1968 GMC k2500 Stepper - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

72 k15 · 06-04-2023, 06:40 PM

Going to start a build thread for my 1968 K2500 I got got shipped in from Idaho, seems to maybe be a state forest department order truck or similar, was ordered to Alturas CA originally. Born with a 327 and now has a very good running 292.

**68bowtie** · 06-04-2023, 07:55 PM

Subscribed!

**'68OrangeSunshine** · 06-04-2023, 07:56 PM

Cool.
1968.
Orange truck.
Stepside.
292.

**68bowtie** · 06-04-2023, 07:59 PM

Do I see “TOW HOOKS” on that build sheet?

**CKfan** · 06-04-2023, 08:07 PM

Great truck. Subscribed

**LockDoc** · 06-04-2023, 09:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 72 k15

Going to start a build thread for my 1968 K2500 I got got shipped in from Idaho, seems to maybe be a state forest department order truck or similar, was ordered to Altus CA originally. Born with a 327 and now has a very good running 292.

When you start the actual build thread be sure and post it in the "67-72 Chevrolet & GMC Pickups Projects and Builds " forum.

LockDoc

72 k15 · 06-04-2023, 09:50 PM

Does have tow hooks on the sheet, they are now missing. I totally didn't notice there was a project forum maybe a admin could move it? Took it for a 40-50 mile shake down, 4wd works, drives great actually I was surprised. First thing on my fix list is the temp gauge and fuel gauge. Changing all fluids next weekend hopefully but I did check the T-case and it was full.

**LockDoc** · 06-04-2023, 11:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 72 k15

Does have tow hooks on the sheet, they are now missing. I totally didn't notice there was a project forum maybe a admin could move it? Took it for a 40-50 mile shake down, 4wd works, drives great actually I was surprised. First thing on my fix list is the temp gauge and fuel gauge. Changing all fluids next weekend hopefully but I did check the T-case and it was full.

Moved.

LockDoc

**landarts** · 06-05-2023, 12:27 AM

Glad to see the truck made it to North Dakota safely. Will be following along for the next phase of this trucks life.

68panelman · 06-05-2023, 06:32 AM

In for this beauty!

**HO455** · 06-05-2023, 08:33 AM

Sweet! It looks to have the high clearance wheels. Are they 17.5's o r the 19.5's?

72 k15 · 06-05-2023, 07:24 PM

It has factory 17” split rims not sure what the correct name would be because it’s a one piece outer rim and then the other part the tire mounts on. Going to probably have to find some tires these ones hold air and have good tread but they ride like they are not balanced. So I’ll have to find some new rims I doubt anybody will mount anything on these and I’d like to get some 33x10” tires if I could find some don’t want to go too wide without power steering

**HO455** · 06-05-2023, 07:28 PM

Here some information on them.

https://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/...d.php?t=828805

72 k15 · 06-05-2023, 08:03 PM

They definitely seem to be 17”
I have heard any model 8bolts will fit so I’ll try to find a 17x7 anybody know what the factory offset is on these?

**68bowtie** · 06-05-2023, 09:57 PM

I wonder if someone like Stockton Wheel would weld those centers into a one-piece rim? Or a machine shop maybe. Then you can match the exact offset you need.

**HO455** · 06-06-2023, 08:58 AM

Your build sheet shows option R74. According to the 68 manual R74 is a 700-17, 8 ply bias, on/off road, tube type tire on 6 inch wheel. I would guess that the back spacing is right around 3 inches.

You need to take those wheels to a commercial truck tire shop to get them serviced. 99% of other tire shops will tell you that they cannot be used. Mostly due to their lack of proper equipment and their desire to sell you new rims. Replacement 17 rims won't be hard to find if you don't mind going to a 7 or 8 inch wide rim. Earlier model split rims gained a bad reputation but the technology advanced and they are still being used today on large trucks. A competent commercial truck tire shop will be able to inspect and determine if your wheels are safe to install new tires on. Corrosion can damage the rims.

My high clearance rims are 17.5's so tire selection is more limited but they aren't split rims either.

Those rims are hard to find if your looking for them.

Link to the GM heritage center 68 truck information kit.

https://www.gm.com/content/dam/compa...olet-Truck.pdf

72 k15 · 06-06-2023, 10:00 AM

Thanks for the info, I actually wouldn’t mind keeping the rims if I could get the tires I wanted on them but I’ll have to stick to tubed tires which limits it a ton and is costly. Most likely I’ll end up with some 17x7s going to have to find a skinny tire as well as I don’t have power steering.

**'68OrangeSunshine** · 06-06-2023, 05:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HO455

My high clearance rims are 17.5's so tire selection is more limited but they aren't split rims either.

