Eagletucky's 61, 65 & 66 build thread - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

Eagletucky · 03-22-2009, 10:25 PM

Hey Guys,

I started a project about a month ago. I've been lurking alot here during the day, and tearing down trucks at night when time allows. With a wife and 2 children, sometimes its hard to get to the garage, but I make time when I can.

Anyhow, here's what I started with:

Its a 1965 GMC. I bought it on Craigs List. Came with a 1966 GMC parts truck (never got pics of it) Thought I would just get it running and drive as is. Found that the 305 V6 might be more that I wanted to deal with, I opted to go in a different direction.

I bought this 2 two weeks later. Its a short bed frame (which is what I wanted in the first place) and has a 235 installed. The motor is locked up, But I just happen to have 235/powerglide out of a 62 Impala lying around, so I will pull the 235/4sp saginaw and install the new powertrain. This is going to start as a non cosmetic build, as I just want to get the truck together, get all of the bugs worked out, then make pretty over time. I dig the old, worn paint on these trucks and will wear this while I make my upgrades. I plan to install a 70's to 80's crossmember, with drop spindles, and springs, then install Jeep TJ coils in the back. I have a bagged car (1960 Buick LeSabre), and just want to static drop this one, I dont need it real low, just a little better stance.

This past weekend I sectioned the bed on the 65'GMC so it will fit on the chevy, here are the tacked together results:

We used a crappy $200.00 welder, so we only tacked it together. I have a friend who is a great welder coming over this week with his rig to finish things up. Hopefully, we can then transfer the bed to the 61 Chevy, and i can have the Junk yard take a way whats left of the GMC. I scavenged every usable part out of that truck, just to be safe.

The planned driving date for this beast is May 15, 2009.

Well, thats all for now, Ill post up pics when work is done.

Thanks to all of the guys on the site, I've learned alot in the month I've been a member, with lots of learnin' left to do!!!

Alan's Classic · 03-22-2009, 11:06 PM

Welcome aboard. Looks like you know what you want to do with it. Keep us up too date.

**Captainfab** · 03-23-2009, 12:35 AM

Lookin good!

Just incase you didn't know, the bed mounting points on that '66 GMC bed aren't going to line up with the '61 Chevy frame. You'll have to do a little fabbing/modifying to get it bolted down.

retodd7711 · 03-23-2009, 02:51 AM

Keep us posted on your progress, with lots more pics!

Iron-Butt · 03-23-2009, 07:02 AM

Looks like a great start.

Eagletucky · 03-23-2009, 08:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Captainfab

Lookin good!

Just incase you didn't know, the bed mounting points on that '66 GMC bed aren't going to line up with the '61 Chevy frame. You'll have to do a little fabbing/modifying to get it bolted down.

Yeah, I found that out after I bought the 2nd truck, but It wont be that big of a deal. I should have done a little more research before buying the two trucks, I thought they were interchangable (boy was I wrong

), oh well, live and learn!!

joe231 · 03-23-2009, 08:37 AM

nice!!

Eagletucky · 03-29-2009, 12:01 AM

Yo,

My friend Brian came over today and welded up my bed, then we were able to mount the shortened GMC long bed onto the short bed framed Chevy.

Heres how that now looks. I'm pretty geeked.....

While my buddy was welding, Me and another friend finished the deconstruction of the GMC. Not much left to work with. Its time to sat Bye Bye to Big Blue......We'll miss ya!

Got the gas tank in, switched wheels & tires. Shes ready for a little pressure washer action, then a fresh coat of satin black on the chassis and firewall.

More updates to come!!!

joe231 · 03-29-2009, 12:26 AM

Nice work!!!

Eagletucky · 05-18-2009, 09:24 PM

Alrighty then,

I was horrible at maintaining a build thread, but I have my truck as finished as its going to be this year. I bought a very low mileage 235 from a friend of a friend, plugged that into the 4 speed that came witht he white truck, painted the engine compartment, replaced all clutch and brake lines, new master cylinders, wheel cylinders, basically got the truck road worthy. Had to rewire the truck down to the basics.

