Meet Ginger.

[jimmydean]

I sold my last project before I even got started, so I waited until things were a little more stable before starting a new one. So yesterday I decided it was time to pick something up.

1966 C20 with 88k original miles. Couldn't say no for $1000 and drove her home.







I started to give her a good wash when I noticed the rattle can silver paint was paper thin. A little work with some synthetic wool and it revealed a nice factory orange under it.



Dash is in great shape, too.





Body is pretty straight and the original bed is still together.



I'll finish getting her cleaned up and get some pics soon. Plans for now are:
Short bed conversion
1/2 ton conversion
Porterbuilt 1/2 ton control arms
73+ drop spindles
Dropmember trailing arm rear
Disc rear axle
Raised stock bed restored/preserved
Modern interior
Audio eargazim.

I would like to do a dropmember front, too. But I need to see what the rest of the truck looks like.

[McC_65_91]

dont chop the bed!!!! long fleets are the best!!!

anyway, looks good for a start, especially if u can drive it home rather than trailer it..good luck and have fun with it

[jimmydean]

327 and granny 4 speed. Cool ammo box storage under the hood.

[Captainfab]

Congrats on the new project.

Looks to be in pretty decent shape too.

Keep us posted on your progress

[collins10672]

looks to be a nice starting point.i only want to recommend one thing.if you shorten it down please take out the center stake pocket in the bed.i see so many nice short bed conversions and alot of people leave the center stake pocket and thats a dead giveaway that it used to be a long bed.

[Pop's C-10]

nice score

[jimmydean]

Thanks, all.

It is in pretty good shape, just very dirty and in need of some love. I would love to keep it a long bed, but the reality is it doesn't fit in the garage until I take some length off.

[aerotruk63]

Make a pocket in the back of the garage. Our old neighbor did that so he could park two cars inside. The pocket jutted out 4 ft. We used to climb onto the little roof section.

[bubba327]

Good looking project .. I will be watching the build.
At least when it is raining again in Oregon ,you can always wet sand outside!!!

[daverod]

Good luck with the build. I could use the top bed trim when the time comes.They call me cash. I like a ammo boxes. I would sand that thing back to the orange and call it good.

[jimmydean]

I got a lot more of the orange on the hood revealed, but it's too dark to get shots. By the end of this week, I should have the front done at least. I'm loving how the orange is looking, a paint job is the very last thing, if ever.

[jimmydean]

Orange looks good.



<edit> The silver in the crease is paint, not metal. The patches on the side are metal, but add to the character.

[jimmydean]

Playing with the image to get a few different ideas. I know this look isn't for everyone, but it's been a favorite of mine since I was a kid.

[jimmydean]

Top of the hood is done, I was moving to the under side and down the fender last night.

[66-PMD-GMC]

I completely agree with McC 65 91, It looks clean as a long bed.
I also agree that if your going to do a conversion, do it up clean and tight and loose the center pocket.
Of course, it's all your choice, dropped shortbed with oversized wheels like everyone else and their cousin or a slick looking LWB fleetside... (grin)
I am shure whatever you do will be cool looking...
Good luck on your build

[jimmydean]

So I'm leaving the long bed, I like it too much. I will pull the bed apart this weekend and start playing with the new epoxy sealer I bought that is supposed to make the original wood 10x stronger than it was when it was installed 45 years ago.

There is some good warpage up by the cab, but none of the boards are out of place and the rails look good, too.

Picking up all my 1/2 ton front end parts tomorrow. 73-87 control arms, spindles, brakes, booster, and MC. Might get the rear axle out of the same donor, too. But the seller said he might keep it for his truck.

Based on Nate's calculations, stock spindles with a 28" tall tire will put me close, but not on the ground with the dropmember front. Perfect for me.

[66-PMD-GMC]

That long bed is pretty virgin.
Nice build, I for one will be watching the progress.

[irish1966]

Nice score man. Shoot me a PM. I have some stuff you may be interested in. We are just down the road from ya.

[jimmydean]

PM sent. I actually live in Beaverton, now. But still just down the road right off Scholls Ferry and Murray. I know there are some nice trucks in the area, but none seem to be on here.

[fryer1979]

Nice truck you've got there. Wish you were a little closer though, I could sure use a nice longbed, and would be willing to trade for some cash for you to find a good shortbed. Portland is just too much of a drive for me right now. Maybe by the time you pull it off I might be able to come get it, shoot me a PM if you're interested. It could save you a lot of fab-work...

[jimmydean]

I've decided I'm keeping the long bed. I power washed the bed and the wood looks a lot better than I thought.





I think once I get it all apart and treated, it will look damn nice.

[jimmydean]

My daughter picked out a sticker when we were on a parts run. Love it.

[jimmydean]

Yup, keeping the long bed.



Wheels aren't too big, good sized tire for a nice ride.

[kalirodding]

Nice find. I was raised on wire wheels so I dig it. Always wanted a black powder coated set. Try that in photoshop.

[CHIZZLER]

Nice project.im over here in west linn if you need somethin.i saw that truck for sale in tigard.i drove by it many times wanting to stop and make a deal.slam it and drive it.