1978 Big Ten, Big Block
 

New build thread. YEAH!!
I'm actually really excited about this build because I've been dreaming this truck up in my head for the past few years. I had been looking for a short bed, 2 wheel drive truck to build and have been having the hardest time finding one for under $2000 in the Salt Lake, UT area. I finally found one and bought it within 4 hours after it was put on the classifieds. I was about the 4th person to come look at it as well, good thing I had cash in hand!

ANYWAY, I'm rambling.
Without further ado, let me introduce you to the newest member of my driveway..

This is a 1978 Chevy short bed. Completely factory options and the vin checks out. It has a 454 big block, 12 bolt posi rear end, th400 trans. This is a BIG TEN (F44) package. This truck hauls nuts, I can't believe the guy wasn't asking more money. As I was testing out the posi rear end, I looked back to see smoke billowing from the fender wells and nice thick black marks on the pavement. Kinda like one of those awesome Mustang posters you used to hang up in your room as a kid, but it's an old ugly truck.

Pictures! I love pictures.

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Re: 1978 Big Ten, Big Block
 

Mo!

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Re: 1978 Big Ten, Big Block
 

A video I took yesterday! She squeaks sometimes when it's cold, but not a lot.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N4siy...e&noredirect=1

Re: 1978 Big Ten, Big Block
 

Love it!! I actually like the color and love the hood pins!!

Re: 1978 Big Ten, Big Block
 

i wish mine was a big block, awesome score! too bad the cragers are black- that thing would look killer lowered down on some chrome ones. what are you're plans for it?

Re: 1978 Big Ten, Big Block
 

Thanks!
Yeah the wheels are poorly painted with rattle can. I'm looking forward to taking the paint off and seeing how the finish is. I've already got a flip kit for the rear and spindles for the front to drop it and going with some Boss 338 wheels or Rev Classic 100's. And the rest is in my head with much more to come, so stay tuned :metal:

Re: 1978 Big Ten, Big Block
 

Nice find Bohman. Already SUB'dedd. I can't believe how clean and original it is for a Utah truck. I'm not sure what direction you are going to go with it, but keep me in mind if you are going to ditch the bed, stock trim, tailgate, and/or engine... I'll cruise right down and pick that stuff up if you don't wanna keep em. Oh and doors, fenders, hood, interior, etc...:sexy:

Re: 1978 Big Ten, Big Block
 

Thanks buddy, you'll be the first to know if I start chuckin' parts!


Well, on Saturday I started the install of the flip kit in the rear. I spent about half-an-hour hammering bolts, getting rust/dirt in my hair, wrestling the leaf springs off, and laying on my creeper just looking at everything. I took the leafs off, left her on the jack stands with the rear pumpkin laying on the ground and took a break to go out with my friends.
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On Sunday, I mustered up the courage to attempt the install of the flip kit again.. 10 minutes in, I decided my time was better spent driving to the beach, sip on some whiskey, and lay in the sand next to some beautiful gals. When I got back later in the day I was in a much better mood and finished the flip kit.
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It really wasn't that hard to do, I just got lazy and it took me two days :lol: The brand is Western Chassis, and it went on smoothly. The instructions looked thorough but, seriously, I didn't read them. The hardest part was getting the old U-bolts off. When my blow-torch crapped out on me and my PB blaster didn't work, I used a die grinder to get those beezies off. I'm very satisfied with the flip, but I still need to cut my bump stops and get new shocks because mine are shot. Check out how that gap changed! :metal:
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Re: 1978 Big Ten, Big Block
 

I'm tuned in bro!!!! Looks sweeeeeet!!!! Looks like a mean machine if you ask me! :metal:

You get to have the High life and Low life best of both worlds!!!! :lol:

What is the drop you're going for I know you did a flip in the back, so like a 3.5/5?

Re: 1978 Big Ten, Big Block
 

Thanks, dude.
Yeah, best of both worlds exactly like you said! The only thing I need now is a crew cab haha.
I'm actually going for a 5/5 drop (3" spindles and 2" coils up front, flip kit in rear). I like the look of a little rake. I'll be putting some bigger tires in the back as well.

Re: 1978 Big Ten, Big Block
 

:lol: yeah no doubt man! I wouldn't mind a crew and a dually, now that's all of them! Of course that's given I would have the money to afford all these toys and gf/wife whatever it may be will allow it too :lol:

Nice I'll be anxious to see that man!!

