Ignorant Newbie with a few questions

[mneubecker]

Hi All,

My name is Mark and I've been mostly lurking for awhile and find this site to be extremely informational. I live outside of Kansas City (not very far from lil red).

I have a 66 stepside longbed (230 or 250) and want to turn it into a daily driver in the next couple of years. I've replaced most of the typical rust spots and will be working on the rest of the rust, getting a paint job, etc.

I've determined some of the bigger projects I want to do but fear that without some guidance and by doing them one job at a time, I might not do them in the right order and end up costing myself time or more importantly, money.

This was my Grandfather's truck and he was a farmer so it was great for his needs. I live and work in the city so better MPG is a huge concern of mine. I want to try and stay original but will also be making changes for safety (disk brakes, shoulder harness, new master cyl) and convenience (a/c, auto transmission, move gas tank under the bed).

My specific questions concern the order of projects for headers, automatic, gear switch, gas tank relocation and disk brakes. For example, if I don't get expert advice I will start with let's say the headers. I'll get them for a 66 manual, install them, think i'm fine until I go to add an automatic (or fuel tank) and discover that i'll not only be installing the automatic but doing extra work because of the headers. Another example - I will upgrade the gears and then later when I go to upgrade the brakes, I'll find out that I could have just picked up a specific axle at a junk yard that would have the correct gears and disk brakes installed.

Can anyone recommend how to avoid doing things now that will fill me with rage and an empty bank account later? Can these projects be timed in a way to decrease the likelihood of disaster? I will have a gazillion questions later on but answers to these will keep me busy for a long time.

Thanks

[jonzcustomshop]

one idea, is to find a 73-87 1/2 ton pickup, for parts...
you could pirate:
the whole front crossmember, which would get you disc brakes, and change you over to 5 lug.
the master cylinder, and power brakes.
the power steering- captian fab on this site sells an adapter plate for the box-I am sure others sell one as well.
the automatic tranny, and driveline.
the rear end-you will have to salvage your old trailing arm perches-, but this should get you highway gears.

[kdrodworks316]

I agree with Jon, thats what I did with my burban. And yes, captainfab makes a VERY nice power steering box plate, look him up as he is a great guy and very knowledgeable in these trucks. His name is John too.

[TR65]

Hey Mark,

Being older and I hope wiser than I used to be I would advise safety first. Shoulder harness and brakes. Dual master cylinder power discs. Lots of threads on the site on various ways to do it. Leaving it 6 lug is fine too.

The gas tank in the cab turns out to be pretty safe. I can't find any cases of in cab gas tank fires although there probably are some. If the tank behind the seat is destroyed in a crash, there wouldn't be much left anyway. That said, I moved mine to under the bed, at least it keeps the gas smell out of the cab. Recall that the safety issue with pickup gas tanks was the saddle tanks.

First class brakes and restraints. Ready to work on power.

I think the key to good mpg is a high torque FI V8 (GM LS truck motor) and very tall high gear (low engine speed).

Good luck with your project!!

Oh, better post some pics before the pic police come around.

TR

[joe231]

i've been waiting on pics.....trying the kinder gentle-er approach

[kdrodworks316]

oh, now joe decides to ask nicely for pics....

[protrash64]

Ive read a few articles about this subject, having the same train of thought as you years back when I started tearing into my pick-up. The best stuff I got out of the articles was as follows:

Find a picture of a truck that is similar to what you like. Hang it on the wall or fridge or somewhere. Always refer to that picture as your reference.

Come up with a plan and stick to it. Nothing costs you money like changing your mind.

[kdrodworks316]

Originally Posted by protrash64

Ive read a few articles about this subject, having the same train of thought as you years back when I started tearing into my pick-up. The best stuff I got out of the articles was as follows:

Find a picture of a truck that is similar to what you like. Hang it on the wall or fridge or somewhere. Always refer to that picture as your reference.

Come up with a plan and stick to it. Nothing costs you money like changing your mind.

Well said and great advice!

[MacAttack]

Originally Posted by kdrodworks316

oh, now joe decides to ask nicely for pics....

Yeah, like The Wolf to Little Red Riding Hood.......

[joe231]

come on KD......i was nice with you....right?

[MacAttack]

Originally Posted by joe231

come on KD......i was nice with you....right?

* insert: visual of rabid dog pack leader here.

[joe231]

[Fred T]

Start by doing some research and putting together a plan. Do some searching here on what others have done. Brakes, steering, suspension, differential, engine are the big ones. And these affect each other, which is why planning is so important. That way you don't end up with 5-bolt Ford wheels on the back and 6-bolt Chevy wheels on the front.

Also go to some car/truck shows. Talk to the owners. Most will gladly share their knowledge. There is a local club in KC. www.chevygmcofkc.org
And some parts vendors. Lil Red 66, Carters, Classic Chevy come to mind.

TR65 gave some good advice on working on safety issues first. Brakes, seat belts, wipers can usually be done for not a lot of money. Engine tune-up will usually help the mileage. Work on the small items while you are working on your plan.

[LILRED66]

Come over to my shop in Kansas City, KS sometime and I will get you fixed up and you can take a look at several 4-5-6 Chevy trucks and lots of great parts...we can talk talk trucks all day, too.

[mneubecker]

Here's the pics: