My 63 farm truck build thread

[jgh64pkup]

how much would it cost for me to get my heater powder coated like that

[SCOTI]

I've been waiting for this specific build thread. Any specific data on the engine paint? Looks similar to one of the OE colors available for V8's.

I also love the big wheels..... but I love 15's just as much when 'done right'. What I don't like is either choice w/non-optimal tire size and/or back-spacing. You did a nice job; the wheel tire combo compliment the stance well.

This is a 'farm truck' that the majority of people on this site wouldn't mind parking in their driveway.

[MacAttack]

Kevin, once again – outstanding work. And quick! That little six is perfect and you really detailed it nice – and the wheels? Perfect.

(and Joe can go set on a rally and rotate)

[ol Curt]

(and Joe can go set on a rally and rotate)

One of those with the bullet center?

[MacAttack]

Originally Posted by ol Curt

(and Joe can go set on a rally and rotate)

One of those with the bullet center?

Exactly.

[Tx Firefighter]

I'm so covered up with work right now I'd be afraid to even offer a bid on the powdercoating job because you might send me some work.

[jgh64pkup]

Originally Posted by Tx Firefighter

I'm so covered up with work right now I'd be afraid to even offer a bid on the powdercoating job because you might send me some work.

haha ok just let me know when your a little less busy

[Tx Firefighter]

Originally Posted by astrochimp

Any more info on the rear end swap?

David

Nothing to speak of. Just unbolt the original rearend and bolt the 72 unit in place.

Originally Posted by MrBeast

You still have your old yellow truck?

Sold it last year. I've got a cab/chassis dually now for heavy work.

Originally Posted by jgh64pkup

haha ok just let me know when your i little less busy

Will do.

[astrochimp]

Originally Posted by Tx Firefighter

Nothing to speak of. Just unbolt the original rearend and bolt the 72 unit in place.

I saw 'suburban', and thought it was a later (easy to find) one.

Your truck looks great, makes me feel bad mine is taking so long.

David

[816allen]

Dam man looking good makes me wish you where closer so you could powder coat some stuff for me that heater looks kick @$$ truck is lookin sweeeeet

[Tx Firefighter]

Scoti, it's Plastikote spray can engine paint from Tractor Supply. Universal Grey I think it's called.

I am worried about the stance of the truck. I'm afraid the bed wood will drop the back too much. I sure hope not because I will have to buy some new front springs and drop spindles to get the front further down. That would be a bit expensive right now.

[TimE]

Great build Kevin!! Especially in such a short time.

[astrochimp]

Any more info on the rear end swap?

David

[MrBeast]

You still have your old yellow truck?

[BC Pappy]

Love that farm truck look!! Thanks for posting this build. It is inspirational!!!

[LILRED66]

Good story Kevin and hats-off to you for preserving the history and identity of your '63...it is timeless with a few nice upgrades.

[72BlckButy]

Awesome work on the '63 Kevin, you have done some amazing work on that truck.

So what's next? Drive it and enjoy it?

[shaneschevys]

Kevin, that truck looks great! I would chang anything about it!

[likaroc13]

how low is the front? i'm trying to decide on the future stance for my '66...i'm thinking either 4.5" front (spindles/springs) & 4" back...or 5.5/ 5

[Tx Firefighter]

It's 3 in the front and 5 in the back, all spring drop.

[Alan's Classic]

Awesome work on an awesome looking truck.

[custom63]

Kevin great work! The patina looks cool and the subtle look of the gray engine compliments things nice. That along with the stance and tire/wheel set up you have a slick ride. I have not touched my '63 months and your thread is kickin me in the butt to get out and work on things again. Keep us posted!

[Tx Firefighter]

I'm still working hard on it. It's real cold and rainy today so I put it inside the shop and spent the day finishing up some details. No pictures, but here's what I accomplished...

-POR15 sealed the gas tank
-Installed gas tank with new sending unit and rubber pads. New gas cap, powdercoated filler tube
-Cleaned and vacuumed all crevices inside of the cab
-Installed freshly covered seat
-Installed new glove box and a different glovebox door
-Installed new pedal pads on brake and clutch pedals

[Tx Firefighter]

I have been driving this thing a good bit in the last month. I figured to post a follow up on what I have done to it since last time.

Installed the 327:



Rebuilt all of the wiring using new wire, crimped, soldered, and heat shrink connections. Here is the headlight relay mod picture.


New bed wood and strips. Wood in pine, strips are powdercoated black. All Mar-K stuff. Real good quality and reasonable prices. Real American folk selling American product.


Cleaned up and powdercoated the front bumper and grille. All new screws, clips, headlights, lenses, gaskets, and wiring.



More to come. I'm struggling with a video clip. Let me figure that out...

[Tx Firefighter]

I paid my exhaust guy to run the pipes for the new 327. He charged me 240 dollars for the job. It's stock manifolds trough 2 inch aluminized pipe, Brockman Mellow Tone steel pack mufflers and chrome pencil tips. My guy is a genius at running pipes. He's done my work for 19 years now. It tough to get full pipes out the back of one of these trucks that's lowered 5 inches and has an ECE Super Track Bar, but he did it, and did it well. The guy is so obsessive he uses a level on the tips and rear bumper to get them right then tacks it all in place, lets the truck off of the lift and walks out to the edge of the parking lot to make sure it looks good from there too, all before final welding.

Nothing sounds like steel pack Brockmans. You can hear the cam talking a little in the idle sound. You can see the powdercoated differential cover under there peeking out too.

YouTube- Jan 15 2010 - VID00005.AVI

Interior is cleaned up some...



I am doing the door art for my welding- powdercoating shop. Hope to have that done in a week or so. My buddy is making the stencils and I am doing the painting and weathering.



I also have drop spindles and new springs waiting to install which will lower it another 1.5 inches. I have another windshield to put in the truck too, but I'm waiting for drier weather and my glass guy to do that. I can install windshields but that curved glass has me stymied so I'm going to pay him 60 to do the install for me.