1965 Stepside Poject

[orange66fleet]

I am starting my build thread of my stepside, plans are: 3 1/2 Z, stock steelies with whitewall tires, 65 or 63 cab, c-noch rear, 2in lowering blocks, front coils will be 2 or 3in depending on the clearance of crossmember, 350 with 700r, colors will be cream top, wheels and accents, everything else will be satin gold. I now have most of the trucks sheetmetal assembled to see how it will look and my next thing to do is setup the drive line, I will update when possible.

[slepysal]

Every thing including the kitchen sink !!! Looks good keep us posted

[scotts62]

No kidding! Looks like you have a good plan going for your build, keep us up to date

[kizer]

Wow looks like somebody has access to a lift. Score

Its going to be fun watching this one grow.

[orange66fleet]

Here are some more pictures of my budget build, not sure if I am going to use the 63 cab because it needs a completly new floorpan, the 65 is really nice concidering the dents and drivers rocker panel. I will also need doors and a windshield to be complete. I would like to thank Frizzle Fry for the link to resize the picture with just a right click, works great and easy to use. That is why I like this board and hope I can subscribe soon as I find a new job, (layed off in Cleveland Ohio). I lost my dream job at Lobecks Hot Rod Shop in April and no promise for a return to the shop. I Am still thankful for my family and for my wife who keeps the bills paid so I can retrain myself at college, Firefighter/Paramedic/Nurse. Happy Holidays to everyone on the board.

[LILRED66]

orange66fleet:

Sorry to hear about your employment, but it looks like you are keeping a good state of mind and the family unit is rallying to stay strong.

With your skills and experience, you might try doing some side work, since you like working on trucks. You never know, it might be the opportunity you are looking for.

In any case, good luck with your project, family and employment.

[orange66fleet]

LILRED66 Can you show me any pictures of the bed without the wood in it. The rear main cross sill bolts to the bed sides and I believe there is a weld I opened to remove it and it bolts the the top of the frame with rubber pads under it. Does the front cross sill bolt to the lip of the front bed panel and to the frame and the other cross sills bolt to the frame and the wood ties it all together. It was dismantled when I got it and the manual does not have any info on bed assemly.

[kizer]

I have tons of pictures in my diary, click on archives and it begins at the bottom and gets newer as you move up the page and pics in my photobucket account. Feel free to look.

I can take more if you need them too.

[kizer]

Opps I just read your post again. I have the front still bolted together with no wood installed so I can take photos this afternoon when I go outside to tinker.

If I recall the front panel at the bottom sits just above the side about 3/4 of an inch, which of course the wood fills.

Yes the rear you have to cut the welds on the rear support 1-inch on the top and around 2-inches to the rear which would be above the rollpan/rear bumper. I did that last in my build thread.

[LILRED66]

orange66fleet:

Here are a few pictures of a recently completed '66 K10 lwb fleet. I hope this helps, if not, let me know and I will provide additional information or photos. Good luck with your project.

[orange66fleet]

As everyone can see the bed on the truck is all rusted. PO had it blasted but never protected it from the weather. I am building a driver so I know it is never going to be a trailer queen,so do you think I can degrease and wipe down the bed and put some paint that converts the rust and is paintable down without the trouble of blasting. There is a product called Zero Rust that styling concepts has in the ad and I am thinking of purchasing.

[Captainfab]

If it's the Zero Rust paint I'm thinking of, I thought it was more of an industrial paint.....could be wrong though. The only types of paint like that that I'm familiar with is POR15 and Rust Bullet. The POR is probably a little more popular and is real good quality paint. It's not cheap, but you get what you pay for. I believe that's what Kizer is using on his '65. The Rust Bullet I've only used once, but I can't comment personally on it's durability since it wasn't applied exactly per instructions. Rust Bullet does have a good reputation though.

http://www.rustbullet.com/
http://www.por15.com/

[orange66fleet]

I finally installed the motor last night, 350 and 700r4, and I had to move the motor to the front holes. I noticed that there were holes on the top of the rails, but not on the crossmember. Do I just have to drill a hole in the crossmember or is there something else everyone does for this issue. I am using the stock v-8 motor mounts and engine mounts. With a z is the diveshaft loop always cut and made higher or can Ileave it alone.

[kizer]

POR15 with the Chasis Black top coat. Yeah its work, but its manageable. I wanted to do things in steps opposed to tearing it completely apart.





You still have to remove the flakey stuff and then use a degreaser and an acid etch followed with the base coat and top coat.

I've read a lot about Rust Bullet and POR15, but I'm sure there are several copy cats. I don't know the life span of POR15, but mine is going to be a garage queen during the winter and out and about in the spring/summer so I'm hoping its going to prolong it some.

[72BlckButy]

Great looking project, best of luck!

[orange66fleet]

I made this tranny crossmember and saved some money. I made the cross member into 3 pieces for easy removal of the trans.

[65ShortStep]

That is a pretty sweet crossmember. Very Nice.

[orange66fleet]

Here is a the trans crossmember installed and the modified lower shock mount, I am still going to weld a top plate on it to give it more strength.

[scotts62]

Cool looks good!

[283 Man]

great job your doing there!

[ChiefRocka]

Originally Posted by orange66fleet

Here is a the trans crossmember installed and the modified lower shock mount, I am still going to weld a top plate on it to give it more strength.

What you doing for the e-brake mount ?

[orange66fleet]

Not to sure on e-brake, just thought I would use the oringinal. Here are some updates on the floor, It is not completely done yet it has been cold here and not much heat in the garage. I also found this picture of the truck I am using as inspiration to get me out to work on my truck. I am glad I can share with everyone my progress and love for these old trucks. It helps to see the pictures and what everyone else is doing, it makes it easier to cut it up and not worry if it going to get back together if I have a problem I know I have backup.

[Joey~AP]

Lookin good!

Floor boards are next on mine. I will be watchin ya!

[502tripower]

Your three piece transmission crossmember looks like a weak point to me. I would be concerned about the the stress under torque. A one piece crossmember would be much safer in my opinion...Just my 2 cents.

[custom63]