My 67 project details

99-2door · October 25, 2003

I have had this project formulating in the back of my mind for years now. I tried to put it off as long as I could because I didn't want it to interfere with my vette project. A few weeks ago I came acroos this 67 2wd with short fleetside wood floor bed, at an unbelievable price so I couldn't wait any longer.

My plan has always been to use a 96-98 c1500 with 5.7L auto as a donor chassis. Not just the drivetrain, but the complete chassis. My goal here is to make a truck that drives and performs as well as or better than a modern truck with emission controls and all the modern conveniences intact, and yet have that 67-72 classic look.

As the next step in my project I found my donor truck for the drive-train. 96 2500 with 5.7L Vortec and 4L80e. For several reasons this truck was attractive to me for the project. Had the exact engine that I wanted to use, had the heavier 4L80e auto trans allowing more room to grow with the engine, also has no airbag system simplifying the wiring. Heck, since this was a sealed beam truck I think the headlights from the 67 might even plug into the harness from the 96.

After much measuring and consideration, I am planning the following:

1. Using HVAC system from the 96. This allows complete transplant of the electrical system from the 96 and much better system in my opinion.

2. Still haven't decided about the dash configuration I will be using. But I do have access to a cab from my cousin's 70 that got a tree dropped on it to experiment with before cutting on mine.

3. To simplify bumper mounting issues I will be using front and rear roll pans. This is the look I really wanted anyway, plus it makes things that much simpler.

4. Since I will be using the gas tank from a 96-98 mounted on the frame, I will have to fab something up for filler neck installation. This will also allow me to shave the neck on the cab

5. Once I have everything installed and the truck pretty much complete the 350 will be stroked to 383 I am still working out the details on this, but getting my homework done now will make it that much easier when it comes time.

I have lots of experience with the 88-98 trucks and mucho access to parts from them. I have the electrical end of things covered well and my brother is the engine builder, so it should come together nicely. I am sure that I will have lots of questions about various things for you guys though. So look forward to helping me out with those and more updates will be on the way.

First test fit of the cab on chassis tomorrow! Gonna get the front clip and cab alignment down, then look at frame length and bed issues. After that the fabbing starts

Jason

67 pic 1 67 pic 2

Larry · November 3, 2003

I know what you mean by budgeting a couple projects at the same time. Your 67’ project sounds cool. I guess if your going to dream….dream big.

I would not go about it that way. I would use the original 67’ chassis with the later model powertrain bolted to it as that is much easier than dealing with wheelbase issues, track width, steering modifications, and cab and bed mounting. Very few talented people can pull off a concoction like you mentioned and make it look and function correctly. There are plenty of aftermarket steering and suspension parts on the market to make the original 67’ chassis handle like a late model truck if not better.

Either way, it will be a cool ride when you’re finished! Classics are COOL!

99-2door · November 3, 2003

I know what you mean by budgeting a couple projects at the same time. Your 67’ project sounds cool. I guess if your going to dream….dream big.

I would not go about it that way. I would use the original 67’ chassis with the later model powertrain bolted to it as that is much easier than dealing with wheelbase issues, track width, steering modifications, and cab and bed mounting. Very few talented people can pull off a concoction like you mentioned and make it look and function correctly. There are plenty of aftermarket steering and suspension parts on the market to make the original 67’ chassis handle like a late model truck if not better.

Either way, it will be a cool ride when you’re finished! Classics are COOL!

I agree this conversion is pretty difficult and definately not the way to go for most people. You ever get an idea in your head that you can't get rid of until you do it? Well this is one of those for me. We got the cab and bed set on the frame and now I need to do some small mods on the body and fab up body mounts. It is coming together nicely, gonna take a lot of work but its do-able. I got the AC box and dash modded and ready to put in the cab. I ran out of time this weekend, but I got a lot done. I put a seat from a 94 I had sitting in the shop in to check legroom and seating position. It won't be super-roomy but not uncomfortable.

Next I am mounting my steering column and pedals in the cab. Then I am moving back to the frame for mounts and such.