My 61 Build (Grandfathers truck clone)

[juanz1947]

man i love those side steps are you going to be running
nice truck i have there

[CVA59]

As soon as i remove those side steps they will be free for the taking.

[markeb01]

Originally Posted by CVA59

It was 108 outside today. Inside my truck at work was 140. This heat is killing me mentally and physically. I am not sure how many more years i can stand this climate.

In my youth I spent 18 months stationed at MCAS Yuma. Typical summer temperature could reach 118 degrees. Occasionally someone that didn’t appreciate the danger would picnic in the desert where the temps could reach 135. A few didn’t come back alive. The experience cured me of ever wanting to live in that type climate again.

[CVA59]

Originally Posted by markeb01

In my youth I spent 18 months stationed at MCAS Yuma. Typical summer temperature could reach 118 degrees. Occasionally someone that didn’t appreciate the danger would picnic in the desert where the temps could reach 135. A few didn’t come back alive. The experience cured me of ever wanting to live in that type climate again.

I hear ya Mark. I was born and raised here in the south. When i was young i didn't care how hot it was. Now, I have to work indoors or not at all. I tend to loose all interest in any outdoor activity when it feels like someone is holding a torch 6 inches from my face. I lived in Wyoming for a few years and loved the climate there. I hope to get back there one day. Much more tolerable climate out west.

[Corts60]

Hey Mark, that's funny, my brother is stationed at a Marine Corps base in Yuma. I guess it's the same one?

Hey Zac, if you don't mind the clouds, come on up to the NW and you'll never worry about those temps again.

[markeb01]

Originally Posted by Corts60

Hey Mark, that's funny, my brother is stationed at a Marine Corps base in Yuma. I guess it's the same one?

Yep, it’s the same one. Fort Huachuca is also nearby but it is an Army post. It’s interesting to note Marine Aircraft Group 13 (MAG-13) flying Harriers has been located at MCAS Yuma since the 1980’s. MAG-13 is the same outfit I was attached to in Vietnam during 1968-69, although back then we flew F4 Phantoms.

[juanz1947]

Originally Posted by CVA59

As soon as i remove those side steps they will be free for the taking.

cool let me know i would be interested i have been looking for some for my 66 chevy truck

[yote1234]

Originally Posted by markeb01

Yep, it’s the same one. Fort Huachuca is also nearby but it is an Army post. It’s interesting to note Marine Aircraft Group 13 (MAG-13) flying Harriers has been located at MCAS Yuma since the 1980’s. MAG-13 is the same outfit I was attached to in Vietnam during 1968-69, although back then we flew F4 Phantoms.

ummm (mag-13)..f4 phantoms.. 68-69... where? da nang,chu lai, marble mt? did you see any uh-34d's

[CVA59]

Originally Posted by juanz1947

cool let me know i would be interested i have been looking for some for my 66 chevy truck

Will do. I have use for them. I should have them off in a week or so

[markeb01]

Originally Posted by yote1234

ummm (mag-13)..f4 phantoms.. 68-69... where? da nang,chu lai, marble mt? did you see any uh-34d's

Chu Lai, and yes lots of UH34's, they filled a variety of roles. Most guys loved them being very rugged compared to Hueys. In Yuma they were also used as our Search And Rescue birds.

[LostMy65]

[CVA59]

Originally Posted by LostMy65

That looks awesome. I wish i could draw like that.

[CVA59]

Ok guys, this has been an up and down roller coaster ride so far. BUT, I am thrilled to say that last night a found a guy who has both door trim pieces factory NOS still in the box (never installed) for my 61. They were a bit pricey but he had them, i need them and so i got them. He is shipping them out to me today (thank you PayPal). So, if i can find a good grill this 61 it will be 100% complete. I am very happy about finding this trim. I have spent hours and hours searching on Google and it finally has paid off. There may acutally be a small dim light at the end of this tunnel after all, LOL.I will post up pics of the trim pieces when they get here hopefully first of next week. Thanks to all who have been helping me along with my outlook on this project.

