New Guys Builds

[66-PMD-GMC]

If I was in WA I would have scooped up that motor BTW

[66-PMD-GMC]

This build has been all over the place.
I am back to building it as a LWB parts truck.
Today I will be installing the trans, finishing the brakes, buttoning up the engine install and searching far and wide for a good used radiator. I found a new one for $250 but I am trying to keep the build cost to an absolute minimum.

[66-PMD-GMC]

The 66 is a running, driving, (sort of) truck.
79 3/4 ton front disks and a 14 bolt full floater 3.42 rear out of the same 79. 34mm master cylinder, no power.
74 250 straight 6 with a 235 head. runs smooth.
SM420 trans. It is sure a different truck from the V6 powered truck I dragged home.
This truck has more work needed than I saw when I first got it. It will be my "for now" ride for the time being.
I am going to change out the frame and do a full restoration later on as funds allow but
again that will be later on.
I just need to drop a bed on and put some good rubber on it.
I got it tagged to 2016.... a little over $60 and insurance is $347 a year. Thats what I call cheap transportation.

[McMurphy]

Nice to see another Pontiac guy around here!
I am a huge fan of the OHC6 motors, and it is the center piece of discussion when I put my 66 Tempest in car shows.
In my sig is a link to my CarDomain detailing the known history of that car.

The 66 Stepside I am working on now is intended to be a hauler for the Tempest for the car shows that are outside of Spokane (like Seattle area) that I just dont want to log the miles onto the Tempest for.
I figure I can enter them both and slide the truck in the "Projects in Progress" category or class. None the less, a 66 Chevy showing up with a 66 Pontiac on the trailer will just be too cool....

Wife is getting her 72 LeMans with a Pontiac 350 professionally restored right now and should be done some time next summer. Sorry but we dont have any pics of that yet.

I am having a hard enough time with just one truck, I cannot fathom how you are juggling 3.

[wutnxt]

Well it looks like you have had a few set backs on the build but thats how builds go .....they start out as hey this won't take long and then whamo.....next thing you know you have built all this stuff you no longer want and the " vision changes ".....lol....keep up the good work and good luck

[66-PMD-GMC]

Originally Posted by wutnxt

Well it looks like you have had a few set backs on the build but thats how builds go .....they start out as hey this won't take long and then whamo.....next thing you know you have built all this stuff you no longer want and the " vision changes ".....lol....keep up the good work and good luck

The 66 is a semi-daily driver, have a steel 71 bed floor in the bed and it was a piece of cake to do.
I am changing the master cylinder to a different model if it ever stops raining.
I also found a power steering bracket so the power steering gear box is going back on. I will be tearing the 66 down to paint in May or June. This is a no frills build for my work truck.
Other changes are a HEI distributor and dual battery setup and my tow packages.
Thats about it for this one.
The power build is the 63. (hotrod)
I am nearly done with the frame on that build but it still needs to stop raining...

[57truckguy]

hey how did you do the medal bed floor.. I've been thinking along thoes line myseld.. I've seen and entire bed replacement but mine is in great shape and only needs a floor.. also thinking maybe a mini tub of 2 or 3 inches to clear the tires I have sitting on Cragers wanting to go on the truck. >>>???

[66-PMD-GMC]

Originally Posted by 57truckguy

hey how did you do the medal bed floor.. I've been thinking along thoes line myseld.. I've seen and entire bed replacement but mine is in great shape and only needs a floor.. also thinking maybe a mini tub of 2 or 3 inches to clear the tires I have sitting on Cragers wanting to go on the truck. >>>???

The metal bed floor was the easiest modification I made.
Its a simple mattert of trimming a small amount of metal, the corner actually, off the rear support of the floor to clear a bump inside the bedside and bolting it together.
I brought the bed floor home and it took me a couple minutes less than two hours to complete the bed.

[AZ66GMC]

Originally Posted by 66-PMD-GMC

The metal bed floor was the easiest modification I made.
Its a simple mattert of trimming a small amount of metal, the corner actually, off the rear support of the floor to clear a bump inside the bedside and bolting it together.
I brought the bed floor home and it took me a couple minutes less than two hours to complete the bed.

Pictures or it didn't happen... lol

How's things going Chris?



.

[66-PMD-GMC]

Originally Posted by AZ66GMC

Pictures or it didn't happen... lol

How's things going Chris?



.

Well, the most important part is that I am indeed still alive. So I got that going for me.
I am finishing my 71 frame modification, not really a difficult thing to do really, just time.
Anyway, I plan to get the frame scrubbed up and painted to I can move the 66 over to that frame.
I used a funky power steering adapter that is making a "popping" noise from time to time.
The new frame eliminates all that nonsense having power steering set up all ready.
The 71 frame has 8 lug suspension that I am considering changing. I have a couple 5 lug setups. More wheel options with those. Just need a decent geared leaf sprung 5 lug rear, like 3:42 or better 3:08.
I also want to change over to the NV 4500 trans if I cant find a 700R4 that will work with my 6 cyl.
Otherwise I will be back to square one changing motors.
ALL of the above because I need to disassemble to paint....
How about you? I have been following your thread, nice dash mod.

[AZ66GMC]

Sounds like you've been busy and I'm glad to hear that you are still alive

I was thinking about you a few weeks ago when my son broke down out near AJ. I had to run out there and help change a heater hose that blew on his honda accord... I still have the scares on my arm to prove it...

