1965 C20 new to me

[DoubleL]

Just bought a 1965 C20. It was born the same year I was. Hope to gradually restore this but still use it to work as well. New rockers, front fenders and floor boards. Hood is in good shape and interior is pretty nice. Has the 283 and 4 speed right now. Looking forward to getting in to it.

[DoubleL]

Here are some starting pics

[SpudWrench]

Very nice. I’m putting a 65 c20 together as well. Looks like you have good bones there

[DoubleL]

Thanks Spudwrench! Following your build now

[SpudWrench]

As am I! Think I’m about 2 hours south of you. I’m going to try and make it to the c10s on the capitol show thing in august. Maybe I’ll see you there 😎….if my truck can 😂

[DoubleL]

Well nothing too exciting today. I did a little better look over of the truck to come up with a list of to-dos. First up the title transfer paperwork then the insurance. Wipers are not working motor is working so I pulled apart the assembly and It looks like it might be trashed so I ordered a new one. Ordered new plugs and wires it needs both. I suspect it may not have a thermostat so i got a new one ordered. New locks for the doors with keys as I have none. Lastly, I bought parts to rebuid the heater controls. I was originaly thinking about putting a 292 in it just because i like that motor but am now thinking I might rebuild the 283 and add a 700r.

[SpudWrench]

I really like the 283s i chose to freshen mine up. Re gasketed and rebuilt the heads. Hopefully she fires up ok. Still playing with wiring. I have a real clean 66 4barrel intake that takes a 4gc and has the oil neck if your interested, and may have some other parts you might want as you go. If you do decide to swap trans. I’d be interested in the sm420. I’m looking to keep a spare on hand

[DoubleL]

Originally Posted by SpudWrench

I really like the 283s i chose to freshen mine up. Re gasketed and rebuilt the heads. Hopefully she fires up ok. Still playing with wiring. I have a real clean 66 4barrel intake that takes a 4gc and has the oil neck if your interested, and may have some other parts you might want as you go. If you do decide to swap trans. I’d be interested in the sm420. I’m looking to keep a spare on hand

The PO put a 4 barrel on it. I need to check it out and I have the original 2 barrel. I am pretty sure I'm going with the Auto Transmission so I'll keep you up to date on that!

[Chuck73080]

DoubleL,

I have gone thru some of the same pondering that you are experiencing, only my truck is a '66 C30 Cab and Chassis, 157" WB, 283, SM420, HO72 DRW/5.13. I bought my truck last year with 66,000 original miles and the Cab was restored five years prior. A custom built 10' FB was also installed.

I want to pull a 5th wheel camping trailer and travel (retired), So I called GV and was quoted $3,600 for the unit plus installation.

So, as I see it, here are your choices:

If you are happy with the 283 and SM420 the cheapest thing is to find a '67-72 C20 Dana 60 SRW, a '73-88 14 bolt will drop in also. I'll let you do the homework. But either '68 or '69 offered a Dana 60 3.54 ratio when the 396 engine was ordered.

Here is a link to the GM Heritage Center page for info on all GM trucks 1934-2007, Be careful of the rabbit hole you may step into. I've had some very late nights in those pages.

https://www.gmheritagecenter.com/gm-...tion-kits.html

Here is a link to a cool Spicer RPM calculator:

https://spicerparts.com/calculators/...rpm-calculator

I've now bought two of these axles (long story), the first was a Dana 60 7600# DRW 3.54 ratio with posi. for $1150 and the second was a '67 Dana 60 14,000# DRW 6.13 ratio for $750. Summit quoted $2.200 in parts to replace everything inside for a 3.54 posi. outcome. (local 4WD shop quoted $2,300 parts and labor).

OK second option:

If you are thinking of an AT, the 700R4 .70 OD would turn your 4.57 into 3.199. In my truck running 225/75R16 tires @ 29.3" dia. = 2751 RPM@75MPH.

The GV .78 OD would give you a final ratio of 3.5646 or 3066 RPM@75MPH in my truck.

Or choice #3:

Buy a TREMEC TR-4050 6.16, 3.11, 1.71, 1.00, 076 Rev. 6.03. My quote from Silver State Transmissions was $4,389.21 with a shifter, mechanical clutch linkage and bellhousing (Mandatory- the bolt pattern on trans is not GM and the runout clearances are very tight)

They were original equipment in 2006-2007 F550 trucks.

Watch this YouTube video:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=srnhgs6OV-Y

There are other trans. but they are truck transmissions and I wanted a fast shifting sporty transmission that can handle my 396 SBC 535HP/506 TQ (Dyno sheet). It is rated 600 lb/ft torque and is quick shifting.

https://flickr.com/photos/4-5-6chevy...7653616824764/
https://flickr.com/photos/4-5-6chevy...7653616824764/

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dx_8fwfkEfU&t=123s
This video is not an endorsement of 4-5-6 Chevy Trucks in any way, shape or form. he just shot the video.

[DoubleL]

Finally getting started! Going to work on the cab forward this winter.

[DoubleL]

Pistured is a pile of stuff that is not going back on the truck as I have acquired better sheet metal.

[350TacoZilla]

Good to see you getting the project started, have you decided for sure on your transmission setup yet? The gearing is something that I always like trying to dial in what works for what I plan to do with vehicle like tow rig vs highway cruiser.

[DoubleL]

Originally Posted by 350TacoZilla

Good to see you getting the project started, have you decided for sure on your transmission setup yet? The gearing is something that I always like trying to dial in what works for what I plan to do with vehicle like tow rig vs highway cruiser.

I was all hot on putting a 700r4 and rebuilding the moter and adding a little more horsepower but after driving it, I really don't mind the 4 speed and the motor still runs strong with no smoke.
I decided this winter to work on upgrading to the power brakes and power steering. I'm also going to clean up the motor and put new gaskets in it. The carb will get a rebuild as well.

[DoubleL]

So I have this old Quadrajet that definitily needs rebuilding. I also have the stock carb. Should I rebuild one of these or go a whole different direction?

[DoubleL]

My new power disc brake setup waiting patiently.

[350TacoZilla]

On the trans thing thats good if your ok with current one, wasnt sure if you wanted auto for a particular reason aside from gearing. Rear axle ratio is what mainly holds these trucks back from factory for modern interstate speeds, the deep 1st in trans can overcome taller gearing though if that is something you need.

If you can find someone that rebuilds the Qjets I really like them for the balance between mpg and power. If you cant find someone local or don't want to try it yourself then summit racing carries a rebuilt one for $240 basically.

https://www.summitracing.com/parts/urm-3-3256

[DoubleL]

Originally Posted by 350TacoZilla

On the trans thing thats good if your ok with current one, wasnt sure if you wanted auto for a particular reason aside from gearing. Rear axle ratio is what mainly holds these trucks back from factory for modern interstate speeds, the deep 1st in trans can overcome taller gearing though if that is something you need.

If you can find someone that rebuilds the Qjets I really like them for the balance between mpg and power. If you cant find someone local or don't want to try it yourself then summit racing carries a rebuilt one for $240 basically.

https://www.summitracing.com/parts/urm-3-3256

Thanks for that advice. I know I can rebuild it if I just take my time. I was wondering if it was worth it. I'm needing a little higher gearing but that's not on the agenda for this year so I have some time to think.

[cwcarpenter98]

You'll get better mpgs with the Quadrajet if you can keep your foot out of it. I like the Qjet on my 283 better than the stock 2 barrel that was on it when I bought it