Should I Restore? - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

65_Chevy · 08-09-2005, 06:53 PM

As I have mentioned before I have a 65 chevy lwb I wanted to restore it but I wasn't sure if I could with parts and money ect. As my fellow chevy owners do u think I should fix it over time or what i have the whole front in off most of the parts are good except fenders of course and I have the bed off it needs some work but could be fixable. the only problem I see is I need to rewire the whole thing and drop an engine in it. Should I use the old 4 speed tranny or get a new one. I'm on limited funds right now but should have some money in the future. What do u guys think?

66+81 · 08-09-2005, 07:11 PM

I would start to slowly restore it, using money as you get it, and about the tranny, if it works, use it until you have the money for a new one. Exact thing I'm doing.

AesC10s · 08-09-2005, 07:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 66+81

I would start to slowly restore it, using money as you get it, and about the tranny, if it works, use it until you have the money for a new one. Exact thing I'm doing.

65_Chevy · 08-09-2005, 07:19 PM

thanks and yeah it works the engine did too till someone stole some parts of it all thats left is the block and heads and everything thats bolted on underneath. When I bought it the guy said it was a 400 but the numbers say its a 350

chipotledude05 · 08-09-2005, 07:32 PM

i'd just rebuild the tranny. that old sm420 is one of the best trannies around. plus you won't have to do all the extra work involved in modifying the driveshaft and crossmember. just my two cents. take your time in the restoration. don't cut corners. i'm about half way done with my restoration on my '61, but it's getting delayed because i'm going off to college. i could have just patched the body and thrown it back the frame, but i want to make sure it's done right. also my two cents. good luck

matt

66+81 · 08-09-2005, 08:43 PM

Good luck, and that 350 will do you better than good. That's what's in the 66.

jodyboy · 08-10-2005, 09:39 AM

Hi,
What I think is unimportant.
What are your motivations? Transportation or a nice shiny Costly ride in a few years time?
In making my similar decision, I listed on a sheet of paper every part this truck needs and its price. I then compared this total road worthy cost to the local market for a replacement drivable truck.
I certain you can part out and sell every removable item in a week giving you quick $ to buy a vehicle if you need transportation. (Ebay or this site)
What I did…
I have a 65 GMC, which was turquoise green this truck is a one owner vehicle, my dad bought it new, and I have the papers. I used the above system and decided I could have a useable truck for less than I could buy a drivable one. So I bought some sand paper, a case of spray paint, primered mine and drive it only when I need a truck. At most 6 times a year, also at 8 mpg I can’t drive this primered mosquito killing smoking 'classic' all the time.
I have estimated my project should take me at least 4 years and about $1000 to have the body straight primed and ready for painting, fixing the engine so it doesn’t smoke as much, fix the shifter linkage so I can shift without it locking up constantly, and hopefully get about 10-12 mpg. My cost does not include the final painting cost which I estimate to take another 1500-3000, if I do it myself. This is if I ever paint it, painting is almost too expensive for me to justify.
Finally in making my decision I realized, I don't need transportation and useable primered, dented, work in progress (drivable trailer) cost me only $300. If I had estimated it to cost much more, I would have bought a good trailer from the $ I made from selling this truck. But skipping lunch twice a week and spending the $ on the truck once every few months works for me. I might even give this truck to my kids and paint it for them on their 16 b’day. Or the for sale sign on it might attract someone with enough cash for me to sale it. I have not set a price I am letting the buyer make me their best offer. I have the time to wait and am not motivated to sell.

66+81 · 08-10-2005, 04:23 PM

Yes, but some people don't want to sell there trucks. My 81 has so much sentimental value, I'd eventually pay 10gs to restore it if I had to.

65_Chevy · 08-10-2005, 05:39 PM

Yeah I know what u mean mine has alot of value too but I also have a 74 gmc 3/4 ton and thats my daily driver. I live in an apartment complex so I can't work on my 65 here it's sittin in a friends fatherinlaws yard but I don't think I can leave it there long. I got the bed off and the whole front off. the inside is gutted and It needs all new wiring even to the tail lights I really love this truck but I think I might have to just fix the one i'm drivin and get rid of this one.

But thanks guys. If u guys think I should sell the parts let me know if I can get anything for them I have alot of good parts and a set of 6 lug slotted mags just the rims, that I was gonna use.

66+81 · 08-10-2005, 09:04 PM

What do you want for a passenger front quarter panel? That and is your truck a step?

AesC10s · 08-10-2005, 09:21 PM

could we see some pics please? i might be interested in the mags. If the bed is in real good shape i would probally be interested in that too.

Aaron

66+81 · 08-10-2005, 09:35 PM

Well, I kinda wanted the tailgate if it's a stepside.

