New kid on the (small) block.

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Somewittyusername

Junior Member
Joined
Mar 5, 2024
Posts
10
Reaction score
14
Location
Grand Rapids, MI
First Name
Jake
Truck Year
1979
Truck Model
C10
Engine Size
350
Hello there! Im new to square bodies and trucks in general but not to mechanical things so much. I come from a background of vintage two stroke mopeds, the ones with the pedals.

Im a home owner over here in Grand Rapids Mi and have been needing a truck for a while to do renovation work but prices are absolutely insane now days. I could buy something twenty years old for 15 grand and end up with a Pos orrr, I could opt to buy a older truck. Easy to work on with copious amounts of aftermarket parts and options. I feel a 350 small block is about the easiest beginner v8 there is, am I wrong? So I felt I could buy a decent square body for a decent enough deal and at least I have more of an idea of what I am getting into and what to expect. Also, no dang computer to block my progress!

So I pulled the trigger and found a 79 short bed that ran but has seen better days. The cab and front end have the typical northern rust but I was told the bed came from the south and it really isn't too bad and pretty solid aside from behind the wells. Some of y'all may have even seen this one floating around. It came with extra parts which was nice. 3 sets of doors, two sets of fenders, extra alternator/bracket, core support, lower grille, extra hood (both crimped) and some other little bits.

Got it in my name and insured now but have to do a few things first. Tail lights dont have a harness and the brakes are garbage as its a factory non boosted rig. Also need the exhaust put together, currently just has long tube headers.

Plan is to do about a 6/8-5/7 drop with modified control arms of 15s. I have drop spring, drop spindles, flip kit, c notch kit, shackle kit and all the hardware that comes along with it. She needs work but I have faith. I also purchased a entire hydro boost setup out of a 04 yukon I wanna retrofit and make work as many I've talked to said its the way to go if upgrading. Ive also wrapped a parts dash I bought, got led headlights and did a led hack on the rear lights with new lenses. Ive got new carpet and all the patch panels to repair the rust aside from the cab supports.

I've been doing what I can in my basement over winter and am ready for the weather to tip to get to the fun stuff.

I'll attach some of my 2stroke builds as well as some of the truck/parts.
 

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Randy and Easton

Full Access Member
Joined
Feb 6, 2021
Posts
900
Reaction score
1,303
Location
North Richland Hills, Texas
First Name
Randy
Truck Year
1976
Truck Model
C-10 LWB
Engine Size
350
Welcome from DFW Texas… great choice and the SBC is a great motor to work on. Easton rebuilt his when he was 14….
 

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Mr Clean

Super Moderator
Staff member
Super Moderator
Joined
Aug 18, 2010
Posts
10,322
Reaction score
10,217
Location
North East Texas
First Name
Shawn
Truck Year
1982 & 1985
Truck Model
K10 Extra Cab w/ Proper SWB, & 85 K5 Blazer
Engine Size
454 BBC, & 383 Stroker
:welcome:
 

legopnuematic

Licensed Junk Dealer
Supporting Member
Joined
Oct 27, 2016
Posts
2,514
Reaction score
6,505
Location
MO
First Name
Spencer
Truck Year
1971, 1̶9̶7̶4, 1976, 1979,1̶9̶8̶5, 2002
Truck Model
Dart Swinger, Sierra 10, C10 Cheyenne, C10 Big Ten, Silverado 10, Ram 2500
Engine Size
225/6, 350 c.i., 350 c.i., 5.9l Cummins
Welcome from Missouri.
 

JamesSam

Full Access Member
Joined
Feb 15, 2023
Posts
1,609
Reaction score
4,415
Location
VA
First Name
Sam
Truck Year
1987
Truck Model
Silverado V10
Engine Size
5.7 L 350 v8
Welcome from VA.
 

Long Rider

Full Access Member
Joined
May 5, 2023
Posts
78
Reaction score
158
Location
La Grande Oregon
First Name
Jim
Truck Year
1979
Truck Model
C10
Engine Size
350
Welcome from Oregon. The hardest part of working on these trucks is to decide how far and how much you want to put into it. Then trying to stop when you get there. (you can't)
 

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