65 Panel Truck "RWC"
 

Hey everybody, I have been following this website for a while and finally decided to start a project thread. I got a 1965 Chevy C10 panel truck two years ago. It was mostly complete and drivable, so that's what I have done for the past 2 years. This past summer I decided to finish/personalize it. The PO had already installed a 350/TH400, PS, PB, and 5 lug axles.

Re: 65 Panel Truck "RWC"
 

The first thing I did was install a new battery/battery tray and hold downs.

Re: 65 Panel Truck "RWC"
 

Here's two years ago when I washed it before a cruise night. The black 78 has been my DD for 28 years.

Re: 65 Panel Truck "RWC"
 

Very nice

Re: 65 Panel Truck "RWC"
 

Nice panel :thumbs:

What are your plans to 'personalize it'?

Re: 65 Panel Truck "RWC"
 

I want to make it into a "shop truck". The PO carpeted everything and bolted 4 buckets in the back. It also has laminate flooring on the side walls and ceiling. I am gutting all of that.

Re: 65 Panel Truck "RWC"
 

replaced the original 6 cal radiator, it ran 230-240 in the summer. Installed a US Radiator, new upper/lower hoses from Summit.

Re: 65 Panel Truck "RWC"
 

Very nice looking truck!

Re: 65 Panel Truck "RWC"
 

Very nice !

Re: 65 Panel Truck "RWC"
 

Thanks everyone, I have been drawing inspiration from all the great trucks on this site. Number one thing I have learned to do: take photos with this crazy smart phone all I really use it for is music, lol).

So a box of parts arrived today from the Truck Shop in Ca., but I spent all day working on my daughter's S10 (heater core leads to radiator drain/flush, leads to battery tray, leads to vapor canister, leads to vacuum lines, leads to EGR valve, leads to...shower) phew! Gotta take care of your girls, both flesh and iron. LOL

Re: 65 Panel Truck "RWC"
 

Are you using an original style hold-down for your battery? Pics of it installed? Also, I notice you have your overflow bottle on the inner fender. How does it work there? I have mine behind the grill right now until I get the nipple on my radiator neck turned towards the drivers side.

Re: 65 Panel Truck "RWC"
 

I will have to take some pics when I get home. I am using a factory tray/support and hold down. The overflow was mounted there when I bought it, but now with the new radiator I would like something a little nicer looking. It works fine there.

Re: 65 Panel Truck "RWC"
 

The biggest challenge on this truck is cleaning up after the PO, he unfortunately had passed away before I bought it. He installed PS/PB and a 350/TH400 which saved me a ton but there are things half done and wires going nowhere. I am enjoying it, while I work out the kinks and change some things. I just got the factory assembly manual and the cd with all the shop manuals. Now I can start chasing wires.

Re: 65 Panel Truck "RWC"
 

Killer panel man, I had one once (older year).

Re: 65 Panel Truck "RWC"
 

Nothing pretty, but it's solid. The battery that came in it (mototrcraft) didn't even fit the rusted tray and had nothing securing it (scary). Unfortunately I took no photos back then.

Re: 65 Panel Truck "RWC"
 

I got it down to bare walls a few weeks ago. Apparently it had a window at one time. It would be cool to learn the history of this truck. What company/shop first used it?

Re: 65 Panel Truck "RWC"
 

Thanks, I have enjoyed cruising with it. This website has inspired me to start tearing into it.

Re: 65 Panel Truck "RWC"
 

after watching Roadkill, I realize that I need to make a list of things to be done. I am at work right now, but here are some things to tackle:
dynamat the cab floor
new carpet or vinyl floor
seat belts
move tach (currently a knee knocker)
glover box liner
paint interior panel walls
new rear coil springs
remove laminate wood ceiling
fix gas gauge
change alternator to int. regulator
do something about the rats nest of wires under dash
adjust rear doors (don't close properly)
fix passenger taillight (only works as brake light)

I'm sure there's more, but back to work...

