New Seattle guy

[Billla]

I've been around for a while lurking, and I thought I should finally introduce myself.

I own a 1972 C10 LWB, and a 1972 C10 LWB parts truck. My truck's been a start-and-stop project; I did the engine/trans about 7 years ago but I'm just getting started on the bodywork. It's a rusty-but-trusty pickup that I purchased from the 2nd owner in Iowa. The VIN makes it a stepside V8; it had a longbed and a low-compression 305 2BBL in it when I got it. I built a 1970-style Corvette LT-1 engine and had the trans overhauled with a basic TCI shift kit. I just finished installing power steering that had been removed at some point.

The only real problems with the truck right now are:

• Single-speed blower: I figure that's the blower switch and I have a new one
• Low brake pedal: not sure what to make of this one...the brakes work, the pedal is just much lower than it should be.
• Front-end damage: my kid just stuffed my truck into a concrete divider...hood's OK but the bumper, R fender, etc. are junk. Bent the bumper back far enough to get into the frame, too...not sure how hard that will be to straighten :/

The goal is a nice looking slightly-better-than-stock C10. Nothing fancy, and still something I can dump dirt in the back of

I've bought a few bedsides, but each time they've ended up being junk. A few months ago I bought a parts truck (no engine); I got screwed somewhat in that it was listed as "no rust" which proved not to be the case (that's the last time I let my father-in-law look over a vehicle so my plans have changed a bit:

1. I'm removing the bed from the parts truck to start building a new wood bed
2. I'll remove the bed from my truck, blast the frame, rebuild the suspension and put the new bed on.
3. Next is to strip and prep the front clip from the parts truck, and then swap this onto my truck. I'll probably do a refresh on the engine at that point - Edelbrock aluminum heads, cam change, new intake.
4. I'm in a bit of a quandry on the next step...I probably should work with the parts truck cab and do a last swap, but I have a sentimental attachment to my cab
5. Once the cab is done (however I'll paint it and be done

Pictures at Cardomain:
http://www.cardomain.com/ride/2206636/1

Bill Lattimer
billla@warbird.org