Re: Lost My 65
 

So, I got my refund from Summit. No questions asked.
That's one reason I bought from them.
Second, I did all my own research here in these forums to find my exact needs, and emailed a vendor that happen to be in one of the threads at the time regarding all this talk about whether the cpp Non Modular drop spindles would move my wheels out over what they are now. That vendor said they Would Not move my wheels out.
After doing more research and shopping, I still wasn't convinced they wouldn't move my wheels out.
I heard nothing but good about summit from members here, so I wanted to buy from someone who had a good reputation.
I was told by more than just a few members to not buy directly from Cpp, it would be a nightmare, and I'd end up losing money if they even ever let me return it. There's even another recent case involving a member here who has had months of back and forths with cpp.
As I understand it, Jeff at Cpp here in these forums is a great guy and does a lot to make things right.
Finally, another huge reason to buy from summit is they often list things cheaper. They only charged me $11 for shipping the whole heavy package - spindles, rotors, bearings, and all.
Oh! and that's not all. They even awarded me $20 Summit Bucks.
Now take that as an additional savings.
Ship it all back within 90 days, and you pay nothing but the original shipping cost. For me that was $11 bucks.
Well worth it to keep from being stuck with drop spindles that didn't work.

I do want to let you guys know that regardless of what some vendors say, the Non-Modular drop spindles would have moved my wheels out 3/8" per side over drums.

Re: Lost My 65
 

I'm still trying to get everything wrapped up on the 66.
In the mean time; I still keep thinking about things I want to do with my 65.
Back when I first bought it, it was a longbed fleetside.
But when I wrecked it in 84, I built it back up as a shortbed stepside.
Earlier this year I ran across an ad on craigslist of a guy needing to get rid of some 66 truck parts.
He had a cab with a 3-speed auto column, and a couple longbed fleetside bed sides, and some other stuff.
The column interested me, but as a package deal, I grabbed quite a bit of the stuff along with the two bedsides.
Since then, I've been mildly banging around the idea of also building a shortbed fleetside.
Today I acquired more for the idea.
An older fella was parting out his totalled 65.
I went to look at it a few weeks back, and saw a few things I might like, but nothing that grabbed my attention.
Later that evening, he called asking if I'd be willing to help him tear away all the damaged front,
and get the motor freed up to start for a potential buyer.
He asked if I'd to it in exchange for parts. I said sure.
So, the short story is, I have all I need but the wood to build a fleetside bed.
I'll put this stuff away for a possible future project.
The Tailgate is blasted and primed - very straight with only a couple small dings.
The bed front is also clean.
One fender well has a little rot.
The bed strips are stainless steel.
This worked out well for him also, he sold the motor and tranny today.
I'm happy, and he's happy.
Here's some pics:
http://i1106.photobucket.com/albums/...5/IMAG1193.jpg
http://i1106.photobucket.com/albums/...5/IMAG1196.jpg
http://i1106.photobucket.com/albums/...5/IMAG1195.jpg

Re: Lost My 65
 

That's a good way to acquire what you need if you have the time. Looks like some good parts.

Re: Lost My 65
 

Looks like you got some good parts. Good luck however you decide to procede with your truck build.

Re: Lost My 65
 

Good thing you found it!!!
I too have lost a vehicle near and dear to my heart. But unlike you I have not been able to find it. Been a year and a half now. I still have the VIN but no plate and no clue where to even start looking. I sold it in SC but I haven't got a clue how to find it.

I miss it so much :(

http://i369.photobucket.com/albums/o...7/S8301905.jpg

http://i369.photobucket.com/albums/o...7/S8301906.jpg

http://i369.photobucket.com/albums/o...7/S8301907.jpg

Just wish I knew of someway to get her back

Re: Lost My 65
 

Looks like you scored. Did you get the rear end if so what gear does it have.

Re: Lost My 65
 

Yes, I got the 12-bolt.
It's 3.73. No Posi.
That's okay, I'll keep for if I ever get a Tranny with an Overdrive.
Posted via Mobile Device

Re: Lost My 65
 

My cousin just gave me a photo he had in his stash.
It's of my interior while it was still under construction back in 1984.

http://i1106.photobucket.com/albums/...interior-1.jpg

Re: Lost My 65
 

Cool find

Re: Lost My 65
 

Nice! Always a treat to find a piece of unknown history.

Re: Lost My 65
 

Picked this up for $100 from a local guy today.

I'm not planning to replace the GMC grill I have on my 65 anytime soon,
I just have been keeping my eye out for an Aluminum 64-66 Chevy Grill for if I ever decide to later on.

It's in really nice shape - not a dent - just a couple teeny tick marks at the bottom.

I pointed the nice guy (Jeff) who sold it to me to these forums - perhaps he'll join.
He has a beautiful 63 with a spectacular 63 grill.

Here's the pics of the grill he sold me:
http://i1106.photobucket.com/albums/...5/IMAG1291.jpg
http://i1106.photobucket.com/albums/...5/IMAG1292.jpg
http://i1106.photobucket.com/albums/...5/IMAG1293.jpg
http://i1106.photobucket.com/albums/...5/IMAG1294.jpg

Re: Lost My 65
 

if you do decide to change, pm about the GMC grill.. I will buy it in a heartbeat

Re: Lost My 65
 

cool pic... man, you've come a long way since then.
i like a little of the buddy bucket showing, only you knew it was cool back in the 80s.

and nice score on the grill...

