Panel truck or Pick up? - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

smiti7 · 11-21-2008, 12:18 AM

Hey guys, I just decided to get into a new project, its a 1961 Chevy panel truck. Its 99% complete, but kind of rusty with good floors. Then I recently ran accross a 66 chevy step side pick up with a freshly painted frame thats dropped in the front and back (4" and 2.5"), it has a 72 rear end with a 373, and 72 front with disc brakes, and power steering, most of the panels are there, cab has a hole in the floor and bed is great except wood floor. but no motor. I was thinking of putting the panel body on the truck frame and going from there. Heres the deal, I am not a body man, I am willing to learn if someone wanted to teach me, but have never done it. The panel truck needs body work and the PU would be a lot easier fix. I really only picked up the panel truck because you don't see them everyday. I did a google search on them and that Royal Purple panel truck is Awesome!, I think it sold me. Which one do you think would be the better Project? If I do the truck, then the Panel will be for sale, If I do the panel, then I will part out what I don't need off the PU. Also, I don't have a lot of $$$, so keep a budget in Mind. Thanks in advance for your imput.

the kid · 11-21-2008, 12:56 AM

shorten the panel to fit (some where around 12-14") the trucks frame

smiti7 · 11-21-2008, 01:40 AM

Both of the wheel bases measure the same, approx 109" hub to hub.

tiggamonsta · 11-21-2008, 08:45 AM

I vote for the panel.

**ChiefRocka** · 11-21-2008, 09:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by smiti7

Both of the wheel bases measure the same, approx 109" hub to hub.

Ok then, it's obvious throw the panel body on the painted truck frame.

kenny_strong · 11-21-2008, 03:23 PM

MacAttack · 11-21-2008, 03:29 PM

Don’t know about where you’re from, but here in the SoCal - panel vehicles of the vintage type are about x3 over pick-ups in the coolness factor.

smiti7 · 11-24-2008, 12:41 AM

[/email]

Quote:

Originally Posted by kenny_strong

d10s69c10 · 11-21-2008, 03:37 PM

Panel. sorry stepside guys. just not my mug O beer.

joe231 · 11-21-2008, 04:40 PM

Um, i say do the truck and sell me the panel

2manyprojects · 11-21-2008, 05:46 PM

My vote is for the panel . Out of all the (15 I think) 60 to 66 trucks Ive owned. The 2 panels drew the most attention. The panel frame is slightly different where the rear bumper mounts,but shouldn't cause any problems if you use the p/u frame. I'll post a pic when i find it to show what I'm talkin about.

protrash64 · 11-21-2008, 07:27 PM

DO THE PANEL!!!!!! Use all the good parts from both trucks.

hewlett2002000 · 11-21-2008, 09:06 PM

i agree. go with the panel.

**Captainfab** · 11-22-2008, 01:34 AM

I vote for the Panel. If the Panel is a standard length Panel and the '66 is a short wheelbase then it will be a pretty easy swap. They're the same wheelbase as was already mentioned. The one difference will be the front cab mount and possibly some of the other body mounts. But since you have both frames, just compare and transfer what you need to put the Panel body on the '66 frame

smiti7 · 11-22-2008, 04:26 AM

Yeah, I am thinking the same thing, I guess the PU would just be easier, the panel would be more unique. I'll try to post a couple pics here in the next couple days. Do you think I am taking away from the value of the panel by not keeping it original? Then again, who cares right? I'm gonna do some home work and find out about how much the body work would be. I'd love to find someone who would show me and let me learn a little.

wild one · 11-22-2008, 10:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by smiti7

. Do you think I am taking away from the value of the panel by not keeping it original? Then again, who cares right? .

My vote is for the panel, but I am slightly biased as I own a 66' shorty panel. As for the value of the truck - If your goal is a 100% stock resto then keep it 100% stock. Otherwise make it your own as well as making it safer/more enjoyable to drive by using the newer frame with the better brakes, cheaper suspension parts, MUCH improved rear end and better steering. Just my .02 though - good luck with the project whichever one you choose.

**Captainfab** · 11-22-2008, 11:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by smiti7

I'd love to find someone who would show me and let me learn a little.

I know there are several board members in TX, but I'm just not sure how close they are to you. You might look around here and see if someone close to you would be willing to help you out.

