me ;)

Re: 1969 C10 SWB - Big Block project
 

This is painterd's old truck with 315's on a 20x12, looks pretty good to me.

Re: 1969 C10 SWB - Big Block project
 

http://www.summitracing.com/parts/mtt-6620/overview/ :ito:

Is there a link to one of the trucks running this tire ? Do you have to narrow the frame rails or will it fit just by widening the tubs ?

Re: 1969 C10 SWB - Big Block project
 

Nm, found the thread. ..

Re: 1969 C10 SWB - Big Block project
 

I'm running a 14" wide rim with factory frame (with step notch) and they fit. You should have no problem with a 12"

Wade

Re: 1969 C10 SWB - Big Block project
 

Looking a little more at the tires, what are you guys thoughts on running the SRs on the back with STIIs up front ? The tread pattern is pretty close. I know you have seen both tires, but just to see them side by side ..

Re: 1969 C10 SWB - Big Block project
 

I think they would look good together. What sizes are you thinking?

Re: 1969 C10 SWB - Big Block project
 

29x16 - 20x12
255/45/20 - 20x8.5

Both tires would be right at 4.5" sidewall height. Maybe drop to a 255/40 on the front I just worry about potholes. (4" sidewall)

I had 255/45 on the front of the last one I setup and I liked it. I wish they made a 30x16 in that SR tire. Chris is running 31x16 but the tires were discontinued, Im under the impression those might be a bit big on his truck though. 30x16 would be perfect. I may just go with a 20x10 and STII on the rear. We'll see how it plays out. You guys were right, tires are tough for a 20x12.

I'm considering narrowing the rear housing a little I have been working with Chris on his setup.

Re: 1969 C10 SWB - Big Block project
 

They look pretty close. I think they'd look pretty good.

I like your new avatar.

Re: 1969 C10 SWB - Big Block project
 

Sweet new avatar. Let me guess.. Pops? He's got some skills.

Re: 1969 C10 SWB - Big Block project
 

I'm trying to make the same tire/wheel size decisions, Chris' looks awesome to me. Wish MT still made that size!

Re: 1969 C10 SWB - Big Block project
 

Chad have I missed the actual wheel selection?

Re: 1969 C10 SWB - Big Block project
 

Thanks man. Dad sent that to me today. I really like it :metal:

Raceline Static 5, more than likely. I know I said I wouldn't do billets again .. but. .. :lol: I have some serious overtime coming in the next few months and my awesome wife told me I could put every dime on my truck. It could get interesting.

Re: 1969 C10 SWB - Big Block project
 

back in post #91 from a couple of years ago, the last picture has a sheet taped to the passenger door that looks like a build sheet, or checklist of sorts, that I'm guessing is your to-do, or status sheet? If that's what it is, would you please post an example of it. I imagine I could improve my efficiency some if I adopted a better time management process!