So hear are the pics, feel free to comment.

Thanks,

Eagletucky · 05-18-2009, 09:29 PM

A few of the engine compartment....

Thanks for all the inspiration guys.......it really kept me motivated!

There is still lots more to do, but I'm up and driving...cant beat that.

ol Curt · 05-18-2009, 09:45 PM

Let me know if you are interested in selling that camper shell. I'm in Indiana.

Eagletucky · 05-18-2009, 09:49 PM

Back when I didnt know any better, I waded that shell up and took it to the city dump. I really wish I had kept it.

ol Curt · 05-18-2009, 09:51 PM

Holy crap! Wish I should have asked sooner! I keep looking for a vintage one for mine. Looks like a great project!

jonzcustomshop · 05-18-2009, 09:52 PM

like the early gmmy hood!

joe231 · 05-18-2009, 10:39 PM

that looks sweet!!
love the engine compartment!!

looks like a blast to drive

protrash64 · 05-18-2009, 11:38 PM

Looks like a totally different truck once you open the hood!

Good work; talk about sleeper......you'd never guess it was in good mechanical condition.

**Corts60** · 05-19-2009, 12:05 AM

That's lookin great! I love that your keeping the eyebrow hood!

63sbssbbw · 05-19-2009, 04:10 AM

Looks great Et
I'd roll in that
T

Eagletucky · 05-20-2009, 10:56 AM

Thanks guys,

Funny thing is, I paid more for the hood than the truck!!!

I'm driving to a show in Louisville Monday. Its about 200 miles round trip. Wish me luck.

Eagletucky · 12-24-2009, 04:00 PM

OK, update number 3. I really am horrible at maintaing a build thread. The digital camers died, we just got another one. So, Here is how she looks now, with a 78' front crossmember and rear end, dropped spindles, cut springs, jeep spring and blocks in the back. It cant go any lower without major surgery. I 86'd the 235/4 speed for a 350/350. I also gave it a "fake patina" paint job so it would be the same color on all panels.

Thats about it. The cab on this one is awfull. I plan to replace that in the next month and start on making her pretty.

I'll try to do a better job on the updates.

Thanks,

blackmopar · 12-24-2009, 04:33 PM

nice lookin truck

62gmc910 · 12-24-2009, 05:21 PM

Nice ride

sweet work on the "old" paint

joe231 · 12-24-2009, 06:23 PM

Looks super cool!!

markeb01 · 12-24-2009, 06:43 PM

Wow a simple 3 step evolution! I wish they were all that easy!!

I dig the early hood, I let mine go years ago as the original owner damaged it in a deer collision. I'm curious what bolt pattern you are running, and how you got there. I've never heard of 5x5 spiders. They look great.

Also - how does is ride with the Jeep springs? Are they softer than stock or does it ride rough like original.

Keep up the great work and more pictures when you can. Merry Christmas.

03-22-2009, 10:25 PM	#1
Eagletucky Where did THAT bolt go? Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Speedway, Indiana Posts: 306	Eagletucky's 61, 65 & 66 build thread Hey Guys, I started a project about a month ago. I've been lurking alot here during the day, and tearing down trucks at night when time allows. With a wife and 2 children, sometimes its hard to get to the garage, but I make time when I can. Anyhow, here's what I started with: Its a 1965 GMC. I bought it on Craigs List. Came with a 1966 GMC parts truck (never got pics of it) Thought I would just get it running and drive as is. Found that the 305 V6 might be more that I wanted to deal with, I opted to go in a different direction. I bought this 2 two weeks later. Its a short bed frame (which is what I wanted in the first place) and has a 235 installed. The motor is locked up, But I just happen to have 235/powerglide out of a 62 Impala lying around, so I will pull the 235/4sp saginaw and install the new powertrain. This is going to start as a non cosmetic build, as I just want to get the truck together, get all of the bugs worked out, then make pretty over time. I dig the old, worn paint on these trucks and will wear this while I make my upgrades. I plan to install a 70's to 80's crossmember, with drop spindles, and springs, then install Jeep TJ coils in the back. I have a bagged car (1960 Buick LeSabre), and just want to static drop this one, I dont need it real low, just a little better stance. This past weekend I sectioned the bed on the 65'GMC so it will fit on the chevy, here are the tacked together results: We used a crappy $200.00 welder, so we only tacked it together. I have a friend who is a great welder coming over this week with his rig to finish things up. Hopefully, we can then transfer the bed to the 61 Chevy, and i can have the Junk yard take a way whats left of the GMC. I scavenged every usable part out of that truck, just to be safe. The planned driving date for this beast is May 15, 2009. Well, thats all for now, Ill post up pics when work is done. Thanks to all of the guys on the site, I've learned alot in the month I've been a member, with lots of learnin' left to do!!!

