Patience.....I finally got a '68 SWB stepside! - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

Pick · 03-14-2011, 06:49 AM

I just brought home a 1968 Chevy Stepside shortbed!!!!!

This one had been on the Atlanta CL for what seemed like forever and the price finally started inching down to where it looked like it was worth considering. (and I finally had cash I could spend for a project.....which helps, obviously)

Anyway, I was extremely skeptical of the story behind the truck, as told by the current owner, but had to go look anyway. In the pictures on CL it looked like it could be one of the mythical 50th Anniversary stepsides so I was obviously hoping for one of THOSE deals that never seems to come my way.....ever.

I convinced my wife that she needed to ride along on this quest for the mythical stepside and we headed out for the short drive to PTC and a date with destiny. (OK, that's probably overstated.......but I had been looking for another truck for years.)

When we got there, it still looked as if it could be an Anniversary truck.....until I opened the door and saw the interior....it's brown (fawn), not white. However, opening the door revealed solid rockers, solid (although dented) cab corners, a solid floor, mostly complete and intact rubber seals, and a generally sound look and feel. The options list inside the glovebox is as short as I've ever seen.....Saddle exterior, Fawn trim, Painted rear bumper........that's it.

The 6 started right up although it wouldn't idle........and it had serious blow-by issues. The transmission shifted stiff, but manageable.........when I figured out that you had to PULL (hard) to get it to come back for 1st and reverse. (2nd and 3rd are easy.)

And.........it has the original spare tire still hanging in the carrier under the bed!? Yeah, it's useless, but has a certain "neat factor".

My wife insited I make an offer.......(she's GREAT!).........then thought I had lost my mind when she realized I intended to drive it home! (I lost my mind long ago, this was just more proof!) Yes, I had to heel-toe it and work to keep it running to nurse it home....it's difficult to heel-toe, PUSH on the manual (old) brakes AND PULL the shifter to get it in 1st all at the same time....but I loved it!

As she was following me and the cloud of blue smoke home, she decided the truck's name is "Bella".........so Bella she is.

Better pictures will come later. (sorry)

For now, this is the CL image:

HavinSomeFun · 03-14-2011, 07:13 AM

Great story and best of luck with Bella... Can't wait to see more pictures.

wild4wheels · 03-14-2011, 07:39 AM

Nice write up-VERY cool truck!

**bigsnookmaster** · 03-14-2011, 08:00 AM

Sweet! Nice truck and story! Congrats. I like them 68 stepsides too!

1stchevy · 03-14-2011, 08:47 AM

Nice find!

72freak · 03-14-2011, 08:59 AM

I kept wondering if he was ever going to get his mind right on the price. He was dreaming for a LONG while!!! Good looking truck for sure!

Pick · 03-14-2011, 09:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 72freak

I kept wondering if he was ever going to get his mind right on the price. He was dreaming for a LONG while!!! Good looking truck for sure!

I did too! I think he was still dreaming with the latest ad too, but he was close enough that I figured he might take a reasonable cash offer......and he did. (I think I did OK pricewise anyway.)

gcburdic · 03-14-2011, 09:46 AM

50th is what I thought first when I saw the picture.....but of course a closer looky always reveals the truth!!!....Glad you founf the ONE...enjoy it...planning on any changes, or is the heel-toe just way tooooooo cool to forgo

BTW....

to the boards from NC!!!

Pick · 03-14-2011, 10:18 AM

There's a small-block on an engine stand in my garage that will find it's way into the engine bay in front of a 700r4 eventually, but the plan is to get her driveable as-is in the mean time while I aquire pieces and parts. Assuming I can get the factory drivetrain to cooperate, and eliminate the heel-toe excitement. It'll need allot more stopping power before I'll try to put much under the hood too.

The RF fender is definitely too crunched to save and the LF is probably dinged enough that replacement is the better option as well........the cab corners are solid but gonked pretty good (I have no idea how!?) so they'll be getting attention as well.

SO........it is definitely a project, but I holding onto the hope that it can be a driving project for the most part.

chopnchaneled · 03-14-2011, 10:58 AM

Congrats on your find, I saw it on craigs list and was never able to go down
there, glad to see it went to a good home.

eagleuh1 · 03-14-2011, 11:28 AM

Cool truck and story. Can you post a side view. My long beds C20 is saddle fawn with white top and grill. Looks like you got a nice project. Good luck. Jim

Pick · 03-14-2011, 11:41 AM

These are the only pictures I have here (at work).

I'll post more later.

