My first 64

[64shackman]

Hello all. I recently purchased a 1964 Chevy short bed fleetside with a I6 230 motor. It is not the big back glass. It has a 3 on the tree . I AM open for any suggestions on what I should do, keep it original, put a v-8 in it maybe 283, or make a hot rod out of it. My I intentions are to just drive it to car shows within a 100 miles or so and cruise it around town on weekends. I am was medically retired from military after 24 years and receiving an injury in the big sandbox in 2006. I built me a shop behind the house and this is what I want to do, restore old cars. I have a 58 Edsel ready for paint in a couple of months and think I want to stick with trucks. I have read many of the post oh here and you all sound like you enjoy helping one another. I would like to be part of that. Thanks in advance as I know I will be picking the brains of you all with questions. Thanks again

[glos55]

Welcome from MI and Thank-you for your service! Being a Sgt. in the Air Force years ago I can really appreciate your 24 yrs of military service!! Sorry to hear you were injured! Congrats on the 64! I have a 65 shortstepper and a 64 short fleet that I'm playing with, they are alot of fun! Any pics of your truck?

[TJ's Chevy]

Welcome! And thank you for serving our country! We all love to help each other around here, but it is your truck and you decide what you want to do. Most if not all of us are going to give you different answers to your question. Like me for instance...you just want something that is nice for cruising and looks good at a car show....well the straight 6 is great for putting around in, but can also be hotrodded as well. I am someone who likes a stock appearance, but a powerful drive train. Others might say a V8 cause they are great for cruising as well. It all depends on what money you want to spend and how you want your truck to look. And I second the motion for pictures! LOL! We are crazy about them here. Hope all goes well and have fun with your new toy.

[firemanjimtfd]

Welcome . Your are lucky to find a short fleet truck. I just like to get them running good and get all the electrical lights, turn signals steering and brakes all working properly and go cruising . We have 3 cruise nights around Tulsa a week in the summer time. Going to one tonight.

[63 & 64 Bowties]

to the forum!
I pulled a good running 6cyl out of my 64 to put a small block. But, that was a long time ago. I kinda wish now I would have kept the 6cyl.
Take a look at these engines and you may think the same:
http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=276823
Oh, and I prefer the small back windows myself.

[Captainfab]

Welcome to the forum and Thank You for your service

Sorry to hear you got hurt in the process

I agree that it really is up to you as to what to do.

Personally I like a well built V8 and a manual 4 or 5 speed. The auto trans are fine, but sometimes I really like rowing thru the gears.

[Ta2Don]

and Welcome Aboard!
Thank You for your Service!:flags:

Looking forward to seeing Pics of your truck, and I'm sure you will find lots of friendly folks out here, I know I have!!!

[64shackman]

Thanks to all who answered. After looking at some pictures I am going to keep the I6 and just customize it. The only changes I am thinking of making are a brake booster system or a duel system instead of the single now on it. I will be looking for these threads in the future. Pictures are on there way today.