Farmers big block

[66farmer]

Ok, it's time. I've been asking questions and reading threads for the last few years and now I would like to give back a little. A little truck history: My father-in-law purchased the truck to use on his Eastern Oregon farm. My wife used the truck to get her driver's license and sister used to drive to school and horse events. The truck then spent years stored in the barn. The truck was given to my wife and I in 2007 to restore/modify. This past November 2010 I began the project.

1. Purchased a 1978 Chevy 1/2 ton donor truck. Used the engine (454 big block) and transmission (TH400) from this truck. Rebuilt the engine and transmission to install in the '66.
2. Frame. Sandblasted and painted.
3. Suspension. Suspension came from the '78. Installed ECE 4 1/2" front drop, 6" rear drop.
4. Engine and Transmission Installation (see pictures).
5. Body Parts. The parts were sent to the sandblaster and just rec'd back.

I plan to keep this thread current and will provide pictures as I move along.

[Chris Guthro]

Very Nice start! Any pictures of the big block?

[66farmer]

More pictures

[66farmer]

A few more pictures

[VA72C10]

Your project looks great!!! I'll follow along!

[Captainfab]

Nice work

[pdxhall]

The truck looks great. What fuel tank are you using?

[66farmer]

I bought the tank off ebay, it's for a 50 chevy had to do a little triming and build the upper support it worked well.

[66farmer]

7/17/2011 update

Picked up everythying except cab from sand blaster. You really can see what you have after thats done. First thing (NO RUST) thank god for an Eastern Oregon truck. The drivers door has been reskined don't know if I will use it.
The lower rail across the inside bottom of the bed sides are damaged (Does anyone no were I can get one) see picture. Other then that alot of dents to work out. Next week I will send the core support, inner fenders and cross bed supports to be powder coated. I'm posting the picture of the 55 to show the color I'm going to use I just have to find out what it is. I realy like the tail lights as well I think there F--d looks like he used a french bucket backwords

[198plus]

Nice work......Love those Big Block Chevy's

[66farmer]

8/4/11 update

I have been welding a lot of holes and (trying) to metal work dents. I'm not very good at it. Cut out the corregated steel in the steps...I'm looking for the smooth look.

Received my new tailgate from Mar K (smooth). Made a left turn on my rear tail lights...decided to go with '50 Pontiac, step-side always had round tail lights. I will cut a round hole in the rear fender to mount the light pipe. I will have to stand back and take a look to see how far away from the fender I want it .

No work on '66 this weekend, I get to take the other step side to Woodburn truck drags wish me luck.

[fryer1979]

Good work on the build so far, and I love the Luv.

[biohazardbill]

On the gas tank, how low does the tank sit below the frame rail?

[66farmer]

The gas tank is 2 3/4 below the frame . I had to notch the rear bed cross support just by alittle to clear the gas tank upper strap.

[no moa]

wow, nice!

Is the 78 PU suspension the same? or did you have to modify?

[66farmer]

Thanks Moa
Pretty much bolt in

[66farmer]

update 8/7/11

No work on the 66. But the Luv and I made it to the finial round at Woodburn Truck Drags I had the guy covered at the end all I had to do is lift but no I drove it out the back door broke out by .001 over all great day.

[chevyrestoguy]

Luv Gone Bad. That is a great name for that truck! Sounds like it's a consistent little beast also, to make the finals and only break out by .001.

[66farmer]

8/23/11 update

For the past few weeks we have been knocking out dents and letting the bondo fly. I got the 1950 Pontiac tail lights mounted and (1) of the bed roll lights finshed. I hired a body guy to help me at my shop on the truck, that has worked out great. I have learned alot, he has been in the business for 25 years and I needed the leadership. I'm good at fabrication and welding, and the body guy has the technique of dent removal. This guy can take his hands and rub across a panel and instantly know the highs and lows. He has the touch (a true dent "whisperer")!

[LostMy65]

What gas tank are you using?

[Captainfab]

IIRC that is the same tank that Lakeroadster used?

Originally Posted by 66farmer

I bought the tank off ebay, it's for a 50 chevy had to do a little triming and build the upper support it worked well.

Originally Posted by LostMy65

What gas tank are you using?

[66farmer]

Lost the Captain is wright I got the idea from Lakeroadter but I mounted mine a little different

[LostMy65]

Originally Posted by 66farmer

Lost the Captain is wright I got the idea from Lakeroadter but I mounted mine a little different

I have 2 different tanks, and I'm not liking the result of either one.
A Ford tank that is shallow but won't fit between the rails, and a 79 40 gallon suburban tank that fits between the rails, but still hangs down more than I'd like.

I'm liking your's and LakeRoadster's fit.
So, it's just a 50 chevy car's tank?
Posted via Mobile Device

[protrash64]

Nice work Farmer! What plans do you have for brakes? Going 5-lug in the rear with the '78 parts?

[66farmer]

Lost
I bought the tank off ebay it,s list for 1949-1952 chevy car. The tank was a easy install I did have to trim a little off the lower frame rail and flip the rear coss member over. I wish it heald more than 17 gallons that big block will eat that up and ask more.