Finally got me a '66

[speedy_steve]

Picked this little jewel up for a steal on Christmas Eve, Merry Christmas to me.

She fired right up and I was able to drive her home with no problems. She's in great shape with a few items that need immediate attention. The fuel filters are full of sludge, the radiator has a lot of rust and needs a flush or possibly replacing, and the brakes need replacing. That's the "make it go" and "make it stop" priorities. Everything else falls into the "when I get to it" category.

No time lines or budget restraints...it's a project that will take however long I want it to make it truly "mine!"

[TJ's Chevy]

Sweet looking truck! Even has a 292!!!

[speedy_steve]

My plan is to keep as much stock as possible, keep the 292 running strong, and just spruce up the interior a bit. I've been doing a little research on the engine and it looks like I have found a pretty good truck.


From everything I've found, it's been a Texas truck all it's life. There is surprisingly little rust and it's real straight, no dog legging at all. The right side of the bed rail sags a little, but I think that's largely due to the boards being rotted out in the bed.

[63 & 64 Bowties]

Nice find
Welcome to the forum

[TJ's Chevy]

Originally Posted by speedy_steve

My plan is to keep as much stock as possible, keep the 292 running strong, and just spruce up the interior a bit. I've been doing a little research on the engine and it looks like I have found a pretty good truck.


From everything I've found, it's been a Texas truck all it's life. There is surprisingly little rust and it's real straight, no dog legging at all. The right side of the bed rail sags a little, but I think that's largely due to the boards being rotted out in the bed.

Awesome! Love trucks with 6 bangers! Yeah, the 292 is a great motor...looks like you have a GM HEI as well. PO must have added that before you got it. It'll be a great motor for ya.

[we born in 62]

looks fairly straight, where did it come from

[we born in 62]

I got a 62 that came from irving had no rust holes just alittle surface rust nice n straight like yours

[speedy_steve]

The PO wasn't exactly mechanically inclined. He was forgetful though...left a tooldbox full of Craftsmen tools in the truck.

[FetchMeAPepsi]

Originally Posted by speedy_steve

The PO wasn't exactly mechanically inclined. He was forgetful though...left a tooldbox full of Craftsmen tools in the truck.

Bwahahaha! Awesome find there. 292 and the tools to work on it. You're one lucky duck!

[Indian113]

Looking Good! Enjoy it and keep taking pictures as you work on it

[markeb01]

Good for you. Welcome to the forum, and enjoy your new truck!

[Ta2Don]

Welcome aboard!!!

[70cst]

Hey speedy_steve ...

to the forums and from Ohio.

on a looking ride

[Captainfab]

Welcome to the forum

[speedy_steve]

Thanks for the welcomes.

This thing is a blast. Pulled the fuel filters and carb last night; tons of sludge in the filters, fuel is cloudy, but no damage to the carb. Slight pitting on the pushrods but nothing too detrimental. And it looks like I'll be capping the fuel tank and replacing the fuel line. The po said he put a new fuel tank in it, but the lines are clogged I'm sure.

More updates as I continue.
It's not work if it's fun!

[speedy_steve]

Is it just me or do any of you guys just pop the hood and stand there looking at the engine. Found out today that's its great stress relief...just looking and thinking.

[speedy_steve]

So I've been hunting Craigslist and local "Pick and Pull" junkyards for a good donor for the following:
Power steering (complete system)
Possible Air Conditioner (it is Texas and summer's a coming)
Disc brake system (because stopping is good from time to time)

And while searching, it brought up a question...what year truck do you guys use for donor parts? And what year range is a good source for donor parts for a 66? Especially considering not to many 66's end up in the junkyard...thankfully.

[TJ's Chevy]

Originally Posted by speedy_steve

So I've been hunting Craigslist and local "Pick and Pull" junkyards for a good donor for the following:
Power steering (complete system)
Possible Air Conditioner (it is Texas and summer's a coming)
Disc brake system (because stopping is good from time to time)

And while searching, it brought up a question...what year truck do you guys use for donor parts?

Any truck from 60-80's will work....You can buy all the parts you are looking for brand new....but chevys from the 60's 70's an 80's are fairly interchangeable.

[speedy_steve]

I've been checking and there are several 70-75 c10's at our local junkyards, or as I like to call them "Man mall's."

[Ta2Don]

I put an 85 front crossmember in mine and had my rear axles redrilled for 5 lugs...

[speedy_steve]

Well, my list of priorities for the whole girl is just getting longer. Drove her to her new temporary resting home last night and noticed two things: the brakes need to be replaced asap, sure makes for some harrowing moments. And something is up with the fuel system. While driving at very low speeds (less than 30) she starts chugging like she's starving for fuel; then above 50, she does it again. There's fuel in the tank, I just replaced the filters, but there was a ton of sludge in them, so I'm not sure where to begin.

[65Gregg]

If you can stand the cold, there is a swapmeet in Arlington Friday and Saturday at the horse track, I'm going to stay home, theres no sense for me to get up at dawn to drive 3 hours to be cold. Welcome aboard and good luck.

[speedy_steve]

Originally Posted by 65Gregg

If you can stand the cold, there is a swapmeet in Arlington Friday and Saturday at the horse track, I'm going to stay home, theres no sense for me to get up at dawn to drive 3 hours to be cold. Welcome aboard and good luck.

This is the first I've heard. Is there a mailing list or notification center for events such as this?

[64 wedge]

I just got me a 66 also. It is a one owner farm truck with only twenty thousand miles on it but was definitely used on the farm, mud and straw in alot of places. It sat inside the barn since the mid 80's so it was somewhat protected. It has a 283 with the 3 on the tree. So far I have replaced the brake system and got the engine running.

[firemanjimtfd]

64 wedge . Welcome to the forum . Its nice to find those original trucks that has been in barns and not had 15 owners . Find you some original small hubcaps and enjoy driving.