Try again 1968 lwb-swb 4x4
 

I owned a 67 2wd swb for about 8 years dragging it around everywhere I moved. My intentions where greater than my wallet and abilities so I sold it to stock my garage with tools and do a few practice projects. So over the past few years I've done a few jeep yj's and made a little money from them. I've replaced floors, body sides, cowls, cut and rebuilt rusted frames, and painted.

So I've recently bought a 68 lwb 4x4, 350 700r4 trans with 33"x12.50"s. The plan is to install my 355 roller motor, convert to a short step side, clean up the body and interior, and paint it myself.

[IMG]http://i552.photobucket.com/albums/j...0529-00102.jpg[/IMG]

Re: Try again 1968 lwb-swb 4x4
 

looks like a good start. body looks solid.

Re: Try again 1968 lwb-swb 4x4
 

That satin black does wonders, every panel needs some work. Still pretty solid for MI though.

The bed is the cleanest part of the truck, but its the only thing I'm selling. Its getting picked up tomorrow then I can put that money into the stepside I have waiting.
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Re: Try again 1968 lwb-swb 4x4
 

looks like a good project whats the details welcome to the site very good bunch on here

Re: Try again 1968 lwb-swb 4x4
 

The guy picked up the bed last night. Next I'll mock up the short bed on the frame to see what needs to be cut out. I'd like to have the bed blasted if it doesn't kill my wallet. I'd like to keep some cash to relocate the gas tank. I'm trying to do it all with the money from the long bed.

http://i552.photobucket.com/albums/j...MTA2LmpwZw.jpg


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Re: Try again 1968 lwb-swb 4x4
 

The frame is pretty clean, probably just power wash and paint it. The new bed is pretty solid but i have a few dents to work out, couldn't beat the price.

http://i552.photobucket.com/albums/j...MTA2LmpwZw.jpg

http://i552.photobucket.com/albums/j...0603-00105.jpg

http://i552.photobucket.com/albums/j...0522-00101.jpg

Re: Try again 1968 lwb-swb 4x4
 

I set the short bed in place to take measurements of what needs to be cut from the frame. Looks like 12-13"s behind the cab, another 7-8"s at the back of the frame. Hopefully I'll get to cutting in a few weeks.

http://i552.photobucket.com/albums/j...0608-00109.jpg

Re: Try again 1968 lwb-swb 4x4
 

I know the hood is different on 67/68, is the 68 fender different than the 69-72? Some vendors have different part # some have the same. I'm going to get doors and he has a new set of fenders but says 69-72. Any help would be appreciated.
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Re: Try again 1968 lwb-swb 4x4
 

1967's had no marker light in the fender. Other than that, 67-68 Chevy fenders are the same as 67-72 GMC fenders. 69-72 Chevy fenders are different.

Re: Try again 1968 lwb-swb 4x4
 

This is what a 69-72 Chevrolet fender looks like.

Re: Try again 1968 lwb-swb 4x4
 

He has the gmc fenders so I should grab them. Anyone heard of Tabt, he bought them abou 6yrs ago
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Re: Try again 1968 lwb-swb 4x4
 

Instead of shorting the frame, how about extending the cab?

Like this build thread http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=395061

Re: Try again 1968 lwb-swb 4x4
 

It's funny that you posted that. I have that pic saved on my phone, I considered it for a while. With a 4th kid on the way, and the fact that I don't have his skills I'll stick with my plans. I do love that truck though, hope to see it finished.

Re: Try again 1968 lwb-swb 4x4
 

I had the bed blasted, everything turned out to be real solid. I shot some epoxy on the flares until i find time to work the dents out. I also picked up Goodmark doors and fenders instead of fixing the PO's booger work.
http://i552.photobucket.com/albums/j...0912-00031.jpg
http://i552.photobucket.com/albums/j...0912-00033.jpg
http://i552.photobucket.com/albums/j...0828-00022.jpg
http://i552.photobucket.com/albums/j...0828-00024.jpg

Re: Try again 1968 lwb-swb 4x4
 

So the frame is 8" shorter so far, I also cut the front bed mounts off.
http://i552.photobucket.com/albums/j...0916-00035.jpg
http://i552.photobucket.com/albums/j...0916-00036.jpg