[chevyrestoguy]

That's great news! I know that the trim pieces were a huge piece to this puzzle, and getting them was very impoprtant to you. Post up pictures when you get them, I really want to see what 1961 NOS pieces look like!

[LostMy65]

Good job, Zack.

Please don't let bumps in the road discourage you.

Maybe the truck isn't as far along as you hope, but the difficulty you've had just demonstrates even more how rare your truck is.

Even with little progress, you have your granddad's truck.

I'm really glad to hear you are feeling good about this again.

-Robert

[CVA59]

Thanks again guys. Yes, getting these pieces has restored a great deal of interest in continuing on with this project. I don't like doing anything half way so this and when i find a grill will complete it. I too have never seen NEW NOS parts like this. It will be nice to have NEW pieces on the truck. No i can now (slowly) get started on the frame and suspension and start making some progress. I know my dad is pretty excited too. He wants to see this truck restored as you can well imagine. Now that we have the missing link we can keep er going. I will try my best to start posting pics as i begin the rebuild process.

[Captainfab]

That is great news Zack. I never would have thought you would have found those pieces NOS.

This past winter on my local craigslist someone had a NOS center for the '61 grill. I himmed and hawed too long and it was gone.

I'm glad to see your outlook on this project has improved.

[CVA59]

Thanks Fab. I feel much better now. These trim pieces were like an antibiotic for me, LOL.

[lil hoodlum]

I posted this in your other thread but you never replied. If you are interested I can inquire about the grill.

Keith

[CVA59]

Originally Posted by lil hoodlum

I posted this in your other thread but you never replied. If you are interested I can inquire about the grill.

Keith

I am very sorry, i have had a lot going on with this truck situation as my other thread explained. I am definitely interested if you can find out something please drop me a PM and let me know the condition and price. I appreciate your help very much.

[Captainfab]

I know that has to be a good feeling to find those trim pieces.....well except for having to pay for them. It would really be nice if those guys you bought the truck from would follow thru on their promise to reimburse you for the purchase price on them. I guess we'll see just what kind of guys they really are.

Originally Posted by CVA59

Thanks Fab. I feel much better now. These trim pieces were like an antibiotic for me, LOL.

[CVA59]

I checked my pm box on here this morning to find member "Walts_restoration" had found me a PERFECT aluminum 61 grill with bezels. I immeditatly called the gentleman who owns it and promptly purchased it from him. This is turning out much better than i could have ever of hoped for thanks to all you guys. I will try to post some pics of the grill later today but it is in perfect condition and i am extremely happy right now. Thanks again to all who have helped me.

[LostMy65]

I'm excited.

Here's one that always makes me chuckle:

Terry Fields : Pardon me, sir, but I lost my
I.D . in... in a flood and I'd like to get some
Old Harper, hard stuff. Would you mind
buying a bottle for me?

Bum at Liquor Store: Why certainly! I lost
my wife, too - her name wasn' t Idy,
though, and it wasn' t in a flood - but I
know what ya...

Terry Fields : Thanks, here's enough for a
pint.
Posted via Mobile Device

[CVA59]

Originally Posted by LostMy65

I'm excited.

Here's one that always makes me chuckle:

Terry Fields : Pardon me, sir, but I lost my
I.D . in... in a flood and I'd like to get some
Old Harper, hard stuff. Would you mind
buying a bottle for me?

Bum at Liquor Store: Why certainly! I lost
my wife, too - her name wasn' t Idy,
though, and it wasn' t in a flood - but I
know what ya...

Terry Fields : Thanks, here's enough for a
pint.
Posted via Mobile Device

Thanks man. I am very excited. That is my all time favorite movie. I guess i have watched 5-600 million times, LOL. Too bad times today are not that carefree.

[SFTorange]

I'm so glad to hear that things are headed in the right direction. These projects can become so stressful that it's hard to remember that we're doing this for fun. I'm looking forward to pictures of your new acquisitions.