Project 1960 Phoenix back from Rust and Ashes

[66-PMD-GMC]

I recently received a new project from my buddy Gary V from New York. .
A 1960 K10 "snow plow" optioned 115" wheel base very unique truck. Purchased originally by a Texico gas station... it is stout. ..
This is going to be a complete resto-mod.
We're loosing the snow plow... (given) and building a nice all around classic work truck.
It's a truck, straight from the factory, 6 lug diffs, 3/4 ton springs and hangers and the frame is 8 inches tall under the cab... all original truck... rusted and abused ....It's a battering ram. ..
A 1960 283 is replacing the rusted solid 235. A NV4500 is replacing the most worn out SM420 I've ever seen.
A dana 60 6 lug rear and dana 44 front (3.54 geared) disk brake diff package are replacing the original, geared way too low differentials...
More to come once I can get to my laptop.
I can't get the correct orientation on the photos using my phone. :-/

[sodly]

Personally, I think that truck would be way cool brought back to factory specs-- snow plow and all. Would be much more rare and interesting than any resto-mod to me. Just my two cents.

[cooperhw]

Hey Chris. Rob told me you had one heck of a project/build going. Looks like a ton of work ahead of you.

[cooperhw]

ur pic

[rusty76]

I'll follow this one by George.

[66-PMD-GMC]

The last before pic... :-)
This is the last time this truck will look like this.
The suspension is loose as is the cab and front clip now...
Tomorrow it comes apart like an old barn in a tornado. ....
Bwaahahaha
I love this build... it's pretty cool

[66-PMD-GMC]

This is what the build should finish like.
Not exactly identical but pretty close.

[66-PMD-GMC]

Update for this build thread.
Have cab ready to remove, just need to finish making room for it in the build area.
1960 283- +.060... sonic checked still thick.. man were these blocks made tough back then.
Crank, rods, pistons, bearings and rings.. all go waiting for final count down.
RV/4X4 cam shaft and 64cc chamber heads finally found.
NV4500 rebuilt, cast iron bell housing and hydraulic clutch setup...
Check and check...
Dana 60 6 lug pretty much ready to install.. dana 44 front and with disk breaks... Woo! Hoo (another of the few changes from stock)
Yes I have coming.. about another week... and I should be painting the blasted frame and installing most of the above along with rebuilt leafs and new shocks...

[66-PMD-GMC]

Slow progress. ...
Thought I would post some before/after photos

[66-PMD-GMC]

Forget the pictures until I get to a laptop. . Posting off my phone sux

[66-PMD-GMC]

Got the cab off.... Rusted beyond recognition ...
Dropping the frame off Saturday ...
Now the fun begins....
Now if I could just get the dog gone pics right side up!!!!!!

[66-PMD-GMC]

Cab is off the frame. The frame is bare.
Now to fix the damage of 55 New York winters.

[66-PMD-GMC]

The winters attacked the suspension on it as well.
I'm not sure how people can live with having their vehicles destroyed by the weather.. I'd loose it if I lived in the rust belt.
God bless Arizona. .

[TJ's Chevy]

Cool truck! In for the build!

[66-PMD-GMC]

Stripped frame

[66-PMD-GMC]

Now it's stripped.

[66-PMD-GMC]

The truck is torn down to a bare frame.
It's going to need some significant repairs, some before media blast, some just after.
There was more grease on this chassis than any other chassis I have ever worked on.
The best part is that it's right there at the point of going back together.
The plan has changed a bit.
Replacing the broken front and worn out rear differentials are, for the front a 3.73 dana open knuckle disk brake unit.
The rear is a 12 bolt 3.73 unit. They will be attached to a reconditioned Rockwell T221 transfer case which in turn will be connected via a small driveshaft to an NV4500 5 speed overdrive manual transmission.
The power plant is a 1960 283, fairly stock.
This combination should provide years of dependable service along with drive-ability and mileage.
This is all being done with maintaining as original a look as possible.