1968 50th Longbed build thread
 

Starting a build thread instead of keeping my first post going.

(backstory) Traded my 98 S10 for this straight up. Bruceman1968 determined it is a 50th anniversary edition.

http://i.imgur.com/vN5IMYoh.jpg?2

http://i.imgur.com/ZQ3hV6El.jpg?1

http://i.imgur.com/YHMQPS6h.jpg?1

Re: 1968 50th Longbed build thread
 

Truck needs rewired before I can do anything with it. PO's wiring job is a hazard.

Bought a new harness and diagram/manual

http://i.imgur.com/iVreu4gl.jpg

Picked up some parts off CL

http://i.imgur.com/1jiFrKUl.jpg

Re: 1968 50th Longbed build thread
 

Update: Started prepping for rewiring today. Pulled the battery and cut out most of the old wiring under the hood. Pulled the carpet and seat as well and I was pretty impressed with the floor. Going to take off the cluster next now that I have learned how to properly remove the headlight switch.

http://i.imgur.com/K8G14fSh.jpg

Re: 1968 50th Longbed build thread
 

some of those headlight switches do not cooperate. sounds like you made a good trade.

Re: 1968 50th Longbed build thread
 

I found the button but couldn't get it out. To turn it on do I pull all the way out then twist right?

Re: 1968 50th Longbed build thread
 

Good looking truck. I'm subscribed to this one. What is the trick for the headlight switch?

Re: 1968 50th Longbed build thread
 

Sounds good! I'll follow along.

Re: 1968 50th Longbed build thread
 

Pull headlight switch all the way out. Then push the spring-loaded button on the switch behind the dash and pull it out.

Re: 1968 50th Longbed build thread
 

Update:

My door hardware came in the mail today so I could begin installing the CL door panels and armrests. Before I did this I installed my new door locks from Leon.
I could not leave any tools in the truck before because it didn't come with a door key. Thanks LockDoc!

http://i.imgur.com/c1ZWUz6l.jpg

Re: 1968 50th Longbed build thread
 

Luckily I have had help wiring from a friend. Over halfway done.

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

Re: 1968 50th Longbed build thread
 

Wiring is finally done!

got a free tailgate

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

bought some more parts off CL

http://i.imgur.com/a37eXbdl.jpg

Re: 1968 50th Longbed build thread
 

Glad to hear you're moving forward! Enjoy and be aware of the first drive.Love it or hate it it will be in your memory forever!!!

Re: 1968 50th Longbed build thread
 

Still have not driven it since rewiring. I discovered that I had a crack in my exhaust manifold that had melted a boot. Could explain why it was backfiring through the carb. I got Summit coated headers for Christmas so I have been working on installing them. I also had to get a bracket for the alternator to work with the headers. Had to pull the starter to get the pass side header to fit. At least one of my plugs is way too close to the tube. I am going to have to buy some shorty plugs and possibly have to put in a well placed ding in a tube. I have heat wraps for the boots. This is also my first post since running a steel fuel line to replace the leaking rubber one it came with. I also took the cowl off and put some seam sealer under there to stop a leak I had in the pass side floorboard from the antenna hole.

http://i.imgur.com/ChiBwC5l.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/LP2NUcZl.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/CNg5vtAl.jpg

Re: 1968 50th Longbed build thread
 

Also I picked up a set of 15x8 4 nubs for $100! I just sold the hubcaps on ebay for $65. So I basically got four 4 nub 15x8 steelies for $40. Pretty damn lucky considering they are $900 on ebay. I will be buying a new set of tires for them soon.

http://i.imgur.com/e9bOYZ9l.jpg

Here they are sitting next to the truck

http://i.imgur.com/ffNg1ZDl.jpg

Re: 1968 50th Longbed build thread
 

Well those wheels ended up being 15x6 but they are 4 nub at least and will clear disc brakes if I install them. I sandblasted them and primer/painted them with rustoleum rattle can with a handle attachment. Saving up for white walls at the moment.

http://i.imgur.com/Wfda1LFh.jpg

Re: 1968 50th Longbed build thread
 

Picked up some Yankee 77s off ebay to fill the holes left by the PO. Not a huge fan but they sure beat tape!

