Old School Hot Rod Truck (1964)

[redneck6]

can we get some more info on the install of the nv 3550 . what did you have to do for tail shaft . how did ya like it . were did ya find it and pics if possiable .

[Arekusu]

Geeze.. I did that install in one day .. about 3 years ago. What I remember is that the shifter on the tail housing was under the bench seat. It had a mid shift kit you could buy but they are more expensive than the TKO mid shift kits.. and the shifters don't interchange for the tail shaft between TKO and 3550. To get mine to fit I hogged out the mounting holes to make it fit to the stock bell housing. Everything else was good to go, no issues that I can remember. Just a different yoke. It's just like doing a TKO really except you have to mod the mounting holes to Chevy. TKO came from the 3550. I got hung out to dry on that trans though as it wouldn't go into 3rd, so I bought someones problem. I later sold it to a friend who rebuilt it and sold it.

Alex

[Arekusu]

Im also looking for a 60-61 hood if you guys have one you dont want anymore and want to sell.. maybe even ship to Pensacola.. mine is to tweaked to put on the finished truck.. it'd look crappy I think.

Alex

[Arekusu]

Ok all, little teaser pic.

Painted step.

[Arekusu]

Now I cant decide on which hood and grill in this color (see step pic above). (help me out and vote in the poll!)

I'm leaning towards the 60-61 hood and grill. Problem is I'll have to get a fiberglass hood, as my other one is a bondo nightmare.. Here's a pic for reference. And next the next pic (should be) a 64-66 hood and grill, which I still have in steel. I kind of thing the turquoise looks better on the earlier hood.. what do you guys think? Both grills would still be white, (as well as the bumpers), as this truck isn't going to have a lot of chrome on it.

Alex

Oh ya, this would be on a 64 Cab too..

[FreakyMalo]

I think you should run the early grill whichever way you go with the hood. It looks more gooder.

[Arekusu]

Originally Posted by FreakyMalo

I think you should run the early grill whichever way you go with the hood. It looks more gooder.

Heck ya more gooder!

Tonight I get to mock up the bed and mark the bedside for cutting.. this way I can install the tubs, and measure to get my rear axle narrowed. We'll see how that goes.

I spoke with an old engine machinist today.. He's telling me that I should stay away from the 3.42 rear gear with my 5 speed. The RPMS would be too low and it would lug in 5th, (or I'd shift to 5th at 80MPH). Problem is that's where the 3.27 First gear kind of wants to be.. but then I might as well throw away 5th gear.

Sooo sadly, I'm thinking of selling the 5 speed and running a 4 speed. This way I can get a first gear that works better with the combo and have the rear gear compliment.

Any reason why the 64-66 hood is winning right now? Is it just because I have it or do you guys prefer the look of it?

Alex

[Rich 5150 69]

Actually the earlier hood looks goodest with the early grille, just the right amount of chrome in the grille, and I`m not an early hood fan....your gears IMO if it we`re me, look around for another rear axle assembly that has a 3.73 gear set with posi, you see them all the time on CL, have that narrowed, that would put you right in the ball park with 5th gear...

[Arekusu]

I liked the 3.73's in every gear but first.. they really sucked there. I really didn't have a first gear.. maybe a 3.55's might be key?

Alex

[Rich 5150 69]

You might live with it. With the 3.73`s final RPM will be at 2200 at 65, 355`s will bring it down to about 1900 RPM...

[likaroc13]

Originally Posted by Arekusu

Any reason why the 64-66 hood is winning right now? Is it just because I have it or do you guys prefer the look of it?

Alex

i like the early grille with early hood combo, but i like the idea of a steel hood better...i've heard/read that the glass hoods can be a PIA to get fitting right, not to mention the necessary prep work to get it right before paint

[Arekusu]

Mocked up the bed and tubs last night. The tubs are so getting narrowed.. right now it would look way to crazy. With my current tires I only have 2 inches of clearance from the bed side.. 14" wide drag radials are really not going to fit.

Alex

[doobiebro]

Originally Posted by likaroc13

i like the early grille with early hood combo, but i like the idea of a steel hood better...i've heard/read that the glass hoods can be a PIA to get fitting right, not to mention the necessary prep work to get it right before paint

I feel the same way as you do with the early hood combo...I have seen a few for sale in my area but I can imagine the shipping would probably cost more than the hood...Good luck and keep looking...

[N2TRUX]

Originally Posted by FreakyMalo

I think you should run the early grill whichever way you go with the hood. It looks more gooder.

I have to agree. I love the early gril, but do not see the attraction to the early hoods. I know y'all are in love with the because they are unique, but I just dont see it.

[Sick5]

Great Job

[likaroc13]

love that color!

[Arekusu]

Originally Posted by likaroc13

love that color!

Thanks! It took me 4 years to finally decide on that. lol.

Alex

[likaroc13]

Originally Posted by Arekusu

Thanks! It took me 4 years to finally decide on that. lol.

Alex

i hear ya! that's a big decision...initially had thoughts of repainting mine a similar color, & even started a thread for all teal/turquoise trucks, lol....not sure what i'll do in the end, but a total repaint is waaay down the list of things to do

[Arekusu]

Hey all,

So I'm trying to find a newer style bench seat that I can have recovered in brown leather for the truck. I was thinking maybe a split bench. I'd like it to be about the same height as the stock bench and not look too modern. So no need for head rests. Any ideas?

Alex

[jocko]

BEAUTIFUL!!! And I'm so glad you kept the white surround/black background - that stock paint setup really will make the grille stand out. Wow, your truck's come a long way, can't wait to see it come back together, looking great.

[Arekusu]

Originally Posted by jocko

BEAUTIFUL!!! And I'm so glad you kept the white surround/black background - that stock paint setup really will make the grille stand out. Wow, your truck's come a long way, can't wait to see it come back together, looking great.

Thanks for the kind words. I'll keep posting teaser pics as the paint / build gets completed.

Ya i saw that teal truck thread.. it's helped confuse me to death on whether or not to use the correct hood or the 60/61 hood. Haha.

Sent new bumpers to the painter / ex neighbors house today.. I'm sure they'll turn out great.. Soon as he gets those rims done and I get tires on them I can get the bed done next.

Alex

[jrobertop88]

Where did you find the hood and grille,
Posted via Mobile Device

[Arekusu]

All this trucks original sheet metal is all from New Mexico.. to include both hoods and grills. All the new fenders are "made in Taiwan" sadly. :/

Alex

[Arekusu]

I'm thinking of getting the TKO-500's 2-4th gears face plated.. anyone have experience with a face plated transmission?

I'm also still trying to decide if I should spend the money on the Brodix BBC Race Rite heads with the CNC combustion chamber or cheap out a little and go Pro Comp with good valvetrain parts.. I'd save a 1,000.00 if I used the procomps.. only sad part is they're made in china .. I've read some bad review but most are just smashing the fact that they are cast in China, I haven't actually seen more than 1 thread on a Pro Comp BBC head failure.. and the one I saw looked to be due to shaft rocker arms and the wrong length head bolts.. decisions decisions.. anyone have some intel on the matter? Experience with either head?

Alex

Oh.. and does anyone know where I can get some 15X10 (or a little wider) "Slot rims" in a 5x5 bolt pattern?

[Arekusu]

I'm also thinking about this from Porterbuilt to help lighten up the truck a little as well as increase adjust-ability. I think the moving of the shocks also allows coil overs under the stock bed floor? Not sure yet, but I do want that tubular adjustable front for the trailing arms...

Alex