1965 GMC "Bessie" build thread

[1stseries55]

Ok, finally decided to put a build thread together. I have been hanging around for some time posting a few times but mostly just studying and learning.

This is my 65 GMC short bed fleet BBW. I bought it about 4 years ago. I wanted something cool to drive daily while I worked on my 55 1st series truck.



The truck sat for about 10 years when I got it…. Motor ran , no brakes, needed some TLC. The build was quick and dirty to get it on the road as cheap as possible. Here is what she looked like for about 2 years

[1stseries55]

Bessie ran great, had a few minor instances where she got upset. Negative battery cable melted and shut her down, wheel fell off (not one of my finer moments…check out the carnage pic) and the shift linkage on the tree broke several times. I had a TH350 that I was going to use on my 55 so I decided to rid myself of the 3 on the tree. Well one thing led to another and next thing I knew Bessie was in a few hundred pieces.




This is rebuild #2 and I am tying up all the loose ends, doing things right and fixing the shortcuts I did the 1st time around.

The theme is a mid sixties custom.

I have installed the front suspension from an 87 burb… also got the power master cylinder and steering box from the same vehicle.

[ATTACH][/ATTACH]

[1stseries55]

2.5” spindles and 3” coils ….she is low…. After recommendations from you guys and got rid of the bumpstop mounts



The rear end is also from the 87 burb (wanted 5 lugs all the way around)…. Flipped it above the leafs and added a c-notch.

[hahaudriveachevy]

nice truck

[1stseries55]

Right now I am working on finishing the rest of the suspension…need to work out pinion angles and run fuel/brake lines, paint…..etc….


As far as body work, she is going to be a flat metallic blue with a gloss white roof.

Adding 59 caddy taillights …

[1stseries55]

Going with black steelies this time… I powder coated these with my eastwood home powder coat system… they turned out awesome. I started powder coating a bunch of stuff…


Here are my el-cheepo headers w/ high heat PC … hopefully that does not burn off as fast as the “high heat” paint did.



Thanks for all the good advice folks……

[protrash64]

Nice job 1stseries. Truck looks good. My '64 is running the same set-up suspension-wise. It rides nicely and Ive only bottomed out twice; once due to hitting a speed bump too fast. You can 'overcrank' the steering with those stops removed, you'll know when you do.

[Hilandr451]

Nice clean work! I'm impressed!

[1stseries55]

thanks protrash....did you have to move the rear back to compensate for the drop? or shorten the drive shaft?

[19GMC63]

I wish my front end looked that clean.
Nice work... can't wait to see the finished product.

[CWT]

Very nice build man. Looks killer.

[joe231]

nice work!!

[protrash64]

Originally Posted by 1stseries55

thanks protrash....did you have to move the rear back to compensate for the drop? or shorten the drive shaft?

No I didnt, but to qualify, I replaced the whole drivetrain at once so I didnt know where anything was supposed to be anyway. Used front engine mount location, aftermarket trans x-member, had the driveshaft redone cuz everything else was being redone too. My truck was such a mutt that I dont know if the driveshaft was original or not.

[Alan's Classic]

Glad to see you posting about your build. I've noticed you hang out over here alot. Welcome to this side. Nice work so far. I thought about putting the 59 caddy lights on mine, it's somewhere in my post, but got sidetracked with it for now. If I do mine I want them recessed more in the corner. It's hard for me to give you a visual. Your lights look great. Nice progress. I'll be Lookin' for more progress in the furure.

[Corts60]

I dig it! Love the stance. Stance can make or break a truck. You nailed it!

[ChiefRocka]

Sweet man...look'n sick !!!

[Captainfab]

Looks good....nice work

[Joemomma1]

Super nice, one of the best years too. 64-66 bbw swb trucks rule! Dont let anyone tell you different (if they disagree they dont know sh!t).

[jason65]

I agree with everyone. Nice lookin truck.

[bigbadjohn84]

sweet build up. wish I hadn't gotten rid of my 65.. keep us updated on progress for those of us without progress lol

[816allen]

Sweet truck man looks real clean/rust free too.
Keep the pics comin!

[ihatericeburners]

the flames really top off the old school look!

[1stseries55]

thanks for all the kind words fellas...

should have some updates by the end of the weekend.

I have a soft spot for old school flame jobs... this time around the roof will be white... I plan on adding some flames to the top of the roof in the main body color (flat blue metallic)

[SBTork]

flat blue metallic? Sounds cool, can't wait to see it. I've been wanting one of these mid 60's GMC's a lot lately, they're sweet.

[1stseries55]

it's called diamond blue metallic.... Hot Rod Flatz brand....


i have a gallon of the stuff....just need to get my a$$ in gear and get this thing finished.