Donz '65 SWB Stepper Budget Build...

[Ta2Don]

Hello everyone, found this forum when I began searching for an early 60's truck to add to the family. My current DD is a 90 Silverado Short Fleetside and I 've always loved the 60's GM trucks, owned a '61 GMC Short Fleetside in the mid 80's and regretted selling it... Finally decided it was time to return to my generation, I was built in 60 so...
In March, I considered buying a 60 apache off of a friend, fellow Tattoo Artist, but after an in-depth inspection along with research completed on this forum and price considerations, I decided to pass and found my 65 SWB Step side through another acquaintance. Truck had previously been gone over, PO had 350 and Turbo 350 tranny installed, '91 Burb buckets, and used a HIDEOUS black with rainbow metal flake paint throughout engine bay and various interior accents. Purchased the c10, minus engine, in April and immediately began the process of making the truck mine.
Been hemming and hawing over starting this thread, Thanks to Icewatercarter for getting me motivated to finally do this. I've posted replies and pics on the "What Did You Do To Your Truck Today" thread, and have finally stepped over the edge (so to speak)...
Over the course of the coming week I plan on bring this thread up to date, here are pics of the truck the day it was delivered...

[Ta2Don]

This is the progress made after two days, The truck was delivered on a Saturday, I had to work all day. Sunday afternoon we started on the truck and this is the progress by Monday afternoon...

[Ta2Don]

Plans are to do a Static Drop, swap to 5 Lugs with Disc/Drum Power Setup. Going to go SeaFoam Green with a base/clear and flatten out the clear.

[LostMy65]

The truck looks to be clean and solid in the otherwise problem areas.

I like budget builds.

[Ta2Don]

Gauge Pod done up with Whiteout Gauge package, Valve covers after adding the orange accents, Serpentine Belt Brackets, Water Pump and Pulleys

[Ta2Don]

Not sure what happened, here are the pix

[dwlambert1701]

Originally Posted by Ta2Don

Not sure what happened, here are the pix

What type of paint did you use on the valve covers. I really like that look.

[Ta2Don]

Originally Posted by dwlambert1701

What type of paint did you use on the valve covers. I really like that look.

Chevy Orange Engine Paint, not sure of brand... May be going a different route... PM Sent

[Ta2Don]

2 outta 3, here is the Gauge Pod

[Ta2Don]

Guess I'm gonna wait for better Internet connection before I continue...

[icewatercarter]

heck yeah man, looks real good. i like the gauges, gives me ideas...and motivation. been lazy(broke).

[Ta2Don]

Thanks Rick
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[Ta2Don]

Me and my Help in the midst of dealing with a stubborn Radiator Support Mounting bolt, ended up cutting it off, Front sheet metal, sans fenders, on the ground, The Son playin' LOW RIDE ERRRR!!!!

[Ta2Don]

After the '85 Crossmember installation...
My new used wheels...
After the dropped spindles installed and 1 coil cut from springs...

[ebaby35]

Did your 85' bolt right in. I have a 62' just got a 85' suburban to swap it out with.

Originally Posted by Ta2Don

After the '85 Crossmember installation...
My new used wheels...
After the dropped spindles installed and 1 coil cut from springs...

[Ta2Don]

Originally Posted by ebaby35

Did your 85' bolt right in. I have a 62' just got a 85' suburban to swap it out with.

On the 65, I had to drill 2 holes and elongate 2, I also had to drill the frame for the Idler Arm, the '85 one mounts at a different angle from the '65
Not sure if there's much difference for the '62 frame, check the FAQ thread... lots of info out there.
Thanx for looking in...

[TJ's Chevy]

Awesome to see an update brotha!!!! Bed is looking Sweet!

[clemdaddy]

Could you take a couple of measurements on the location of the hole in the spare tire fender mount. We bought a new fender and the hole wasn't there, guess it's generic for the long bed.

Thanks Don. No rush, just when you get time.

Woops! never mind bro... just saw on FB where Pete asked you the same thing. Geeez, I gotta learn how to keep up with this tech stuff.

Have a good one...

[Ta2Don]

'70 Chevelle Rear Spring next to OEM Spring...
New springs installed...
in lieu of a BFH I borrowed a friend's Snap On 1/2" Electric Impact. After soaking spring bolts in penetrating oil for a week, still had to break out BFH to tap on trailing arms prior to motivating the bolts with the Snap On beast... Waiting on tires to arrive so I can get back to a rolling chassis, then time to mock up engine and front end, then bed to check out stance, thinking I'm still gonna need lowering blocks...

[Ta2Don]

A pic of my '61 GMC... miss the old truck...

[LostMy65]

Originally Posted by Ta2Don

A pic of my '61 GMC... miss the old truck...

Have you posted this in my Nostalgia thread?
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[Ta2Don]

Originally Posted by LostMy65

Have you posted this in my Nostalgia thread?
Posted via Mobile Device

I have now!

[icewatercarter]

your making some serious progress. i dont understand the coilovers and springs though.youll be done in no time at this rate

[Ta2Don]

I assume you are talking about the shocks, they need replacing, and I'm waiting to get back to a rolling chassis so I can put bed on to see how low the new springs settle with the bed weight. Gonna evaluate then on whether or not I need lowering blocks, then get proper shocks. Will post pic of stance this coming weekend...

[Ta2Don]

Dropped the old pistons and rods, along with the new pistons, off at the machine shop... Once those are back I can get the engine buttoned up, now I gotta get motivated on the firewall...