Re: Try again 1968 lwb-swb 4x4
 

I had the rest of the bed blasted last week, hung everything and began priming. About 1:30am my wife came out to tell me her water broke, we were set to induce in 2 days. Funny how that works, but now we have a beautiful new baby girl. Hope to get it primed this week, just want to enjoy the baby for awhile.
http://i552.photobucket.com/albums/j...0927-00038.jpg

Re: Try again 1968 lwb-swb 4x4
 

So i assembled the bed and set it where i want it on the frame. Looks like i need to take 12 1/4" out of the frame. My plan is to take it out at a 45 behind the rear cab mount to the point where the frame curves up. I also plan to box the the inside of the frame.

I know a z cut would be better, but I'm trying not to pull the cab do to time and space. So I'd like to know if I'm overlooking anything by cutting this area out?
http://i552.photobucket.com/albums/j...1007-00052.jpg
http://i552.photobucket.com/albums/j...1001-00048.jpg

Re: Try again 1968 lwb-swb 4x4
 

Take 12" out. That is the difference from the factory.

Working on the straight area of the frame under the cab can be done with the cab in place. Kevin Lewis (Rokcrln) did a great write up on the process.

The bed chop starts on pg 8 but what you are after starts on pg 11.

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...ck+LFD&page=11

Re: Try again 1968 lwb-swb 4x4
 

Thanks for the link. I took a break to build a bump out for my compressor and blasting cabinet, just need to clean the garage and get motivated.
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Re: Try again 1968 lwb-swb 4x4
 

I pulled the bed off again, then I removed the body mount bolts to raise the cab. Next I'm going to remove the rear body mounts and the 2wd cross member. From the pics of other 4x4 frames I don't see a crossmember behind the cab, can someone with a shortbed 4x4 confirm this for me.
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Re: Try again 1968 lwb-swb 4x4
 

I braced the frame and cut the 12" section out last night. Then we welded it back together inside and out, i plan on boxing about 12"s along the welded area. Everything turned out straight and square, real happy with it.
http://[IMG]http://i552.photobucket....ps64b77d6b.jpg[/IMG]
http://[IMG]http://i552.photobucket....ps8de9ec96.jpg[/IMG]
http://[IMG]http://i552.photobucket....ps8359df22.jpg[/IMG]

Re: Try again 1968 lwb-swb 4x4
 

I braced the frame and cut the 12" section out last night. Then we welded it back together inside and out, i plan on boxing about 12"s along the welded area. Everything turned out straight and square, real happy with it.

http://<a href="http://s552.beta.pho...obucket"/></a>
http://<a href="http://s552.beta.pho...obucket"/></a>
http://<a href="http://s552.beta.pho...obucket"/></a>

Re: Try again 1968 lwb-swb 4x4
 

photobucket pics aren't working.

Re: Try again 1968 lwb-swb 4x4
 

I boxed the inside sections of the frame, drilled new body mount holes, installed the shorter brake line, rewired the rear harness and picked up the new aluminum drive shaft. Now I'm thinking of ordering a fuel cell and cleaning the frame with a wire wheel and painting it.

After all that i want to make a bed floor, I've got a few ideas but I'm open to new suggestions. Feel free to post some pics of any ideas.

Re: Try again 1968 lwb-swb 4x4
 

No help here on the bed floor, but it's looking good so far!

Re: Try again 1968 lwb-swb 4x4
 

I think I'm going to go with the 20 gallon summit fuel cell with sending unit. http://http://www.summitracing.com/p...s/media/images

Re: Try again 1968 lwb-swb 4x4
 

I went with a 16gal jaz cell, fits nice with a little grinding and keeps plenty of ground clearance. I cleaned, primed and painted the back half of the frame. My brother and I installed the fuel cell, drive shaft, cab mounts, and firewall to rear wire harness. We set the bed back on, i finally have a short bed 4x4.