65_Chevy · 08-11-2005, 02:45 AM

sry it's a fleet side the bed needs new wood i took out all the old stuff so all thats left is the supports. the front fenders rusted out and i patched them using sheet metal and rivets. I'll post some pics I took them but I can't seem to get them on my posts a little help? I'll post all the pics I have on the parts and stuff and see if u guys are intrested. I'll post the pics and u guys can give me a price on anything u see that u might want. I got to get rid of it so all offers considered just remember shipping costs if your a ways out. i can check shipping if needed

66+81 · 08-11-2005, 06:03 PM

What about the door latches, then. I was looking for a fender in good shape, so eh. If you can get the driver side door latch off, and it works, I can pay you alittle bit for it.

65_Chevy · 08-11-2005, 10:12 PM

door latches are good both sides and the window cranks are good too as are the inner door panels make me an offer on the latches

V-6 Fix · 08-11-2005, 11:47 PM

65 Chevy,

I have been restoring my truck off frame since January 9th., 2000. I never lost hope that I would get finished, yes it takes time, but it WILL get done.
Don't give up hope, one day you will be so PROUD to drive it down the street.

Take a look at my webshots page, you'll see what I'm talking about.

Jake

http://community.webshots.com/user/jbgroby

65_Chevy · 08-12-2005, 12:03 AM

thanks man I really wanna restore but I know it takes time and money i just hope I can but not sure how long I can keep it there

08-09-2005, 06:53 PM	#1
65_Chevy Registered User Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Casper, Wyoming Posts: 49	Should I Restore? As I have mentioned before I have a 65 chevy lwb I wanted to restore it but I wasn't sure if I could with parts and money ect. As my fellow chevy owners do u think I should fix it over time or what i have the whole front in off most of the parts are good except fenders of course and I have the bed off it needs some work but could be fixable. the only problem I see is I need to rewire the whole thing and drop an engine in it. Should I use the old 4 speed tranny or get a new one. I'm on limited funds right now but should have some money in the future. What do u guys think?

08-09-2005, 07:11 PM	#2
66+81 Registered User Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Elberton GA Posts: 130	I would start to slowly restore it, using money as you get it, and about the tranny, if it works, use it until you have the money for a new one. Exact thing I'm doing. __________________ 1966 Chevy C10 longbed stepside 350/350 1981 Chevy Custom Deluxe C10 short fleet 305/350

08-09-2005, 07:19 PM	#4
65_Chevy Registered User Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Casper, Wyoming Posts: 49	thanks and yeah it works the engine did too till someone stole some parts of it all thats left is the block and heads and everything thats bolted on underneath. When I bought it the guy said it was a 400 but the numbers say its a 350 Last edited by 65_Chevy; 08-09-2005 at 07:19 PM.

08-09-2005, 07:32 PM	#5
chipotledude05 Strategery Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: Rowlett, TX Posts: 63	i'd just rebuild the tranny. that old sm420 is one of the best trannies around. plus you won't have to do all the extra work involved in modifying the driveshaft and crossmember. just my two cents. take your time in the restoration. don't cut corners. i'm about half way done with my restoration on my '61, but it's getting delayed because i'm going off to college. i could have just patched the body and thrown it back the frame, but i want to make sure it's done right. also my two cents. good luck matt __________________ 1961 Chevrolet Apache 1/2 Ton SWB 4x4

08-09-2005, 08:43 PM	#6
66+81 Registered User Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Elberton GA Posts: 130	Good luck, and that 350 will do you better than good. That's what's in the 66. __________________ 1966 Chevy C10 longbed stepside 350/350 1981 Chevy Custom Deluxe C10 short fleet 305/350

08-10-2005, 09:39 AM	#7
jodyboy Registered User Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: hsv al Posts: 4	compair cost to immediate $ Hi, What I think is unimportant. What are your motivations? Transportation or a nice shiny Costly ride in a few years time? In making my similar decision, I listed on a sheet of paper every part this truck needs and its price. I then compared this total road worthy cost to the local market for a replacement drivable truck. I certain you can part out and sell every removable item in a week giving you quick $ to buy a vehicle if you need transportation. (Ebay or this site) What I did… I have a 65 GMC, which was turquoise green this truck is a one owner vehicle, my dad bought it new, and I have the papers. I used the above system and decided I could have a useable truck for less than I could buy a drivable one. So I bought some sand paper, a case of spray paint, primered mine and drive it only when I need a truck. At most 6 times a year, also at 8 mpg I can’t drive this primered mosquito killing smoking 'classic' all the time. I have estimated my project should take me at least 4 years and about $1000 to have the body straight primed and ready for painting, fixing the engine so it doesn’t smoke as much, fix the shifter linkage so I can shift without it locking up constantly, and hopefully get about 10-12 mpg. My cost does not include the final painting cost which I estimate to take another 1500-3000, if I do it myself. This is if I ever paint it, painting is almost too expensive for me to justify. Finally in making my decision I realized, I don't need transportation and useable primered, dented, work in progress (drivable trailer) cost me only $300. If I had estimated it to cost much more, I would have bought a good trailer from the $ I made from selling this truck. But skipping lunch twice a week and spending the $ on the truck once every few months works for me. I might even give this truck to my kids and paint it for them on their 16 b’day. Or the for sale sign on it might attract someone with enough cash for me to sale it. I have not set a price I am letting the buyer make me their best offer. I have the time to wait and am not motivated to sell.

