The last project

chromebumpers

chromebumpers

solid fixture here in the forum
Staff member
As I've said previously, I wish to complete one final project - Build a mid to late sixties (possibly to as late as 1972) Chevy or GMC 1/2 ton pickup truck. Can be long or short bed but it had to begin life as a top of the line model with all power including factory A/C.
This build will be a factory built look-a-like however it will be powered by a modern power train and suspension. I will personally perform most of the work short of heavy lifting of which I'll need to find some help and any machine work because I don't own any serious equipment.
I will even lay down a show quality paint finish myself in my home garage.

The budget - from start to finish, under $20,000 complete. Completion date - October 31, 2016.
I wish to document (in diary style including photos) the entire process from start to finish, the purchases and the "Hunts," the restorations and installations to the final day and record it here on this forum. I might as well make the official start date as of 7/12/15.
 
that may be rather interesting , please keep us informed with as many pictures and details as you can provide, that way if any of us an contribute parts,help find parts for sale, post experience, suggestions, or advise it may be mutual beneficial
 
Oh yeah, one other thing. The wife says this project puts me over my promised limit of vehicles at the new place so we decided to put the truck up for auction within 90 days of completion.
All proceeds will split as follows:
25% to establish several small school grants for technical school education in the auto trades for the tuition yr. 2017.
25% to the Children's Hospital
25% to Toys for Tots
25% to The Wounded Warrior Project
It's not a lot of money but there is so many in need this is the best my wife and I could agree on at the moment.
A request will be made to Barrett Jackson soon after this project physically begins for acceptance of this vehicle to auction for charity without any sellers premium.
Other requests for interest will be sent out and hopefully a trade magazine will pick up this story.
 
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Thanks Grumpy, I honestly had not thought of many of the things you suggested. Naturally I counted on advice and periodic motivation. Hopefully this commitment keeps me energized as the past few winters kept me hiding under the bed.
 
I searched the region for a donor truck on CL all day, nothing, looks better picking something up from fleabay. All the Internet sites have trucks ready for the chopper, stuff rotting in a field somewhere or they're 2000 miles away. Might as well start ordering the various trade catalogs. It's anybody's guess how or where this project starts, I expect soon there's going to be a lot of eyes on me for this.
 
Look around where I live Richard & Chicagoland.
If nearby I can check it out for You.

The Shortcab Box CHEVY & GMC Looks Handsome Musclebound I think.
 
87vette81big said:
Look around where I live Richard & Chicagoland.
If nearby I can check it out for You.

The Shortcab Box CHEVY & GMC Looks Handsome Musclebound I think.
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That's what I prefer but when you look at the auction results, the big money is usually seen in the standard beds. Hey, I would like a stick shift for fun, have it a 4x4 and perhaps dropping it down slightly but in the end it's not going to be my truck. I've had nearly 2 dozen pickups since my first one at 18 and they all were manual trans until you couldn't buy them anymore, extended or dual cabs and 4X4s, I'll be putting out a lot of effort and hard earned money, we need a build that appeals to those who pay the highest. I emailed one of my connections at BJ and she says most of these trucks are the collectors shop trucks used to pick up parts, shop accessories and just general use but do it in a collector style and have some creature comforts. These trucks are viewed as investments as they don't lose money like contemporary trucks but they must serve a purpose. The working recipe is standard cab, 2WD, automatic, power everything and a/c with a stock look but a modern drivetrain and upgraded suspension. The 60s generation GM truck is growing hotter now surpassing the favorites of just a few years ago the 3100 series and Cameo trucks of the 50s. Not my words, theirs. Bidding is different when it's for a good cause or charity, people tend to bid with their hearts and "Donate" rather than bid (their accountants will value the truck low and state a large portion of the purchase price is the "Charity" allowing for a worth-while tax write-off. That's why I suggest when bargain hunting at auctions, don't feel that people are crazy and over bidding, there's a method to the madness!
 
I'm in the process of writing letters of intent to the noted charities. I learned something very important when I made donations in the past for 9/11 and Huricane Katrina and that is to stipulate exactly where the money goes. We don't want donations going to the general funds accounts, but rather very specific projects so every penny goes to help, not corporate overhead or "management fees." Example would be "Toys for Tots" money would go to a specific area that experienced a recent tragedy or known under gifted towns, and Children's Hospital has a list of specific needs that donations can go directly. Many Charities that are large have a corporate structure that eats a majority of the incoming money, that's ok, we'll leave that to the grocery store and gas station counter jar donators.
 
chromebumpers said:
I'm in the process of writing letters of intent to the noted charities. I learned something very important when I made donations in the past for 9/11 and Huricane Katrina and that is to stipulate exactly where the money goes. We don't want donations going to the general funds accounts, but rather very specific projects so every penny goes to help, not corporate overhead or "management fees." Example would be "Toys for Tots" money would go to a specific area that experienced a recent tragedy or known under gifted towns, and Children's Hospital has a list of specific needs that donations can go directly. Many Charities that are large have a corporate structure that eats a majority of the incoming money, that's ok, we'll leave that to the grocery store and gas station counter jar donators.
Click to expand...
I was watching chasing cars with Wayne whats his name he was picking up a clients fathers ferrari that was being sold to charity where the family got there money from saw how long the drive to the house was on the estate made me sick. That his family may have helped hundreds of people but really ripped off thousands to do it common organized crime
 
I have a different perspective Richard.

When you follow what others are doing You never Truly Lead.

When you Break Away and Do what You Want To then You are The Leader.

Wisdom taught to me from my late friend and Mentor .
 
I'm wondering if the 60's cab and bed will bolt directly to the next generation (or later) frame? It could possibly save a lot of money. I'm anxious to get the very first parts going
 
I like that philosophy Brian but in this instance I don't want to reinvent the wheel - however . . .a periodic recheck, part availability or time/labor considerations may change the outcome, we'll see.
 
Exactly .
I am sure you have followed on DC.
Not a single build has truly raced and WON.
Cluster.
Trying to reinvent the Wheel.
 
I've been on the phone all day and while on hold writing some letters in between. I'm just going to move along and if I can get support I'll just have to adjust, otherwise I'll never finish by deadline working by myself.
Camaros and Firebirds seem cheap. What do you guys think about harvesting an LS1 ('99 to '04) from one of these cars? Aside from a good inspection which would include a compression test what number of miles should I look to stay under (I know, I know, that's a loaded question, it depends on how well it was maintained and driven)? I certainly wouldn't consider any car that some kid Jerry-rigged with Nitrous and 24" wheels!
What does an LS1 typically go for at a salvage yard? Buying new will seriously jeopardize the budget.
 
Update: I had a discussion last year with the fellow who bought one of my early C3s and he had plans for a modern refit. At that time we were discussing what would make respectable power yet not costly. I always keep the numbers in the back of my mind for future reference and in fact made a half-assed attempt to start pricing, but I didn't get too far.
How about an LQ9 block with L92 heads? I looked up a cam in the GM Performance catalog and I previously circled one with a lift of .525 and duration of 219/228. That should put this build in the neighborhood of 475 hp. I can go with a hotter cam but that means higher than stock compression, higher stall speed and lower rear gears to but this build into the low 500 plus hp. Somebody had to do this build, I'll find it.
 
Big Block Chevy.
454 ci.
Sounds better than LS X Running.
Want Pizzaz it has.
 
Wow! I wouldn't have thought a 1st gen Camaro was that aerodynamic to reach that fast without much more than standard factory trim. That's got to be a little scary wouldn't you think?
 
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