65 Short Fleet Small Window Update

[nhr3]

I bought this truck in the 80's for a daily driver. It served in that capacity for 10 years. During that period I installed a 67-72 three speed transmission, replacing the original unit that I have trashed three times. I also did a bunch of body work and painted it. During the 90’s we moved north and the truck was retired to being an occasional driver living outside in the elements. In the late 90’s I built a sizeable workshop and retired the truck to the corner.
Fast forward to 2012, we found we needed a new project. Update started. First project was to dig it out and clean it up.

[nhr3]

Disassembly started and we did a bit of sand blasting as we went. We opened up some areas that I had patched with the gas welding rig in the 80's. Pretty crude stuff with sheet metal reclaimed from a washing machine.

[nhr3]

Pictures continued

[62 Barnfind]

Looks like you have a good project. Can't wait to see how it comes out!

[1963c-10]

Very cool project. Funny, I picked up a 63 shorty bbw this weekend with the same steering wheel.

[nhr3]

It will take a while to get things up to date on thread. We have had lots of progress over the 2 years but it never seems enough. I have learned a ton about sand blasting, mig welding, modifications etc. Originally we started with a truck that had the following.
- Motor is a 350 however it was a 1970 transplant with an overhaul in 1982. We were still using leaded gas and I am concerned that I need to do something about the valve seats in short order. I do have a 4 bolt main block that I plan on doing something with.
- Three speed, on the floor. I installed this 67-72 transmission after trashing the original 2-3 times. I plan to sell this assembly with the bell housing, clutch, flywheel and starter as the project progresses. We are going in with a 700R4 as we progress
- Manual steering - This will go to power with tilt column
- Drum brakes all around. Fronts will be disc, dual power master cylinder and rebuild back brakes, original stuff will be sold.

All of this will be modified plus a complete frame off restoration and paint. As a side note I have always loved how this truck sits so I will not be lowering or altering springs or spindles. I will add sway bar.

[nhr3]

We ended up replacing sections of floor on both sides, kick panels both sides, lower forward and aft door posts both sides and sections of the floor cross beam both sides. We also replaced inner and outer rocker panels and bought some repop doors. That and the frame work consumed the winter of 12-13.

[nhr3]

More of the floor work

[nhr3]

The frame was completely sand blasted, primed and painted. New ball joints, control arm bushings,CPP Disc front brakes, and an 85 power steering gear installed.

[Ronnie the Wrench]

This is what I need to do with my '63. Subscribed for sure. One question though , who gets to sling that miter saw up on the wall?

[NEWFISHER]

Cool story, glad you hung onto it and it's looking GREAT!

[TowwDogg]

Looks Great to me. I have had several of these Trucks from 60 - 66. 64 - 66 short bed small windows are my favorite. I am looking for the next one, which will be my last one. Im in for the Build...

[nhr3]

Made a smoking deal on a Vintage air set up and a serpentine system yesterday (thanks Kenny Strong). Kenny is going to have one very interesting burb when he is done.

Also had my Master Cylinder, Brake lines and engine perches come in yesterday. Lots of work today and this weekend. Pictures to follow.

[nhr3]

New CPP engine perches arrived. Did the install. When I put the later model three speed in the truck I shortened the drive shaft to fit. For the install of the 700R4 I bought an OEM automatic transmission cross member. With the CPP perches and a little bit of welding and drilling I was able to make everything fit without having to alter the drive shaft again. A bonus is that the Emergency brake stays the same as original. Pictures to follow.

Also spent some time cleaning up the brackets for the Serpentine system. Today we will buy and install a long water pump on our old motor. I have ordered the conversion bracket for the Sanden AC compressor for the Vintage air system and have to order, tonight, a Power steering pump.

Front brake lines are a mess. I have the kit from the Truck Shop and the kit from CPP. Neither one makes it happen. The CPP kit does not have the correct fittings for the CPP Disc Brake flex lines. I am going to get some adapters and bend/install my own stuff. I have read where other folks have the same problem. My opinion, save yourself some money. Buy the tools if you don't have them, get some line and fittings. Make your own.

[TJ's Chevy]

Good work so far! Cab is coming out nice!

[1963c-10]

Great looking project. What did you use on the cab floor? Looks like raptor liner? Can't go wrong with CaptainFab's stuff.

[nhr3]

Yep used tinted Raptor on the floor and the bottom of the cab.

[RAYDAY]

how much raptor liner did it take? was it just the one 4 liter kit?

[nhr3]

1 kit did the bottom and the floor. 2 for the bottom and two for the floor. i am going to buy another kit for inner fenders and bed sides.

[RAYDAY]

Over bare metal? Or did u lay a ground coat? Primer or color?

[nhr3]

Lots of Epoxy Primer under the Raptor

[nhr3]

Well I am going to have to set the project aside for a few weeks and go earn money to pay for it. The up side is I get to play with my other performance vehicle while I work.

[Ta2Don]

Just found your build...

I'm in for the ride!!! Great Work so far, and a cool story to top it off!!!

[1963c-10]

Thanks for the response on the floor liner!! I've seen a few trucks use it and all with great results.

[nhr3]

I saw the threads also and thought it was a good idea. I am even more impressed with the results. I am planning on using it for inner fenders and inside of bed sides also.