Becky the 1965 Flatbed Build

[Mrphoto]

I figured I'd start a little repository of progress and thoughts here since I've been moving slowly and finally started some removal and discovery.

So here's how she started!

[Mrphoto]

I posted an ad on craigslist that whoever could come professionally remove the bed could keep it....took a couple of days.

This guy came with his rig, I drove on up, they cut the welds from the ugly utility bed, connected the lift and I drove off...a free man, minus HUNDREDS of pounds.

[Mrphoto]

Removed the carpeting and sound-deadening material to see what I was working with.

This is where I start needing help please.

"how bad is it"?

I have limited tools and skills and need to know the truth on what I've got myself into. I've got some ugly pictures of the front lower fenders soon next.

But let's please start with the floors and the rockers...can I sand and just POR over most of it? Do I need replace the one side's floors and rocker for sure? What tools do I need to get for that please?

This is where I need YOUR expertise ya'll...thanks so much!!

[Mrphoto]

this scares the hell out of me....

How bad is it?

What are my next steps?

[chevyrestoguy]

The first pictures of the truck on the trailer confused me initially until I read the story. Sounds like eveything worked out, though. Gotta love Craigslist!

It seems like the dog is liking the truck, too. It looks like he called shotgun!

As far as the rust, what do you have planned for the truck? Is it going to be a real nice cruiser or a hauler? Sometimes, you can't get too wrapped up in the appearance. You can buy the fender patch panels, not too sure about the inner structure on the doors.

[Mrphoto]

yup...shotgun...driver...he's the boss i guess

[Mrphoto]

Here's some removal of crud I don't plan on using...maybe some more craigslist and making money on the truck for now!

I think I plan on selling the very decent condition All Terains that came with the truck but not sure if they'll go with the end look I'm trying to acheive.

[Mrphoto]

Great questions by ChevyRestoGuy!

So to clarify:

I'm trying to save as much money as possible....within reason. I have some budget to spend here and there. For instance, if I get so caught up in the truck, I could sell my Yamaha TW200 and have an instant infusion of cash.

The Truck is a 1965, came from California, has been worked hard.
Has, what I was told, a 350/350 combo.
The E-brake doesn't work.
There's a tall ugly floor shifter.
The engine runs OK, leaks here and there.
The transmission slips.
Brakes work OK.
Lights/electrical are a mess and lights are now non-existent in the back.

PLANS:
-A cool cruiser (doesn't have to be daily driver, I have one)...
-Flatbed (all wood possible, or metal frame/wood combo).
-I'd like to have it NOT deteriorate any more so stop as much rust and rot asap.
-Get the transmission fixed, I HOPE & PRAY it's not an overhaul!
-Upgrade the brakes, at least to a double master cylinder, Drums are ok I guess.
-Clean and re-paint frame, at least from the cab back for me.
-Ideally have the cab and front painted sooner than later (should be cheaper with no bed to paint right? )
-I'd like to go through the engine and have a nice clean bay....like I can't figure out why some guys have the big vacuum box on the passenger side under the hood, and other guys dont??

[Clyde65]

Take your time dude. set a couple of goals, like get it safe, get it running as well as possible, then maybe work on the fenders, then the floor, etc, etc.

[Mrphoto]

I like that concept...taking it slow, as long as I get to drive it!

Then it sounds like paint frame/brakes at the same time.
Transmission
Build Bed & wire lights.

I just don't want to do anything "backwards" where if I did a painless wiring kit, then had to undo it for a paint job....or even brakes lines and frame painting. ya know?

[pdxhall]

That isn't a big vacuum box under the hood, that's the deluxe heater. Some trucks have a standard heater that is entirely under the dash and others have aftermarket heat/air cond. and some don't bother with heat at all.

[Clyde65]

The more time you get in between improvements to drive it the better, most guys get overwhelmed when they blow the truck apart and then see this huge pile of parts.

Get it driving and safe, then work on your bed. then do the little bits of body work you need done, then finally paint.

[Mrphoto]

@Clyde65, your wisdom shines through! I like that idea...a LOT. I'm sure my GF will too.

@pdxhall....it makes so much sense finally!!! I can't wait to rip that off! haha

[Woogeroo]

yeah, what Clyde65 wrote.

Don't get sucked in by 'restoration-itis'.

Drive it first and enjoy it.

-W

[hopped up]

ill take that shifter
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[X24]

Keep the pictures coming. Get it operational... Yeah it feels a little backwards sometimes but in the end you'll be able to take apart your truck no problem.
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