1968 Chevy SWB Fleetside Vortec 5.3L Build
 

Hi all
First I will introduce myself, my name is Brian.

Ok now for some back story on my truck.
I started looking for a short wheel base truck having no prefrence on whether it was a fleetside or stepside I like both, and after about a month of looking I ran across this stepside that was a two owner, unfortunately it was used as a farm truck and had gone through a couple of different drive trains so it was no longer numbers matching.

The truck had also been wrecked some years before I got a hold of it and the frame was bent just in front of the suspension crossmember.

I found this good old boy that had worked at Pontiac in their body shop for 25+ years and he had his own frame machine and he straightened it for me for $250 which I thought was a reasonable price.

After she was straight I started on the frame restoration which is where the pictures for my project starts. This truck will be used as a daily driver, Enjoy.

http://i.imgur.com/vbEtJl.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/d8MDtl.jpg

Re: 1968 Chevrolet SWB Stepside Restomod
 

welcome, lets see it start !!

Parts
 

Here are some pictures of some parts I refurbished and or purchased for the build Enjoy.

http://i.imgur.com/eekmV.jpg
http://i.imgur.com/2grdN.jpg
http://i.imgur.com/wtJJ5.jpg
http://i.imgur.com/2wV7N.jpg
http://i.imgur.com/EscDv.jpg
http://i.imgur.com/ePGG4.jpg
http://i.imgur.com/Fp4dP.jpg
http://i.imgur.com/tOAb0.jpg
http://i.imgur.com/1msom.jpg
http://i.imgur.com/6Y170.jpg

Re: 1968 Chevrolet SWB Stepside Restomod
 

Yeesh I really need to shrink these pictures a bit for future updates.

Re: 1968 Chevrolet SWB Stepside Restomod
 

you might try to resize the pics maybe like 640x480 ? just a suggestion, they are pretty big ! NICE PARTS

Re: 1968 Chevrolet SWB Stepside Restomod
 

haha yeah they are quite large, Ive got a 27" monitor so its hard to tell what might be too large for the "standard" monitor size of 19", but in the future I will shrink them down so that people dont have to side scroll to see the other half of the picture. :lol:

Re: 1968 Chevrolet SWB Stepside Restomod
 

well lets start with welcome to the forum!!!! That was a deal on frame work. It will be nice to watch a budget minded dailey driver build.

Re: 1968 Chevrolet SWB Stepside Restomod
 

Here are some pictures of the rolling chassis, Enjoy.
.
.
http://i.imgur.com/gYFnPl.jpg
http://i.imgur.com/tXuQFl.jpg
http://i.imgur.com/Worz8l.jpg
http://i.imgur.com/cFteNl.jpg
http://i.imgur.com/dBGGVl.jpg
http://i.imgur.com/lfMqsl.jpg
http://i.imgur.com/etHIPl.jpg

Re: 1968 Chevrolet SWB Stepside Restomod
 

Im doing this entire project outside so I can only work on it weather permitting.

Yesterday I fabricated some Shock mount reinforcement brackets out of some steel I had just laying around.
The plan was to save some money by fabricating my own but while I was drilling the mounting holes I killed a 3/8" drill, so inorder to finish the bracket I had to buy a new drill, so I went down to Harbor Freight and bought one of their Professional Series Magnesium variable speed 1/2" drills.

Ouch there goes my "on the cheap" plan it ended up costing me the same amount of money, however on the bright side I got a nice new drill out of the deal.

Heres a pic of the brackets installed.
http://i.imgur.com/lPTTCl.jpg

Re: 1968 Chevrolet SWB Stepside Restomod
 

Nice looking rolling chassis! and good work on the reinforcing brackets!

Re: 1968 Chevrolet SWB Stepside Restomod
 

Oh I almost forgot I ordered some rear shock mount relocators today since the rear suspension has a 4" drop its probably a good idea to change the angle of the shock.

