1965 GMC "Bessie" build thread - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

1stseries55 · 08-18-2009, 08:45 PM

Ok, finally decided to put a build thread together. I have been hanging around for some time posting a few times but mostly just studying and learning.

This is my 65 GMC short bed fleet BBW. I bought it about 4 years ago. I wanted something cool to drive daily while I worked on my 55 1st series truck.
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The truck sat for about 10 years when I got it…. Motor ran , no brakes, needed some TLC. The build was quick and dirty to get it on the road as cheap as possible. Here is what she looked like for about 2 years

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1stseries55 · 08-18-2009, 08:48 PM

Bessie ran great, had a few minor instances where she got upset. Negative battery cable melted and shut her down, wheel fell off (not one of my finer moments…check out the carnage pic) and the shift linkage on the tree broke several times. I had a TH350 that I was going to use on my 55 so I decided to rid myself of the 3 on the tree. Well one thing led to another and next thing I knew Bessie was in a few hundred pieces.

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This is rebuild #2 and I am tying up all the loose ends, doing things right and fixing the shortcuts I did the 1st time around.

The theme is a mid sixties custom.

I have installed the front suspension from an 87 burb… also got the power master cylinder and steering box from the same vehicle.

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1stseries55 · 08-18-2009, 08:51 PM

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2.5” spindles and 3” coils ….she is low…. After recommendations from you guys and got rid of the bumpstop mounts

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The rear end is also from the 87 burb (wanted 5 lugs all the way around)…. Flipped it above the leafs and added a c-notch.

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1stseries55 · 08-18-2009, 08:54 PM

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Right now I am working on finishing the rest of the suspension…need to work out pinion angles and run fuel/brake lines, paint…..etc….

As far as body work, she is going to be a flat metallic blue with a gloss white roof.

Adding 59 caddy taillights …
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1stseries55 · 08-18-2009, 08:58 PM

Going with black steelies this time… I powder coated these with my eastwood home powder coat system… they turned out awesome. I started powder coating a bunch of stuff…
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Here are my el-cheepo headers w/ high heat PC … hopefully that does not burn off as fast as the “high heat” paint did.

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Thanks for all the good advice folks……

protrash64 · 08-18-2009, 09:14 PM

Nice job 1stseries. Truck looks good. My '64 is running the same set-up suspension-wise. It rides nicely and Ive only bottomed out twice; once due to hitting a speed bump too fast. You can 'overcrank' the steering with those stops removed, you'll know when you do.

hahaudriveachevy · 08-18-2009, 08:53 PM

nice truck

Hilandr451 · 08-18-2009, 09:21 PM

Nice clean work! I'm impressed!

19GMC63 · 08-18-2009, 10:13 PM

I wish my front end looked that clean.
Nice work... can't wait to see the finished product.

*CWT* · 08-18-2009, 10:19 PM

Very nice build man. Looks killer.

joe231 · 08-18-2009, 10:33 PM

nice work!!

Alan's Classic · 08-18-2009, 10:52 PM

Glad to see you posting about your build. I've noticed you hang out over here alot. Welcome to this side. Nice work so far. I thought about putting the 59 caddy lights on mine, it's somewhere in my post, but got sidetracked with it for now. If I do mine I want them recessed more in the corner. It's hard for me to give you a visual. Your lights look great. Nice progress. I'll be Lookin' for more progress in the furure.

**Corts60** · 08-18-2009, 11:27 PM

I dig it! Love the stance. Stance can make or break a truck. You nailed it!

**ChiefRocka** · 08-18-2009, 11:41 PM

Sweet man...look'n sick !!!

**Captainfab** · 08-18-2009, 11:52 PM

Looks good....nice work

Joemomma1 · 08-19-2009, 12:18 AM

Super nice, one of the best years too. 64-66 bbw swb trucks rule! Dont let anyone tell you different (if they disagree they dont know sh!t).

jason65 · 08-19-2009, 07:21 AM

I agree with everyone. Nice lookin truck.

bigbadjohn84 · 08-19-2009, 07:44 AM

sweet build up. wish I hadn't gotten rid of my 65..

keep us updated on progress for those of us without progress lol

816allen · 08-19-2009, 11:56 AM

Sweet truck man looks real clean/rust free too.
Keep the pics comin!

ihatericeburners · 08-21-2009, 03:20 PM

the flames really top off the old school look!

