66 Panel Truck build

[s13dan]

Well i figured I would start a build thread for my fathers 63 Panel truck. The more I have looked into older suburbans I am learning these panel trucks are somewhat rare. My father had one about 20 years ago the he had restored but was forced to sell. So he has been keeping an eye out and finally last fall found another one. He snatched it up and we began to work on it this spring.
He financially cant do a full restoration right now, which is what he would want to do. So instead we are doing our own work and just going to get it mechanically sound so he can enjoy the truck until he can restore it fully.


Okay picture time,

His 66 he had.

[s13dan]

Now the 63, I did the paint work in our garage. Its not the best but it will work. My dad did most of the engine and mechanical work. This is how he found it.






When he got it, ran and drove but found out there was a major crack in the valley, So that 350 was toast. The body is kinda rough, but it can be brought back.

[s13dan]

So we went to work...



You can kinda see the space we have to work in, its a little tight.


The motor, 350 with vortec heads and a mild cam, holly 650. Nothing crazy its not a race truck or anything. My ride in the background, hence my screen name.



Its new heart-hehe


About where we are now, its runs, the old man has some small stuff to do before its maiden voyage. I cant wait.

[Captainfab]

Welcome to the forum

That's a decent looking panel your dad has. Nice engine too!

BTW it isn't a '63. The grill is a '62 and the frame and front suspension are of the '60-'62 vintage. The combination brake and clutch master is an indication also. Not trying to nit pick, just thought I'd let you know what you have.

[SulphuriousSam]

Nice Panel! Dad's gonna have fun Maybe they'll be able to re-name your thread from 66 to 63 or 62 (as Cap'n says) Panel Truck Build. I wish I could run into one in my area. I've seen several 60-66' trucks sitting in fields around here but none are on the road and I've not found a single panel even rotting away in a field! Great find!

[s13dan]

My apologies, I don't know these trucks that well. That's why I joined the forum, I have much to learn. The old man knows what he has. lol It is a 62, i cant figure out how to edit the title! I thought the master cylinder looked to be an odd thing, seemed kinda dangerous to me.

Yea its rough but you just dont see these things, ever.. Long story short in the next few years we should be able to do much more extensive work. For now it will just have to be ugly.Either way we will be working on it.

[SulphuriousSam]

I don't think it's ugly now! Just worn is all. I'm sure it will look great when you've had a chance to work on it. This site is great and all the knowledgable guys on here will give you loads of help