08-10-2005, 04:23 PM	#8
66+81 Registered User Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Elberton GA Posts: 130	Yes, but some people don't want to sell there trucks. My 81 has so much sentimental value, I'd eventually pay 10gs to restore it if I had to. __________________ 1966 Chevy C10 longbed stepside 350/350 1981 Chevy Custom Deluxe C10 short fleet 305/350

08-10-2005, 05:39 PM	#9
65_Chevy Registered User Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Casper, Wyoming Posts: 49	Yeah I know what u mean mine has alot of value too but I also have a 74 gmc 3/4 ton and thats my daily driver. I live in an apartment complex so I can't work on my 65 here it's sittin in a friends fatherinlaws yard but I don't think I can leave it there long. I got the bed off and the whole front off. the inside is gutted and It needs all new wiring even to the tail lights I really love this truck but I think I might have to just fix the one i'm drivin and get rid of this one. But thanks guys. If u guys think I should sell the parts let me know if I can get anything for them I have alot of good parts and a set of 6 lug slotted mags just the rims, that I was gonna use.

08-10-2005, 09:04 PM	#10
66+81 Registered User Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Elberton GA Posts: 130	What do you want for a passenger front quarter panel? That and is your truck a step? __________________ 1966 Chevy C10 longbed stepside 350/350 1981 Chevy Custom Deluxe C10 short fleet 305/350

08-10-2005, 09:21 PM	#11
AesC10s Chevy truck addict Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Thornton Colorado Posts: 825	could we see some pics please? i might be interested in the mags. If the bed is in real good shape i would probally be interested in that too. Aaron Last edited by AesC10s; 08-10-2005 at 09:22 PM.

08-10-2005, 09:35 PM	#12
66+81 Registered User Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Elberton GA Posts: 130	Well, I kinda wanted the tailgate if it's a stepside. __________________ 1966 Chevy C10 longbed stepside 350/350 1981 Chevy Custom Deluxe C10 short fleet 305/350

08-11-2005, 02:45 AM	#13
65_Chevy Registered User Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Casper, Wyoming Posts: 49	sry it's a fleet side the bed needs new wood i took out all the old stuff so all thats left is the supports. the front fenders rusted out and i patched them using sheet metal and rivets. I'll post some pics I took them but I can't seem to get them on my posts a little help? I'll post all the pics I have on the parts and stuff and see if u guys are intrested. I'll post the pics and u guys can give me a price on anything u see that u might want. I got to get rid of it so all offers considered just remember shipping costs if your a ways out. i can check shipping if needed Last edited by 65_Chevy; 08-11-2005 at 02:49 AM.

08-11-2005, 06:03 PM	#14
66+81 Registered User Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Elberton GA Posts: 130	What about the door latches, then. I was looking for a fender in good shape, so eh. If you can get the driver side door latch off, and it works, I can pay you alittle bit for it. __________________ 1966 Chevy C10 longbed stepside 350/350 1981 Chevy Custom Deluxe C10 short fleet 305/350

08-11-2005, 10:12 PM	#15
65_Chevy Registered User Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Casper, Wyoming Posts: 49	door latches are good both sides and the window cranks are good too as are the inner door panels make me an offer on the latches

08-11-2005, 11:47 PM	#16
V-6 Fix Registered User Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Chalmette, Louisiana Posts: 10	65 Chevy, I have been restoring my truck off frame since January 9th., 2000. I never lost hope that I would get finished, yes it takes time, but it WILL get done. Don't give up hope, one day you will be so PROUD to drive it down the street. Take a look at my webshots page, you'll see what I'm talking about. Jake http://community.webshots.com/user/jbgroby Last edited by V-6 Fix; 08-11-2005 at 11:48 PM.



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08-12-2005, 12:03 AM	#17
65_Chevy Registered User Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Casper, Wyoming Posts: 49	thanks man I really wanna restore but I know it takes time and money i just hope I can but not sure how long I can keep it there

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