1stseries55 · 08-21-2009, 07:44 PM

thanks for all the kind words fellas...

should have some updates by the end of the weekend.

I have a soft spot for old school flame jobs... this time around the roof will be white... I plan on adding some flames to the top of the roof in the main body color (flat blue metallic)

SBTork · 08-21-2009, 08:20 PM

flat blue metallic? Sounds cool, can't wait to see it. I've been wanting one of these mid 60's GMC's a lot lately, they're sweet.

1stseries55 · 08-22-2009, 01:45 PM

it's called diamond blue metallic.... Hot Rod Flatz brand....
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i have a gallon of the stuff....just need to get my a$$ in gear and get this thing finished.

1stseries55 · 08-22-2009, 07:29 PM

got a little done today..

I took the cab off, I was not going to but at this point the steering column and 4 bolts were all that was left. I needed to drill holes for my trans mount anyway ...a lot easier with the cab removed
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fabbed up a bracket for the canister style fuel filter

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cleaned up the frame and shot some paint on it

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that was it for today....

66coffin · 02-06-2010, 04:02 AM

super sweet so far, i'm doind the 60's thing on mine most likely too. i love the gold engine block w/ the black, looks rad! that satin blue metallic is gunna look sick, ive seen that color before, nice.

08-18-2009, 08:45 PM	#1
1stseries55 Registered User Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Pittsboro, NC Posts: 130	1965 GMC "Bessie" build thread Ok, finally decided to put a build thread together. I have been hanging around for some time posting a few times but mostly just studying and learning. This is my 65 GMC short bed fleet BBW. I bought it about 4 years ago. I wanted something cool to drive daily while I worked on my 55 1st series truck. The truck sat for about 10 years when I got it…. Motor ran , no brakes, needed some TLC. The build was quick and dirty to get it on the road as cheap as possible. Here is what she looked like for about 2 years __________________ Jared USMC 1st Battalion 8th Marines (95-99) 55 1st Series 3100 (on 98 sonoma frame) 65 GMC short bed fleetside big back window http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=358493

08-18-2009, 08:51 PM	#3
1stseries55 Registered User Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Pittsboro, NC Posts: 130	Re: 1965 GMC "Bessie" build thread 2.5” spindles and 3” coils ….she is low…. After recommendations from you guys and got rid of the bumpstop mounts The rear end is also from the 87 burb (wanted 5 lugs all the way around)…. Flipped it above the leafs and added a c-notch. __________________ Jared USMC 1st Battalion 8th Marines (95-99) 55 1st Series 3100 (on 98 sonoma frame) 65 GMC short bed fleetside big back window http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=358493

08-18-2009, 08:54 PM	#4
1stseries55 Registered User Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Pittsboro, NC Posts: 130	Re: 1965 GMC "Bessie" build thread Right now I am working on finishing the rest of the suspension…need to work out pinion angles and run fuel/brake lines, paint…..etc…. As far as body work, she is going to be a flat metallic blue with a gloss white roof. Adding 59 caddy taillights … __________________ Jared USMC 1st Battalion 8th Marines (95-99) 55 1st Series 3100 (on 98 sonoma frame) 65 GMC short bed fleetside big back window http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=358493

08-18-2009, 08:58 PM	#5
1stseries55 Registered User Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Pittsboro, NC Posts: 130	Re: 1965 GMC "Bessie" build thread Going with black steelies this time… I powder coated these with my eastwood home powder coat system… they turned out awesome. I started powder coating a bunch of stuff… Here are my el-cheepo headers w/ high heat PC … hopefully that does not burn off as fast as the “high heat” paint did. Thanks for all the good advice folks…… __________________ Jared USMC 1st Battalion 8th Marines (95-99) 55 1st Series 3100 (on 98 sonoma frame) 65 GMC short bed fleetside big back window http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=358493

08-18-2009, 09:14 PM	#6
protrash64 Resistance is Futile Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Mesa,Arizona Posts: 3,520	Re: 1965 GMC "Bessie" build thread Nice job 1stseries. Truck looks good. My '64 is running the same set-up suspension-wise. It rides nicely and Ive only bottomed out twice; once due to hitting a speed bump too fast. You can 'overcrank' the steering with those stops removed, you'll know when you do. __________________ 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