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

Re: 1968 50th Longbed build thread
 

New belt, valve covers, and EGR delete plate installed.

http://i.imgur.com/akzII0al.jpg

Pic of the new alternator bracket. You can see why I have to install short plugs. Plugs, wires, and starter heat shield is next on the to do list.

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

Re: 1968 50th Longbed build thread
 

I finally saved up enough for some new tires. 235/75/15

http://i.imgur.com/4Io8jljh.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/WJw1roAh.jpg

Re: 1968 50th Longbed build thread
 

Nice truck!

Re: 1968 50th Longbed build thread
 

Finally running 1 year later! Rewired, replaced blown manifolds with headers, new plugs, wires, and fuel line. Changed the oil and rebuilt the carb.

http://i.imgur.com/43hdYvv.gif

Re: 1968 50th Longbed build thread
 

Re: 1968 50th Longbed build thread
 

Making progress.
BTW, I'm in Normal.

Re: 1968 50th Longbed build thread
 

Glad to see a 50th getting some proper work done to it, now for mine...
I can see why someone might change the color, the original gold was not an eye catcher. It's likely the owner knew nothing of the significance of the original gold color.
There's a build here, fellow named Chad, doing a 69 in gold, converting to a 68. The color is awesome! Have you seen that thread? If not I will dig for it, and bring it ahead...

Re: 1968 50th Longbed build thread
 

That's awesome. I don't think I have seen it. Link if you don't mind.

Re: 1968 50th Longbed build thread
 

So I got the timing where I wanted it with a little help. Sounds great now and starts right up. Time to move on to the transmission. I need to stop the leaks, fill it with fluid, hook up the shift cable, and I should be able to drive to the exhaust shop.

https://youtu.be/EqE7fwPNPWk Sorry about the poor audio quality. (Open headers are loud) :devil:

Re: 1968 50th Longbed build thread
 

Really like your truck, man. Very nice.

Re: 1968 50th Longbed build thread
 

Well it has been about 4 years since I posted on this thread, but since then I have moved to a house with a garage. During covid I was able to clear out the garage enough to have the truck towed here and the longbed just barely fit. I have it up on wheel dollys and it is working out pretty well. I installed some garage lights from harbor freight and now its a good place to work.

I got the cheapest vinyl seat cover from brothers for Christmas and did an alright job installing it myself. Good enough and beats the musty\mildewy cloth from before. I also got the seat lowering brackets from brothers and installed them.

I put on a new felpro gasket and filter on the TH350 to hopefully fix the leak and still need to hook up the cable.

I decided to go back to manifolds so I pulled my headers which meant the starter and alternator as well. I went ahead and ripped out the rest of the exhaust. A lot more room to work underneath now. I am painting up my new manifolds with VHT and I bought a flowmaster downpipe kit to put on with my Porter mufflers that have been waiting around.

I have a fuel delivery problem so it is not running at the moment. Thinking of installing the Edelbrock intake and carb kit. I definately want to move the tank to under the bed someday.

Here is a pic dump!

https://i.imgur.com/Wqx4X95l.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/3ijNW6xl.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/O0BCTZgl.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/PKpVgsOl.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/Ic8rdpql.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/cgmFBYxh.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/x7117gql.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/R8lA7J0l.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/9feK7wXl.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/WWvP9fZl.jpg

Re: 1968 50th Longbed build thread
 

Good looking truck man! I'll follow along. I love the 50th trucks for sure. Heres my old 68.

(Reflection from the house across the street, it wasnt two different colors the pic just looks weird)

Re: 1968 50th Longbed build thread
 

Thanks Chad, I followed along on a few of you guys other builds, but must have missed this one. Sweet truck! Did you use the factory paint codes?

