Ideas?

[ChevGirl95]

Hey guys,

I am looking into building (or some serious repairing and customizing) a 1960 - 1985 Chevy pickup to use a daily driver. This build would be over a year or more period. What I like about that time frame of trucks is the grills and how they look and how the trucks look. The truck would be lifted about 3-6 inches with larger tires.

Do you guys have any recommendations of specific trucks in those years that I would also be able to add in a more fuel efficient tank/engine. While diesels look great, I am thinking a gas truck.

Thanks guys

[Advanced Design]

It all depends on what you want, your budget and skills. Typically, newer style trucks take less fabrication, repair or replacement parts to turn into a comfortable and dependable daily driver. There is less need to change or rebuild suspension, brakes, differential, or wiring. And with enough budget / skills you can install about any engine you want that will fit.

The 73 to 87 body style is the same and Holley is making a very nice LS swap package simplifying the installation of the later style LS engine and transmission package. That can provide good power, fuel efficiency and reliability.

Also, the 87 model had fuel injection from new. They work well and there may not be a need to change it to meet your desired daily driver needs. Really, same for a carb and points set up when adjusted properly as millions of vehicles used the for years.

Hope that helps a little bit.

[Kim57]

Welcome.
Personally I like the 67/68 trucks from that range.
Always liked the hoods on them.
Had a 67 for a while so I might be a little biased.
Kim

[ChevGirl95]

OK, so there is a possibility of me getting a 1964? GMC 1/2 ton step side as shown in the picture (colour and all). As the cab is currently got tarp over it for winter, I am assuming that it does not have any windows in it. Hoping to check it out with the owner when they come back to the cottage and when I have a day off.

My biggest concern with this truck is the windshield...not sure if it will require a curved windshield or if it just has a regular windshield. Through the research I have done so far there does not seem to be a majority going one way or the other. If it has a curved windshield, that could be a make-or-break for me depending on if there is anyone who still makes those windshields (non-custom) or if they would have to be custom done and what that cost could be.

Thanks guys

[joedoh]

if its a 64, it will have a flat windshield. 60-63 were the wraparound curved with "knee knocker" door frames.

lots of companies still make the curved windshield, and the flat for that matter.

[ChevGirl95]

Awesome, thank you. Hopefully I'll be able to go and look it over soon and get an exact year.

Will keep you updated.