Re: Crewsin in my 63 GMC Crew Cab
 

Looks like your truck made the trip to Tony's!! Can't wait to see some progress on this one.

Re: Crewsin in my 63 GMC Crew Cab
 

It's cool to see both trucks like that. The stance of the 4X4 vs. the 1 ton is completely different. Also, I really notice how low the bed is sitting compared with the body on the crew.
Tony has just about talked me into getting that 1-ton restored as well. He says it's too nice to part out, so I may end up giving it to him in exchange for some parts he already has. I know I'd sleep better at night if we ended up doing that. I gave him the mice in the 1-ton for free. Apparently there was a bunch of them in there!
I'm expecting to get an estimate within the next couple of weeks. After that we'll be searching for parts and planning the build, which will probably start this winter depending on the estimate.
I've got my own 'set' of pictures on Tony's Flickr account, so I'll add that to my signature.

Re: Crewsin in my 63 GMC Crew Cab
 

its in good hands at tonys ,and his work is top notch stuff

Re: Crewsin in my 63 GMC Crew Cab
 

https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-p...800/image3.jpg
https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/--...800/image0.jpg

Re: Crewsin in my 63 GMC Crew Cab
 

Found this page with a link:

Julius Fejes, the founder of Crown North America, moved from Cleveland, Ohio in 1938 to Orrville, Ohio. He subcontracted as a metal finisher for the Orrville Body Company. Over the next three years, Julius' talent and business acumen became quite evident and in 1941 he formed Crown Steel Products in Riceland, Ohio. The principal products produced by Crown Steel Products during this time continued to be subcontract metal finish work for Orrville Body.

Around 1948 a second Crown company was formed called Orrville Metal Specialty Company. The primary product for Orrville Metal Specialty was the fabrication of Sleeper and Crew Cab conversions. In the 1950's Crown's customers and products included:




Sometime later, Crown Steel Products began fabrication of IHC & White sleeper cabs, conventional cabs, hoods, and fenders. Late in the 1950's Crown Steel Products' customers came to include:




A pioneer in commercial van conversions, Crown Steel Products established a facility in Lorain, Ohio in 1961 to install components in Ford vans.

The late 1950's and early 60's saw additional acquisitions. Customer additions included Clark, Brockway, Terex, and Chevrolet. On July 25, 1967 all assets of Crown Steel Products were sold to Allen Electric and Equipment Co.

In 1968 Crown Fabrication of Canada was formed for the production of crew cabs and van interiors when Ford Motor Co. opened the Ontario Truck Plant to reduce production costs. 1969 saw the formation of the Allen Group with Walter Kissinger named Chairman of the Board and CEO. The purchase of Truck Specialties in 1971 enabled Crown North America to expand its assembly business to include Dodge vans. Through the 1970's and 80's Crown North America maintained its status as a supplier to the automotive and communications industries.

In 1994, The Allen Group returned its focus to electronics. This was carried out by splitting its automotive concerns from electronics business. Thus, the formation of TransPro Inc. of which Crown North America was a division until May 2000.

In December of 1997, Crown North America completed the acquisition of a small Canadian van upfitter located near Toronto. Crown VMS Canada Ltd. provided Crown North America with a presence to serve the Canadian van market. Today both U.S. and Canadian customers are serviced by facilities located in St. Thomas and Oakville, Ontario Canada.

Currently the Crown North America business unit headquarters is located in Apple Creek, Ohio.

On May 5, 2000 all assets of Crown North America were sold to Leggett & Platt Incorporated (NYSE: LEG).

Leggett & Platt is a worldwide diversified manufacturer that conceives, designs, and produces a broad variety of engineered components and products that can be found in virtually every home, office, and automobile, and many retail stores. Leggett & Platt is a 127-year-old company with over 19,000 employee-partners in more than 140 locations in 18 countries.
top

Visit our corporate website at: www.leggett.com

Re: Crewsin in my 63 GMC Crew Cab
 

Thanks Aero, I've even sent e-mails to people at Leggett & Platt looking for historic documents, but didn't receive anything back from them. Sure would be nice to have build specs and other historic documents from them....

Re: Crewsin in my 63 GMC Crew Cab
 

If you have a few bucks to spare, you could post an Ad in the local paper to see if any old employees have any info, or if your lucky, the specs.

Archives search?

http://www.heartlandorrville.com/orrviews/default.aspx

http://www.the-daily-record.com/

Re: Crewsin in my 63 GMC Crew Cab
 

Awesome, just sent an e-mail. We'll see if this turns up any info. If so I'll definately share with the group.

Re: Crewsin in my 63 GMC Crew Cab
 

Any new updates?

Re: Crewsin in my 63 GMC Crew Cab
 

Not a lot going on. I shipped the trucks to Kansas City so that we could get started this winter. Tony gave me an estimate of $44-$48k for a restoration. Bottom line I won't be able to go that high. I've already got $13k into the truck, and have asked him to tell me what he can do with another $20k. That was about 2-3 weeks ago, and I'm still waiting for him to get back to me. I'm hoping that will cover rust repair at the least.
Also, I've sent him the pink slip to the dually. He's going to trade me for good, used parts for the crew so we don't have to cut that other one up.

