1968 Chevrolet SWB Stepside Restomod

[oldman3]

Originally Posted by SeTx67

Brian, good to see you back at it. In for updates as they come

Same here...Jim

[Vic1947]

Originally Posted by Xeen

I have never done a rear disk conversion (add it to the list of firsts) so this should be fun.
Considering I have to pull the axle shafts I will pray to the truck gods that the shafts aren't worn to the point that they are unusable.
While I'm in there I plan to inspect and if necessary replace parts as needed.

Typically, aftermarket disc brake kits are meant to bolt on so you shouldn't have to modify much. On twelve bolt rear ends, the wear (and/or corrosion) is most often located where the axle shaft rides on the roller bearings. I have a puller for the axle roller bearings if you decide they need to be replaced. I've also seen some homemade pullers on the forum for "once in a lifetime, out in the boondocks" rebuilds where it's more of a PITA to run down a shop tool.

[Popcorn popping] Looking forward to seeing your progress.

[gdavis]

Originally Posted by Xeen

Thanks George.
I'm an amateur though most of this stuff is new to me so I'm learning as I go and it will be far from show quality when I am finished simply because I don't have the necessary experience to do a restoration at that level, plus I don't really have the patience either haha, my plan all along was to make a nice driver.
I am just throwing a lot of money at it and hoping for the best, we will see how it all comes out.

What do you mean, you don't have the experience? What I seen and the talks we had on the phone tells me different. For the rear brake conversion will be a cake walk compaired to the lS3 swap.

[Xeen]

Hey all;
The fedex man showed up with the good stuff!
Now if I could only get motivated to do the installation that would be great.

[SeTx67]

I would say to get motivated but it looks like y'all have some nasty weather up there by you.

[Xeen]

Originally Posted by SeTx67

I would say to get motivated but it looks like y'all have some nasty weather up there by you.

It's just raining but since the project is outdoors it's a no go.

[SeTx67]

You'll get to it sooner or later. I don't lack much to get mine back on the road and haven't even taken the time to measure for the driveshaft yet.

[Blazerowner]

Nice build thread. A lot of good info.

[Xeen]

Originally Posted by Blazerowner

Nice build thread. A lot of good info.

Thanks, I appreciate you stopping by.

[gdavis]

I'm glad you got the parts for the change. good luck and it will stop raining soon. so up dates will follow.

[Low Elco]

Glad to see you back on the horse!

[Xeen]

Originally Posted by Low Elco

Glad to see you back on the horse!

I think the horse is mad at me because it just sits there and glares at me, maybe I should try a carrot on a stick.

[Xeen]

Hey all;

After considerable thought I have decided to say to hell with it.

I'm buying an entire new reproduction fleetside short bed for my truck.

After looking at what it would cost to buy a original short bed then repair all the damage it makes more sense from a dollars and cents standpoint to just go with new sheet metal so here soon I'm going to take the plunge and get it ordered.

Yes my wallet will feel the pain but at least I will have close to perfect sheet metal to start with.
I have also decided to put a wood floor in it because they look really nice.

[Bennett68C10]

Originally Posted by Xeen

Hey all;

After considerable thought I have decided to say to hell with it.

I'm buying an entire new reproduction fleetside short bed for my truck.

After looking at what it would cost to buy a original short bed then repair all the damage it makes more sense from a dollars and cents standpoint to just go with new sheet metal so here soon I'm going to take the plunge and get it ordered.

Yes my wallet will feel the pain but at least I will have close to perfect sheet metal to start with.
I have also decided to put a wood floor in it because they look really nice.

Good decision, I went the same route and bought mine from GMC Paul's but it actually came from SOKY Classics. It fit very good and like you said you start off with perfect sheet metal instead of paying a bunch of money for an original and still having to fix rust.

[mcbassin]

Nice looking brake kit. Congrats on the bed too. I know it was a tough and expensive decision. I know a few guys that have used them are pretty happy with them. Did you opt for wood floor or metal?

[Xeen]

Hey all;

Since I am buying new bedsides the question I am facing is marker lights or no marker lights, decisions decisions...

Opinions on looks vs. functionality anyone?

[Bennett68C10]

I went no marker lights and also mine came without stake pocket holes too. They are really nice and clean.

[gdavis]

Hey Bryan:
You might want to look in crags list I bought mine for 300.00 complete. you might find a bed and that would save you a lot of money. just a thought

[Vic1947]

Originally Posted by Bennett68C10

I went no marker lights and also mine came without stake pocket holes too. They are really nice and clean.

I'd agree. I've done both, but prefer the smoother look. Side markers are an additional expense, plus the wiring hassle.

[Xeen]

Hey all;
I took a trip up to Lenexa today and stopped by Bob's vintage trucks and LMC Truck to pickup several parts I needed.

Pictured below is used fleetside Wheel houses, new fleetside Wood bed cross sills, used 1972 rear crossmember with brake hose bracket, and also a very nice condition used rearview mirror, and new side mirrors.

[gdavis]

I went with marker lights. I want people to see me from all sides. A Christmas tree can be seen from a distance. but I did shave the holes for the stake bed as you know.

[Xeen]

Hey all;

I've made the decision I'm going to go with 67' bedsides which means I need to sell my 68' front fenders and buy some 67' front fenders.
The 68' front fenders are in excellent condition so it will be no problem to find them a home, the problem will come when I try to find some 67' front fenders that don't need any work.
I also decided to buy the polished stainless steel bed/floor bolt kit.
I will post some pictures when everything arrives.

[gdavis]

The only difference between 67 and 68 is the side lights. if I am wrong please tell me.

[Xeen]

Originally Posted by gdavis

The only difference between 67 and 68 is the side lights. if I am wrong please tell me.

That's correct.

[sduckworth13]

Brian give Bob a call he has the 67 front end. He is asking $250.00 for the fenders. PM me I'd be interested in your 68 fenders.