68 SHORT-STEP'N · 03-14-2011, 12:15 PM

Cool "ole" truck ! I like them 68"s too !

**Boog** · 03-14-2011, 12:32 PM

It looks to be in great shape. Clean it up and drive it as is.

68 IRON · 03-14-2011, 02:14 PM

Those straight 6's and three on the tree do put a smile on your face! Just think of the shifter as "The Club".....nobody these days will be able to steal it!

68 IRON · 03-14-2011, 02:58 PM

Hey Pick.....one more up north http://raleigh.craigslist.org/cto/2263482096.html Probably tow it home with your 68!

eagleuh1 · 03-14-2011, 04:33 PM

If you see another short bed like that, same colors, let me know, I want a twin in just shorter for mine.

lt704 · 03-14-2011, 04:39 PM

Welcome from the state of Massachusetts. Thanks for the cool write on you new ga' best of luck.

Pick · 03-14-2011, 06:56 PM

Quote:

Hey Pick.....one more up north...

I definitely don't need another one......but I wouldn't mind having another.

Quote:

If you see another short bed like that, same colors, let me know, I want a twin in just shorter for mine.

If I find Bella's twin, I will definitely let you know.

More pics, including a side view, will be posted soon.......I think.

sean1969c10 · 03-14-2011, 07:12 PM

Really nice find!!!!! Congrats!!

Pick · 03-15-2011, 06:00 AM

Thanks, everyone, for the welcome and compliments!

Here are the side views, as requested, and one under hood shot. Yes, the chrome valve cover and tiny air filter were on her when I got her.....the only thing I've done in there was add a push-in breather for the valve cover to replace the length of heater hose that was stuffed in the hole previously. (there was enough blow-by that it made an impressive smoke stack)

68Stepbed · 03-15-2011, 08:18 AM

Nice write-up and nice project truck you have there! Congrats! Another 68 stepper to the club!! Woot! Woot!

toms68cst · 03-15-2011, 07:53 PM

Those steps look really sharp with the two-tone paint. That's a great find. Welcome from a fellow '68 freak.

RCbowtie69 · 03-15-2011, 09:05 PM

Very nice!!!!! hey from N.C.,cool truck

swamp rat · 03-16-2011, 07:29 PM

All i can say is .....I Wish!

03-14-2011, 06:49 AM	#1
Pick Registered User Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Fayetteville, GA Posts: 214	Patience.....I finally got a '68 SWB stepside! I just brought home a 1968 Chevy Stepside shortbed!!!!! This one had been on the Atlanta CL for what seemed like forever and the price finally started inching down to where it looked like it was worth considering. (and I finally had cash I could spend for a project.....which helps, obviously) Anyway, I was extremely skeptical of the story behind the truck, as told by the current owner, but had to go look anyway. In the pictures on CL it looked like it could be one of the mythical 50th Anniversary stepsides so I was obviously hoping for one of THOSE deals that never seems to come my way.....ever. I convinced my wife that she needed to ride along on this quest for the mythical stepside and we headed out for the short drive to PTC and a date with destiny. (OK, that's probably overstated.......but I had been looking for another truck for years.) When we got there, it still looked as if it could be an Anniversary truck.....until I opened the door and saw the interior....it's brown (fawn), not white. However, opening the door revealed solid rockers, solid (although dented) cab corners, a solid floor, mostly complete and intact rubber seals, and a generally sound look and feel. The options list inside the glovebox is as short as I've ever seen.....Saddle exterior, Fawn trim, Painted rear bumper........that's it. The 6 started right up although it wouldn't idle........and it had serious blow-by issues. The transmission shifted stiff, but manageable.........when I figured out that you had to PULL (hard) to get it to come back for 1st and reverse. (2nd and 3rd are easy.) And.........it has the original spare tire still hanging in the carrier under the bed!? Yeah, it's useless, but has a certain "neat factor". My wife insited I make an offer.......(she's GREAT!).........then thought I had lost my mind when she realized I intended to drive it home! (I lost my mind long ago, this was just more proof!) Yes, I had to heel-toe it and work to keep it running to nurse it home....it's difficult to heel-toe, PUSH on the manual (old) brakes AND PULL the shifter to get it in 1st all at the same time....but I loved it! As she was following me and the cloud of blue smoke home, she decided the truck's name is "Bella".........so Bella she is. Better pictures will come later. (sorry) For now, this is the CL image: Last edited by Pick; 03-14-2011 at 07:16 AM. Reason: I reversed the int. ext. colors in the description.

