Crewsin in my 63 GMC Crew Cab

[cetacean6]

I guess I should start a build thread for my 1963 GMC Crew Cab. Here's the truck arriving from Alaska:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/1208474...7632489045611/

[hemifalcon]

anything is "restorable".. just depends on how much time and money you are willing to put into it.. Take a look around on the site and you'll see far worse trucks than this.. farrrr worse.. Enjoy the trip and the challenge this old Crew presents to you--it'll be worth it if this is truly your passion/interest..

[Alan's Classic]

Welcome aboard. The main thing to consider is the budget for the truck and your plans for it. Price the stuff that you need to repair it and the upgrades that you want the end result to be. Make a good plan and stick to it. Changes to the plan will be an extra cost. I wish you well in your journey!!

[cetacean6]

I think I was just at that point when I truly realized the huge mountain of work in front of me. I know that in the end this truck will be worth saving. Thanks for the encouragement, I really needed it!
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[cetacean6]

I bought a donor truck on craigslist for $300 yesterday. It's a 1962 1-ton dually. It looks like it's got the original radio and a brake assist unit. I'm hoping I can use the body panels, glass, doors, radiator/support, cab floor, and maybe even the frame.

[McMurphy]

wow that dually looks like a good resto candidate too !!

[jonzcustomshop]

great shots so far, I would use this new cab, just be on the look out for a cheap lwb for frame (maybe) a good box.
what they did to your crew at the coach build plant, was add a section to the center of the cab, and cut down a long fleet box.

I think what I would do is use the roof , rear doors, and center pillars from your crew, and then graft that onto this cab you just got.

use the original crew box as a pattern on where and how to cut down your new box.

figure out the direction of your build first, full resto 4X4? 1 ton 2wd flat bed? 1/2 ton 2wd ?
that will help in your choice for donar trucks.

remember these were custom built from a single cab truck, and you have all the parts you need to custom build it again, (onto another cab) yourself.

[cetacean6]

Originally Posted by jonzcustomshop

figure out the direction of your build first, full resto 4X4? 1 ton 2wd flat bed? 1/2 ton 2wd ?
that will help in your choice for donar trucks.

I definately want to go full restoration 4X4 with some added safety features like the assited brakes and power steering. I haven't done my homework on the dually and don't know the wheelbase length on it, or even if I'd be able to make it into a 4x4. If it's too short and/or won't work as an easy swap I won't be using it.
You've given me something to think about. I was going to take everything off the dually one at a time and do a swap, but if it's in significantly better shape, a full frontal transplant may be a better solution. If I did that, I think the only thing I'd have left to worry about would be the floor in the rear of the cab. I'm not sure if regular patch panels will fit there.
Although I'm sad I have to chop up a great looking 1-ton dually, this may be the best $300 I've spent on a restoration!

[jonzcustomshop]

here is how the floor looks, should be real easy to fabricate the rear pans if they are shot

[1963c-10]

Thanks for sharing the pics. We get alot of outside shots of the crew cabs, but not many of the insides. I have been interested in seeing how the roofs were done on the inside. Alot of work there, but as hard as they are to find, it'll pay off in the long run. Dont give up on it.

[cetacean6]

I got a bunch more photos uploaded yesterday. For now I'll just link to my album. I think there's about 100 of them. Later I'll take my favorites and post them here.

[jonzcustomshop]

great photos, really like all the interior shots.

from those shots, the frame looks fine, a good sand blasting and cleaning and you will be set for the restoration.

looking at all that, use your new cab, graft the crew stuff to it. find a new box to cut down, make sure you use a long box and cut that, (shorts are a little different), and you should be ready to go!

[cetacean6]

Thanks, Jon. Where should I send payment for consultation services?

[C@rnut001]

I know that you are seeing a lot of work on your truck, but I just wish I could find one like yours in as good of shape....It will really be worth fixing up, and I really love your truck! Good luck with your build....

[62 Barnfind]

It looked like mine when I brought it home. It was setting in a barn since 1980. I washed and cleaned it for two weeks straight jut to get all the s**t off. It looks like a solid truck with a nice engine. Are you going to keep the original engine? Good luck with your build!

[cetacean6]

I haven't tried to turn the engine yet, but if it works I'll definately keep it. I heard there's a good place in Oregon to get it redone.
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[jonzcustomshop]

Originally Posted by cetacean6

I haven't tried to turn the engine yet, but if it works I'll definately keep it. I heard there's a good place in Oregon to get it redone.
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I know a guy here in missoula mt with a rebuilt gmc v6 engine 4sale, if you need I will give you a contact #.

[Shooters_7]

Just make sure you "coat" everything to protect it from the salt. Doesn't look too bad and I'm sure it'll be awesome build.

[66-PMD-GMC]

I have been looking for a crew cab FOR-EV-ER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Take the time and do the sheet metal work right...

Sit on the thing for a while if you need to...
Take the time to get a pile of build parts if not all the parts you need.

Arizona has ton's of rust free sheet metal and I am sure someone out here could help you scrounge up what you need....

I would give up every one of my trucks today for a crewcab... that dude is cryin to be restored...

In my opinion, your the luckiest guy on this site...

[cetacean6]

Not a lot has happened with this build, but I'm planning to fly to Washington for 10 days in late July. If time allows I'm going to tear both trucks apart, blast or dip doors, front clip, and frame, then get those into primer. I'll take the engine out and bring it down to Central Cylinder Head in Portland to be dipped and made new again.

Aloha,
Rob

[jonzcustomshop]

thats really cool that you are doing that,I am scared already to see the final total..

[cetacean6]

Of course, if my wife ever finds out how much I'm spending things will have to change, and that google doc will disappear forever!

[cAlvis165]

Hey! I live just a few miles from Orville, OH! I wonder if that cab manufactorer is still around?

[cAlvis165]

Here's all I could find about the Orville Metal Specialty Co. You may have already found this by doing a google search but I thought I would post it for all to enjoy.

Orville Metal Specialty Co.

[cetacean6]

Originally Posted by cAlvis165

Hey! I live just a few miles from Orville, OH! I wonder if that cab manufactorer is still around?

Dude,if you find anything by way of old documents (specs or build sheets)let me know! Would love to have specifications on their builds! They were bought out by Crown I think...