03-22-2009, 11:06 PM	#2
Alan's Classic 1 thing at a time is progress. Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Ball Ground GA Posts: 5,511	Re: Eagletucky's 61, 65 & 66 build thread Welcome aboard. Looks like you know what you want to do with it. Keep us up too date. __________________ Alan Philippians 2:14-16 Alan's Classic Facebook page. North Georgia Group Project 1965 Vitamin C-10 1995 GMC Sierra K1500 The "Wrecker"

03-23-2009, 12:35 AM	#3
Captainfab 60-66 Nut Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Coeur d'Alene, Idaho Posts: 23,246	Re: Eagletucky's 61, 65 & 66 build thread Lookin good! Just incase you didn't know, the bed mounting points on that '66 GMC bed aren't going to line up with the '61 Chevy frame. You'll have to do a little fabbing/modifying to get it bolted down. __________________ Power Steering Box Adapter Plates For Sale HERE Power Brake Booster Adapter Brackets For Sale '63-'66 HERE and '67-'72 HERE and '60-'62 HERE and "60-'62 with clutch HERE Rear Disc Brake Brackets For Sale. Impala SS calipers HERE Camaro Calipers HERE D52 Calipers HERE 6 Lug HERE Hydroboost Mounting Plates HERE

03-23-2009, 02:51 AM	#4
retodd7711 chrome makes it go FASTER! Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Cleveland Tennessee Posts: 2,884	Re: Eagletucky's 61, 65 & 66 build thread Keep us posted on your progress, with lots more pics! __________________ She can't cook and she won't clean. But she looks good in a skirt and she brings me beer. She can stay for now. EDIT:: But she left me anyway, So forget her. 1962 GMC Stepside V6 4 speed My rolling resto thread http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=324226 My old farm truck http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...=1#post3465005

03-23-2009, 07:02 AM	#5
Iron-Butt 454 club Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Oklahoma Posts: 1,348	Re: Eagletucky's 61, 65 & 66 build thread Looks like a great start. __________________ David 1965 Chevrolet c-10 454 automatic Custom bbw swb. 1965 Chevrolet C-10 swb (Sold) 1963 Chevrolet C-10 6 Cyl automatic with dual exhaust, pb, ps and 17's. R.I.P "I will miss you. 1967 Chevrolet C-10 6 Cyl Custom lwb 1939 Chevrolet Coupe, 350 v8 automatic. 1935 Chevrolet 2 Dr Standard in the works. 2015 Harley Davidson Street Glide. 2023 Chevrolet Stingray Z51 Convertible. I never want to grow up.

03-23-2009, 08:37 AM	#7
joe231 Registered User Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Palmer, Alaska Posts: 13,821	Re: Eagletucky's 61, 65 & 66 build thread nice!! __________________ *CHEVY ONLY*

03-29-2009, 12:01 AM	#8
Eagletucky Where did THAT bolt go? Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Speedway, Indiana Posts: 306	Re: Eagletucky's 61, 65 & 66 build thread Yo, My friend Brian came over today and welded up my bed, then we were able to mount the shortened GMC long bed onto the short bed framed Chevy. Heres how that now looks. I'm pretty geeked..... While my buddy was welding, Me and another friend finished the deconstruction of the GMC. Not much left to work with. Its time to sat Bye Bye to Big Blue......We'll miss ya! Got the gas tank in, switched wheels & tires. Shes ready for a little pressure washer action, then a fresh coat of satin black on the chassis and firewall. More updates to come!!! __________________ The Swiss Car Club......A drinking club with a car problem....

03-29-2009, 12:26 AM	#9
joe231 Registered User Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Palmer, Alaska Posts: 13,821	Re: Eagletucky's 61, 65 & 66 build thread Nice work!!! __________________ *CHEVY ONLY*

05-18-2009, 09:24 PM	#10
Eagletucky Where did THAT bolt go? Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Speedway, Indiana Posts: 306	Re: Eagletucky's 61, 65 & 66 build thread Alrighty then, I was horrible at maintaining a build thread, but I have my truck as finished as its going to be this year. I bought a very low mileage 235 from a friend of a friend, plugged that into the 4 speed that came witht he white truck, painted the engine compartment, replaced all clutch and brake lines, new master cylinders, wheel cylinders, basically got the truck road worthy. Had to rewire the truck down to the basics. So hear are the pics, feel free to comment. Thanks, __________________ The Swiss Car Club......A drinking club with a car problem....

05-18-2009, 09:29 PM	#11
Eagletucky Where did THAT bolt go? Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Speedway, Indiana Posts: 306	Re: Eagletucky's 61, 65 & 66 build thread A few of the engine compartment.... Thanks for all the inspiration guys.......it really kept me motivated! There is still lots more to do, but I'm up and driving...cant beat that. __________________ The Swiss Car Club......A drinking club with a car problem....

05-18-2009, 09:45 PM	#12
ol Curt Junior Member Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Newburgh, IN Posts: 1,247	Re: Eagletucky's 61, 65 & 66 build thread Let me know if you are interested in selling that camper shell. I'm in Indiana. __________________ 1966 Chevy C10 Longbed I'm Bob....ol Curt was my Grandpa The truck was his and he sure as heck wouldn't understand why I took a perfectly good truck and tore it down!

05-18-2009, 09:49 PM	#13
Eagletucky Where did THAT bolt go? Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Speedway, Indiana Posts: 306	Re: Eagletucky's 61, 65 & 66 build thread Back when I didnt know any better, I waded that shell up and took it to the city dump. I really wish I had kept it. __________________ The Swiss Car Club......A drinking club with a car problem....

05-18-2009, 09:51 PM	#14
ol Curt Junior Member Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Newburgh, IN Posts: 1,247	Re: Eagletucky's 61, 65 & 66 build thread Holy crap! Wish I should have asked sooner! I keep looking for a vintage one for mine. Looks like a great project! __________________ 1966 Chevy C10 Longbed I'm Bob....ol Curt was my Grandpa The truck was his and he sure as heck wouldn't understand why I took a perfectly good truck and tore it down!

05-18-2009, 09:52 PM	#15
jonzcustomshop 1961 crewcab Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: missoula, mt Posts: 6,164	Re: Eagletucky's 61, 65 & 66 build thread like the early gmmy hood!

05-18-2009, 10:39 PM	#16
joe231 Registered User Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Palmer, Alaska Posts: 13,821	Re: Eagletucky's 61, 65 & 66 build thread that looks sweet!! love the engine compartment!! looks like a blast to drive __________________ *CHEVY ONLY*



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05-18-2009, 11:38 PM	#17
protrash64 Resistance is Futile Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Mesa,Arizona Posts: 3,519	Re: Eagletucky's 61, 65 & 66 build thread Looks like a totally different truck once you open the hood! Good work; talk about sleeper......you'd never guess it was in good mechanical condition. __________________ 64 CHEVY PICK-UP > http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...otrash+re-hash 64 CARRYALL >http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...=1964+suburban 66 LB >http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=427852 STRENGTH/DETERMINATION/MERCILESS/FOREVER .......posted via stationary device

