My 66 Service Truck Build Thread

[LostMy65]

Okay,

I'm Starting my Build Thread.

I lost (sold) my 65 back in 87.
I posted about me looking for it here:
http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=426650


In the mean time, I bought a 66 Service Truck to Tinker on.
.


I still hope to find my 65, but this will tide me over.

To be continued.....

[LostMy65]

The Nice Guy who sold me the truck, posted on Craigslist that he wanted $350, and if no one bought it by today, he was taking it to the wrecking yard.

I called him to ask him if he was really going to take it the wrecking yard.
He said he was moving, and had no choice.
I asked him how much he thought he would get from the wrecking yard.
He said maybe $200 - $225
He then said he'd give it to me for that.

(Disclaimer - I didn't think he was asking too much at $350, just that my wife was in no way going to be happy about me buying this, and I figured $225 would soften her reaction.

I gave the guy $250 because he brought it to my house.

So that's the opening ticket - $250 - invested so far.

[LostMy65]

My New Project Service Truck:

1966 Chevrolet C20
292 Inline 6
LongBed
Eaton RearEnd - not sure Gear Ratio.
Service Bed
Miles Unknown


Immediate To Do List:

Fix ignition switch - Project Status = done
http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=427476

Replace Cracked Front Windshield
Project Status = Started
I pulled one from a 66 at the wrecking yard for $35
Picked up a Drivers side front fender while there for $33

[LostMy65]

Running Tabulation of Costs:

$225 - Price of Truck
$25 - Truck Delivered
$35 - Used Windshield
$50 - Complete new Ignition (Housing, Keys, Tumbler, Bezel Nut)
$33 - Drivers Side Fender
$10 - Heater Knobs (LMC)
___________________________
$ 378 - Total So Far

[padresag]

looks like your off to a good start
ron

[irish1966]

I was totally gonna buy that truck. LOL. U got a great deal. I spoke to the guy and he was really cool. You must have got in there before me. Delighted to see it here on the forum too.

[LostMy65]

The 292 Block is Cracked.

I'm debating getting another 292 or just moving to a V8.

[McC_65_91]

if block is cracked/not going for for "original" then go with what you WANT
like to see this through and good luck finding your old truck
subscribed
and like ive seen others tell you already- beware this site becomes addicting... im a college kid and should be studying right now hahaha

[LostMy65]

Originally Posted by McC_65_91

if block is cracked/not going for for "original" then go with what you WANT
like to see this through and good luck finding your old truck
subscribed
and like ive seen others tell you already- beware this site becomes addicting... im a college kid and should be studying right now hahaha

I'm leaning toward finding a 3/4 Ton 74-84 GM with a 350V8 and just swapping all the goodies (ie. discs, power brakes and steering)

[irish1966]

Originally Posted by LostMy65

I'm leaning toward finding a 3/4 Ton 74-84 GM with a 350V8 and just swapping all the goodies (ie. discs, power brakes and steering)

ask and you shall receive. LOL

http://portland.craigslist.org/mlt/cto/2027895441.html

Not sure if it's a 1/2 or 3/4 ton though.

[LostMy65]

Here's his add as it was:

Originally Posted by Craigslisting

66 chev 3/4 ton service box. Old rail road or county rig, heavy duty stuff on it, i.e. big brakes, stout dana. Four speed. If i dont sell by next tues shes goin to the scrap yard. Clean title runs and drives. Look at the price, of course there are things wrong with it, i worked it into the dirt over the past five years. While ive owned it has made regular trips from vancouver to hillsboro airport and all over hell and back. Honestly it does not have too many of those trips left in it. So please keep the inquiries limited to serious buyer, i dont want to be barraged by a bunch of questions as to what is wrong with it. Its been a good truck despite the abuse, i know there are enthusiasts out there that could repay this truck what it deserves, i would hate to see it get crushed.

[LostMy65]

Ignition is good now:
http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...21#post4280921

Still looking for a 3/4 ton donor.

[LostMy65]

Got both fenders cleaned up -
passenger side all hammered out and ready for filler.
drivers side rust in lower part cut out, patch piece fitted and ready for weld.

[LostMy65]

welded patch and smoothed out some filler on drivers fender.

Still looking for a good 3/4 ton donor.

[LostMy65]

Bought this mainly for the motor:


Now I'm debating if I should make my truck a 4x4.

Edit: I've now decided to just use the motor and part the rest out.

[LostMy65]

The motor in the Suburban is a 350 GoodWrench - installed 7 years ago. I don't know how many miles on it, but a clean motor.

Here is the thread I asked my question about it in:
http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=226879

[66-PMD-GMC]

The K member, (engine cross member?) that the suspension bolts to on the front end of that suburban bolts right to your 66 frame with 1 overall modification, you need to drill out 1 hole per side and elongate 1 hole per side after you bolt it to your trucks frame.
There are 14 bolts, 7 per side that bolt the entire suspension to the frame. It drops off in 1 complete unit.
Capfab makes a nice adaptor that will let you use the steering gearbox too giving you power steering.
If you have leafs the rear end is a direct bolt in. If you have trailing arms you can weld perches on the 'burbs rear housing as it is probably a better gear.
(66 was commonly 3.73 or 4.11)
Take a look at my build and the rear and front suspension is from a 79 and I have several other things I found will help.

[LostMy65]

Thanks,

I'm pretty positive I'm not going to use the 4x4 stuff from this suburb - it's not a 3/4 ton.
I bought it because the motor is clean, and is only 7 years old.

[66-PMD-GMC]

OHHH!!!! I didn't notice it was a 4X4.
Thats a different story.
63-66 4x4 or....
67-72 frames are the same with the exception of the rear cab mounts that can be swapped and the first 3 inches of the frame horns that can also be swapped with a little weld work and cutting.

[LostMy65]

Yes, if it was a 3/4 ton, I very well may have went 4x4'n.
So, I will just take the motor and the brake booster/master cylinder off this.

[irish1966]

U hiding from the cold? Any updates on the beast?

[LostMy65]

Funny you should ask....

Pulled the 350 from the donor today:



This motor is coming out and being replaced with the 350:


So yes, I'm working in the cold - got my thermo-underwear on.

[irish1966]

Not bad man. I know the feeling on the thermo underwear. I get the lined dungarees from bi-mart and they help alot with the cold. And they're cheap.

[LostMy65]

The build will surely be going slow.
My goal at this time is to get it mechanically usable, and stop or minimize any further rusting.
After that, I will use it as a truck for a few years, and just tinker with it.
A frame up restore is most likely years out. This summer my goal is to clean up and preserve the underside of the cab.
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[LostMy65]

I tell you....
Now I remember why I liked these trucks so much. I had the front clip stripped from this thing in less than an hour, with pretty much nothing but a 1/2 and 9/16 socket. Yee-ha!
292 is out. Let's see what I get done tomorrow.
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