08-18-2009, 08:48 PM	#2
1stseries55 Registered User Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Pittsboro, NC Posts: 130	Re: 1965 GMC "Bessie" build thread Bessie ran great, had a few minor instances where she got upset. Negative battery cable melted and shut her down, wheel fell off (not one of my finer moments…check out the carnage pic) and the shift linkage on the tree broke several times. I had a TH350 that I was going to use on my 55 so I decided to rid myself of the 3 on the tree. Well one thing led to another and next thing I knew Bessie was in a few hundred pieces. This is rebuild #2 and I am tying up all the loose ends, doing things right and fixing the shortcuts I did the 1st time around. The theme is a mid sixties custom. I have installed the front suspension from an 87 burb… also got the power master cylinder and steering box from the same vehicle. [ATTACH][/ATTACH] Attached Images __________________ Jared USMC 1st Battalion 8th Marines (95-99) 55 1st Series 3100 (on 98 sonoma frame) 65 GMC short bed fleetside big back window http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=358493 Last edited by 1stseries55; 08-23-2009 at 03:59 PM.

08-18-2009, 08:53 PM	#7
hahaudriveachevy Registered User Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Rio Rancho New Mexico Posts: 15	Re: 1965 GMC "Bessie" build thread nice truck __________________ 1965 gmc

08-18-2009, 09:21 PM	#8
Hilandr451 Registered User Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Houston Texas Posts: 316	Re: 1965 GMC "Bessie" build thread Nice clean work! I'm impressed! __________________ Greg Smith a.k.a. "The Highlander" 1966 C20 Custom Camper, 2017 Chevy Silverado 1500 Highlander's Project Pics Highlander's web site: www.6066ChevyTrucks.com

08-18-2009, 10:13 PM	#9
19GMC63 Registered User Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Nashville, TN Posts: 1,510	Re: 1965 GMC "Bessie" build thread I wish my front end looked that clean. Nice work... can't wait to see the finished product.

08-18-2009, 10:19 PM	#10
CWT Account Suspended Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: ARAB,ALABAMA Posts: 157	Re: 1965 GMC "Bessie" build thread Very nice build man. Looks killer.

08-18-2009, 10:33 PM	#11
joe231 Registered User Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Palmer, Alaska Posts: 13,821	Re: 1965 GMC "Bessie" build thread nice work!! __________________ *CHEVY ONLY*

08-18-2009, 10:52 PM	#12
Alan's Classic 1 thing at a time is progress. Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Ball Ground GA Posts: 5,511	Re: 1965 GMC "Bessie" build thread Glad to see you posting about your build. I've noticed you hang out over here alot. Welcome to this side. Nice work so far. I thought about putting the 59 caddy lights on mine, it's somewhere in my post, but got sidetracked with it for now. If I do mine I want them recessed more in the corner. It's hard for me to give you a visual. Your lights look great. Nice progress. I'll be Lookin' for more progress in the furure. __________________ Alan Philippians 2:14-16 Alan's Classic Facebook page. North Georgia Group Project 1965 Vitamin C-10 1995 GMC Sierra K1500 The "Wrecker"

08-18-2009, 11:27 PM	#13
Corts60 Just here to tinker Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Holland, MI Posts: 3,697	Re: 1965 GMC "Bessie" build thread I dig it! Love the stance. Stance can make or break a truck. You nailed it! __________________ 78 C10 SWB Diesel #1 (wrecked)http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...1978+silverado 78 C10 SWB Diesel #2 (sold)http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=650751 60 GMC Suburban (sold)http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=445526 60 GMC 1000 (sold)http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/showthread.php?t=298235 67 GMC 1500 (sold) http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=803695 73 Chevy C20(Daily)http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=852767 86 Suburban(summer unit) http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=810697 88 Suburban 4x4(sold)

08-18-2009, 11:41 PM	#14
ChiefRocka Hollister, CA. Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Hollister, Ca. Posts: 6,150	Re: 1965 GMC "Bessie" build thread Sweet man...look'n sick !!! __________________ John What the Heck is that ?? CURRENT BUILDS: 62 BurbMaster Other Builds: My '63 C-10,LWB,CC,BBW '06 HD StrAight Axle Swap Father/Son '67 C-20, LQ9,4L80,Bagged,8-Lugger !!Good Friend Richard's Build AMERICAN CUSTOMS & CLASSICS (831) 630-1965 www.ACCHOLLISTER.com ACC on FACEBOOK "Rest in Peace, Mom & Dad ... I will see you again someday!"