Re: Crewsin in my 63 GMC Crew Cab
 

Sounds good. Im still keeping my eyes peeled for one myself. Im in no time rush though due to my current projects and budget

Re: Crewsin in my 63 GMC Crew Cab
 

not sure exactly what happened, but I know his account was suspended...that said, I wish he was back as well...he's a great source for these trucks & their restorations

I remember seeing pics posted of this thing a good while back but didn't realize someone had purchased it...can't wait to see the progress, & I feel like it's in good hands with Tony....good luck with everything!

Re: Crewsin in my 63 GMC Crew Cab
 

That would be a ton of money for structural work only.
Just sayin..........

Re: Crewsin in my 63 GMC Crew Cab
 

That's a ton of money for your mortal soul. Holy cow!

I'd chew my truck up bite by bite and poop a hundai for that kind of money.
I'm sure the work would be great, but it sure makes ya squinch up a little in the tail end. :lol:

Re: Crewsin in my 63 GMC Crew Cab
 

:agree::haha:.....i have no idea on the specifics of how much it costs to 100% restore something like this today, but I know it ain't cheap...even if you do much of the work yourself....but it's something so unique that I'd almost always be willing to give it a go rather than buy some of the new things rolling off the line today...it's just too bad my wallet isn't that deep

Re: Crewsin in my 63 GMC Crew Cab
 

Here is the thing that concerns me about today's restoration prices... Greed and uninformed builders...
I replaced the entire floor, rockers (inner and outer) and cab corners in a truck for a guy took the cab to have it media blasted and sealed it in and out for less than 10% of your 20K budget.
I understand that much of a crewcab floor structure needs to be fabricated. After all, crewcabs were not factory built anyway so it should be expected. The cost of quality paint is outrageous now so I understand.
My best friends 66 gto came to over $30K when all was said and done and that was a rotisserie build, frame off, no expense spared.
My advice would be to have the structural completed on the cab and tackle the chassis and drive train yourself. It is easy enough that a kid could do it...
These trucks are 100% easier than doing a frame off car project IMHO..
:5150:
:)

Re: Crewsin in my 63 GMC Crew Cab
 

My previous post is not a judgement of or about anyone.
I have witnessed many would be car and truck builds gone wrong and well meaning builders and owners projects going sideways...
My comment about greed and inexperienced owners was a general statement and not directed at any specific individual.
My point is that when someone has a shop or builder do a project, that someone needs to do extensive research and get more than 1 bid on the project.
Just sayin....
:5150:

Re: Crewsin in my 63 GMC Crew Cab
 

All the work I have seen Tony do is top quality for sure. Doing a quality job takes more time that doing a not so nice job, and time is money. And that's not to mention the cost of parts and materials.

Re: Crewsin in my 63 GMC Crew Cab
 

I'm in a unique situation. It was very hard for me to find someone to do this restoration. I had a couple of people suggested to me when the truck was in Washington State, but the bottom line is I felt most comfortable with Tony. Remember--I'm in Hawaii and can't really haul this thing around getting bids. In fact, I've never even seen this truck in person. If I'm going to bring this truck to Hawaii, I have to be 100% certain it's done correctly or it won't last 5 years here.
On that note--Tony does have a reluctance about cutting up donor trucks. I almost wish he didn't, because I think it might be cheaper to cut up a donor cab/bed than to do all the fabrication work. Then again, when it comes to body work I'm completely talking out of my ass. That's why I want to get (at a minimum) all the rust repaired.
It'll take longer, but I'd like to think I can take care of the rest. :cool:
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Re: Crewsin in my 63 GMC Crew Cab
 

his reluctance might be that even though a donor looks real good , it would still need to be gone through. I have seen pics of one tony did, "rust free", and it was , looked real nice, problem is is that gm did not prep the inside of any metal in 60-66, this truck tony had, needed a rocker replaced because of a hole from a forklift... when he got the "rust free" rocker off , it was all scaly and surface rusty on the inside, all our trucks look like this to some extent when cut apart.

to get your truck to last in hawaii, I would look into sealing it up as much as possible , and if there is any way to "dip" it in primer, I would look into that.

that said if tony uses new coated patch panels , and lots of weld through primer, you should have a good head start on keeping it nice.

I would say that you have a unique situation with trying to keep it nice in a tropical climate.
we sent my sisters 78 camaro with her to hawaii,and after 3 years the nice dry camaro was a piece of junk, rusted through the roof, and other places (she had no garage).

