65 Short Fleet Small Window Update

[nhr3]

I bought this truck in the 80's for a daily driver. It served in that capacity for 10 years. During that period I installed a 67-72 three speed transmission, replacing the original unit that I have trashed three times. I also did a bunch of body work and painted it. During the 90’s we moved north and the truck was retired to being an occasional driver living outside in the elements. In the late 90’s I built a sizeable workshop and retired the truck to the corner.
Fast forward to 2012, we found we needed a new project. Update started. First project was to dig it out and clean it up.

[nhr3]

Disassembly started and we did a bit of sand blasting as we went. We opened up some areas that I had patched with the gas welding rig in the 80's. Pretty crude stuff with sheet metal reclaimed from a washing machine.

[nhr3]

Pictures continued

[62 Barnfind]

Looks like you have a good project. Can't wait to see how it comes out!

[1963c-10]

Very cool project. Funny, I picked up a 63 shorty bbw this weekend with the same steering wheel.

[nhr3]

It will take a while to get things up to date on thread. We have had lots of progress over the 2 years but it never seems enough. I have learned a ton about sand blasting, mig welding, modifications etc. Originally we started with a truck that had the following.
- Motor is a 350 however it was a 1970 transplant with an overhaul in 1982. We were still using leaded gas and I am concerned that I need to do something about the valve seats in short order. I do have a 4 bolt main block that I plan on doing something with.
- Three speed, on the floor. I installed this 67-72 transmission after trashing the original 2-3 times. I plan to sell this assembly with the bell housing, clutch, flywheel and starter as the project progresses. We are going in with a 700R4 as we progress
- Manual steering - This will go to power with tilt column
- Drum brakes all around. Fronts will be disc, dual power master cylinder and rebuild back brakes, original stuff will be sold.

All of this will be modified plus a complete frame off restoration and paint. As a side note I have always loved how this truck sits so I will not be lowering or altering springs or spindles. I will add sway bar.

[nhr3]

We ended up replacing sections of floor on both sides, kick panels both sides, lower forward and aft door posts both sides and sections of the floor cross beam both sides. We also replaced inner and outer rocker panels and bought some repop doors. That and the frame work consumed the winter of 12-13.

[nhr3]

More of the floor work

[nhr3]

The frame was completely sand blasted, primed and painted. New ball joints, control arm bushings,CPP Disc front brakes, and an 85 power steering gear installed.

[nhr3]

more frame work

[nhr3]

Replaced rear brakes

[nhr3]

Last summer we used a boat trailer, we had modified to hold the cab on its back, to assist with detailing the bottom of the cab. We also sealed and painted the old motor that we will use until a fresh one can be put together.

[Ronnie the Wrench]

This is what I need to do with my '63. Subscribed for sure. One question though , who gets to sling that miter saw up on the wall?

[nhr3]

Recently we prepared and shot U Pol Raptor tinted bed liner on the bottom of the cab and the floor inside. With that done we painted the dash board and cab interior with the BC CC system and colors we will use on the outside.

[nhr3]

More pictures

[nhr3]

The miter saw was one of my "great ideas" that did not work out like I imagined. This 60 year old will someday miss the pegs and they will be carting me away in a meat wagon. We recently rethought that end of the shop but the miter saw somehow ended up suspended the same way. Hard to teach this old dog new tricks.

[nhr3]

That gets us pretty much up to date. This week we are going to get serious about the drive train. Fed ex should bring me some CPP engine perches and a master cylinder today. Last week we got our Bowtie Overdrive 700R4. If I can get that mess settled down I will mount the cab. We have a CPP tilt Column coming, a Genie Shifter coming and hopefully will close a deal soon on a Vintage Air Gen IV system and a Serpentine system. I still plan on ordering a Boyd Tank and a Cooling concept fan. Oh yea we also ordered a Ron Francis Wiring harness. It is about time for my airplane work to pick up. Always does when the fun parts arrive.

[NEWFISHER]

Cool story, glad you hung onto it and it's looking GREAT!

[TowwDogg]

Looks Great to me. I have had several of these Trucks from 60 - 66. 64 - 66 short bed small windows are my favorite. I am looking for the next one, which will be my last one. Im in for the Build...

[nhr3]

Made a smoking deal on a Vintage air set up and a serpentine system yesterday (thanks Kenny Strong). Kenny is going to have one very interesting burb when he is done.

Also had my Master Cylinder, Brake lines and engine perches come in yesterday. Lots of work today and this weekend. Pictures to follow.

[nhr3]

New CPP engine perches arrived. Did the install. When I put the later model three speed in the truck I shortened the drive shaft to fit. For the install of the 700R4 I bought an OEM automatic transmission cross member. With the CPP perches and a little bit of welding and drilling I was able to make everything fit without having to alter the drive shaft again. A bonus is that the Emergency brake stays the same as original. Pictures to follow.

Also spent some time cleaning up the brackets for the Serpentine system. Today we will buy and install a long water pump on our old motor. I have ordered the conversion bracket for the Sanden AC compressor for the Vintage air system and have to order, tonight, a Power steering pump.

Front brake lines are a mess. I have the kit from the Truck Shop and the kit from CPP. Neither one makes it happen. The CPP kit does not have the correct fittings for the CPP Disc Brake flex lines. I am going to get some adapters and bend/install my own stuff. I have read where other folks have the same problem. My opinion, save yourself some money. Buy the tools if you don't have them, get some line and fittings. Make your own.

[TJ's Chevy]

Good work so far! Cab is coming out nice!

[nhr3]

We got a bit done today.

Finished bolting up the engine mount perches and transmission crossmenber.

We installed the Gennie shifter and adjusted on the 700R4. I am very pleased with this set up.

[nhr3]

We also worked at cleaning up and setting up the Serpentine system we bought this week. We understand it came out of a 90 Burb. It was necessary to drill and tap a hole in the right head but other than that all went well. We have to get the bracket for the Sanden compressor (ordered) and get a power steering pump and it will be complete.

[TJ's Chevy]

Nice!