Tomsriv · 11-24-2008, 01:17 AM

As far as 60-66 trucks go both are rare. The panel is more cool, but the stepside more useful. If you are going to ruin a stepside at least sell that bed to someone who will use it.

smiti7 · 11-24-2008, 02:06 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tomsriv

As far as 60-66 trucks go both are rare. The panel is more cool, but the stepside more useful. If you are going to ruin a stepside at least sell that bed to someone who will use it.

Well, in all reality the frame under the panel will work under the Pick up right? It still has the original 6 in it and everything else. The bed will be for sale after Thanksgiving, and then after I strip the cab it will be for sale too with a title. I'll probably start by putting it in Craigslist here in Houston.

soba_03 · 11-22-2008, 10:30 AM

Panel, Panel, Panel, Panel, Panel, Panel,.....Nuff said

smiti7 · 11-22-2008, 08:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by soba_03

Panel, Panel, Panel, Panel, Panel, Panel,.....Nuff said

Got It! I guess I'll have some Picu up parts for sale pretty soon. Thanks for all the input, I'll put some pics up shortly.

suicide 63 · 11-22-2008, 10:16 PM

has anybody said panel yet?

smiti7 · 11-24-2008, 12:55 AM

Can anyone give me some direction on putting pics on here? I'd like to have the picture show instead of the link to it.

**Captainfab** · 11-24-2008, 02:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by smiti7

Can anyone give me some direction on putting pics on here? I'd like to have the picture show instead of the link to it.

Are you trying to upload them from your computer or from a pic hosting site?

smiti7 · 11-24-2008, 02:11 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Captainfab

Are you trying to upload them from your computer or from a pic hosting site?

I just took them from my digital camera and saved them on my computer.

11-21-2008, 12:18 AM	#1
smiti7 Registered User Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Houston, Tx Posts: 43	Panel truck or Pick up? Hey guys, I just decided to get into a new project, its a 1961 Chevy panel truck. Its 99% complete, but kind of rusty with good floors. Then I recently ran accross a 66 chevy step side pick up with a freshly painted frame thats dropped in the front and back (4" and 2.5"), it has a 72 rear end with a 373, and 72 front with disc brakes, and power steering, most of the panels are there, cab has a hole in the floor and bed is great except wood floor. but no motor. I was thinking of putting the panel body on the truck frame and going from there. Heres the deal, I am not a body man, I am willing to learn if someone wanted to teach me, but have never done it. The panel truck needs body work and the PU would be a lot easier fix. I really only picked up the panel truck because you don't see them everyday. I did a google search on them and that Royal Purple panel truck is Awesome!, I think it sold me. Which one do you think would be the better Project? If I do the truck, then the Panel will be for sale, If I do the panel, then I will part out what I don't need off the PU. Also, I don't have a lot of $$$, so keep a budget in Mind. Thanks in advance for your imput.

11-21-2008, 12:56 AM	#2
the kid Registered User Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: santa clara ca Posts: 47	Re: Panel truck or Pick up? shorten the panel to fit (some where around 12-14") the trucks frame __________________ making trucks pointless 1 at a time

11-21-2008, 01:40 AM	#3
smiti7 Registered User Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Houston, Tx Posts: 43	Re: Panel truck or Pick up? Both of the wheel bases measure the same, approx 109" hub to hub.

11-21-2008, 08:45 AM	#4
tiggamonsta Registered User Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Cedar Creek, TX Posts: 167	Re: Panel truck or Pick up? I vote for the panel.

11-21-2008, 03:23 PM	#6
kenny_strong Registered User Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: maryland Posts: 218	Re: Panel truck or Pick up?

11-21-2008, 03:29 PM	#7
MacAttack 283 Drama Queen Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Surf City, CA Posts: 2,435	Re: Panel truck or Pick up? Don’t know about where you’re from, but here in the SoCal - panel vehicles of the vintage type are about x3 over pick-ups in the coolness factor. __________________ For about 12 years of my adult life I had a severe speech impediment. My ex-wife never let me get a word in edgewise.

