Rickey's 1969 CST 396 Build

[jr1000yarder]

Well, its been a long time coming. Finally off to my buds shop where my 17 yr old son has been working all summer to learn a few things to get his truck moving. This truck was found in NC and was purchased from the second owner who is the brother of the original owner who died 10 years ago. The truck was "restored" in 2005 and left sit outside under a tree until we got it. It wasn't molested too bad and everything seems to be in order. The SPID was decoded here on the site with the help of numerous members, I'm very grateful for everyone's help. My son is very grateful as well. He's a good kid and not your typical 17yr old punk, thanks to momma!

Here are a few pictures and the link to the SPID decode decipher page....might take a while to get them all posted.......

Thanks!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=707879

[jr1000yarder]

the journey.....

[jr1000yarder]

few more

[jr1000yarder]

..

[jr1000yarder]

The rear is a Dana 60, rare option fleet code....we even have the tag!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[jr1000yarder]

frame code matches...here's a few part # pics

[jr1000yarder]

more...

[jr1000yarder]

trans tag.....

this is where we currently are!

[jr1000yarder]

I will try and keep this thread rolling and up to date.....hard to take pics and work but well get there. All my spare time is spent up there with Rickey. I will be there tomorrow to give him a hand...Cab is going out to be blasted this week....

I should have the rear suspension parts from ECE today!!!

[SS Tim]

Going Good!

The block does look original. Unfortunately as so many sellers claim the block isn't marked to a specific truck.

However this is clearly correctly marked for a 69 C10/TH400 and likely original.

Assembly Code
T Tonawanda
10 10th month, October
14 14th day of October
YP 1969 C10-30 with TH400

Casting Number
3955272 69 396 truck usage

Look closely and you should see a casting date too.

If you want the trans tag decoded I really need a better picture! There are limits. :-)

[SS Tim]

Originally Posted by jr1000yarder

...Cab is going out to be blasted this week....

Are you converting this cab to the factory A/C configuration?

[jr1000yarder]

Originally Posted by SS Tim

Are you converting this cab to the factory A/C configuration?

Thanks so much Tim. Your help has been priceless.

Yes, I have a complete A/C dash we will be installing and a firewall template to modify this one.

I will get a better pic of the trans tag tomorrow. Just trying to catalogue everything for the boy so down the road he'll realize EXACTLY what he has.

I think this is a good truck that is mostly original and worth putting $ into. I have acquired a pile of NOS parts as well to bring it back to stock.

[SS Tim]

Keep in mind that if your existing dash panel is good, the A/C panel is simply extra holes. With an example in had you should have no problem duplicating the holes in you existing dash.

[jr1000yarder]

Originally Posted by SS Tim

Keep in mind that if your existing dash panel is good, the A/C panel is simply extra holes. With an example in had you should have no problem duplicating the holes in you existing dash.

10 4, Thanks!!!!!!!!!!

[jr1000yarder]

This better?

[SS Tim]

Can I post a few incentive/reference pictures here? Its a Black Black 69 CST20 396.

[SS Tim]

Originally Posted by jr1000yarder

This better?

Much! I'll try and run that down tonight if time allows.

BTW CJ is correct for a 69 C10-20.

[outfield]

This thread is great fun to watch and learn from! Thanks so much for sharing your knowledge SSTim!
Jr1000, keep up the good work, thanks for sharing. You and your son will have a real prize when this truck is finished!!

[tommys72]

very good thread, and as usual, Tim has outstanding info being shared

[jr1000yarder]

All the front end stuff is ordered.....Just got the A-arms back from Powder coater on Sunday. I picked up an additional set from a board member and had them done so I didn't have to wait for ours to be done. I'll just sell the ones I take off. Frame is supposed to be painted tonight with chassis saver in satin black. Can't wait to start putting it all back together SLOWLY! Engine will be cleaned, resealed and painted, didn't see a need for a rebuild since everything looks so good inside. New oil pump, pan and correct valve covers being installed. I already put a correct intake on it and had the carb restored. Date on the intake is 9/68 so it's inline with the 10/68 on the block. Trans being rebuilt, just incase. When I pulled the heads it looked great so no rebuild.

[SS Tim]

On the front end, since you were talking disc brakes I'm thinking a review is in order before you bolt parts up.
Are you going factory 71-72?
73-87 (cheaper and easier to find parts house replacements)?
Aftermarket?

In any event I suggest you look into using the complete, heavier, factory 71 up disc brake specific steering linkage as well vs adapting lighter parts. Remember a 396 and A/C adds ~315 lb to the front axle weight alone over a base V8/heater.

While you are at it a later variable ratio box is a bit nicer to drive too.


http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...68&postcount=4
http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...68#post4462868

[jr1000yarder]

Originally Posted by SS Tim

On the front end, since you were talking disc brakes I'm thinking a review is in order before you bolt parts up.
Are you going factory 71-72?
73-87 (cheaper and easier to find parts house replacements)?
Aftermarket?

In any event I suggest you look into using the complete, heavier, factory 71 up disc brake specific steering linkage as well vs adapting lighter parts. Remember a 396 and A/C adds ~315 lb to the front axle weight alone over a base V8/heater.

While you are at it a later variable ratio box is a bit nicer to drive too.


http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...68&postcount=4
http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...68#post4462868

I ordered the complete conversion kit from ECE with stock height BB springs and 2 1/2" drop spindles,and keeping it a 6 lug truck. All Moog chassis parts as well.

I think Mark offers quality parts.

I also got the quick ratio box here from a forum member a little while back.....

Sound ok???

Oh...............I did score a beautiful set of 69 Eyeline mirrors at Carisle!!!!!!

[SS Tim]

Sounds like you have a plan for sure and kits keep things clear.

If it were mine I'd be looking into the heavier and easiest to find 73-87 ball joints and steering linkage. Chevy went to the heavier parts when they switched to disc brakes in 71 for a reason.

On the steering box, I was suggesting a variable ratio box which is slow off center and speeds up into the turn vs a fast ratio box which is fast off center and linear in rate. For a DD and highway driving a variable box is a nice choice.

[jr1000yarder]

Originally Posted by SS Tim

Can I post a few incentive/reference pictures here? Its a Black Black 69 CST20 396.

Sure man but I'm pretty sure it's a C10

[jr1000yarder]

Originally Posted by SS Tim

Sounds like you have a plan for sure and kits keep things clear.

If it were mine I'd be looking into the heavier and easiest to find 73-87 ball joints and steering linkage. Chevy went to the heavier parts when they switched to disc brakes in 71 for a reason.

On the steering box, I was suggesting a variable ratio box which is slow off center and speeds up into the turn vs a fast ratio box which is fast off center and linear in rate. For a DD and highway driving a variable box is a nice choice.

Hmmmmm ok. I'm using all 71 up parts as far as I know. Where do I get a box like that