Re: Lost My 65
 

That is a very nice grill for $100.00.

I paid more than that for one not as nice.....

Re: Lost My 65
 

Hey thats a great idea!!! I am still looking for "stored stuff" I cannot find!!

Re: Lost My 65
 

Wow! very cool, glad you got your old truck back. I will also be following the progress. :)

Re: Lost My 65
 

Not a lot going on.
I find myself buying stuff but not having any time to do much with what I buy.
I set the deluxe heater controls I bought from Travis in the dash just to see what it might look like.
http://i1106.photobucket.com/albums/...tercontrol.jpg

Re: Lost My 65
 

That's how it is for me anymore also. Just collecting parts for 'when I get time' Hopefully I get some time one of these days.

Re: Lost My 65
 

Kind of a discouraging discovery today.
Not too big a deal, just would of been nice if the ol fella who paid for a 327 would of got a 327,
instead of his mechanic selling him a rebuilt 283 and passing it off as a 327.
http://i1106.photobucket.com/albums/...ps709ef08f.jpg

But there might be a chance his mechanic just rebuilt my 283 I put back in the truck when I sold it in 86/87
3896944 = 1965 - 67

You see, when my dad and first bought it, it had a 283 in it.
When I wrecked it, I put in a 327 out of a SS Impala, but also kept the 283 stored.
Just before I sold the truck in 86/87, I sold the 327 to a guy in Canby who said he wanted it for his Nova.
I rebuilt the 283 with a JCWhitney kit, and put it back in.
So, it just may be that same 283 I sold it with.

Re: Lost My 65
 

Cool!
:5150:

Re: Lost My 65
 

Sorry to hear that.

I don't know why people just can't be straight up about what they're selling.

Re: Lost My 65
 

I'm really not that disappointed.
Sure, a 327 would of been nice, but on the flipside, the truck did originally have a 283 when I bought it in 83/84, and I sold it with that same 283.
The ol fella said it had a 283 in it when he bought it, but when it blew, he had the 327 put in. The mechanic could of very well just rebuilt that 283 and put it back in and told him here's the bill for your freshly rebuilt 327. :(
Either way, I'm more disappointed for the ol fella who thought he was getting a 327.

Btw. Another option isn't that he knew it was a 283, and just told me it was a 327. He wasn't that kind of guy.
Posted via Mobile Device

Re: Lost My 65
 

There is nothing wrong with a well built, good running 283.
And why people are awe stuck when the numbers 3, 2, and 7 are put together, I will never understand..
There are much more powerful engines available than that little first gen. SBC...
But it is cool that you may have the same engine you sold with the truck...
I mean...
What are the odds...
first finding the truck and then finding the engine...
Dude, seriously, I think you need to buy a lottery ticket...
:5150:

Re: Lost My 65
 

I removed bolts I haven't put a wrench on for close to 30 years.
Fun Stuff!
http://i1106.photobucket.com/albums/...5/IMAG1513.jpg
Posted via Mobile Device

Re: Lost My 65
 

Hey! that looks just like the front frame horns on my 62... :)
Looks like you had some new years day fun.... ;)
I mocked up a 68 suspension cross member on my 62 and it slipped right in....
I may just abandon the torsion suspension in favor of a coil spring unit.
Haven't decided for sure yet but those lower ball joints on the 62 look less than heavy duty...
:5150:

Re: Lost My 65
 

My 65 is on a 62 frame.
Rather than add a spacer, the previous owner cut the perch.
http://i1106.photobucket.com/albums/...5/IMAG1495.jpg
.
I replaced it and added 1/2" spacer.

http://i1106.photobucket.com/albums/...5/IMAG1517.jpg

Got the front bumper flipped back right side up.
I personally don't care for the upside down look.

http://i1106.photobucket.com/albums/...5/IMAG1520.jpg
http://i1106.photobucket.com/albums/...5/IMAG1523.jpg

Re: Lost My 65
 

hey looking good nice heater it seems i have used that before about 10 years ago LOL hows the hazard switch look? did it work? I found another one not near as nice and I gotta say its on ebay

Re: Lost My 65
 

The hazard switch is boxed away for when I get to the interior. :chevy:
Right now, for the winter, I want to get exterior and mechanical issues resolved.