03-14-2011, 07:13 AM	#2
HavinSomeFun Still Just Havin Some Fun! Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Piedmont, Oklahoma Posts: 1,145	Re: Patience.....I finally got a '68 SWB stepside! Great story and best of luck with Bella... Can't wait to see more pictures. __________________ a green one with some stuff done to it....

03-14-2011, 07:39 AM	#3
wild4wheels Registered User Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Queen Creek, Arizona Posts: 1,626	Re: Patience.....I finally got a '68 SWB stepside! Nice write up-VERY cool truck! __________________ Dave aka "Wild" Current truck "Ida Mae" 71 K5 Blazer Former Trucks "Loretta" 71 Longbed (AZ) "Tanya" 69 Stepside (AZ) "Ferdinand" 71 Longhorn (SD) "Patches" 67 Panel (IA/ KY) "Rosita" 68 C30 (KY) Instagram @Wildforwheels @k5_klub @c10university Profile pic provided by Jeff Sundance

03-14-2011, 08:00 AM	#4
bigsnookmaster Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: St.Petersburg,Fl Posts: 1,270	Re: Patience.....I finally got a '68 SWB stepside! Sweet! Nice truck and story! Congrats. I like them 68 stepsides too! __________________ greg http://community.webshots.com/user/68406Stepside

03-14-2011, 08:47 AM	#5
1stchevy Registered User Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: Randleman, NC Posts: 785	Re: Patience.....I finally got a '68 SWB stepside! Nice find!

03-14-2011, 08:59 AM	#6
72freak Rottenwood Garage Member Join Date: May 2005 Location: Marietta, Georgia Posts: 4,321	Re: Patience.....I finally got a '68 SWB stepside! I kept wondering if he was ever going to get his mind right on the price. He was dreaming for a LONG while!!! Good looking truck for sure! __________________ 2004 Chevrolet Suburban C1500 2001 Chevrolet 2500HD Crew 6.0 1999 Harley Davidson Electra Glide 1972 Chevrolet C-20 Custom Camper "Dump Truck" 1972 Chevrolet C-20 Suburban "Big Green" 1969 Chevrolet C-50 Wedge Hauler "Leonidis" 1966 C-10 2x4 short fleet 327 4 speed "Race Truck" 1952 Plymouth Cranbrook "Rican" (my grandfathers) 1931 Ford Model A Coupe "Black Beauty" 1930 Ford Model A truck "Club Cab" 4x4 Rottenwood Garage and Speed Shop.....where everything must be racy! *It's not just a hobby..It's a LIFESTYLE!!!* Thanks for nothing Barrett-Jackson You cant fix stupid or teach accountability! Time wasters, looky Lous and tire kickers are everywhere!

03-14-2011, 09:46 AM	#8
gcburdic Restoration Virgin! Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Huntersville, NC Posts: 8,299	Re: Patience.....I finally got a '68 SWB stepside! 50th is what I thought first when I saw the picture.....but of course a closer looky always reveals the truth!!!....Glad you founf the ONE...enjoy it...planning on any changes, or is the heel-toe just way tooooooo cool to forgo BTW.... to the boards from NC!!! __________________ Geoff with a G 1968 Chevy C10 SWB The Mistress 1972 Custom Deluxe C20 Suburban A Suburban Named Isabella 1966 Ford Mustang Mama's High School Graduation Present Last edited by gcburdic; 03-14-2011 at 09:46 AM.

03-14-2011, 10:18 AM	#9
Pick Registered User Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Fayetteville, GA Posts: 214	Re: Patience.....I finally got a '68 SWB stepside! There's a small-block on an engine stand in my garage that will find it's way into the engine bay in front of a 700r4 eventually, but the plan is to get her driveable as-is in the mean time while I aquire pieces and parts. Assuming I can get the factory drivetrain to cooperate, and eliminate the heel-toe excitement. It'll need allot more stopping power before I'll try to put much under the hood too. The RF fender is definitely too crunched to save and the LF is probably dinged enough that replacement is the better option as well........the cab corners are solid but gonked pretty good (I have no idea how!?) so they'll be getting attention as well. SO........it is definitely a project, but I holding onto the hope that it can be a driving project for the most part.

03-14-2011, 10:58 AM	#10
chopnchaneled Registered User Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Atlanta, Ga. Posts: 1,050	Re: Patience.....I finally got a '68 SWB stepside! Congrats on your find, I saw it on craigs list and was never able to go down there, glad to see it went to a good home.