Re: 1968 50th Longbed build thread
 

Got one of the new manifolds installed. Original alternator mount was on the manifold. I bought a bracket for the headers, but that does not work for this unless maybe I use a tube spacer.

Went ahead and ordered this kit:

https://i.imgur.com/G20L36um.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/x8cqG8Ch.jpg

Re: 1968 50th Longbed build thread
 

For those late to the party this truck is rusty as hell and sat in a field for years. The drip rail is rotted through in places. The area behind the sun visors is rotted all the way through in places. I get rain through the firewall. You can see the ground through the bed. The rockers are pretty much non existent, etc. My trailing arms are eaten up pretty bad as well.

I am following the advice of many of you here and just working on mechanicals and getting it drivable first. Someday I will buy a big compressor and a welder. Maybe build a bigger shop and work on the body.

For now I finally have a safe place to jack it up and work on it. I also earn enough now to knock out some of this stuff that I used to have to wait forever for.

I still have only driven the truck for a block or so and I have owned it for 5 years! I am ready to get it on the road!

Re: 1968 50th Longbed build thread
 

I ran the exhaust and put on the mufflers. No pics.

Got the new intake installed. Second photo is everything mocked up.

Gotta do a bunch of small stuff now like plug holes in the intake and get an adapter for my oil psi sender to fit with the new intake.

Next on the list is installing an Edlebrock fuel pump so I can get the 6 psi the carb needs without messing with a regulator.

Gotta make the stock mech linkage work with the carb. Saw a few threads here.

Plumb the fuel line, change fluids, hookup shift cable and I should be close to taking the first drive!

Learning as I go and its just me so its kinda slow. Got some motivation to get back at it recently from Vice Grip Garage.

Re: 1968 50th Longbed build thread
 

looking good keep up the hard work & Keep on Truckin'' :metal:

Re: 1968 50th Longbed build thread
 

Been working on the truck and the checklist is almost done.

Found the pics of the exhaust I ran from the new manifolds.

I got my throttle and kickdown working after a lot of tinkering.

Installed the new fuel pump and ran the line to carb.

I went ahead and bought a used gas tank that is clean for $100. I don't really want to chance it with mine and these new parts. Still plan to relocate it under bed someday.

Since I got a clean tank I went ahead and ordered new 3/8 sending unit and 3/8 fuel lines from inline tube. Will be here this week.

Just buying fluids, etc. now. Getting close to firing it up!

https://i.imgur.com/GxcalUIh.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/IHCmYuch.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/T4aCiGfh.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/fnfmxzOh.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/oGi8Ch9h.jpg

Re: 1968 50th Longbed build thread
 

TH350 had leaked dry over the years.

Scraped off all the rtv off the pan and put on a good gasket.

No leaks after 2 hours, but had a small drip overnight. Hopefully I can just snug them down a littleand be good.

Re: 1968 50th Longbed build thread
 

Trans is still leaking at from pass corner. I am going to look up higher by the dipstick tube, etc.

New (to me) fuel tank is installed w\ new 3/8 sending until and fuel line.

https://i.imgur.com/6e74SMah.jpg

Re: 1968 50th Longbed build thread
 

Some of the older TH350's had some sort or trans pressure controled swith. It screwed into the trnas side, in the area of where the dipstick tube inserts. If the swith is or isn;t plugged. It takes a 1/8 inch pipe plug and some teflon tape to fix.
OR, if you've never had the trans dipstick removed from the pan, the "O" ring or some sort of seal can be leaking. "O" rings were used on earlier trans. The dipstick is the determining factor as to whether or not you have an "O" ring seal or a sleeve...

Re: 1968 50th Longbed build thread
 

It seems to be packed with RTV


https://i.imgur.com/qwuY9Yr.jpeg

https://i.imgur.com/EXKh0ZP.jpeg