Got $15k to put on my build, where to spend?

[ncsurveyor]

I’ve got a 68 C10s i recently bought. I’ve been driving it daily and it runs great but I’m wanting to make it more reliable/cool/restored. Where do I put the money? Do I splurge on the motor and trans? Maybe an ls3 or lt1? Or should I stay simple and do an ls1 or 5.3 and spread the money out over other parts? I’d like to update the suspension, drop it with disks and new wheels. I know $15k won’t get me too far, just trying to decide whether to go big on the motor or not....

[cornerstone]

I LOVE spending other peoples money! Lets do this!!! More details please... what motor and trans do you have now? Hows your interior? Right off the bat I say suspension and brakes is a must. Maybe a decent complete system like ride tech? perhaps coil overs? I think I'd initially say 2-3k in wheels and tires, 5k on suspension goodies, and 6k in motor/ trans and that leaves an extra grand for interior or chrome shiney bits...

[toolboxchev]

If your starting with a rust free cab with no leaks, and I MEAN Zero water intrusion, the goal would be to keep it that way.

Or if your storing it inside all winter, you could go the motor/drivetrain direction.

Bodywork takes time, and depending what the future does as far as values plays into it well. That ought to be something to really chew on.

[jimijam00]

Definitely go BIG on the motor, as in 454 big. Old school 454 at that. I'm thinking 9K on the motor, 1K on a TH400, 1K on brakes, 1.5K on wheels and tires, 1.5K on suspension, and 1K on condiments.

[1971 GMC SHORTY]

Do Power and Reliable Do LS 5.3 4L60 Good Disk brakes And Posi AC System

[gmc684x4]

Do 4.8 or 5.3 from a donor truck new wiring harness in the truck
Lti shows how to rework a new harness adn can reprogram it as well
then look at brake upgrades and lowering kit running a set of newer 17 or 18 chevy wheels
Captainfab on here has brake brackets and other brackets

going all out big buck you will run out of many and your toy will be parked needing more parts

[Happy_dan]

I have to ask, how original is the truck? If it's solid and is as good as it looks, I wouldn't do anything to it unless something is broken. If it's already been updated in some areas and the originality is gone, then have at it.

It's only original once.

[67C10Step]

Originally Posted by Happy_dan

I have to ask, how original is the truck? If it's solid and is as good as it looks, I wouldn't do anything to it unless something is broken. If it's already been updated in some areas and the originality is gone, then have at it.

It's only original once.

Happy_dan and I could hang out for sure. If your truck is close to as nice as it shows in the photo here would be my preference: Get the right attitude with the correct altitude. Rebuild the suspension and while you are at it do a modest lower (2.5/4 or 3/5). Disc brake conversion and possibly convert to 5 lug for my next suggestion. New tires/wheels. If you've done most of the work yourself and have not gone crazy you have spent $5-$6K.

Now you have $9-$10K left for the rest of the truck. If you want reliable either do a very good job reworking/tuning up what you got for motor and transmission or consider the 4.8 or 5.3 swap. If you are wanting to drive this more than work on it a mildly built, good runner is your best bet. Hot rods are cool but usually require more tinkering.

Oh yeah, whatever you choose you better post up more photos of that truck! I am jealous.

[1971Stepside]

I'm with Cornerstone. I've learned that you spend way more in the long run not doing it right the first time.

[cdub2010]

My main goal in a project is to keep the vehicle running for as long as possible. Fix things needed with out losing mobility. Once its broken down into pieces the chance of it getting back on the road quickly is poor. Pick a goal and stick with it, avoid project creep and budget killing changes. The best changes im my truck were to redo the interior, its so much more enjoyable to drive now.

Get it safe, Make it comfortable, after that its up to your end goal.

[bigmac73]

Start at the bottom and work your way up suspension, brakes, rear end overhaul or upgrade. and of course any electrical issues or harness replacements.
Safety issues first.
build the truck to fit the motor or power range you are looking for so you are not having to go back and re do them later

[too much stuff]

For 15k, I would just drive your truck the way it is and look for another 67-72 that someone else will have 20-25k into and let them take the hit...

[rsavage]

Originally Posted by too much stuff

For 15k, I would just drive your truck the way it is and look for another 67-72 that someone else will have 20-25k into and let them take the hit...

This^^^ You can sell yours and have money in the bank

[HO455]

You have a good looking truck.
Your statement about keeping it simple seems odd as keeping it simple to me would mean not changing the engine. What part of the existing engine isn't reliable? I currently drive my Burban everyday with a 74 350 and a Q-jet. I will admit to having had 2 failures which stranded me temporarily. Both of which were my own fault. A broken ignition wire at splice the PO made and a fuel pump I knew was old likely to fail. I should have attended to both of them long before they failed.
Personally I would rebuild the brakes and suspension first. And avoiding the big projects since they take lots of time and the truck ends up unusable for long periods. Wait until you have driven the truck for a year or so. Then you will have a much better idea of what changes will make you happier driving the truck.

[demian5]

1. Suspension - $2500
2. Brakes - $1000
3. Motor - $2500-4000
4. Trans - $1500
5. Interior - $3000

[Overdriven]

Do the suspension and wheels to your liking and continue driving it for a season before doing anything else major. Do smaller stuff like replace some door gaskets, window felts, headlight relay kit, paint some faded items, detail the engine compartment, etc. There are a bunch of smaller things like these that can make these trucks more enjoyable to drive but aren’t as cool as an engine/trans swap.

Unless it’s tired or beat to hell and back the original drivetrain can be very reliable. After driving it for a season (or two, no rush) you’ll have a better idea of what you want to do. My truck is a 6cyl with 3 on the tree trans and when I first got the truck I thought I’d be replacing both eventually. Now I’m leaning more towards just a v8 swap (eventually, the 6cyl is still purring along) leave the 3ott trans and maybe a rear gear swap for better highway cruising. Not even so sure on the rear gear swap though as my main cruising routes don’t involve highways.

[ncsurveyor]

It is in great shape and runs great but the engine is not original. It’s a v8 but I’m not even sure what size motor. It uses a lot of oil and gets terrible gas mileage and leaks a little oil on my driveway. That’s why I’m thinking ls swap. I’m considering 4-5k on the motor, 5k on new suspension, 4 wheel disks and new wheels, and the extra 5 for miscellaneous and installation fees...

[TheRocket]

Get more money and put a Triumph motorcycle in the back to haul around. A fully-restored 1968 Bonneville would look great in that!

[bigmac73]

Originally Posted by TheRocket

Get more money and put a Triumph motorcycle in the back to haul around. A fully-restored 1968 Bonneville would look great in that!

something like this?

[Stephen717]

Honestly $15k will get you further than you think, a good wiring system will cost you $799-1,000 and you can do a complete rewire in a weekend, upgrading to led lights in the cab and around the truck is another $200-400 but that's money well spent for saftey reasons. Then make sure there's no rust in it, if so spend the money on the repair panels. Make sure your cab doesn't leak cause doing all that wiring will mean nothing if it can get ruined by weather. Then you polish the paint up for it to look better (not that it doesn't already look great). So now you're about $3,000-3,500 into this project leaving you with $11,500-12,000 to work with so next I'd upgrade your brakes, then your suspension, then the rear end, then wheels and tires. After that you'll have a vehicle that runs good and drives a hell of a lot better. If you have any left over and it needs it then reupholster the seat and buy a new dash pad to match if yours is cracked. Then if you really want to save up and buy the motor and trans later. You'll be very happy with the work and can do most of it on the weekends. The only thing that would really take time would be the reupholstering

[SIXTY9]

NCSURVEYOR,

I sent you a PM.
Wally