Re: Lost My 65
 

I like how he had the perch held down with 1 bolt...:metal:
:5150:

Re: Lost My 65
 

Yeah, I asked him about that when I first bought it back.
He said he could only get the one bolt to line up.
:rolleyes:
Posted via Mobile Device

Re: Lost My 65
 

Dang!
Sure glad he didn't have trouble with the lug nuts!
:5150:

Re: Lost My 65
 

Bottom corner on the passenger side of the Radiator support was rusting out. It also had some other bad areas.
I took another Radiator support that also had some bad areas, and combining the two, I made one good one.
.
Here is the left-over bad portions:
http://i1106.photobucket.com/albums/...5/IMAG1525.jpg
http://i1106.photobucket.com/albums/...5/IMAG1526.jpg

.
Here is the patched and repaired support:
http://i1106.photobucket.com/albums/...5/IMAG1530.jpg
Posted via Mobile Device

Re: Lost My 65
 

Nice... livin' the dream... too cool.. :)
Wish I could find my old ride.. you are one lucky dude...
:5150:

Re: Lost My 65
 

Beings I patched and repaired my Radiator Support, and properly installed my Motor Stands which raised the front of the engine, I figured I'd mock up my new 62 Shroud.
Looks good. The fan is nicely centered.
http://i1106.photobucket.com/albums/...5/IMAG1544.jpg
Posted via Mobile Device

Re: Lost My 65
 

Hey! that is nice... :)
I have been waiting to see what you are going to do on this truck.
Nice to see some progress. Haven't seen any posts on the service truck but I check from time to time.
I am subscribed to both. :metal:
I sure like that tire/wheel combo that you have. I like the stance of the truck with them too. ;)
I would love to find some rims similar to those for my tires that I am using on my 63. I have 18" M/T sportsman radials (6655) for the rear and 8" (6650)for the front.
My biggest problem is finding any 15" wheels at 15" wide.. :dohh: for those rear tires.
BTW how wide are the front tires on your truck??
... Wish I could find a GMC grill as clean as yours...
Keep on making those small steps my friend and before you know it you will be cruisin in that bad boy... :metal:
:5150:

Re: Lost My 65
 

I appreciate you always checking in on my threads.

I feel that I won't ever be really doing what we call a 'Build Thread', but I'm pretty settled now on a direction/theme.
I see others build these classy beauties and I think of how I'd be afraid of every possible ding and chip. Also, with this truck there is so many layers of memories and experiences in the paint, the body, and even the chassis.
Things that I want to keep.
So, stripping down to metal and smoothing out every ding and ripple just doesn't seem right.
The faint dents on the roof are from a canoe during a fishing trip with my friends Rick and Scott. The dent on the dash on the passenger side is from my friend Todd's chin when we got in an accident.
The underlying layers of paint are layers of time. Under the blue; the bed is Red Oxide and then White. The Cab is Red Oxide and then dark blue with a white stripe down the passenger side.
I like the idea of sanding down in kind of a faux-weathered look to expose portions of these layers. This allows me to see these layers of time and memories, but also allows me to not have to be worried about future dings and dents.



The wheels and tires are the same size all around.
The over-all width of the tires is 12"
Posted via Mobile Device

Re: Lost My 65
 

As I often times say, it's your ride, build it your way and for you... ;)
I get asked "WHY" about my choice of a power plant for my truck all the time... but it's what I want, so Pontiac motivation it is.. ... :)
You can't beat a driver that you don't need to worry about when you are parked at the store.. :ito:
Nuff said...
As for tires, I was thinking of going with a 10" wide tire, section width that is for the front, but wasn't sure it would fit...
If your tires are 12" then there is a god chance 10" will fit on mine...:cool:
Keep posting progress .. :metal:
I'm still searching for the right wheels for my 63..
:5150:

Re: Lost My 65
 

Ok...........:rolleyes:
I have been thinking about this and I have to ask your opinion...
:smoke:
I have a 62 GMC...
The frame weighs a ton and I am thinking that it would be easier for me to roll this 62 over to a 63-66 frame ... :ito:
You went the opposite way I know but my question is.. are the rear cab mounts in the same place?
I have several frames and I built a frame jig and I will be shortening a frame to a short wheel base, grafting in the power steering section off a 67-72 frame and possibly fabricating a way to hang a C4 vette rear suspension off the rear.
All of this could be done on the 62 frame too except I don't think shortening the 62 frame would be all that easy...
You have seen a 62 frame.. got any opinions?
:5150:

Re: Lost My 65
 

I only went with the 62 frame because back in 84 I didn't know right off the differences.
My friend Todd's dad offered me the 62 gmc for a donor to rebuild my 65 after I totalled it.
If I knew what I know now, I would have looked for a shortbed 66.
But getting it back, I'll be keeping it on the 62 frame because of memories and nostalgic reasons.
.
With the upgrades you want to do to your truck, I would think the newer frames would be the better choice.
.
Now, I heard the reason they changed the cab in 64 was because more twisting of the 63+ frame was putting much strain on the wrap-around window style cab. So they redesigned the cab's front pillars to create more of an 'A-Frame' structure to the cab.
.
And yet, I haven't heard any complaints from those who have a 63 as this being an issue.
.
As to your other question; the rear cab mounts are the same. It's the front cab mounts that are different, but still easily works.
.
Shortening a 60-62 frame would probably be way too much work.
Me, I wouldn't attempt it.
.
From reading these forums, Shortening a 63-66 frame doesn't seem to be that difficult at all.
Posted via Mobile Device

Re: Lost My 65
 

So, are the rear cab mounts/bolt holes in the same place between the two sets of year cabs?
Measuring on my 62, the best that I can alone says they are really really close or the same.
:5150: