Crewsin in my 63 GMC Crew Cab

[cetacean6]

Just got done securing transport for the two trucks from Washington State to Kansas City this weekend. I'm putting this truck in the hands of Tony at 4-5-6 chevytrucks. We've agreed to start the build in January so I can have some time to save up some money. Once everything gets underway I'll post any updates and pictures I receive from him.
I'm still trying to figure out the color, though...probably not Palomino tan. I'm thinking red....

[66-PMD-GMC]

Originally Posted by cetacean6

Just got done securing transport for the two trucks from Washington State to Kansas City this weekend. I'm putting this truck in the hands of Tony at 4-5-6 chevytrucks. We've agreed to start the build in January so I can have some time to save up some money. Once everything gets underway I'll post any updates and pictures I receive from him.
I'm still trying to figure out the color, though...probably not Palomino tan. I'm thinking red....

Of course, it's your truck but I hope you keep it a V6 truck. The first thing so many guys do with a GMC is stuff a small block or big block in them...
But, as I said.. it's your ride.

[66Gilbert]

Originally Posted by cetacean6

Just got done securing transport for the two trucks from Washington State to Kansas City this weekend. I'm putting this truck in the hands of Tony at 4-5-6 chevytrucks. We've agreed to start the build in January so I can have some time to save up some money. Once everything gets underway I'll post any updates and pictures I receive from him.
I'm still trying to figure out the color, though...probably not Palomino tan. I'm thinking red....

Can't wait to see what LILRED66 and company do to this Jimmy!! They will have their hands full with the restoration of this one. You can bet this will be a 10 when completed. I am not sure if Tony has ever restored a GMC or a Crew Cab? I sure wish he would come back to the boards and keep us updated on this one.

[likaroc13]

Originally Posted by 66Gilbert

Can't wait to see what LILRED66 and company do to this Jimmy!! They will have their hands full with the restoration of this one. You can bet this will be a 10 when completed. I am not sure if Tony has ever restored a GMC or a Crew Cab? I sure wish he would come back to the boards and keep us updated on this one.

not sure exactly what happened, but I know his account was suspended...that said, I wish he was back as well...he's a great source for these trucks & their restorations

I remember seeing pics posted of this thing a good while back but didn't realize someone had purchased it...can't wait to see the progress, & I feel like it's in good hands with Tony....good luck with everything!

[cetacean6]

Definately sticking with the v6. Keeping it as original as possible. This truck and this truck are good representations of what I'd like.

[cetacean6]

Posted via Mobile Device

[Delmo]

Awesome truck bro.

[Pop's C-10]

I vote you go crew cab dually..that thing is sweet..

[cetacean6]

Originally Posted by Delmo

Awesome truck bro.

Thanks! Like everyone else on this site, I'm a big fan of your work!

Originally Posted by Pop's C-10

I vote you go crew cab dually..that thing is sweet..

That has Dyno's name written all over it! Maybe when he's done with his current dually we can talk him into doing something like that....

[66Gilbert]

Looks like your truck made the trip to Tony's!! Can't wait to see some progress on this one.

[cetacean6]

It's cool to see both trucks like that. The stance of the 4X4 vs. the 1 ton is completely different. Also, I really notice how low the bed is sitting compared with the body on the crew.
Tony has just about talked me into getting that 1-ton restored as well. He says it's too nice to part out, so I may end up giving it to him in exchange for some parts he already has. I know I'd sleep better at night if we ended up doing that. I gave him the mice in the 1-ton for free. Apparently there was a bunch of them in there!
I'm expecting to get an estimate within the next couple of weeks. After that we'll be searching for parts and planning the build, which will probably start this winter depending on the estimate.
I've got my own 'set' of pictures on Tony's Flickr account, so I'll add that to my signature.

[Dinos63]

its in good hands at tonys ,and his work is top notch stuff

[aerotruk63]

[aerotruk63]

Found this page with a link:

Julius Fejes, the founder of Crown North America, moved from Cleveland, Ohio in 1938 to Orrville, Ohio. He subcontracted as a metal finisher for the Orrville Body Company. Over the next three years, Julius' talent and business acumen became quite evident and in 1941 he formed Crown Steel Products in Riceland, Ohio. The principal products produced by Crown Steel Products during this time continued to be subcontract metal finish work for Orrville Body.

Around 1948 a second Crown company was formed called Orrville Metal Specialty Company. The primary product for Orrville Metal Specialty was the fabrication of Sleeper and Crew Cab conversions. In the 1950's Crown's customers and products included:




Sometime later, Crown Steel Products began fabrication of IHC & White sleeper cabs, conventional cabs, hoods, and fenders. Late in the 1950's Crown Steel Products' customers came to include:




A pioneer in commercial van conversions, Crown Steel Products established a facility in Lorain, Ohio in 1961 to install components in Ford vans.

The late 1950's and early 60's saw additional acquisitions. Customer additions included Clark, Brockway, Terex, and Chevrolet. On July 25, 1967 all assets of Crown Steel Products were sold to Allen Electric and Equipment Co.

In 1968 Crown Fabrication of Canada was formed for the production of crew cabs and van interiors when Ford Motor Co. opened the Ontario Truck Plant to reduce production costs. 1969 saw the formation of the Allen Group with Walter Kissinger named Chairman of the Board and CEO. The purchase of Truck Specialties in 1971 enabled Crown North America to expand its assembly business to include Dodge vans. Through the 1970's and 80's Crown North America maintained its status as a supplier to the automotive and communications industries.

In 1994, The Allen Group returned its focus to electronics. This was carried out by splitting its automotive concerns from electronics business. Thus, the formation of TransPro Inc. of which Crown North America was a division until May 2000.

In December of 1997, Crown North America completed the acquisition of a small Canadian van upfitter located near Toronto. Crown VMS Canada Ltd. provided Crown North America with a presence to serve the Canadian van market. Today both U.S. and Canadian customers are serviced by facilities located in St. Thomas and Oakville, Ontario Canada.

Currently the Crown North America business unit headquarters is located in Apple Creek, Ohio.

On May 5, 2000 all assets of Crown North America were sold to Leggett & Platt Incorporated (NYSE: LEG).

Leggett & Platt is a worldwide diversified manufacturer that conceives, designs, and produces a broad variety of engineered components and products that can be found in virtually every home, office, and automobile, and many retail stores. Leggett & Platt is a 127-year-old company with over 19,000 employee-partners in more than 140 locations in 18 countries.
top

Visit our corporate website at: www.leggett.com

[cetacean6]

Thanks Aero, I've even sent e-mails to people at Leggett & Platt looking for historic documents, but didn't receive anything back from them. Sure would be nice to have build specs and other historic documents from them....

[aerotruk63]

If you have a few bucks to spare, you could post an Ad in the local paper to see if any old employees have any info, or if your lucky, the specs.

Archives search?

http://www.heartlandorrville.com/orrviews/default.aspx

http://www.the-daily-record.com/

[cetacean6]

Awesome, just sent an e-mail. We'll see if this turns up any info. If so I'll definately share with the group.

[1963c-10]

Any new updates?

[cetacean6]

Not a lot going on. I shipped the trucks to Kansas City so that we could get started this winter. Tony gave me an estimate of $44-$48k for a restoration. Bottom line I won't be able to go that high. I've already got $13k into the truck, and have asked him to tell me what he can do with another $20k. That was about 2-3 weeks ago, and I'm still waiting for him to get back to me. I'm hoping that will cover rust repair at the least.
Also, I've sent him the pink slip to the dually. He's going to trade me for good, used parts for the crew so we don't have to cut that other one up.

[66-PMD-GMC]

Originally Posted by cetacean6

Not a lot going on. I shipped the trucks to Kansas City so that we could get started this winter. Tony gave me an estimate of $44-$48k for a restoration. Bottom line I won't be able to go that high. I've already got $13k into the truck, and have asked him to tell me what he can do with another $20k. That was about 2-3 weeks ago, and I'm still waiting for him to get back to me. I'm hoping that will cover rust repair at the least.
Also, I've sent him the pink slip to the dually. He's going to trade me for good, used parts for the crew so we don't have to cut that other one up.

That would be a ton of money for structural work only.
Just sayin..........

[FetchMeAPepsi]

Originally Posted by 66-PMD-GMC

That would be a ton of money for structural work only.
Just sayin..........

That's a ton of money for your mortal soul. Holy cow!

I'd chew my truck up bite by bite and poop a hundai for that kind of money.
I'm sure the work would be great, but it sure makes ya squinch up a little in the tail end.

[likaroc13]

Originally Posted by FetchMeAPepsi

That's a ton of money for your mortal soul. Holy cow!

I'd chew my truck up bite by bite and poop a hundai for that kind of money.
I'm sure the work would be great, but it sure makes ya squinch up a little in the tail end.

.....i have no idea on the specifics of how much it costs to 100% restore something like this today, but I know it ain't cheap...even if you do much of the work yourself....but it's something so unique that I'd almost always be willing to give it a go rather than buy some of the new things rolling off the line today...it's just too bad my wallet isn't that deep

[66-PMD-GMC]

Originally Posted by likaroc13

.....i have no idea on the specifics of how much it costs to 100% restore something like this today, but I know it ain't cheap...even if you do much of the work yourself....but it's something so unique that I'd almost always be willing to give it a go rather than buy some of the new things rolling off the line today...it's just too bad my wallet isn't that deep

Here is the thing that concerns me about today's restoration prices... Greed and uninformed builders...
I replaced the entire floor, rockers (inner and outer) and cab corners in a truck for a guy took the cab to have it media blasted and sealed it in and out for less than 10% of your 20K budget.
I understand that much of a crewcab floor structure needs to be fabricated. After all, crewcabs were not factory built anyway so it should be expected. The cost of quality paint is outrageous now so I understand.
My best friends 66 gto came to over $30K when all was said and done and that was a rotisserie build, frame off, no expense spared.
My advice would be to have the structural completed on the cab and tackle the chassis and drive train yourself. It is easy enough that a kid could do it...
These trucks are 100% easier than doing a frame off car project IMHO..

[1963c-10]

Sounds good. Im still keeping my eyes peeled for one myself. Im in no time rush though due to my current projects and budget

[66-PMD-GMC]

My previous post is not a judgement of or about anyone.
I have witnessed many would be car and truck builds gone wrong and well meaning builders and owners projects going sideways...
My comment about greed and inexperienced owners was a general statement and not directed at any specific individual.
My point is that when someone has a shop or builder do a project, that someone needs to do extensive research and get more than 1 bid on the project.
Just sayin....