Dream '69

[lawest]

When I was a kid my neighbor across the street had a '70 SWB 4X4 with a 350/350 that he had bought new. The truck was faded red with a black interior and was all original. That truck was the reason why I have always loved the 67-72 trucks and always wanted a SWB 4x4. In 2003 I was living in Juneau, AK and saw this truck sitting on the side of the road for sale. I immediately turned around and bought the truck. The older gent who was selling it had bought it in Spokane, WA and was the third owner. It originally came with a 6 cyl. but the 2nd owner had swapped in a 283 and replaced the grill. It still had the original SM 465 and Rockwell T-221 T-case. It was a great low mileage, relatively rust-free truck and I drove it as it was for almost 10 years.

[lawest]

Recently I pulled it in the shop and started the build of the Dream 69 which was inspired by my neighbor's red '70. 1969 was first year the 350 engine and 350 auto trans was available in these trucks, although very few were installed in 4x4s. There were only 1,649 SWB K10s produced in 1969. It was also the first year for the venerable NP205 transfer case. Dream 69 will include these options as well as:
Power Steering
Power Brakes
Old Air A/C
Tach Cluster
Under bed tank
New GM crate 350
'78 disc brake front axle
New gears front and rear
Front Sway Bar
2 inch Rancho lift
New factory correct red paint

My overall goal for the project is to have a stock appearing, rare optioned truck with good drivability.

[67chevy1series]

I like it! I'm in!

[lawest]

Originally Posted by 67chevy1series

I like it! I'm in!

Thanks Rick
Spent the day today putting up one of those 20'x12' portable garages inside my shop. The idea is to use it as a paint booth to keep overspray off of everything. I figure once I am done with the project I can move it outside and use it to store my camper in. I will post up some pics of it when I'm done.

[lawest]

My NP 205 rebuild kit came in today, and the guy is going to be here on Tuesday to soda blast my frame for me. Glad the weather finally warmed up a little so I can start getting things done.

[lawest]

Soda blasting went well on Tuesday and I managed to get the '78 front axle, T-case crossmember, core support and a few other small parts primed last night. The new GM Crate engine showed up today about noon, and tonight I have to prime the frame before it starts to rust again. Its already been a busy week and its only Wednesday!!! I will try to post some pics this weekend.

[Mr Chevorlet]

That was a nice truck even before you got started, I'm in for this build.

[lawest]

Got the frame primed last night, but the weather here in Oklahoma is going to get cold again. I will have to wait until after the Holidays now to get the black on it. If its not too cold I may be able to get out to the shop and finish my rebuild of the T-case. I will get some pics posted this weekend sometime.

[rgunlock]

Looks like a pretty solid truck with minimal rust to start with. I like your plans for it. I'll be following along.

[lawest]

T-case tear down










Here is an excellent site that shows the rebuilding of the NP205

http://www.wideopen4x4.com/NP205RebuildGuide.html

There is also jbclassix's thread on this site
http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=469726

[lawest]

Cliff from F9 Soda Blasting came to the house and blasted my frame and other misc parts.

[lawest]

After washing and drying I moved the parts into my paint booth.




Primed with two coats of Eastwood 2-part urethane primer.





My new disc brake front axle from a '78. The springs aren't going to be used. I have new ones with my lift kit already painted black.

[ThreeQtr]

Looks clean. I'll be watching from FL.

[lawest]

Originally Posted by rgunlock

Looks like a pretty solid truck with minimal rust to start with. I like your plans for it. I'll be following along.

Yeah, it is such a clean unmolested truck I had a hard time deciding to tear it apart for this project. Until I started looking closely at other trucks I never realized that it was so nice. I do have a couple of issues with a cab corner and the rockers and will post some pics of these areas soon. My plan is to get the suspension and drivetrain together and then start on the body work.

[lawest]

Here is something I discovered that might be helpful to someone else. These items are available at Harbor Freight for just a few bucks. They are the small cheap furniture dollies and the heavy duty jack stands. You could probably use the cheaper stands but these fit perfectly on the dollies. They work great for low cost, mobile cab stands.

[67swb72klb]

nice good luck with the project

[lawest]

Originally Posted by ThreeQtr

Looks clean. I'll be watching from FL.

Wish I had some of your FL weather, I might be able to get something done this week. 90 degrees in Orlando today, crazy.

[lawest]

The new GM crate engine showed up on Wed. Although I wasn't really ready for an engine, I couldn't pass up the special pricing from Jegs. $1207 with free shipping, and 6 mo. no interest payments from Paypal.


Also, a pic of the bed stands I built from one of the Harbor Freight furniture dollies and some scrap lumber.

[bilfman]

Excellent job , looks like you are doing it up right. I will be following this one.

[yfs200p]

Nice looking truck, I'll be following.

[quadzero]

Fantastic project. I wish my truck was as clean as what you are starting with. Great paint booth too, you're well on the way to a magazine cover.

[lawest]

Originally Posted by quadzero

Fantastic project. I wish my truck was as clean as what you are starting with. Great paint booth too, you're well on the way to a magazine cover.

Thanks but I seriously doubt my skills are 'magazine cover' quality I know my budget isn't!

[screaminchevypickup]

Sweet build!!

[lawest]

Originally Posted by screaminchevypickup

Sweet build!!

Thanks Screaminchevy. I have seen some of your posts on other threads, you do some painting I see? I might have to talk to you about painting my sheetmetal when I'm ready. I've seen my paint jobs and they aren't up to my plan for this truck. I've been painting the frame and other chassis parts and am not even happy with that.

[lawest]

T-case ready for assembly.


Here it is all put together. I need new seals for the adapter before I put it on.


Painted the frame with Eastwood's 2K Ceramic Chassis Black. Ran out of paint and will have to add another coat, but I am going to go ahead and swap the disc brake front axle and the new springs from the lift kit in first so everything gets painted the same and I don't have to take it apart again.