Eva's 1966 build

[slikster]

My daughter has wanted an old truck every since I can remember. We picked up this one for $1000.00. New carb and fuel pump and it was running, at least enough to move around the driveway.

Started pulling the bed today to get to the nitty gritty.


I don't know if the bed is worth saving.




Got the bed off and found this





Looks like they welded some angle iron in there to hold it



Obviously not the original rear end


and one of the proud new 14 year old owner doing her part


Ok, how bad is the frame? Should I look for a new bed or pull this one apart and try to fix it?

[k1rodeoboater]

YIKES!!! IDK if you we're planning on lowering the truck but I wonder if a C-notch would get rid of the crack.

Your bed is fixable it iis just a question of how much skill you have with a welder
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[CVA59]

1. What are your plans for the build?

2. Like rodeo said, are you gonna lower it or keep stock? If lowering then i am pretty sure a "c" notch would take care of that crack.

3. Frame off OR frame on resto?

I have located 2-3 nice SWB frames down the road from me that could probably be had pretty cheap. One is a roller that is already stripped down and has a decent short fleetside bed still on it, everything else is gone.

For me, I would grind that crack out best i could and start laying a new weld in there to fill it. Weld a fish-plate to the inside of the frame to give it back some strength. From what i see in the pics it could be fixed without a ton of work. If your ever over in the Longview, Tx area, bring it by, I will fix it for you.

I also know of a good right side SWB panel that would take care of your bed problem.

[slikster]

I have a high school buddy in Tyler. Might make a trip out.

I am going to keep it stock height. Pretty much frame on resto to a 5k-6k truck look. New front end with disk brakes and power steering. Could all change if I found a frame for next to nothing. I have a homeowners association to deal with otherwise we would have stripped it down. Has to be running all of the time to stay in the driveway.

Ultimate goal is to build a truck with A/C that will get her through college. 3 on the tree so no boy knows how to drive it. If I can get a daily driver for the next 6-8 years I am happy.

[kieth]

Originally Posted by slikster

I have a high school buddy in Tyler. Might make a trip out.

I am going to keep it stock height. Pretty much frame on resto to a 5k-6k truck look. New front end with disk brakes and power steering. Could all change if I found a frame for next to nothing. I have a homeowners association to deal with otherwise we would have stripped it down. Has to be running all of the time to stay in the driveway.

Ultimate goal is to build a truck with A/C that will get her through college. 3 on the tree so no boy knows how to drive it. If I can get a daily driver for the next 6-8 years I am happy.

If I might suggest, I just finished building a 66 gmc, I found a 91 burb 2wd wrecked with new 700r4, front crossmember with disc brakes, power steering, tilt wheel, wiring harness, TBI injected , cruise control, etc. I paid $1100.00 for it. If you wanted to, you could use every thing including the airconditioning and do your build very inexpensively........call if you need any additional info. Kieth Tulsa, OK 918-446-2245

here is how mine turned out after 9 months:

interior:
http://kieth.smugmug.com/Trucks/66-G...6_rjGkFPB-A-LB

exterior:

http://kieth.smugmug.com/Trucks/66-G...206593_wLm4dMM

[slikster]

Thanks Guys! Weekly update

I pulled the bed and started pulling it apart this week. I'm on my second sawsall blade cutting the bolts out. Finished taking it apart last night after work. After teaching 7th and 8th graders all day it is kinda relaxing working on the old truck.

Pulled the end cap


Think I can save it


The dirt that came out of the front panel of the bed


Almost got all the cross member out



One side down


Finished off the other side last night


Can't decide on rebuilding the bed or just finding another one. I found a nice stepside bed but my daughter wants it to stay a fleetside. Seems to be a little more difficult to find plus the parts are more expensive for a fleetside. Time to clean up the garage again so I can get the truck in to start taking apart the cab and relocating the gas tank.

[CVA59]

If you want some help with the repair, throw it on a trailer and head this way. I will be glad to help you out.

Zack

[Max1775]

Originally Posted by CVA59

If you want some help with the repair, throw it on a trailer and head this way. I will be glad to help you out.

Zack

Awfully nice of you, Zack. I love to see people helping others!
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[CVA59]

Originally Posted by Max1775

Awfully nice of you, Zack. I love to see people helping others!
Posted via Mobile Device

No sweat. I will help out anyone i can. I have had so many others help me thru the years that anytime i see a chance to give back i always do.

[Max1775]

Originally Posted by CVA59

No sweat. I will help out anyone i can. I have had so many others help me thru the years that anytime i see a chance to give back i always do.

That's what it's all about!
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[LostMy65]

I've always felt the Fleetsides were a little more newer classier looking, and the Stepsides were a little more traditional old truck look.
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[slikster]

slowly but surely we are plugging away at things we can do for next to free.
the truck is torn down to the cab motor and trans left to get everything off the frame. I found a rolling frame for $100 with a 5 lug rear end. Picked up a full front suspension from a member here complete with power steering. I have been working on getting it cleaned up and painted. I had a friend come over and we built a rotisserie for the frame.









Now it is time to get the frame blasted so I can get it painted. I almost have all of the parts and materials to put the rolling frame back together.

Then it is time to tackle the cab