1966 shortbed fleetside

[Flapper]

I am finally getting to my 66 that I've owned for 25-30 years. The truck has been sitting in a garage all this time. Initially had big plans, but life got in the way-lol. These are some pics of it before paint. The truck came from Arizona, and has been mostly garaged here in Ohio.

[Flapper]

The truck had minimal rust-but did have some. It did have a hole in drivers side bed for auxillary fuel tank. Tailgate had a patch on inside for previous repair.

[Flapper]

Rocker had some issues (mice), but over all very solid.

[Flapper]

The floor was protected by the factory undercoating. And frame is nearly perfect.

[Flapper]

Here it is after paint.

[Flapper]

Floor

[Flapper]

Finished and ready for assembly.

[bigmoe]

That's a great start to 2025! What's your plans for the truck going forward?

[Flapper]

Originally Posted by bigmoe

That's a great start to 2025! What's your plans for the truck going forward?

Presently, finishing small paint imperfections. I have all the custom chrome to install and bed wood. Get the glass put in and finish assembling doors.

Going with a static drop instead of bagging it. Slight rake with largest tire that will fit in the rear. Truck will be getting AC. Gas tank relocated. Power brakes and steering.

Powertrain is undecided.

1-Freshen up original 283, carb or sniper, turbo 400
cons- Brackets kinda suck-no accessory holes in heads.

2-I have several big blocks (even have a 1966 396) carb or sniper, turbo 400
cons-I didn't open/widen firewall for valve cover clearance
- possible cooling issues

3-Ls - best running option, should have later model transmission with
factory ecm - cheapest route for putting in a LS
cons- expensive
-switching to Holley terminator + harnesses
-better serpentine accessory brackets
-LS's kinda ugly- expensive to pretty up
-the cost of all of the additionals to switch over

[Flapper]

Paint- I went with Ford Magma Red-Looks black or really dark brown. With bright light will have red/ gold metallic show but quickly fade back to black. Garage pics show the 66 with a black truck. Rear wheelhouses 1-is in the shade and other is in bright sunlight. Fender pics show how color switch's to no metallic popping. I wanted to go with a different look than the traditional red-which I really love-LOL

[Justin71105]

Looking really good, I put a truck 5.3L in my 64 and no regrets.

8k miles in 2024 with minimal issues and non engine/trans related. It was still expensive even being a junkyard motor I only freshened up a little. I think any of the options you have are great as long as you can drive it.

Since mines been on the road, I don't want to get into anything to have it down for an extended period. Have been planning to swap in a cam for awhile but it would be off the road for a week or two with me doing it. Think my plan now is to have the street tune done and maybe a cam later on down the road with a dyno.

[raggedjim]

Originally Posted by Flapper

Powertrain is undecided.

1-Freshen up original 283, carb or sniper, turbo 400
cons- Brackets kinda suck-no accessory holes in heads.

2-I have several big blocks (even have a 1966 396) carb or sniper, turbo 400
cons-I didn't open/widen firewall for valve cover clearance
- possible cooling issues

3-Ls - best running option, should have later model transmission with
factory ecm - cheapest route for putting in a LS
cons- expensive
-switching to Holley terminator + harnesses
-better serpentine accessory brackets
-LS's kinda ugly- expensive to pretty up
-the cost of all of the additionals to switch over

Nice work, you started out with a great truck. I really like the color choice. If you decide to go the 283 route you could use low mount brackets to mount alternate and power steering pump. I have the power steering bracket but haven't tried it yet, probably today.

See my engine here - https://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/...&postcount=469