1966 GMC build in MA

[LoudLowNslow]

Whats up everybody. My name is Paul and I live in MA. I'm about to start doing a resto-mod on a 1966 GMC step side shortbed that was handed down to me..
Quick History
My father bought this truck in 2001 locally. He passed away in August of 2002 from Cancer. I was 14 years old then. In 2006 I got interested in fixing it up, and got it running after sitting for 4years. After getting it running for about 10 mins, the radiator let go. I pulled the radiator, and found rot. Long story short I wound up pulling the front clip realizing how much rust there was, and the truck has sat since then.

Fast forward to today, I pulled the truck out(now knowing ALOT more about vehicles, but not much about older ones), it's not as bad as I thought. The frame is solid, but the cab needs a lot of work. I will post some pictures later.

The truck is a 1966 GMC. inline 6, 250, 3 on the tree. Has leaf springs out back not coils? I see most trucks had coil springs?

Next year will mark 10 years since my father passed and my goal is to have it running and driving in memory of him by next summer, I'm going to need ALOT of help/tips from this forum as this is a learning process for me!
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[LoudLowNslow]

Oh yah and to No Moa, who I see posting on here, its Paul from BaD Ass. Of NE! Whats up man!?
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[Clyde65]

Welcome and you really should post some pics, we are picture hoes, if you didnt know.

You have reached the place where answers are plentiful, ask away!

[Thealien]

Welcome from a Brockton neighbor, good luck. If you need an extra pair of hands from time to time maybe we can help each other out?

[tooslo60]

I belive most, if not all GMC's were equipped with rear leaf springs.

[pdxhall]

Welcome to the board and good luck on your truck.

[amccomb]

You should post some pics if you get the chance. Good luck with the truck!!

[badblu97]

Welcome!

[aerotruk63]

Sad story, great tribute, how can we help, even though there's no pictures!LOL

[kieth]

Originally Posted by LoudLowNslow

Whats up everybody. My name is Paul and I live in MA. I'm about to start doing a resto-mod on a 1966 GMC step side shortbed that was handed down to me..
Quick History
My father bought this truck in 2001 locally. He passed away in August of 2002 from Cancer. I was 14 years old then. In 2006 I got interested in fixing it up, and got it running after sitting for 4years. After getting it running for about 10 mins, the radiator let go. I pulled the radiator, and found rot. Long story short I wound up pulling the front clip realizing how much rust there was, and the truck has sat since then.

Fast forward to today, I pulled the truck out(now knowing ALOT more about vehicles, but not much about older ones), it's not as bad as I thought. The frame is solid, but the cab needs a lot of work. I will post some pictures later.

The truck is a 1966 GMC. inline 6, 250, 3 on the tree. Has leaf springs out back not coils? I see most trucks had coil springs?

Next year will mark 10 years since my father passed and my goal is to have it running and driving in memory of him by next summer, I'm going to need ALOT of help/tips from this forum as this is a learning process for me!
Posted via Mobile Device
Posted via Mobile Device

I got a new 3 row stock looking radiator from Rock Auto, it was about $175.00 Kieth I have a 66 gmc SWB it had the same set up, 250 3spd, the whole engine trans combo is sitting in the shop......have fun it is a lot of work but worth it. Kieth

Start: http://kieth.smugmug.com/Trucks/66-G...67555158_RNLWE

Finish: http://kieth.smugmug.com/Trucks/66-G...711497_nS2QZT6

Call me if you have any gmc specific questions, parts and information are hard to find. Good luck Kieth

[LoudLowNslow]

Thanks for the replies and Welcomes guys!

My plans as of right now are;

Sandblast/paint the frame(proabably with por-15)

Front disc conversion/5-lug swap with 2" drop spindles, probably 2" lowering springs also

Lower the rear 5"

New radiator, Carb, & full tune up

Re-assemble with old rusty body parts for now. I need this thing running/driving for next spring and wont have the $ to get the body done yet..

Heres a couple cell phone pics I took two days ago.. not much to see though LOL

Thats my girlfriend in the drivers seat.. shes never been in an older car and was in awe of the lack of.. well.. everything lol

[LoudLowNslow]

I might eventually look for a rust-free cab.. it needs a TON of work.. what scares me most is the spot above the windshield..

The truck, through some papers I found, was orignally a Cali truck bought late 65. With the paperwork i found, i know it was in Cali until atleast 78.

The paint is flaking, which reveals a whole nother story itself. Truck started out white, then was painted green, and THEN was painted its current Maroon color.

The bed is in decent shape, and the frame is SOLID. Cab and front fenders are bad. Hood is bad. could probably save the rest, but might buy new parts thorugh LMC truck piece by piece when I can afford to.. I will keep this thread updated as often as I can..

Question; i started pulling the bed off. first two bolts i tried to remove just spun after maybe turning a few threads. Should I just cut the bolts off and replace with new ones? Thanks guys..

[Clyde65]

look in the parts section, MZ6 was selling a big window cab there.

I would just cut the old hardware, you will need to replace anyway.

[Captainfab]

Welcome to the forum Paul

When it comes to rusted bolts, I usually just cut them off is they cause much grief removing them. New bolts aren't all that expensive if you know where to buy them. It is much nicer to reassemble with new bolts too.

[jbgroby]

In the one picture where you show the pass. side with the door open is kinda weird. It's as if the front of the truck is completly missing and just floating there . I did a double take on than one.

[markeb01]

Welcome to the forum, and good luck on the build.