Re: Try again 1968 lwb-swb 4x4
 

We made a bed floor out of 3/4 birch plywood and laminated some 3" beveled strips on top. I bought a 6" boat deck inspection plate to access the gas cap, I plan to coat all the wood with bed liner. It should work and look fine for a nice driver.

Re: Try again 1968 lwb-swb 4x4
 

Looking good. I like your idea of the wood bed and boat inspection cover. What did you use for straps? Homemade or bought? How did you fasten strips to plywood? Gives me some ideas in redoing my when the time comes.

Re: Try again 1968 lwb-swb 4x4
 

We beveled 3/4 MDF 3" wide on the table saw, its a little higher than I wanted but we figured it would cut nicer than 1/2 ply. Then we glued it down and countersunk some screws, I still need to fill the holes. I'm painting the bottom and sides with an oil base, and doing the top in bedliner to help the mdf hold up. Its going to be a reach to fill at the station though, wish I could have moved the cell back.
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Re: Try again 1968 lwb-swb 4x4
 

I pulled the bed apart again (still not for the last time) and painted the underside and all of the edges and predrilled holes with a few coats of semi gloss black oil base. You can see the strips we added to widen the ply, my brother used the pocket hole jig and glue. I also picked up my a.n. fittings and ran my fuel and vent lines. Those fittings leave a big hole in your pocket, over $100 in fuel cell plumbing.

Also got some pics of the new project getting delivered Sunday. 78 trans am 400/4spd 37,000 miles stored in his garage since 1986. I'm trading for my 77 corvette.

Re: Try again 1968 lwb-swb 4x4
 

Looking good and i love the new ride. I regret leaving mine when i moved from home. At the time i had my 70 K10 and the car was a 75 trans am. Have been looking for another to replace it with. How much more could you have moved your fuel cell back?

Re: Try again 1968 lwb-swb 4x4
 

Thanks, I could have move the rear cross member back 3-4" and considered swapping the filler cap and sender unit around but didn't really want to cut a new tank up. That could have brought me about 10"s closer to the back though. Right now I'm in 17" plus another 17" when the gates down, plus the lift makes it hard to reach. Probably have to hop in the bed to fill it, good thing it's a weekend cruiser.

Re: Try again 1968 lwb-swb 4x4
 

The last night these two will be together, the T/A is coming in the morning. I'm taking a week off the truck, then i plan to finish wiring the rear harness and mocking up the bumper to cut it down.

Re: Try again 1968 lwb-swb 4x4
 

pics aren't sticking.

Re: Try again 1968 lwb-swb 4x4
 

So i test wired the tail lights (59 stepside) and everything worked fine. After i soldered everything together one at a time not to cross any wires, nothing works now. When i hit the turn signal everything turns on dimly. I lost patience cut the wires and started over, still nothing works. Any ideas?

Re: Try again 1968 lwb-swb 4x4
 

Nice vette. You build it yourself? What's the specs on it? Seeing the vette next to your truck makes it look so small.

Giong to start working on the bird when you get it home?

What are you running for fuel line from tank to motor?

Keep up the good work, almost done.

Re: Try again 1968 lwb-swb 4x4
 

I bought it with a fresh 350/350 with a mild cam, intake and holley carb. I pulled the motor out, rebuilt the front suspension and replaced the tie rods, cleaned and painted everything. It was a fun car, just no room for the kids.

The trans am is home, but I'll probably keep going on the truck for a bit. I might putz on it here n there nothing major. I've posted it on Hitmans T/A forum under customized 78 trans am.

I'm running braided line from the cell up to the stock hard line, I plan to keep the mechanical pump when I swap out the motor. It's only pushing around 400hp a high flow mechanical should be fine, and more reliable.

I've got a couple small pics of the vette.

Re: Try again 1968 lwb-swb 4x4
 

I'm running braided line from the cell up to the stock hard line, I plan to keep the mechanical pump when I swap out the motor. It's only pushing around 400hp a high flow mechanical should be fine, and more reliable.

Did you custom make the lines or pre made? What brand of fuel line and fittings?

Re: Try again 1968 lwb-swb 4x4
 

I just bought a few feet of line and -an fittings from the last local speed shop and did it myself.