Hellephant C10
 

Well with the Camaro in paint jail I needed something to do. I found a hell of a deal on a new Roadster Shop 67-72 C10 chassis. So I decided to pull the trigger on it and slowly build it. I don’t even own a C10 currently but I’ll find one. I want to do an original paint truck. Whether it’s patina or not.
Planned on a simple LS or LT swap. But I got my hands on something a little more exciting. A good customer had purchased 2 Hellephant crate engines and I talked him out of one. I’m going to do the 8spd auto behind it. Attachment 79472

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YES!! Wish I could put one of those in my truck (67 Dodge D100). But they’re far above my pay grade (retired). This will be fun.
-Ed

Oh, this is going to be good. I love the early C10s with the sloped hood and small rear window. I suggest finding one of those, lol. The 67 that GM built and painted in their Centennial Blue is gorgeous. Skip posted it in his picture thread in case it can provide inspiration. Keep us posted! Good luck with the build too.

Oh hell yes I am in on this build !!

I so love the idea.


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Oh my !!! Can't wait for this one its right up my alley. Just starting a 71 SWB myself but could only dreammm of a Hellephant in it. I have a measily 454 HO for mine lol. I've always hung onto this one as inspiration



But now I get a better one from ground up lol.
Can't wait to watch your progress.

BB

Custom oil pan came in today. It’s a nice bit of work. I also ordered brakes. I went with Little Shop MFG and their own billet 6 piston calipers front and rear on 16” rotors. Sourced a 8HP90 trans and it’ll be on the way next week. With can bus I can use a rotary style shifter(not my favorite) but have to have an electronic signal. Don’t plan to run a console so that isn’t an option for a shifter. I’ll post pics as stuff starts coming in.

Damn son!

Found an original paint 69 patina truck. It’s exactly what I wanted for this build. I plan to use the Sweet Patina rub to shine it up and fix a few small rust spots and have something I’m not worried about driving anywhere.

That is a great find!

Don

Just looked at the patina sauce, looks great!

1) Chassis...check!
2) Engine....check!
3) Truck....check!

Now let the fun begin!!!!:rockin::beavis:

Quick run to FL and got the truck home. Also stopped in to a buddies place and grabbed a 8HP90. It is a very solid/straight old truck. Not all beat up. Plan to drive it as is until the chassis is ready. Wheels and brakes are ordered.

Great project!

How does the 8HP90 compare in size to a 4L80? I don't suppose you have a 4L80 around and can take some pictures with the two side by side?

Andrew

I do not. I’ve ran a 4l80 in my last C10 without any floor mods. So once I start in on this one I’ll know pretty quick the difference.

How are you planning on controlling the trans?

Sooooo this started with the need to change the headlights. So much for cruising it a while.

I've changed the headlights of my 67 & 68. I can assure you it wasn't that invasive :rofl:

My wife doesn’t need to know that. Attachment 79547

Does she have a single sister that would fall for it? :lol:

...and I though changing the headlight on a modern car was difficult.

:lol:

So we know you swapping in the Helephant. What are your plans for the chassis.


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Whoa Marty!!!! Didn't you see the first thread:snapout:. Roadster Shop :trophy-1302:

BB

subscribed!

Got the motor and trans mocked up to build mounts. With the high hump floor I have all kind of room. We’ve got the front of the motor sitting about 3” higher than it has to be but it gives me plenty of room for headers and nothing is close. Running about a 3° down angle on everything so I think that’s we’re it’ll live. Everything is sitting level with the crossmembers.

Had to do a double take as I thought this was you. Their truck looked so similar to your truck. Well, before you changed the head light that is

Before you finalize the location of the engine, I would estimate the angle of the driveshaft so that you can approximate the front and rear operating angles. You may find that running the engine more parallel with the chassis will help, given such a low rear ride height.

Andrew

I really appreciate the input. I’ve moved it down to about .5° now and still can access the alternator and compressor bolts. That was a concern of mounting it too low and having to jack the engine up to service them.

I got a sneak peak of the brakes today. I should have them in a couple days.

Cool truck. Interesting to see the engine requires 10-60 oil.

I noticed that too. Crazy to see that weight in modern engines. My 427 turbo LS is set up for 10-40wt which harkens back to the good old days of 10-40 and 20-50 in our performance engines. Lots of load on that engine though, and obviously they run different clearances internally.

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Attachment 79646Little Shop Mfg kit showed up. They are way beyond nice. I don’t think you can find a better kit in this price range.

Wheels came in and I got the chassis back from powdercoat. Sat the motor in and mocked up the core support. Wizard Cooling did the radiator/condenser/heat exchanger set up. Level 7 built the matching over flow and supercharger coolant reservoir.

BEAUTIFUL work!! :thumbsup:

WOW!

Andrew

That is insane...!!

Sick

Got all the metal work done on the cab and had to test fit it. Fits without having to cut a single thing. It’ll go back to Vastine’s for firewall and interior paint.

The wheels look great in silver. Glad to hear the cab fit on the frame without issues.