Re: Crewsin in my 63 GMC Crew Cab
 

As I said, I wasn't saying anything about anyone specific. I don't know Tony and haven't seen his work.
I was only saying what I tell anyone who comes to me for work. Get informed on your project as best you can and get different bids.
If you are in Hawaii and the truck is stateside you have a marked disadvantage.
These trucks have inherent weaknesses.. bottom rear fenders rust, cab corners and rockers, etc.. You can take precautions to minimize and eliminate much but the bottom line is maintenance and care after the truck is done.
My suggestion of getting structural and chassis done and finishing up the rest yourself was because of your budget. 20K won't finish that truck. The motor (V6) will be a quarter of that budget at least, if you do it correctly. Parts for that old beast (the V6) are expensive. Of course you could go the Chevy V8 route but thats not what the truck came with so it isn't a restoration at that point.
I understand why someone wouldn't want to butcher a donor too. GMC trucks are getting rare and chopping one up is something I wouldn't do either.
I have several Chevy cabs and parts for donor sheet metal. I love your build, wish I had one too.. (the crew cab) Cap Fab and Jon are right.. it takes time to do structural rework especially on a rare bird like you have.. I only caution people because of what I have seen in the 3+ decades of building cars and trucks.. Sounds like Tony has a good rep.. that is a good starting point for a build.. Good luck

Re: Crewsin in my 63 GMC Crew Cab
 

Tony should be tearing down the crew cab very soon. Keep an eye out for pictures on his Flickr page (link in my signature). Woo-Hoo!

Re: Crewsin in my 63 GMC Crew Cab
 

Whoah! What happened to all my pictures? I had them on webshots, but I guess they must have deleted them all? That sucks!
I've downloaded all the pictures onto Flickr and put links to them instead of having them all here. Hopefully everyone can still see them.

Re: Crewsin in my 63 GMC Crew Cab
 

I have the same truck for the most part only mine was in much worse shape, If the truck wasnt so rare I wouldnt have even messed with trying to bring it back but these crew cabs are rare. I feel you on the money it takes to bring it back to life. Im real close to finishing mine now 6 weeks I will have it on the road.

I had to replace fenders, front, hood, door skins, front half of the roof, the one thing that was real good was the cab floors, only rust i ran into was about 8" into the drivers side floor the rest was perfect.

Good luck on your project.

Re: Crewsin in my 63 GMC Crew Cab
 

Still waiting....Things were supposed to start back in January, but it's June and I haven't seen any updates from Tony. He's not answering my e-mails...

Re: Crewsin in my 63 GMC Crew Cab
 

http://www.google.com/url?sa=t&sourc...eGP6V1lzTN7mAw

Tony from Norcal
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Re: Crewsin in my 63 GMC Crew Cab
 

Subscibing...... love to see some updates as they come.

Re: Crewsin in my 63 GMC Crew Cab
 

Have you tried to call him?
There is a reason he was banned from this site....
I hope everything works out for you.

I gotta get me a crew one of these days!!!
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Re: Crewsin in my 63 GMC Crew Cab
 

Man, that's a nice truck....a crew cab would be awesome to find around here
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Re: Crewsin in my 63 GMC Crew Cab
 

Tee Hee Hee! IT HAS BEGUN!!!! :bann::bann::bann::clap::clap::bann::bann::five::ennyd::hot::four::two::bann::bann:


Thank you to everyone on this forum who reached out and offered help! Album link at the bottom of my signature.


https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2945/...3df2c9c809.jpgDSC03559 https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2943/...45a2e8f5fe.jpgDSC03537

Re: Crewsin in my 63 GMC Crew Cab
 

Yay for you! So Tony still has it?

Re: Crewsin in my 63 GMC Crew Cab
 

Glad the issue was resolved on where the truck was. Nice to see the build underway and I'm sure Tony will do a top notch job like he does on all his projects.

Bet that rear floormat is a tough item to find. Nice to see its still in there.

Re: Crewsin in my 63 GMC Crew Cab
 

Thumbs up, glad it was saved.

Re: Crewsin in my 63 GMC Crew Cab
 

nnnice let the fun begin!

Re: Crewsin in my 63 GMC Crew Cab
 

sweet

Re: Crewsin in my 63 GMC Crew Cab
 

That will be a high dollar build but you will have one hell of a killer truck when it's done. I don't even think you would see another like it, not high $ in my opinion.

Re: Crewsin in my 63 GMC Crew Cab
 

Any updates on the GMC Crew cab?

Re: Crewsin in my 63 GMC Crew Cab
 

any progress on your crew cab?
ron

Re: Crewsin in my 63 GMC Crew Cab
 

Wanted to stop by and give a quick update. Looks like I'll be purchasing tickets from Honolulu to Seattle on June 3rd. I'll exchange a rental car for a family truck and hauler, then drive for 2,000 miles to Kansas City and literally "pick up the pieces" of this truck. Horribly disappointed after 4 years and a total of ~$30,000 (including purchase, shipping, parts, and payment to 4-5-6) that all I have is pieces of rust and a $1,000 airline ticket + travel expenses in the future.
Photo Album

Re: Crewsin in my 63 GMC Crew Cab
 

sorry to hear it. how can a guy do that to you?
ron