Power Disc brakes
 

I decided that I wanted to upgrade the brakes to Power Front Disk so I gathered the parts I needed and went to work.
It is a Hybrid retrofit between 71 and 72 parts.
I picked up some new 71' ball joints.
It turns out the spindles were donated from a 71' "Camper Special" so they are heavy half.
I also picked up 71' Steering linkages.
Im still using my 68 front cross member so I cut off the brake hose mounts and will move them to the front of the cross member when I get around to it.
I used a 72' Stainless steel brake line kit and because of that I will be replacing the frame brace behind the rear axle with a 72' version, because I dont have the tools I need to make a hexagon shaped hole and the metal shop wants $45 to make one for me so its just as cheap to replace it entirely.
I have a 1971 rear axle and the factory T-fitting mount is in the wrong place so I fabricated a bracket to attach to the rear axle housing cover like factory and installed a 71' rear hose.
I probably should have used a 72' hose but I didnt think it would make that much of a difference so I didnt worry about it.
I still have a little more work to do to button it up.

Front brake lines installed.
http://i.imgur.com/uf7azl.jpg

Rear brake lines installed.
http://i.imgur.com/GJkw4l.jpg

Unfortunately the rear suspension cross member and corresponding frame mount locations are completely rotted out so both will need to be replaced soon which is why it is left unpainted.
I will also be refurbishing the rear axle while that work is being completed.
Thanks for looking.

700R4 Tranmission
 

:hiya:
I am planning on installing a 700R4 transmission and I know im going to have to replace the manual transmission crossmember with an automatic version.
What I dont know is if I need to keep my tall transmission tunnel cover or if I can get away with converting it to the short version.
I would appreciate some advice on this from someone who has actually executed this application so I can plan in advance before I actually attempt it so there are no surprises.
Thanks in advance.

Re: 1968 Chevrolet SWB Stepside Restomod
 

looking good !

The Cab
 

:hiya:

I bought this cab for $300 and it looked excellent.
It already had all rotted metal replaced and was real solid, however knowing appearances can be decieving (you guys know what im talking about).
I decided to break out the side angle grinder and a Polycarbide disk and remove the primer on the cab corner and boy was I dissapointed.
The previous owner had done one of the worst cab corner replacement jobs I had ever seen on the passenger side.
Not only did he not remove all of the original rusty thinned metal there were holes all over the place.
There was also 1/4th of an inch of bondo because the brand new cab corner was caved in so instead of replacing or straightening the damaged piece he just layed mud on it.
So im going to have to replace the corner.
Sigh...
Heres a pic.

http://i.imgur.com/beyRVl.jpg

The Drivers side cab corner is just as bad, but that isnt the only problem on the drivers side.
When the rocker and corner were replaced he lost the fit and fair and it slipped towards the front so the rocker hangs off the front of the cab 1/4th of an inch.
The door wont even open or close without scraping on both sides even with the door and front fender yanked as far forward as possible.
Sigh...
So now im going to have to dismantle the entire drivers side move it back into factory fit and fair specs before I can finish up my cab.
Sorry no pictures for the drivers side right now I will add them when I start tearing into it.

/rant on
:banghead:
I just dont understand why in the hell people do things when they dont understand the proper way to do it.
/rant off

Re: 1968 Chevrolet SWB Stepside Restomod
 

Good thing it's in an area that isn't too bad to fix.... but stinks since you thought it was good to go already....

Re: 1968 Chevrolet SWB Stepside Restomod
 

sorry 4 your bad news

Re: 1968 Chevrolet SWB Stepside Restomod
 

How long does it take for Krylon Rust Tough Enamel to dry in 100% humidity at 70-F? I dont know but im about to find out, I just sprayed it on the radiator support where the lower radiator retainers mount so I can instal them later today, It will drop to 85% humidity in about 2 hours and continue to drop every hour after that so it should speed up the drying process at that point and I should be able to instal it in about 6-8 hours.

Re: 1968 Chevrolet SWB Stepside Restomod
 

After spot spraying the radiator support yesterday I came to my senses and decided to pull and refinish the whole thing.
Pictures later tonight.