Re: 1978 Big Ten, Big Block
 

Looks like you have got your self a nice deal.

I want a big block so bad, and I have a 455 Buick in my moms garage.

Re: 1978 Big Ten, Big Block
 

Nice little scoot! Tell me you're the lucky guy on the left!

Re: 1978 Big Ten, Big Block
 

Thanks guys.

I installed the 3 inch drop spindles. DJM brand. I also cut off 2 coils off the spring. I should've only done 1.5 but it looks kinda cool.

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Re: 1978 Big Ten, Big Block
 

Here's a cool picture my friend took of the truck. It looks clean in this pic


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Re: 1978 Big Ten, Big Block
 

Stance came out great!
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Re: 1978 Big Ten, Big Block
 

Looks good man. Perfect stance. That's about what height I'm shootin for. Now get them there rims cleaned up and let ye 'ol chrome shine through!

Re: 1978 Big Ten, Big Block
 

Just got caught up, it looks sharp man!!! Love the stand it looks good I x2 what big rat says get them rims cleaned up and let the chrome shine!! :metal:

what's planned to be the next item on the list?

Re: 1978 Big Ten, Big Block
 

Thanks guys, I think it looks great too!

I'm having a problem with the 15 inch wheels. I've heard that 3 in. drop spindles sometimes interfere with smaller wheels. The right side wheel is barely touching the spindle in 1 or 2 spots (Where it holds the caliper). So I don't know if I should grind a tiny bit down off the spindle or just splurge on new wheels and tires??...What do you guys think?
I think my 'new tire money' could go to more important things though.. like interior and por15 :)

Also, EVERY corner has studs missing, so each wheel has about 3 lug nuts holding it on LOL. I also need to replace the ball joints.

Re: 1978 Big Ten, Big Block
 

I say shave some off the spindle, and save the money for interior items man!

Studs are an easy replacement, time consuming but easy replacement overall.

I remember I only had 2 missing on my truck but I said to hell with that I'm replacing them all I want fresh news ones on my truck so I've accomplished the rear already waiting for some front end work to come up on my beast and then i'll replace the front studs too.

Re: 1978 Big Ten, Big Block
 

I just bought some new (used) wheels today. So now I have more money to spend on other things instead of buying 20's. They are Coys wheels, 17x8. I'm hoping the backspacing is correct :waah:
I would like to put wider tires on them, what do you think would be the widest I could fit on an 8 inch wheel?

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And here is just a picture I took over the weekend. My house is full of squares!!
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Re: 1978 Big Ten, Big Block
 

It's Squareville!!!!

I know for the front's the widest I've seen someone squeeze and not affecting driving really is 255, i'm sure you might be able to squeeze a little bit bigger though.

Re: 1978 Big Ten, Big Block
 

Okay, I had a chance to try the new wheels on. The backspacing is correct (about 4 or 4.5) but the tires are too big. The tires on the wheels now are 235/65R17 which equates to about a 29x9.25 inch tire. The size on my 15 inch wheels is 255/60R15 which is about a 27x10 inch tire.
I will need to buy a 255/50R17 tire. I think I'll go a little wider in the back, but not sure yet. I may want to rotate the tires.

Re: 1978 Big Ten, Big Block
 

Hey buddy. Man I didn't check the page for a couple days and you get all busy on me! I was wondering if you were going to have the spindle/rim issue. I had the same issue. I ended up grinding the control arm a titch and all was good. As for your tire question you have a lot of variations you could run with the 17x8 rim along with a lot of variables to take into consideration. The amount of sidewall you have is going to govern how much over or under width you can have with the tire width.

Okay, now I'm going to get all biblical on you... On a 15x8 you can basically run a 4 inch variance, of course depending on your sidewall. On my truck I will be running 15x8's, until I can get my custom wheels. My tires are 225/60/15 up front (8.86 inches wide with a diameter of 25.63 inches) and a 295/50/15 in the rear (11.61 inches wide with a diameter 26.61 inches). Now on a 17 your sidewall is going to be reduced allowing for less "safe" stretch by the tire. Okay so here is an example of a staggered setup that is probably safe for you to run. 225/60/17 front(8.86 inches wide, 27.63 diameter), 275/50/17 rear(10.83 inches wide, 27.83 diameter), comparatively to your 255/60/15(10.04 inches wide, 27.05 diameter) on your 15x8, you are very close to the same dimensions. Understizzle?!