1969 C-10 Fuel Injected

Description

OVERVIEW: This is an original short-bed....not a shortened long-bed. The target for this build was a smooth, comfortable, turn-key cruiser that anyone can handle. Completion of assembly in 2014 resulted in exactly that. The emphasis on our builds is drivability. We have a strong belief that nobody should have to struggle when driving any vehicle we have modified. For example, we added the EFI setup to rid the vehicle of any hot/cold starting problems commonly associated with carburetors. You can literally stand outside, reach in to the ignition key, twist it to start, and it immediately starts idling. Just like a modern vehicle, no throttle pedal activity is required to start the engine. The overdrive transmission allows the vehicle to float down the freeway without excessive engine RPM. The GM serpentine accessory drive provides better pulley alignment than factory V-belt setup. Additionally, all of the components are "off-the-shelf" GMunits available at any parts store - in case a failure occurs when far from home. The power windows and cruise control add decadent features that we all typically enjoy in our late-model daily-drivers. Air conditioning with defrost and floor heat ensure passenger and driver comfort. Full DynaMat interior sound deadening helps with road noise reduction as well as insulation.

BODY: All sheet metal was removed from the frame. Cab was placed on a rotisserie for 360-degree access. Several new replacement body panels / patch panels were used to remove any trace of rust. The bodywork came out VERY straight with several pictures documenting the process. 2002 GMC Yukon “Garnet Red Mica” basecoat / clearcoat was sprayed on the body in our own paint boothto maintain quality control. Billet grille replacement sections adorn a stock ’69-’70 Chevroletouter shell. Original-replacement glass has been professionally installed front, rear, and both sides. Side windows have been upgraded to power. Stake pockets, gas filler, emblem holes and side marker light holes welded shut. Smooth tailgate and freshly-sprayed bedliner. Replacement original chrome bumpers finish the front and rear.

FRAME: The original frame had no damage, so it was blasted and hand-coated gloss black with POR-15. A 20 gallon suburban-style gas tank is between the frame rails at the rear of the truck instead of behind the seat. Fuel filler is in bed behind passenger-side wheel house.

SUSPENSION: Dropped spindles with 1” drop springs bring the front end down 3” or so. 4” drop rear coil springs maintain just a bit of nose-down “rake”. The front disc brakes came with the spindles and converted the truck to 5-on-5” wheel bolt pattern, which is the same on the rear. Stock upper and lower control arms have been powder coated and, of course, all new ball joints and bushings. The stock power steering box has been completely refurbished and connects to the spindles with all new components. A later-model C10 rear end assembly matches that bolt pattern and has large drum brakes. A new Eaton limited-slip differential was installed along with all new bearings, seals and new 3.54 ring and pinion. A factory style vacuum power assist unit was installed with new master cylinder. Helwig Suspension used this truck as a prototype/model for their aftermarket anti-sway bars. Therefore, the truck has adjustable front and rear units that fit and work exactly as they should. KYB shocks provide smooth ride control.

WHEELS / TIRES: GEAR (brand) “Double Pump” (model)18” X 9” alloy wheels with Cooper 255/55/18 front tires, 265/60/18 rear.

ENGINE: Fully balanced 350 + .030” (355). Iron crankshaft, stock connecting rods and new cast pistons. Regular iron heads taken to 2.02” x 1.60” valves. Very mild .222 @ .050 x .447” hydraulic cam with 112 degree lobe center, 1.5 roller-tip rockers. Older Edelbrock Performer RPM intake with F.A.S.T. self-tuning EZ-EFI throttle-body fuel injection. A custom-curved big-cap HEI distributor from Davis Unified Ignition (DUI) has been utilized for efficiency and reliability. Doug’s Headers with ceramic coating scavenge the exhaust. A mandrel-bent 2.5” stainless PYPES exhaust system goes all the way to the rear bumper including their Street-Pro mufflers and X-pipe.

An over-kill cooling system consists of an exact-fit Ron Davis aluminum radiator assembly with integral transmission cooler, matching shroud and dual 12” electric fans. The entire assembly is rated for 1000 hp. This is another example of not having to struggle when driving the vehicle. No matter what the outside temperature is, the vehicle will not overheat - even with AC engaged.

ACCESSORIES: Mid-90’s GM serpentine from GM Performance. 105 amp alternator, R4 AC compressor, appropriate water pump and power steering pump. Simple, clean and easy to maintain.

TRANSMISSION: GM TH700-R4 automatic overdrive transmission with lock-up converter. Mild shifts for longevity and a touch of performance feel. Lokar shift linkage connected to an original tilt steering column.

ELECTRICAL: A completely new electrical wiring harness and fuse block from American Autowire replaced the original setup front-to-rear. A CTEK (brand) on-board battery maintainer is hard-wired to an Optima red top battery. European-code H4 replacement headlamps from Hella Lighting provide significantly better light pattern during night driving. Similarly, LED tail light assemblies replace the inefficient stock units. The factory gauges were rebuilt or replaced. A DakotaDigital electronic speed sender was installed. It provides information to one of their electronic speedometer cable-drive units (ECD-100)and electronic cruise control. A single-DIN hole had already been cut into the original dash. Therefore, a Sony AM/FM/CD unit was installed along with two Pioneer 6” x 9” 3-way speakers in the doors. The head-unit has the capability ofXM/Sirius. The appropriate Sony XM plug-and-play module would be the only upgrade needed.

INTERIOR: The inner cab and doors have been completely lined with DynaMat sound deadener. The gauge cluster has factory tach AND vacuum gauge. The cruise control switch is from DakotaDigital and replaced the entire turn signal handle. Wires run inside the handle and inside the column. Only the best items were used on this truck and any additions were made to look as "factory" as possible. Custom upholstery was installed locally. Original seat with original-style door panels. A VintageAir Gen-III HVAC system was added, utilizing original controller and dash vents.