newby, my son just got aa 65 longbed

[ochretoe]

First off I want to say hi to everyone. I plan to pic some brains with my boy's new project. Now for the details. My son, who is 14, just bought a 65 longbed this week. He has big plans of what to do to it before he can drive next year. My first question is where do most folks go for parts? The truck has a 250 inline and three on the tree. It runs very good but has a few electrical gremlins and needs some body work. Nothing major just a few holes and dents and a new wood bed floor. My son has worked hard this last year to get the funds to buy this truck and I don't want him throwing money away on over priced stuff. He works 3 nights a week stocking shelves and cleaning up at a corner store near the house. He is pretty handy and learns fast. He has helped me over the last 5 years work on my 74 Bronco so I know he's up to it. Also, what books are a must for this truck? If anyone has any sugestions or helpful hints feel free to pass them along, and thanks in advance.

[72GMCK-2500]

Just keep an eye out of 1960-66 truck parts on threads, and constantly monitor the 60-66 forum for parts too. I used to have a 65 GMC longbed with the 305 V6 and powerglide. It also had air conditioning! Your best bet with a new wooden bed floor is MAR-K of if your looking for a cheaper in price wooden bed go LMC truck at LMCTruck.com and go from there. Or Do it yourselve with some pine 2x6's from homedepot!

[vin63]

Welcome and it sounds like you've raised a model son! I spend a lot of time making, updating and prioritizing my list of parts needed. Then when I go to swap meets, check online parts on sale/auction, etc., I have a good idea of what I need or should get and able to compare. Some parts are better to get new, and for those, I purchase from Classic Parts and LMC, once in awhile Brothers Truck Parts will have sales/clearance events.

[dtkarst]

Well for books, I would suggest shop manual for a must, and if you wanted to get into it a little more maybe an assembly manual. you can get them on amazon, ebay, truck sites, etc. And for the things i have bought for my truck which is mainly little things like tail lights, lenses, dome light odds and ends, Classic parts of america have been pretty low priced with some quality products. But theres other sites too, LMC, classic industries, ebay.



Hope this Helps. Should be a fun little project

[Woogeroo]

FAQ truck tech here on the forum.

Vendors Marketplace - vendors that support the site, post deals and specials, etc.. in there.

Review Board - review of vendors, ebay sellers, other members... both good and bad, service and parts quality.


Good luck.

-W

[63cory]

lmc truck is the best place to get parts

['63GENIII]

Welcome. Sounds like you've got a hard working, motivated kid there which can be half of the challenge on projects. I like checking the parts section here, C.L. has been a pretty good source also. I also like Classic Trucks. The books that I have picked up so far have been old shop manuals from auto repair places. I've gotten them for free because they just don't seem to work on alot of old stuff anymore and haven't used them in years. Have fun with your boy on the project, I know I have a blast when my 6 year old comes out to help and actually kinda knows what he's doing.

[chevy_man5]

I have had good luck with the Truck and Car Shop.

www.truckandcarshop.com

Some people on here have not had very good luck with them though.

I have also bought items from LMC and Classic Parts. Both of which were good to deal with.

Good Luck!

[krazy_texan]

i would say just stay active in this message board, in my opinion this is the best group of guys to know with a very vast knowledge of chevy trucks among other things. If you ask me this board is far better than any book you will ever find. And from time to time if i get really stumpted i will browse the 67-72 forum as well they are always glad to help out.

[Clyde65]

I suggest an assembly manual for1963, then also the 1965 supplement book.

I have purchased from Classic Parts for 25 years and they are always the lowest price and pretty much all vendors have the same parts. I do encourage you to check with our board sponsor vendors first, they are a big help!

Great story and I wish you and your son "Happy resto-mod" !

[aerotruk63]

The shop manuals are available on Cd. Every piece of original literature you can get your hands on is helpful but takes away from the build budget. You can ask as many questions on this site as you like. Makes for great debate at times!LOL. You'll find your internet searches will almost always lead back to this site, that's why I joined. Also because I get to post as many pictures as I want. LMAO Parts trucks come in handy and you can sometimes recoup some cash selling off extra parts on this site. Welcome to you both and have fun.

[Rich 5150 69]

Welcome to the site ...best manual in the world is right here...

[Dieselwrencher]

Welcome from Iowa!

[ochretoe]

Thanks for all the information and help and well wishes. This promises to be a fun build.

[McMurphy]

Just so you know, we are all addicted to photos.
The more pics you post, the more help you get .....

Just kidding!
Hope you and your son have fun with this, chances are you will be building more than just a truck.

[4dranch]

Welcome Steve and Jed.


You have to post pics or these guys will send you to time out. :lol
Jeds truck has a little history. It use to be the county coroners rig.

[61_FL_Apache]

Welcome!! This is a great place for information. Do plenty of searches and looking around.

It will be a fun project for you and your son.

[likaroc13]

can't add too much to what the guys have already said...but if you want/need original replacement parts, you can check with Tony @ http://4-5-6chevytrucks.com/index.html....so far, the only aftermarket parts place i've had experience with is Classic Parts of America; and they were great

on a side note, good to see another person from familiar territory...i'm originally from Corinth, MS....my dad used to take us to Millington for the Super Chevy Show...i've also been to the Relaxed Atmosphere show there as well....i hope ya'll have fun building the '65, and definitely post pics when you can...it's great to see youngsters who take notice to the classics, and it sounds like you're son is a good kid who'll enjoy and appreciate his truck....should be a great father/son project!

[Alan's Classic]

Originally Posted by 4dranch

Welcome Steve and Jed.


You have to post pics or these guys will send you to time out. :lol
Jeds truck has a little history. It use to be the county coroners rig.

Welcome aboard, you'll like it here. It looks like y'all know each other being from the same town.

As far as pics go, here is your first warning. JK

[ochretoe]

Lets see if this works. Here are a couple that Jed had on his phone. The second one is him washing it for first time.

[likaroc13]

that looks cool! don't see too many solid white ones....what are the plans for it?

[oem4me]

Welcome and good to have ya. If it's not yet clear, the FACTORY GM shop manuals and supplements are the only way to go. Whether in the form of a new cd or an old used/stained book, they are easy to follow and well illustrated from the first turn of the wrench to the last, on just about any task.
If you get stuck, just drop a line here and you'll have ten know-it-alls respond in a flash.
looks like a good truck too! Was it all white originally? Red seat or fawn? (the reds are rare!) - Good luck

[chad64chevy]

nice looking truck, dont look like it needs much or anything really, i would just enjoy it!!

[jbgroby]

I bet your son lost sleep a few night so far dreaming of all the things he would/could do to it. I find myself still after 12 years doing the same. In the first picture, for the TN. the area this time of year it sure looks mild, grass is green and trees have leaves

[Alan's Classic]

Nice solid start truck to start with.