Re: 1970 C10 ChassisFab Build Thread
 

Keeping me on my toes, I appreciate the motivation from this group! Here's some status updates:

1) I built some wood blocks to get the frame off the ground. The frame moves around pretty well on the Harbor Freight rollers!

2) Engine is back from the builder! It is now a 357 with aluminum intake and Brodix IK heads. I am waiting for some parts to arrive so I can smooth the block with fillable polyester primer and shoot it with orange and clearcoat. Once I finish painting it we can drop the engine/trans in the frame and then route the exhaust. I'm debating with myself whether or not to get a Gear Vendors overdrive unit to pair with the TH350. TH350 is freshly rebuilt and a great transmission so I would like to keep it.

Plus a cat tax for those interested.

Re: 1970 C10 ChassisFab Build Thread
 

ThermAC delete and some block work before filler primer

Re: 1970 C10 ChassisFab Build Thread
 

Engine painted, and got the decals installed. Just needs a clearcoat!

Re: 1970 C10 ChassisFab Build Thread
 

Nice build.
Are those original early style rocker covers, or reproduction?

Re: 1970 C10 ChassisFab Build Thread
 

They are reproductions from Ebay. Good quality, can't complain!

Re: 1970 C10 ChassisFab Build Thread
 

I'm not finding that early style. Do you have a link?
Never mind, found them. $149

Re: 1970 C10 ChassisFab Build Thread
 

These are actually from Summit:
https://www.summitracing.com/parts/AMD-W-541

Re: 1970 C10 ChassisFab Build Thread
 

Thanks. Hell of a build you have going on. Gonna be nice!

Re: 1970 C10 ChassisFab Build Thread
 

Got the motor and trans installed this weekend. Could not find the right torque converter bolts so that was a bit frustrating. Need to do some digging for the 4701rv torque converter.

And the last snag I kind of anticipated was the drag link hitting the oil pan. It is very close, only about an inch. I think I can bend the drag link just enough make this work. Otherwise I don't know if there is any aftermarket solution for a different shaped drag link.

All in all I'm excited to start the exhaust!

Re: 1970 C10 ChassisFab Build Thread
 

Looking real good …. Drag see more on that ?I know I thought mine was close but it all lined up and clears the pan

Re: 1970 C10 ChassisFab Build Thread
 

It hits the very front tip of the oil pan just before tightening the pitman arm nuts. I've been looking at Hotchkis center link/drag link since it doesn't have as much of an arch as the stock link. I think it would help clear the pan.

Re: 1970 C10 ChassisFab Build Thread
 

Your motor mounts are in the forward position ? Mine are in the rear position

Re: 1970 C10 ChassisFab Build Thread
 

Here’s one looking at the drag link it’s gray and my oil pan is metal color

Re: 1970 C10 ChassisFab Build Thread
 

I read back through your and you moved your steering up two inches ....utoh :)

Re: 1970 C10 ChassisFab Build Thread
 

Interesting, I don't know the history of why some mounts would be in the front position and some in the rear. Looking at the rear position though that might work 🤔. I'd have to get some new mounts

Re: 1970 C10 ChassisFab Build Thread
 

Great build going, outstanding work! I just started the frame teardown this month. I have the front apart, just need to remove everything in the rear. I am sure going through my share of PB Blaster on the frame disassembly.

Re: 1970 C10 ChassisFab Build Thread
 

Thank you! I don't miss that step, I had wire wheel pieces in my shins for days :lol:

Doing it outside is a must, these frames are filthy.

Re: 1970 C10 ChassisFab Build Thread
 

Good progress. That 4 link rear is a very nice setup. Love that Teal color too.

I still randomly find them stuck in my garage clothes from my last wire wheel endeavor from weeks ago.

Re: 1970 C10 ChassisFab Build Thread
 

Got the vacuum lines cleaned up on the ol/ carb. Wire plugs are installed, headers, and power steering pump.