Those rims are hard to find.

https://www.gm.com/content/dam/compa...olet-Truck.pdf

My '68 C/10 Stepside was some kind of fleet truck, and came with 6-lug 17.5 x 5.25'' rims. Listed on SPID. Originally had 7.00x17.5 tires. I had to go up to 8.00x17.5 in the late '70s, as the 7.00s went obsolete. Then I moved to 8R-17.5LTs in the '80s. By the year 2000, I was told my 17.5 rims were shot, so I bought 16'' spoked rims and had 235/85/R16LT tires mounted to get about the same stance. Offset is ~3-5/8''.

**regan wilson** · 06-06-2023, 05:30 PM

That thing is too cool! Keep us updated

72 k15 · 06-06-2023, 10:48 PM

Got some wiring coming tomorrow to fix a couple things, Friday bumper bolts should be here along with a gas tank cab seal and gas pedal (Fancy I know) Still on the lookout for a rear bumper for a Stepside.

**hewittca** · 06-07-2023, 07:25 AM

WOW that is an amazing truck! I saw it for sale on the board a while ago and wished I could make room for it in my own garage. Glad to see it is still in good hands.

72c20customcamper · 06-07-2023, 07:49 AM

I have the same rims on my 68 you will have to use tubes and liners . The local truck shop here will do them for me car shops will not touch them . I put some rims from a ford f250 on mine for now until I get around to blasting and painting the originals . They are very hard to find been looking for a spare myself .

72 k15 · 06-07-2023, 07:02 PM

I plan on just getting some 17x7 8 bolt rims I don’t want to pay 300+ for a tire and then looks like 50$ a tube for tires that most likely won’t be great on highways

**'68OrangeSunshine** · 06-07-2023, 08:54 PM

Yeah. Gas was 17 cents a gallon for regular leaded, when those were common.

72 k15 · 06-07-2023, 09:26 PM

So good news, got all the lights working put a new rear harness in, bulbs, and some fuses and all works. Put a fuse in for the dash and now my gas and temp "work" Gas reads way to the right and temp doesn't go above cold.

06-04-2023, 06:40 PM	#1
72 k15 Registered User Join Date: Sep 2018 Location: Fargo Posts: 376	1968 GMC k2500 Stepper Going to start a build thread for my 1968 K2500 I got got shipped in from Idaho, seems to maybe be a state forest department order truck or similar, was ordered to Alturas CA originally. Born with a 327 and now has a very good running 292. Attached Images __________________ 1959 GMC 100 3 on the tree 270. 1968 GMC k2500 Stepside 1972 Chevy Monte Carlo Custom. Last edited by 72 k15; 06-04-2023 at 09:51 PM.

06-04-2023, 07:55 PM	#2
68bowtie Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Turlock, CA Posts: 8,311	Re: 1968 GMC k2500 Stepper Subscribed! __________________ I live in California, but identify as a Texan "If a job's worth doing, it's worth doing well" Project "Little Sister" (70 c10 blue original paint refresh) Project "C10 Fever" (68 factory black 396 swb) Project "Blue Bomb" (70 c30 blue original paint refresh) Project "Vitamin C" (71 c10 orange original paint refresh)

06-04-2023, 07:56 PM	#3
'68OrangeSunshine Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2002 Location: Tucson, AZ USA Posts: 7,022	Re: 1968 GMC k2500 Stepper Cool. 1968. Orange truck. Stepside. 292. __________________ Every 25 years I like to rebuild that 292, whether it needs it or not.

06-04-2023, 07:59 PM	#4
68bowtie Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Turlock, CA Posts: 8,311	Re: 1968 GMC k2500 Stepper Do I see “TOW HOOKS” on that build sheet? __________________ I live in California, but identify as a Texan "If a job's worth doing, it's worth doing well" Project "Little Sister" (70 c10 blue original paint refresh) Project "C10 Fever" (68 factory black 396 swb) Project "Blue Bomb" (70 c30 blue original paint refresh) Project "Vitamin C" (71 c10 orange original paint refresh)

06-04-2023, 08:07 PM	#5
CKfan Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2022 Location: So central coast, CA Posts: 426	Re: 1968 GMC k2500 Stepper Great truck. Subscribed

06-04-2023, 09:50 PM	#7
72 k15 Registered User Join Date: Sep 2018 Location: Fargo Posts: 376	Re: 1968 GMC k2500 Stepper Does have tow hooks on the sheet, they are now missing. I totally didn't notice there was a project forum maybe a admin could move it? Took it for a 40-50 mile shake down, 4wd works, drives great actually I was surprised. First thing on my fix list is the temp gauge and fuel gauge. Changing all fluids next weekend hopefully but I did check the T-case and it was full. __________________ 1959 GMC 100 3 on the tree 270. 1968 GMC k2500 Stepside 1972 Chevy Monte Carlo Custom.

