Questions from a newbie-about to pick up a '65

[downbytheriver]

Hi folks,

I'm about to take a look at a 65 long bed with a stepside that's been nearly finished. This will be my first restoration project of any kind, so I need to have a good platform to learn on. The truck is in need of an engine/trans and paint, from what the owner says, so we'll see when I actually get down there to take a look.

My main question before I start any of this is: will it fit in my garage?

I'd like to know the dimensions on one of these bad boys, tip to tail.

Anything else to look for? Thank you kindly for the help.

[markeb01]

Can’t help with the length question, but regarding what to look for, check out this link – particularly the known rust issues:

http://www.stovebolt.com/techtips/bu...uide_60_66.htm

And welcome to the forum. Hopefully the truck will be something worth acquiring.

[downbytheriver]

Excellent link, thanks a lot.

I did find some info, but I don't know how accurate it is. I've verified the wheelbase is 127" through this site, and I found the overall length on another site to be 206". My caddy is 191" overall, so looks like I'm good to go if that's right!

[markeb01]

I think the reason there is so little published about overall length is because trucks from this period typically did not come from the factory with a rear bumper. With so many bumpers to choose from at the dealer and aftermarket level, each style would produce different length dimensions.

Hopefully someone that owns one will provide an actual measurement.

[steverino66]

I recently read an eHow.com article that listed overall length (presumably long bed) at 199.5", just over 16-1/2 feet.
I saw another site showing frame dimensions for long bed totaling mid-180 inches, so that sounds about right with a few inches of bumper added each end

[downbytheriver]

Thanks for the help, guys.

It measured out at 17' when the guy selling it got around to doing it.

Will get pics when I go look at it this weekend

[brap999]

Just a tip from someone who has worked on many old vehicles:

1) Pull up the carpet and take a look at the floor underneath it. If it has rusted through to the point where you can see the pavement below you, I'd suggest looking for another truck. If this is your first restoration project, it may be a bit much to have to deal with this kind of damage your first time. If there is just surface rust on the floor, then that is OK.

2) take a small magnet with you, and run it along the fenders front and rear, as well as the lower side of the body closest to the pavement. If you find any spots where the magnet does not stick, then chances are there was a rust hole that someone filled in with body filler. Even if the paint looks good, over time the area filled in with body filler will crack and the paint will start to crack and flake off. Body filler is not the correct way to deal with that kind of rust damage. Sadly it's fairly common for someone to slap a bunch of bondo over a rust area to fill it in, sand it down smooth, and paint over it to make it look nice in the short term. Long term though, you will end up with problems.

I guess it all depends how much work you are looking to do, but I'd suggest walking away from a body with tons of rust if it's your first resto project.

When I was inspecting my current truck before I bought it, it I noticed one of the previous owners filled in massive amounts of rust holes with spray on foam insulation, and then bondo'd over that and had the truck painted to make it look nice.