1966 shortbed fleetside
 

I am finally getting to my 66 that I've owned for 25-30 years. The truck has been sitting in a garage all this time. Initially had big plans, but life got in the way-lol. These are some pics of it before paint. The truck came from Arizona, and has been mostly garaged here in Ohio.

Re: 1966 shortbed fleetside
 

The truck had minimal rust-but did have some. It did have a hole in drivers side bed for auxillary fuel tank. Tailgate had a patch on inside for previous repair.

Re: 1966 shortbed fleetside
 

Rocker had some issues (mice), but over all very solid.

Re: 1966 shortbed fleetside
 

The floor was protected by the factory undercoating. And frame is nearly perfect.

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Here it is after paint.

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Floor

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Finished and ready for assembly.

Re: 1966 shortbed fleetside
 

That's a great start to 2025! What's your plans for the truck going forward?

Re: 1966 shortbed fleetside
 

Presently, finishing small paint imperfections. I have all the custom chrome to install and bed wood. Get the glass put in and finish assembling doors.

Going with a static drop instead of bagging it. Slight rake with largest tire that will fit in the rear. Truck will be getting AC. Gas tank relocated. Power brakes and steering.

Powertrain is undecided.

1-Freshen up original 283, carb or sniper, turbo 400
cons- Brackets kinda suck-no accessory holes in heads.

2-I have several big blocks (even have a 1966 396) carb or sniper, turbo 400
cons-I didn't open/widen firewall for valve cover clearance
- possible cooling issues

3-Ls - best running option, should have later model transmission with
factory ecm - cheapest route for putting in a LS
cons- expensive
-switching to Holley terminator + harnesses
-better serpentine accessory brackets
-LS's kinda ugly- expensive to pretty up
-the cost of all of the additionals to switch over

Re: 1966 shortbed fleetside
 

Paint- I went with Ford Magma Red-Looks black or really dark brown. With bright light will have red/ gold metallic show but quickly fade back to black. Garage pics show the 66 with a black truck. Rear wheelhouses 1-is in the shade and other is in bright sunlight. Fender pics show how color switch's to no metallic popping. I wanted to go with a different look than the traditional red-which I really love-LOL

Re: 1966 shortbed fleetside
 

Looking really good, I put a truck 5.3L in my 64 and no regrets.

8k miles in 2024 with minimal issues and non engine/trans related. It was still expensive even being a junkyard motor I only freshened up a little. I think any of the options you have are great as long as you can drive it.

Since mines been on the road, I don't want to get into anything to have it down for an extended period. Have been planning to swap in a cam for awhile but it would be off the road for a week or two with me doing it. Think my plan now is to have the street tune done and maybe a cam later on down the road with a dyno.

Re: 1966 shortbed fleetside
 

Nice work, you started out with a great truck. I really like the color choice. If you decide to go the 283 route you could use low mount brackets to mount alternate and power steering pump. I have the power steering bracket but haven't tried it yet, probably today.

See my engine here - https://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/...&postcount=469

Re: 1966 shortbed fleetside
 

To be honest, this is the route that I would like to go. The only thing holding me back would be the cost. Not that the cost is completely out of line. But definitely a huge chunk.

I'm leaning towards a look like this (picture stolen off of internet). But the price for parts to get this look is amazing. Just going through sticker shock at this time - LOL

Re: 1966 shortbed fleetside
 

Brackets are definitely the problem area running the 283. Having A/C, P/S, and alternator without mounting holes in heads. Also have to drill the end of the crank for a bolt and extra pulley.

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You could install 305 heads on the 283 then have the bracket holes you need. Im old school I love carbs and they work just fine when set up right. Nice looking truck for sure!

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The low mounts don't use head holes. Now I never liked the idea of a press-fit crank pulley...