1965 C20 LWB Flatbed Restoration

[Mike1965]

I've been meaning to post this build thread for a while now. I am now finally getting around to doing it. Here is my 1965 C20 Flatbed build. I picked this truck up last year in August.
My plan for this build is to restore it back to original with period correct mods done to it. I have already got a lot of work done to it so far.

[Mike1965]

Here are some pictures of the brakes getting rebuilt. I picked up an original power brake booster for it also. I forgot to take pictures of the disassembly of the front sheet metal. But I'm sure all of you have seen that many times before, so you are not missing out on much.

[Mike1965]

Here are some pictures of the original 283 v8 getting rebuilt. The truck also came with the optional Powerglide transmission (I'm also getting that rebuilt).

[Mike1965]

Here is some pictures from when I tore down the cab and took it off the frame. The PO had welded a terrible bumper on the rear that had to be cut off. I am going to be reworking the flatbed when the time comes to do that. I am going to get the frame powder coated semi gloss black for that brand new look.

[Mike1965]

I got the rear shear type cab mounts rebuilt by Steele Rubber Products. Here is the link to the thread I made about these cab mounts. http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...ght=shear+type

[Mike1965]

I got the original 17.5" x 5.25" steel wheels for this truck. I got them powder coated so they will hold up for a long time. Also I just had to try them on before I get the rubber for em.

[Mike1965]

I checked in on the cab today that is at the body shop right now getting all of the metal work done. They completely stripped the cab down to bare metal and powder primed it to seal it while they do the metal work. It looks amazing even though it is just in primer.

[Mike1965]

Here is the original red bench that it came optioned with.

[TJ's Chevy]

Awesome build! Can't wait to see more.

[Mike1965]

Originally Posted by TJ's Chevy

Awesome build! Can't wait to see more.

Thanks man! Glad you like it!

[Mike1965]

Here are some progress pictures of the frame tear down.

[Mike1965]

I got my engine and transmission back from the engine rebuilder. It looks amazing, it is like is just came off the assembly line. I can't wait to slap it into the frame.

[ElReeso]

One good looking Project! Alot of Money and time invested!

[Mike1965]

Originally Posted by ElReeso

One good looking Project! Alot of Money and time invested!

Thanks man! I'm trying to build this truck right and that does take a lot of time and money, especially patience too. Glad you like it.

[Mike1965]

Here is some more progress being done to the frame.

[Mike1965]

Here is a picture of the frame after powder coating. I'll have more pictures when I start reassembling it.

[Mike1965]

Sheet metal repair started on the cab.

[Mike1965]

Here are some pictures of the rocker replacement.

[Mike1965]

Here are some pictures of the roof replacement. The front corner on the passenger side had some rust holes in it. It was easier to replace the whole cap and sound proof it while it was off.

[Mike1965]

Here are the holes cut out for the factory AC. The radio is not being shaved, it was just filled in cause someone put an aftermarket radio in it. The factory radio is going back in.

[cwcarpenter98]

Lookin' good!
Did you use panel bond to attach the new roof skin, or did you weld it back in? I'm going to be pulling the roof skin off my truck and I haven't decided on how I want to attach it back

[Mike1965]

Originally Posted by cwcarpenter98

Lookin' good!
Did you use panel bond to attach the new roof skin, or did you weld it back in? I'm going to be pulling the roof skin off my truck and I haven't decided on how I want to attach it back

Thanks! Glad you like it. I'm having the sheet metal work done by M & J Performance out in Apache Junction, AZ. https://m.facebook.com/pg/MJPerforma...ernal&mt_nav=0 He "spot" welded the skin back on.

[cwcarpenter98]

It looks like he is doing a very nice job. I just hope that my attempt at fixing the rust will look at least half as nice

[Mike1965]

Here are some pictures of the start of the big back window conversion.

[Mike1965]

Here are some more pictures. These show the sound deadening being applied on both panels. The fit and finish of this brand new big back window panel is really nice.