Re: 65 Panel Truck "RWC"
 

Cool truck, I like what you're doing with it. Looks like there was another window on the other side that was covered up. Are you going to keep the sunroof? That must have been a cool party rig back in the day.

Re: 65 Panel Truck "RWC"
 

Thanks, I was surprised to find the window spot when I cleaned her out. I am curious as to what company had/used this truck. As far as the sunroof, it does not leak, so I will leave it alone.

Re: 65 Panel Truck "RWC"
 

Thanks for the pics. I bought a repro hold down but not sure how it was supposed to mount. This helps a lot.
Thanks

Re: 65 Panel Truck "RWC"
 

yea, I had to play around to figure it out. My kit came with two J bolts, equal length. That didn't make sense, there are grooves on the radiator support for the forward one, so I cut one bolt down. Then I see in a catalog, there should be a short and long one. Oh well, it's all good now.

Re: 65 Panel Truck "RWC"
 

Here is the carpeted "cover-up", I wanted to get underneath and discover what was underneath. Plus, I like the look of the original panel floors. As you can see, the PO had built out over the wheel wells and carpeted everything.

Re: 65 Panel Truck "RWC"
 

Particle board over top of the floor. Then WAA-LAA, original bed! Truck unsquatted 1 1/2 inches...

Re: 65 Panel Truck "RWC"
 

We burned those 2x2s to make hobo dinners (that is my daughter, amazingly electronic free, LOL).

Re: 65 Panel Truck "RWC"
 

I got some miscenallanious work done today: vent window handle pins installed, replaced defroster hoses, new glove box liner installed.The old hoses, which are fabric, were torn and disintegrating. Then I discovered one of the glove box doors bushings is busted. Oh well, that's all part of the fun right? Then I took her for a short cruise around the neighborhood (the seat is not bolted in). We are using her for trick or treat tomorrow night.

Re: 65 Panel Truck "RWC"
 

This is last year's trunk or treat, we did a Coca-Cola delivery truck theme.

Re: 65 Panel Truck "RWC"
 

Halloween this year.

Re: 65 Panel Truck "RWC"
 

Murphy's soap and elbow grease applied to floor.

Re: 65 Panel Truck "RWC"
 

I like it!!

Re: 65 Panel Truck "RWC"
 

Thanks, I am slowly digging into her. I sold my 64 Riviera this summer, which has given me cash flow for the panel.

Re: 65 Panel Truck "RWC"
 

Thats cool. I use my Suburban for trunk or treat at our church as well. Next year Im hoping to make one side look like a covered wagon as my wife, daughter and I are doing a Steampunk theme

Re: 65 Panel Truck "RWC"
 

I would love to see pics of that!

Re: 65 Panel Truck "RWC"
 

I am taking out this bench seat, it seems to be out of an 80's truck. I have those four procar buckets that came in the back.

Second pic is of the one bad spot in the bed floor. The wheel tub is pretty beat up, probably going to replace it.

Re: 65 Panel Truck "RWC"
 

I will post pics when I get it done. I've got the idea in my head, now to transfer it to my Sub.

Re: 65 Panel Truck "RWC"
 

The gutting of the cab. OK carpet, jute pad, then basic insulation, then...bare floor.

Not too bad for a driver, some patch panels were previously installed. I will clean up and put down fresh insulation, jute and carpet.

Re: 65 Panel Truck "RWC"
 

Mock-up of the bucket seat. I think the height is right, will have to test drive.

Man, it is much more comfortable than the bench.

The bench is now a garage couch. I have already logged several hours looking through Classic Industries, the Truck Shop and Summit!

Re: 65 Panel Truck "RWC"
 

I put the stock fan shroud back on when I put in the aluminum radiator.

As you can see, it has been repaired by the PO. I am trying to decide: buy a new stock one or get one of the old school chrome ones.

Re: 65 Panel Truck "RWC"
 

I put a repop stock on in my 64. I don't have much chrome on mine, so I didn't want all that flash on the radiator.

Re: 65 Panel Truck "RWC"
 

I have some chrome, but haven't decided. That'll be a winter decision, lol.