08-18-2009, 11:52 PM	#15
Captainfab 60-66 Nut Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Coeur d'Alene, Idaho Posts: 23,252	Re: 1965 GMC "Bessie" build thread Looks good....nice work __________________ 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



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08-19-2009, 12:18 AM	#16
Joemomma1 Registered User Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: CA Posts: 814	Re: 1965 GMC "Bessie" build thread Super nice, one of the best years too. 64-66 bbw swb trucks rule! Dont let anyone tell you different (if they disagree they dont know sh!t).

08-19-2009, 07:21 AM	#17
jason65 Registerd User Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Oklahoma Posts: 2,118	Re: 1965 GMC "Bessie" build thread I agree with everyone. Nice lookin truck.

08-19-2009, 07:44 AM	#18
bigbadjohn84 Registered User Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Florala, AL Posts: 398	Re: 1965 GMC "Bessie" build thread sweet build up. wish I hadn't gotten rid of my 65.. keep us updated on progress for those of us without progress lol

08-19-2009, 11:56 AM	#19
816allen Registered User Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Kansas City,MO Posts: 323	Re: 1965 GMC "Bessie" build thread Sweet truck man looks real clean/rust free too. Keep the pics comin!

08-21-2009, 03:20 PM	#20
ihatericeburners Registered User Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: new port richey, fl Posts: 118	Re: 1965 GMC "Bessie" build thread the flames really top off the old school look!

08-21-2009, 07:44 PM	#21
1stseries55 Registered User Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Pittsboro, NC Posts: 130	Re: 1965 GMC "Bessie" build thread thanks for all the kind words fellas... should have some updates by the end of the weekend. I have a soft spot for old school flame jobs... this time around the roof will be white... I plan on adding some flames to the top of the roof in the main body color (flat blue metallic) __________________ Jared USMC 1st Battalion 8th Marines (95-99) 55 1st Series 3100 (on 98 sonoma frame) 65 GMC short bed fleetside big back window http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=358493

08-21-2009, 08:20 PM	#22
SBTork Garage wrench Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: LaCrosse, WI Posts: 1,855	Re: 1965 GMC "Bessie" build thread flat blue metallic? Sounds cool, can't wait to see it. I've been wanting one of these mid 60's GMC's a lot lately, they're sweet. __________________ -Adam 90 V1500 GMC Suburban 350/700R4/NP241..... 01 Saturn SL1 stock DD.....

08-22-2009, 01:45 PM	#23
1stseries55 Registered User Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Pittsboro, NC Posts: 130	Re: 1965 GMC "Bessie" build thread it's called diamond blue metallic.... Hot Rod Flatz brand.... i have a gallon of the stuff....just need to get my a$$ in gear and get this thing finished. __________________ Jared USMC 1st Battalion 8th Marines (95-99) 55 1st Series 3100 (on 98 sonoma frame) 65 GMC short bed fleetside big back window http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=358493

08-22-2009, 07:29 PM	#24
1stseries55 Registered User Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Pittsboro, NC Posts: 130	Re: 1965 GMC "Bessie" build thread got a little done today.. I took the cab off, I was not going to but at this point the steering column and 4 bolts were all that was left. I needed to drill holes for my trans mount anyway ...a lot easier with the cab removed fabbed up a bracket for the canister style fuel filter cleaned up the frame and shot some paint on it that was it for today.... __________________ Jared USMC 1st Battalion 8th Marines (95-99) 55 1st Series 3100 (on 98 sonoma frame) 65 GMC short bed fleetside big back window http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=358493

02-06-2010, 04:02 AM	#25
66coffin Registered User Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: diamond bar, calif. Posts: 206	Re: 1965 GMC "Bessie" build thread super sweet so far, i'm doind the 60's thing on mine most likely too. i love the gold engine block w/ the black, looks rad! that satin blue metallic is gunna look sick, ive seen that color before, nice. __________________ '66 c10ish straight 292 power!

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