Re: 1968 Chevrolet SWB Stepside Restomod
 

:hiya:

Heres the pic of the painted radiator support.

http://i.imgur.com/kwqGll.jpg

I also started on the grill today, I will finish it tommorow and get a picture up.

Re: 1968 Chevrolet SWB Stepside Restomod
 

Heres a pic of the grill after I masaged all the dents, sanded it down to bare metal and shot it with Krylon Rust Tough, this is a temporary safe guard against rust untill I can get the truck painted since it sits outside.

http://i.imgur.com/CWN6Al.jpg

The Front Clip is reassembled.
 

:hiya:
I reassembled the Front Clip today after painting the Core Support and the Grill Shell.
http://i.imgur.com/J8lvWl.jpg
It looks so much better now and it gives me an idea what the truck is going to look like Satin Black.

Parking Lights
 

:hiya:
The front parking lights on the truck have been bothering me because with the clear lenses they show any discolorations behind the lense in the light housing.
I got the idea of cleaning it up and painting it with Bright Silver paint, so I picked up some duplicolor rattle can Aluminum Chrome colored paint and sprayed it on and WOW what a difference it makes.

Heres a Pic, Enjoy and feel free to use this idea on your truck.

http://i.imgur.com/jx0k9l.jpg

Re: 1968 Chevrolet SWB Stepside Restomod
 

that front end sure looks nice.

Re: 1968 Chevrolet SWB Stepside Restomod
 

:hiya:
Thanks man I appreciate that.
Im getting rid of that hood though it was crushed dead center on the top
and it comprimised the raised center line and it would be very difficult to get it right
again, so ive decided hey lets do something fun, after all this is a restomod
project so why not put a steel Cowl Induction hood on it. :metal:

Parts!
 

:hiya:
YAY Parts!
I got my rear shock relocator kit from CPP today.
Heres a pic.

http://i.imgur.com/7aaq5l.jpg
You like my workbench? :lol:

Next I will be getting the Rear Suspension Crossmember frame section, Automatic Transmission Crossmember, and '71 Accelerator Pedal Assembly.
:metal:

Re: 1968 Chevrolet SWB Stepside Restomod
 

very nice work so far! keep it up

Re: 1968 Chevrolet SWB Stepside Restomod
 

:hiya:
Today I installed the CPP rear Lower shock relocation brackets just to get it out of the way so its done before I replace the rear Suspension Crossmember.
I was surprised how much the angle of the shock changed just by installing the lower brackets.
Sorry no pics because everyone who has done it already knows what it looks like installed, but once the new rear suspension crossmember and upper shock relocation brackets are installed I will post some pics.

Re: 1968 Chevrolet SWB Stepside Restomod
 

I have an opportunity to pick up a Original GM '71 truck Tilt Column for $250 that is right and tight.
Good price? Opinion Yes - No?

Re: 1968 Chevrolet SWB Stepside Restomod
 

VERY nice price if in good shape and a true truck tilt...not a van or motor home tilt.

Re: 1968 Chevrolet SWB Stepside Restomod
 

Copy that I will pick it up.
Thanks VA72C10

Re: 1968 Chevrolet SWB Stepside Restomod
 

*Update*
The Original GM Truck Tilt isnt going to happen because of unforseen circumstances.
Back to Plan A which is to get the Rear Suspension Crossmember, Automatic Transmission Crossmember, Parking Brake Assembly and Accelerator Pedal Assembly taken care of.

Re: 1968 Chevrolet SWB Stepside Restomod
 

:hiya:
Today im heading up to KC to pick up a bunch of parts most notably the rear suspension crossmember frame section.
The other parts im getting are Automatic transmission crossmember, Accelerator Pedal Assembly, Ash Tray, Door Handle Gasket Set, Door Lock Knob Set, Defroster Outlets and Pedal Pad Set.