11-21-2008, 03:37 PM	#9
d10s69c10 Built 4 Speed Join Date: May 2008 Location: Geneva FL Posts: 619	Re: Panel truck or Pick up? Panel. sorry stepside guys. just not my mug O beer. __________________ 1969 C/10 Short Box: 496/T-56 in worx. "To Be Old And Wise, First You Must Be Young And Stupid"

11-21-2008, 04:40 PM	#10
joe231 Registered User Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Palmer, Alaska Posts: 13,821	Re: Panel truck or Pick up? Um, i say do the truck and sell me the panel __________________ *CHEVY ONLY*

11-21-2008, 05:46 PM	#11
2manyprojects Registered User Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Richmond VA Posts: 670	Re: Panel truck or Pick up? My vote is for the panel . Out of all the (15 I think) 60 to 66 trucks Ive owned. The 2 panels drew the most attention. The panel frame is slightly different where the rear bumper mounts,but shouldn't cause any problems if you use the p/u frame. I'll post a pic when i find it to show what I'm talkin about. __________________ 65 Chevy C10 Panel http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s....php?p=7148391 42 Chevy 3100http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...92#post7184392 96 GMC K2500 Diesel Suburban 89 GTA Trans Am Convertible.

11-21-2008, 07:27 PM	#12
protrash64 Resistance is Futile Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Mesa,Arizona Posts: 3,520	Re: Panel truck or Pick up? DO THE PANEL!!!!!! Use all the good parts from both trucks. __________________ 64 CHEVY PICK-UP > http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...otrash+re-hash 64 CARRYALL >http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...=1964+suburban 66 LB >http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=427852 STRENGTH/DETERMINATION/MERCILESS/FOREVER .......posted via stationary device

11-21-2008, 09:06 PM	#13
hewlett2002000 Registered User Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Cleveland, Tx Posts: 1,619	Re: Panel truck or Pick up? i agree. go with the panel. __________________ Respect: 1. A feeling of appreciative, often deferential regard; esteem. 2. The state of being regarded with honor or esteem. 3. Willingness to show consideration or appreciation. When you fail to show consideration to others values you are showing disrespect.

11-22-2008, 01:34 AM	#14
Captainfab 60-66 Nut Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Coeur d'Alene, Idaho Posts: 23,252	Re: Panel truck or Pick up? I vote for the Panel. If the Panel is a standard length Panel and the '66 is a short wheelbase then it will be a pretty easy swap. They're the same wheelbase as was already mentioned. The one difference will be the front cab mount and possibly some of the other body mounts. But since you have both frames, just compare and transfer what you need to put the Panel body on the '66 frame __________________ Power Steering Box Adapter Plates For Sale HERE Power Brake Booster Adapter Brackets For Sale '63-'66 HERE and '67-'72 HERE and '60-'62 HERE and "60-'62 with clutch HERE Rear Disc Brake Brackets For Sale. Impala SS calipers HERE Camaro Calipers HERE D52 Calipers HERE 6 Lug HERE Hydroboost Mounting Plates HERE

11-22-2008, 04:26 AM	#15
smiti7 Registered User Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Houston, Tx Posts: 43	Re: Panel truck or Pick up? Yeah, I am thinking the same thing, I guess the PU would just be easier, the panel would be more unique. I'll try to post a couple pics here in the next couple days. Do you think I am taking away from the value of the panel by not keeping it original? Then again, who cares right? I'm gonna do some home work and find out about how much the body work would be. I'd love to find someone who would show me and let me learn a little.

11-24-2008, 01:17 AM	#18
Tomsriv Registered User Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Camarillo, CA Posts: 257	Re: Panel truck or Pick up? As far as 60-66 trucks go both are rare. The panel is more cool, but the stepside more useful. If you are going to ruin a stepside at least sell that bed to someone who will use it. __________________ '65 Chevy shortbed stepside.

11-22-2008, 10:30 AM	#20
soba_03 Registered User Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Fairdale, Kentucky Posts: 560	Re: Panel truck or Pick up? Panel, Panel, Panel, Panel, Panel, Panel,.....Nuff said



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11-22-2008, 10:16 PM	#22
suicide 63 Registered User Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: peculiar mo Posts: 219	Re: Panel truck or Pick up? has anybody said panel yet? __________________ http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=304940

11-24-2008, 12:55 AM	#23
smiti7 Registered User Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Houston, Tx Posts: 43	Re: Panel truck or Pick up? Can anyone give me some direction on putting pics on here? I'd like to have the picture show instead of the link to it.

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