05-19-2009, 12:05 AM	#18
Corts60 Just here to tinker Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Holland, MI Posts: 3,672	Re: Eagletucky's 61, 65 & 66 build thread That's lookin great! I love that your keeping the eyebrow hood! __________________ 78 C10 SWB Diesel #1 (wrecked)http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...1978+silverado 78 C10 SWB Diesel #2 (sold)http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=650751 60 GMC Suburban (sold)http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=445526 60 GMC 1000 (sold)http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=298235 67 GMC 1500 (sold) http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=803695 86 Suburban(summer unit) http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=810697 88 Suburban 4x4(winter unit)https://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/...25#post8900725

05-19-2009, 04:10 AM	#19
63sbssbbw UCA63 Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Lloydminster AB Can. Posts: 1,637	Re: Eagletucky's 61, 65 & 66 build thread Looks great Et I'd roll in that T __________________ member#7816 "63 sb ss bbw 350\350 12 bolt rear Pwr Fr Disc PS tilt '61 GMC in progress '63 GMC to use for parts '90 Chevy Ext cab sbfs 5.7l (current d d)

05-20-2009, 10:56 AM	#20
Eagletucky Where did THAT bolt go? Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Speedway, Indiana Posts: 306	Re: Eagletucky's 61, 65 & 66 build thread Thanks guys, Funny thing is, I paid more for the hood than the truck!!! I'm driving to a show in Louisville Monday. Its about 200 miles round trip. Wish me luck. __________________ The Swiss Car Club......A drinking club with a car problem....

12-24-2009, 04:00 PM	#21
Eagletucky Where did THAT bolt go? Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Speedway, Indiana Posts: 306	Re: Eagletucky's 61, 65 & 66 build thread OK, update number 3. I really am horrible at maintaing a build thread. The digital camers died, we just got another one. So, Here is how she looks now, with a 78' front crossmember and rear end, dropped spindles, cut springs, jeep spring and blocks in the back. It cant go any lower without major surgery. I 86'd the 235/4 speed for a 350/350. I also gave it a "fake patina" paint job so it would be the same color on all panels. Thats about it. The cab on this one is awfull. I plan to replace that in the next month and start on making her pretty. I'll try to do a better job on the updates. Thanks, __________________ The Swiss Car Club......A drinking club with a car problem....

12-24-2009, 04:33 PM	#22
blackmopar Registered User Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: fallbrook, ca Posts: 326	Re: Eagletucky's 61, 65 & 66 build thread nice lookin truck

12-24-2009, 05:21 PM	#23
62gmc910 Registered User Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Cremona AB Canada Posts: 370	Re: Eagletucky's 61, 65 & 66 build thread Nice ride sweet work on the "old" paint __________________ 62 GMC 910 short fleetside 454 super t10 14 bolt w/gov lock 70s c20 front discs (built in the 80s) 65 GMC 930 dualwheel 292 4spd all origonal 39k mi(my sons truck) 63 GMC 950 camperized school bus, (Gus the bus) 350 4speed 2 speed rear 64 GMC 950 "spare" bus 283? 4speed detroit locker 53 GMC 1ton dual wheel bus 78 GMC c25 short course off road race truck(son's truck) 355 th400 14 bolt (www.wheel2wheel.ca) 88 Peterbilt 379 longhood (hauls race truck)

12-24-2009, 06:23 PM	#24
joe231 Registered User Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Palmer, Alaska Posts: 13,821	Re: Eagletucky's 61, 65 & 66 build thread Looks super cool!! __________________ *CHEVY ONLY*

12-24-2009, 06:43 PM	#25
markeb01 Senior Enthusiast Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Spokane Valley, WA Posts: 8,356	Re: Eagletucky's 61, 65 & 66 build thread Wow a simple 3 step evolution! I wish they were all that easy!! I dig the early hood, I let mine go years ago as the original owner damaged it in a deer collision. I'm curious what bolt pattern you are running, and how you got there. I've never heard of 5x5 spiders. They look great. Also - how does is ride with the Jeep springs? Are they softer than stock or does it ride rough like original. Keep up the great work and more pictures when you can. Merry Christmas.

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