Other parts I might pick up include, Used Foot operated Parking Brake Assembly and assorted Cables and Connectors, Wing Window Assemblies, Disk Brake dust Shields, new SS Booster Line and RH Headlight Bezel, it all depends on what the cash layout is going to be for everything.

Re: 1968 Chevrolet SWB Stepside Restomod
 

:hiya:
Today I painted the Accelerator Pedal Assembly and the Parking Brake Pedal Assembly.
Here are some pictures.

http://i.imgur.com/gJG8Ll.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/uqbHKl.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/fh5Yql.jpg

Next I will be painting the Automatic Transmission Crossmember stay tuned.

Re: 1968 Chevrolet SWB Stepside Restomod
 

I had a "little" accident today, I was shaving the head off of a frame rivet when the edge of my 4 1/2" cutoff wheel caught a bracket and shreded and ripped the angle grinder out of my hands and it hit the ground and jumped up and the serrated edge hit the side my leg just above my knee and sliced a 2" long 1/2" deep gash, however I got rediculously lucky and it didnt hit an artery or bone or tendons or anything so after I realized it wasnt life threatening I grabbed a roll of paper towels and headed to the med assist and after a thorough irrigation he stitched me up and I was on my way in about an hour.
The Doctor told me that he was shocked I walked in here that most people would have passed out instantly, and I was all like hell Doc its just a scratch just stitch me up and I will be on my way, everyone was all concerned asking me if I felt ok and I was calmly answering questions LOL.
Other than feeling like an idiot I'm doing ok so in about 10 days when the stitches come out I will start on my truck again.

Re: 1968 Chevrolet SWB Stepside Restomod
 

Get better soon! Glad you're okay. Could have been worse! I've gotten "bit by a grinder a few times....the most annoying/painful to me are the wire wheels as they discintigrate and impale into your leg....they hurt a little at the time but itch like crazy as they heal...like a bunch of little paper cuts :lol:
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Re: 1968 Chevrolet SWB Stepside Restomod
 

LOL oh trust me I know what the wire cup can do I was sitting cross legged removing rust from that new frame section I got 2 weekends ago and it got away from me and ran down the front of my ankle, that one hurts worse than the other one I just got.
I need to learn something from this and get some safety clothes, like maybe a heavy leather apron or something sheesh.

Re: 1968 Chevrolet SWB Stepside Restomod
 

Something caught my eye today and it got me thinking.
I have been trying to decide between a naturally aspirated chevy 327 and a 350.
I think I will build a Twin Turbo small block instead.
So It looks like its time to start saving up some cash, and start looking for a good 4-bolt main high nickel content block to build the hell out of.
10 seconds here I come!

Re: 1968 Chevrolet SWB Stepside Restomod
 

Cool! :bo2:
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Re: 1968 Chevrolet SWB Stepside Restomod
 

After talking it over with VA72C10 I'm now rethinking my idea of the Twin Turbo.
There are tons of engine and transmission options out there for me so I need to give it some serious thought considering it's an expensive decision.
Also I still need to reconcile the geometry on my Cab and figure out exactly where the mistake is that the PO made on the drivers side when he "fixed" the floor and Inner/Outter rockers.
I think the B-Pillar fit and fair slipped towards the front, I'm pretty sure its a simple cut and reweld job but I wont know for sure untill I measure.
I wont be doing anything on my truck until the first of November.

Nov 1st I will be ordering a bunch of new parts.
Tilt steering column, probably a CPP Classic Fit, here is a Link incase you want to check it out.
http://www.classicperform.com/Store2...ng-Columns.htm
A new Steering Wheel, probably Grant.
A rear mount gas tank, probably from LMC.
Some brake hose tabs so I can finish up my 1972 Disc brake conversion, here is a link incase you want to check it out.
http://www.speedwaymotors.com/Remova...ose,45896.html
Im going to try to source a Leather 40/20/40 Seat with electric adjustment and heating elements.
Misc. Parking brake parts to finish it up.
Replacement 1971 plastic ashtray guides if I can get them.
Defroster vents.
Various other nicknacks I will update when its all ordered.