06-05-2023, 12:27 AM	#9
landarts landarts Join Date: May 2005 Location: Star, Idaho Posts: 1,323	Re: 1968 GMC k2500 Stepper Glad to see the truck made it to North Dakota safely. Will be following along for the next phase of this trucks life. __________________ 71 K20 Idaho Edition 69 K10 from the Field 68 Second Chance Fix and Sale 72 GMC 3/4 ton 4x4 K2500 The "Fixrupr" build thread 72 Cheyenne 1/2 ton " FIXRUPR " - daily driver 67 C20 all original paint 71 K20 Custom 4x4 (Idaho Edition) 72 K20 GMC Super Custom 4x4 72 K20 Custom Deluxe 4x4 69 K10 Custom package 4x4 (69 K10 from the field) 69 K10 Custom 72 K20 Custom Deluxe 4x4 72 K20 Crew Cab Project 71 GMC Jimmy CST 72 Blazer 70 Blazer

06-05-2023, 06:32 AM	#10
68panelman Registered User Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: Delaware and Long Island, New York Posts: 3,448	Re: 1968 GMC k2500 Stepper In for this beauty!

06-05-2023, 08:33 AM	#11
HO455 Post Whore Join Date: Feb 2016 Location: Portland Oregon Posts: 10,786	Re: 1968 GMC k2500 Stepper Sweet! It looks to have the high clearance wheels. Are they 17.5's o r the 19.5's? __________________ Thanks to Bob and Jeanie and everyone else at Superior Performance for all their great help. RIP Bob Parks. 1967 Burban the WMB,1991 S(stink)-10 Blazer,1969 GTO, 1970 Javelin, 1952 F2 Ford 4X4, 29 Model A, 72 Firebird. 85 Alfa Romeo If it breaks I didn't want it in the first place The WMB repair thread http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=698377

06-05-2023, 07:24 PM	#12
72 k15 Registered User Join Date: Sep 2018 Location: Fargo Posts: 376	Re: 1968 GMC k2500 Stepper It has factory 17” split rims not sure what the correct name would be because it’s a one piece outer rim and then the other part the tire mounts on. Going to probably have to find some tires these ones hold air and have good tread but they ride like they are not balanced. So I’ll have to find some new rims I doubt anybody will mount anything on these and I’d like to get some 33x10” tires if I could find some don’t want to go too wide without power steering __________________ 1959 GMC 100 3 on the tree 270. 1968 GMC k2500 Stepside 1972 Chevy Monte Carlo Custom.

06-05-2023, 07:28 PM	#13
HO455 Post Whore Join Date: Feb 2016 Location: Portland Oregon Posts: 10,786	Re: 1968 GMC k2500 Stepper Here some information on them. https://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/...d.php?t=828805 __________________ Thanks to Bob and Jeanie and everyone else at Superior Performance for all their great help. RIP Bob Parks. 1967 Burban the WMB,1991 S(stink)-10 Blazer,1969 GTO, 1970 Javelin, 1952 F2 Ford 4X4, 29 Model A, 72 Firebird. 85 Alfa Romeo If it breaks I didn't want it in the first place The WMB repair thread http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=698377

06-05-2023, 08:03 PM	#14
72 k15 Registered User Join Date: Sep 2018 Location: Fargo Posts: 376	Re: 1968 GMC k2500 Stepper They definitely seem to be 17” I have heard any model 8bolts will fit so I’ll try to find a 17x7 anybody know what the factory offset is on these? Attached Images __________________ 1959 GMC 100 3 on the tree 270. 1968 GMC k2500 Stepside 1972 Chevy Monte Carlo Custom.

06-05-2023, 09:57 PM	#15
68bowtie Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Turlock, CA Posts: 8,311	Re: 1968 GMC k2500 Stepper I wonder if someone like Stockton Wheel would weld those centers into a one-piece rim? Or a machine shop maybe. Then you can match the exact offset you need. __________________ I live in California, but identify as a Texan "If a job's worth doing, it's worth doing well" Project "Little Sister" (70 c10 blue original paint refresh) Project "C10 Fever" (68 factory black 396 swb) Project "Blue Bomb" (70 c30 blue original paint refresh) Project "Vitamin C" (71 c10 orange original paint refresh)