I just welded up my brother's 66 frame where it cracked from the PO installing the power steering box with bolts and washers only.... I plated it on both side and he is good now... It was popping too when he turned the wheel...


.

[66-PMD-GMC]

The project sounds worse than it is.
I have to disassemble to paint and put under coating on anyway so reassembling on a different frame is no big deal.
I just want this project done because the 63 project is going to be bad! bad! bad!.....
Alston chassis works back half, narrowed 9 inch and ground pounding big inch power. Frame is 99% done so...
I am going to pull it with the 66 so paint jobs will coinside....

[66-PMD-GMC]

Spent the better part of the day prepping my build zone to start assembling/building the 63 and disassembling the 66 for paint etc...
Will be painting the bottom of the 66 cab and the back, the front of the bed and reassemble...
Dang this is a lot of work but should be worth it in the end.
Side by side projects...

[TJ's Chevy]

I have a couple of Chevys.
My 1966 1/2 ton fender side shortbed. It has a 292 6 cyl in it. Planning on doing
A little hot roding on the motor. Any ideas?
My other chevy is 1964 3/4 ton wide side long bed. It also has a 292, plan on swapping it for a v8; the 6 is just a little to slow for heavy hauling at high speed. Anyway these are my resto projects and I would love some ideas!

Sorry no pics my darn computer is not workin!
Posted via Mobile Device

[66-PMD-GMC]

Originally Posted by T.J. MCCAULEY

I have a couple of Chevys.
My 1966 1/2 ton fender side shortbed. It has a 292 6 cyl in it. Planning on doing
A little hot roding on the motor. Any ideas?
My other chevy is 1964 3/4 ton wide side long bed. It also has a 292, plan on swapping it for a v8; the 6 is just a little to slow for heavy hauling at high speed. Anyway these are my resto projects and I would love some ideas!

Sorry no pics my darn computer is not workin!
Posted via Mobile Device

Well, you could always go BORING and do the 350 SBC route.. That one has only been done about 1,000,000 times this last year alone.
OR.... you could dig around and find a Buick, Olds, Pontiac or Cadillac engine and build something unique.
I saw a big Caddy motor advertised locally for $200 and it was likely rebuilt.
I went to see it.. guy started it up... ran great.. was only 479 CID....
I didn't buy it only because I don't have any room....

What do you want to do with your truck?????

[66-PMD-GMC]

Here is the frame for one of the 3 trucks I have going right now.
It's a 67-72 frame that has retro-fitted for the 63-66 cab.
Once I have this 66 out of the way, I am moving on to the 63 pro-street...
The 66 has been together and apart 3 times... now that I have everything straight and true,,, paint is going on, new moving parts and it should be back on the road soon.

[TJ's Chevy]

Hey 66-pmd-gmc,
I plan to keep most of the out side of the truck stock except for color, tire size,
and trim. The motor is a 292 that I plan to do some mild hot roding on(4 brl. carb.,
cam, headers, lump port head, distributor, .30 over bore ect.) Also plan on puttin
a T-5 trans in. Tires I plan on doing taller than 15(stock) plan on going to 16. looks
better in my appinion! Color is still up in the air(why I am askin for ideas). I will try
to get some pics on here soon(that will help with ideas; at least you will be able to see what you are takin about!). TECHNOLOGY DRIVES ME CRAZY SOMTIMES!!!!! Anyway hope this helps.





T.J. MCCAULEY(OLD 66 CHEVY) Thats my nickname....though im not old.....

[66-PMD-GMC]

Originally Posted by T.J. MCCAULEY

Hey 66-pmd-gmc,
I plan to keep most of the out side of the truck stock except for color, tire size,
and trim. The motor is a 292 that I plan to do some mild hot roding on(4 brl. carb.,
cam, headers, lump port head, distributor, .30 over bore ect.) Also plan on puttin
a T-5 trans in. Tires I plan on doing taller than 15(stock) plan on going to 16. looks
better in my appinion! Color is still up in the air(why I am askin for ideas). I will try
to get some pics on here soon(that will help with ideas; at least you will be able to see what you are takin about!). TECHNOLOGY DRIVES ME CRAZY SOMTIMES!!!!! Anyway hope this helps.
T.J. MCCAULEY(OLD 66 CHEVY) Thats my nickname....though im not old.....

There is a button that says go advance below box were you reply. If you click it you will see a new rely box that has additional options. In that section you can find a manage attachments button. THAT is where you add photos.

[TJ's Chevy]

If you dont mind sending me your e-mail I can send a ton of pictures for ya!
I know how to post pictures, but my computer is wierd...somtimes...

[TJ's Chevy]

This is just for practice, but its bound to get some oooohs and ahhhhs or some
barfs and yucks.

[66-PMD-GMC]

Still plugging away at the 66.
Trail and final fitting stuff, degreasing, prepping and painting brackets and other stuff.

[Vernski]

Hi PMD what brand are your center dump headers? just like to know what's available out there, Thanx...Vernski

[66-PMD-GMC]

Originally Posted by Vernski

Hi PMD what brand are your center dump headers? just like to know what's available out there, Thanx...Vernski

I bought them from a friend of a friend. They cam in a Hooker box that was all beat up. The picture on the box was a generic set of headers but the label said ceramic coated SBC.
I had to search around for headers since I normally don't do a lot with Chevy.
They have really think flanges and fit very well. I can get to every header bolt with a thin box end and that is saying something for SBC...

[66-PMD-GMC]

The 66 GMC is now history.
I sold it to a friend...