Shortbed, EFI, OD, AC, PB, PS, PW, cruise control.

OVERVIEW: 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. Additionally, this is a factory short-bed, not a cut-down long-bed. We threw away the carburetor and 3-speed automatic, then just went crazy with upgrading / updating every aspect of this truck. We are dealer / installers for Dakota Digital, Holley EFI, F.A.S.T. EFI, VintageAir, Cooper Tires and PPG paints.

BODY: All sheet metal was removed from the frame. 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 by us in our booth to maintain quality control. After it cured, the clear was sanded and polished. Billet grille replacement sections adorn a stock ’69-’70 outer shell. Original-replacement glass has been professionally installed front, rear, and both sides. Side windows have been upgraded with power regulators. 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 coated with gloss black POR-15 epoxy. A 20 gallon retro-fit gas tank is between the frame rails at the rear of the truck instead of behind the seat.

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. Stock upper and lower control arms have been powder coated and fitted with 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 brake 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 285/55/18 tires.

ENGINE: Fully balanced 350 + .030” (355). Iron crankshaft, stock connecting rods and new cast pistons. Regular iron heads enlarged to 2.02” x 1.60” valves. Very mild .222 @ .050 (duration) x .447” (lift) hydraulic cam, CompCams high-energy pushrods and 1.5 roller-tip rockers round out the valvetrain. An older Edelbrock Performer RPM intake tops off the long-block with F.A.S.T. self-tuning EZ-EFI throttle-body injection providing fuel. 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 2.5” stainless PYPES exhaust system goes all the way to the rear bumper including their Street-Pro mufflers and X-pipe. * * Some of the pictures show side-exit exhaust. That was our first configuration. Tailpipes were added later which made it sound much better.

A GM serpentine accessory drive was installed for simplicity, much better pulley alignment, 105 amp alternator, etc. Nothing exotic, so parts availability is not an issue.

The over-kill cooling system consists of an exact-fit Ron Davis aluminum radiator assembly with transmission cooler, matching shroud and dual 12” electric fans.

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. We only use AGM batteries to prevent acid spill damage under the hood, so an Optima red-top was installed. A CTEK battery maintainer is hard-wired onto the pickup with AC plug at the front bumper. Just plug it in and the truck will always be ready for action, even after sitting for months. European-code H4 replacement headlamps from Hella Lighting increases safety 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 which provides information to one of their electronic speedometer cable-drive units and cruise control. A single-DIN hole had already been cut, so a Sony AM/FM/CD/XM unit was installed along with two Pioneer 6” x 9” 3-way speakers in the doors.

INTERIOR: The inner cab and doors have been completely lined with DynaMat sound deadener. Custom upholstery was installed locally. Original seat with original-style door panels. A VintageAir Gen-IV HVAC system was added, utilizing original controller and dash vents.

SUMMARY: We definitely have more money in this truck than we are asking. We see carbureted non-overdrive pickups advertised for similar price or often more. It just sits around these days and we have several other vehicles to maintain and/or build. This pickup is a true drive-anywhere cruiser. My wife has driven this truck on many occasions when her car was in for service. It starts, runs, drives, stops far better than it did when it was new. It is sincerely turn-key with no hassles whatsoever.

BUYER can pay for this vehicle via PayPal, cash in-person, cashier's check/money order, or direct-wire to our bank. The new owner is responsible for transportation to its new home. If needed, we can offer contact information for a few trustworthy transport companies, either enclosed or open.