06-06-2023, 08:58 AM	#16
HO455 Post Whore Join Date: Feb 2016 Location: Portland Oregon Posts: 10,786	Re: 1968 GMC k2500 Stepper Your build sheet shows option R74. According to the 68 manual R74 is a 700-17, 8 ply bias, on/off road, tube type tire on 6 inch wheel. I would guess that the back spacing is right around 3 inches. You need to take those wheels to a commercial truck tire shop to get them serviced. 99% of other tire shops will tell you that they cannot be used. Mostly due to their lack of proper equipment and their desire to sell you new rims. Replacement 17 rims won't be hard to find if you don't mind going to a 7 or 8 inch wide rim. Earlier model split rims gained a bad reputation but the technology advanced and they are still being used today on large trucks. A competent commercial truck tire shop will be able to inspect and determine if your wheels are safe to install new tires on. Corrosion can damage the rims. My high clearance rims are 17.5's so tire selection is more limited but they aren't split rims either. Those rims are hard to find if your looking for them. Link to the GM heritage center 68 truck information kit. https://www.gm.com/content/dam/compa...olet-Truck.pdf __________________ Thanks to Bob and Jeanie and everyone else at Superior Performance for all their great help. RIP Bob Parks. 1967 Burban the WMB,1991 S(stink)-10 Blazer,1969 GTO, 1970 Javelin, 1952 F2 Ford 4X4, 29 Model A, 72 Firebird. 85 Alfa Romeo If it breaks I didn't want it in the first place The WMB repair thread http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=698377

06-06-2023, 10:00 AM	#17
72 k15 Registered User Join Date: Sep 2018 Location: Fargo Posts: 376	Re: 1968 GMC k2500 Stepper Thanks for the info, I actually wouldn’t mind keeping the rims if I could get the tires I wanted on them but I’ll have to stick to tubed tires which limits it a ton and is costly. Most likely I’ll end up with some 17x7s going to have to find a skinny tire as well as I don’t have power steering. __________________ 1959 GMC 100 3 on the tree 270. 1968 GMC k2500 Stepside 1972 Chevy Monte Carlo Custom.



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06-06-2023, 05:30 PM	#19
regan wilson Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: tyler texas Posts: 1,531	Re: 1968 GMC k2500 Stepper That thing is too cool! Keep us updated __________________ NHRA Super Street 469C It only runs 10.90 at 156 mph

06-06-2023, 10:48 PM	#20
72 k15 Registered User Join Date: Sep 2018 Location: Fargo Posts: 376	Re: 1968 GMC k2500 Stepper Got some wiring coming tomorrow to fix a couple things, Friday bumper bolts should be here along with a gas tank cab seal and gas pedal (Fancy I know) Still on the lookout for a rear bumper for a Stepside. __________________ 1959 GMC 100 3 on the tree 270. 1968 GMC k2500 Stepside 1972 Chevy Monte Carlo Custom.

06-07-2023, 07:25 AM	#21
hewittca Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2014 Location: Mocksville, NC Posts: 1,723	Re: 1968 GMC k2500 Stepper WOW that is an amazing truck! I saw it for sale on the board a while ago and wished I could make room for it in my own garage. Glad to see it is still in good hands. __________________ Builds: Green Gus the 68 C10 ; Sullii the 72 1500 - Instagram: @dr.hewitt - C10 Concept/Development Photos: Master Thread

06-07-2023, 07:49 AM	#22
72c20customcamper Registered User Join Date: Jul 2018 Location: Catskill Mountains,NY Posts: 8,132	Re: 1968 GMC k2500 Stepper I have the same rims on my 68 you will have to use tubes and liners . The local truck shop here will do them for me car shops will not touch them . I put some rims from a ford f250 on mine for now until I get around to blasting and painting the originals . They are very hard to find been looking for a spare myself . __________________ Mark 72 c20 custom camper Husky edition, 66 SS396 Chevelle 1964 Hawk, 63 Avanti,62 lark 1969 AMX , 1968 c20 stepside ,85 K20 1977 Suburban sold 68 anniversary.

06-07-2023, 07:02 PM	#23
72 k15 Registered User Join Date: Sep 2018 Location: Fargo Posts: 376	Re: 1968 GMC k2500 Stepper I plan on just getting some 17x7 8 bolt rims I don’t want to pay 300+ for a tire and then looks like 50$ a tube for tires that most likely won’t be great on highways __________________ 1959 GMC 100 3 on the tree 270. 1968 GMC k2500 Stepside 1972 Chevy Monte Carlo Custom.

06-07-2023, 08:54 PM	#24
'68OrangeSunshine Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2002 Location: Tucson, AZ USA Posts: 7,022	Re: 1968 GMC k2500 Stepper Yeah. Gas was 17 cents a gallon for regular leaded, when those were common. __________________ Every 25 years I like to rebuild that 292, whether it needs it or not.

06-07-2023, 09:26 PM	#25
72 k15 Registered User Join Date: Sep 2018 Location: Fargo Posts: 376	Re: 1968 GMC k2500 Stepper So good news, got all the lights working put a new rear harness in, bulbs, and some fuses and all works. Put a fuse in for the dash and now my gas and temp "work" Gas reads way to the right and temp doesn't go above cold. __________________ 1959 GMC 100 3 on the tree 270. 1968 GMC k2500 Stepside 1972 Chevy Monte Carlo Custom.

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