03-14-2011, 11:28 AM	#11
eagleuh1 Registered User Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Russellville, Arkansas Posts: 1,699	Re: Patience.....I finally got a '68 SWB stepside! Cool truck and story. Can you post a side view. My long beds C20 is saddle fawn with white top and grill. Looks like you got a nice project. Good luck. Jim

03-14-2011, 11:41 AM	#12
Pick Registered User Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Fayetteville, GA Posts: 214	Re: Patience.....I finally got a '68 SWB stepside! These are the only pictures I have here (at work). I'll post more later. Attached Images

03-14-2011, 12:15 PM	#13
68 SHORT-STEP'N SLOW POKE Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: Tyro, VA Posts: 1,208	Re: Patience.....I finally got a '68 SWB stepside! Cool "ole" truck ! I like them 68"s too ! __________________ 68 SHORT-BED-STEP-SIDE piece by piece , day by day , I will restore this truck , before the 100th anniversary !!!

03-14-2011, 12:32 PM	#14
Boog laying low Join Date: Mar 2001 Location: Searcy, Ark. USA Posts: 13,666	Re: Patience.....I finally got a '68 SWB stepside! It looks to be in great shape. Clean it up and drive it as is. __________________ Boog 69 Chevy stepside, 358/T350, 4.11 posi, 4.5/4 drop, rallys, poboy driver primer is finer 91 Chevy sportside, Tahoe, Yukon & GMC Crewcab All GM..'nuff said. I stand for the flag and kneel at the cross

03-14-2011, 02:14 PM	#15
68 IRON Registered User Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: Olympia, WA Posts: 736	Re: Patience.....I finally got a '68 SWB stepside! Those straight 6's and three on the tree do put a smile on your face! Just think of the shifter as "The Club".....nobody these days will be able to steal it!

03-14-2011, 02:58 PM	#16
68 IRON Registered User Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: Olympia, WA Posts: 736	Re: Patience.....I finally got a '68 SWB stepside! Hey Pick.....one more up north http://raleigh.craigslist.org/cto/2263482096.html Probably tow it home with your 68!



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03-14-2011, 04:33 PM	#17
eagleuh1 Registered User Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Russellville, Arkansas Posts: 1,699	Re: Patience.....I finally got a '68 SWB stepside! If you see another short bed like that, same colors, let me know, I want a twin in just shorter for mine.

03-14-2011, 04:39 PM	#18
lt704 Registered User Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Berkley, Massachusetts Posts: 235	Re: Patience.....I finally got a '68 SWB stepside! Welcome from the state of Massachusetts. Thanks for the cool write on you new ga' best of luck.

03-14-2011, 07:12 PM	#20
sean1969c10 Registered User Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Powhatan, Va. Posts: 377	Re: Patience.....I finally got a '68 SWB stepside! Really nice find!!!!! Congrats!!

03-15-2011, 06:00 AM	#21
Pick Registered User Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Fayetteville, GA Posts: 214	Re: Patience.....I finally got a '68 SWB stepside! Thanks, everyone, for the welcome and compliments! Here are the side views, as requested, and one under hood shot. Yes, the chrome valve cover and tiny air filter were on her when I got her.....the only thing I've done in there was add a push-in breather for the valve cover to replace the length of heater hose that was stuffed in the hole previously. (there was enough blow-by that it made an impressive smoke stack) Attached Images

03-15-2011, 08:18 AM	#22
68Stepbed Registered User Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: 10-Uh-See Posts: 5,609	Re: Patience.....I finally got a '68 SWB stepside! Nice write-up and nice project truck you have there! Congrats! Another 68 stepper to the club!! Woot! Woot! __________________ Matt 68 C10 stepside, LS1/700R4, TCI Engineering suspension system

03-15-2011, 07:53 PM	#23
toms68cst Registered User Join Date: Jun 2000 Location: Bismarck, ND Posts: 4,300	Re: Patience.....I finally got a '68 SWB stepside! Those steps look really sharp with the two-tone paint. That's a great find. Welcome from a fellow '68 freak. __________________ Unrestored 68 C-10 CST. Original 327. 4-Speed CH465. 50k or so miles. TREASURER, Drum Brake Club.

03-15-2011, 09:05 PM	#24
RCbowtie69 Registered User Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: Thomasville, NC Posts: 1,877	Re: Patience.....I finally got a '68 SWB stepside! Very nice!!!!! hey from N.C.,cool truck

03-16-2011, 07:29 PM	#25
swamp rat Registered User Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Spanaway Posts: 8,451	Re: Patience.....I finally got a '68 SWB stepside! All i can say is .....I Wish! __________________ Mike. Swamp Rat build thread : http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=595019 72 3/4T 4X4 4" BDS Lift 33" BFG's

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