I was also able to clear the bottom of the oil pan with a new Hotchkis drag link. It is straight and doesn't have an arc like the stock link, which they say helps with bump steer too. I had to dent the bottom lip of the oil pan about an inch to clear still. But all things considered this was the least invasive method to get this raised steering to work without forking out for rack and pinion.

Still have lots to do, such as a custom electronic parking brake, fuel line, and class III towing hitch.

Re: 1970 C10 ChassisFab Build Thread
 

Very nice good progress

Re: 1970 C10 ChassisFab Build Thread
 

Towing hitch and fuel pump installed. I'll need to make some custom bumper brackets now to clear the hitch brackets. Gonna have to get creative with the stock rear brackets. I wanted to make a universal class III adjustable hitch work for this application since it is so much cheaper than the only hidden tow hitch offered for these trucks. I have a flip license plate to hide the receiver when not towing.

Getting pumped to fly out to Dinos Git Down to get some much needed inspiration!

Re: 1970 C10 ChassisFab Build Thread
 

I really like your detail on the 350 looks a lot like the little brother 327 in my build I also did the hidden hitch deal ....nice work

Re: 1970 C10 ChassisFab Build Thread
 

Twins! Looking real nice.

Thank you much!

Re: 1970 C10 ChassisFab Build Thread
 

Keep in mind the por 15 needs a top coat of some sort or it turns milky white from uv ...... Ask me how i know....build looks great and i curious as to why the rear shocks are so far inboard?

Re: 1970 C10 ChassisFab Build Thread
 

The ChassisFab rear is designed to fit a 15" wheel, which I won't be doing but that's why the shocks are tucked in and 4 link is inside the frame rails.

If I had to do the frame again I would have gotten it blasted and done a single stage or powdercoat. But budget is the goal here. I'd love to swap the whole frame out with a roadster shop frame in the future.

Re: 1970 C10 ChassisFab Build Thread
 

Ya I used por 15 and am paying for it now....

Re: 1970 C10 ChassisFab Build Thread
 

Dino's Git Down pics! The show was incredible, I've never seen such high quality builds. It's estimated that 9000 trucks showed up.

I got to meet Del again after visiting his shop in 2015 in Burbank. He's a super cool dude and his new 4x4 builds are off the charts.

Re: 1970 C10 ChassisFab Build Thread
 

Bonus pics. The Burb was my favorite!! If anyone knows the owner please let me know!

Re: 1970 C10 ChassisFab Build Thread
 

Looks like the weather cooperated too! Thanks for the pictures.

Re: 1970 C10 ChassisFab Build Thread
 

The show was amazing this year....

Re: 1970 C10 ChassisFab Build Thread
 

Re-did the fuel line to my liking.

Waiting on some exhaust pieces to show up so I can finish!

Re: 1970 C10 ChassisFab Build Thread
 

Exhaust installed! Progress is made... Can't wait to roll this frame out of the garage and get going on bodywork.

Re: 1970 C10 ChassisFab Build Thread
 

very nice

Re: 1970 C10 ChassisFab Build Thread
 

Late to the party here. Truck is looking great! Just caught up on the progress.

Re: 1970 C10 ChassisFab Build Thread
 

Looking good. I believe the owner of the Burb is from Vegas. I thought he had a build thread on here. Thanks for the pics.

Re: 1970 C10 ChassisFab Build Thread
 

He's on Instagram as 72_Plaid_Sub

Re: 1970 C10 ChassisFab Build Thread
 

Got the flip up license plate installed! The hitch is totally hidden now and doesn't hang below the bumper.

This is a cheap universal hitch I bought off Amazon for $150 that I wanted to make work since the only other C10 hidden hitch available is like $400. It took a lot of work to mod the bumper brackets and drill some holes through thick steel, but I'm excited that it all worked out. Just needs some paint touch ups now.

Re: 1970 C10 ChassisFab Build Thread
 

Parking brake installed! This is just a cheap 330 lb-ft linear actuator that will be wired to a maintained parking brake button/switch and double pole relay.

Re: 1970 C10 ChassisFab Build Thread
 

Farm out! :metal:

Re: 1970 C10 ChassisFab Build Thread
 

that's nifty