Panel truck or Pick up?

[smiti7]

Hey guys, I just decided to get into a new project, its a 1961 Chevy panel truck. Its 99% complete, but kind of rusty with good floors. Then I recently ran accross a 66 chevy step side pick up with a freshly painted frame thats dropped in the front and back (4" and 2.5"), it has a 72 rear end with a 373, and 72 front with disc brakes, and power steering, most of the panels are there, cab has a hole in the floor and bed is great except wood floor. but no motor. I was thinking of putting the panel body on the truck frame and going from there. Heres the deal, I am not a body man, I am willing to learn if someone wanted to teach me, but have never done it. The panel truck needs body work and the PU would be a lot easier fix. I really only picked up the panel truck because you don't see them everyday. I did a google search on them and that Royal Purple panel truck is Awesome!, I think it sold me. Which one do you think would be the better Project? If I do the truck, then the Panel will be for sale, If I do the panel, then I will part out what I don't need off the PU. Also, I don't have a lot of $$$, so keep a budget in Mind. Thanks in advance for your imput.

[the kid]

shorten the panel to fit (some where around 12-14") the trucks frame

[smiti7]

Both of the wheel bases measure the same, approx 109" hub to hub.

[tiggamonsta]

I vote for the panel.

[ChiefRocka]

Originally Posted by smiti7

Both of the wheel bases measure the same, approx 109" hub to hub.

Ok then, it's obvious throw the panel body on the painted truck frame.

[kenny_strong]

[MacAttack]

Don’t know about where you’re from, but here in the SoCal - panel vehicles of the vintage type are about x3 over pick-ups in the coolness factor.

[d10s69c10]

Panel. sorry stepside guys. just not my mug O beer.

[joe231]

Um, i say do the truck and sell me the panel

[2manyprojects]

My vote is for the panel . Out of all the (15 I think) 60 to 66 trucks Ive owned. The 2 panels drew the most attention. The panel frame is slightly different where the rear bumper mounts,but shouldn't cause any problems if you use the p/u frame. I'll post a pic when i find it to show what I'm talkin about.

[protrash64]

DO THE PANEL!!!!!! Use all the good parts from both trucks.

[hewlett2002000]

i agree. go with the panel.

[Captainfab]

I vote for the Panel. If the Panel is a standard length Panel and the '66 is a short wheelbase then it will be a pretty easy swap. They're the same wheelbase as was already mentioned. The one difference will be the front cab mount and possibly some of the other body mounts. But since you have both frames, just compare and transfer what you need to put the Panel body on the '66 frame

[smiti7]

Yeah, I am thinking the same thing, I guess the PU would just be easier, the panel would be more unique. I'll try to post a couple pics here in the next couple days. Do you think I am taking away from the value of the panel by not keeping it original? Then again, who cares right? I'm gonna do some home work and find out about how much the body work would be. I'd love to find someone who would show me and let me learn a little.

[soba_03]

Panel, Panel, Panel, Panel, Panel, Panel,.....Nuff said

[smiti7]

Originally Posted by soba_03

Panel, Panel, Panel, Panel, Panel, Panel,.....Nuff said

Got It! I guess I'll have some Picu up parts for sale pretty soon. Thanks for all the input, I'll put some pics up shortly.

[suicide 63]

has anybody said panel yet?

[wild one]

Originally Posted by smiti7

. Do you think I am taking away from the value of the panel by not keeping it original? Then again, who cares right? .

My vote is for the panel, but I am slightly biased as I own a 66' shorty panel. As for the value of the truck - If your goal is a 100% stock resto then keep it 100% stock. Otherwise make it your own as well as making it safer/more enjoyable to drive by using the newer frame with the better brakes, cheaper suspension parts, MUCH improved rear end and better steering. Just my .02 though - good luck with the project whichever one you choose.

[Captainfab]

Originally Posted by smiti7

I'd love to find someone who would show me and let me learn a little.

I know there are several board members in TX, but I'm just not sure how close they are to you. You might look around here and see if someone close to you would be willing to help you out.

[smiti7]

[/email]

Originally Posted by kenny_strong

[smiti7]

Originally Posted by smiti7

[/email]

I'm trying to post pics, having trouble.....will keep trying.

[smiti7]

Can anyone give me some direction on putting pics on here? I'd like to have the picture show instead of the link to it.

[Tomsriv]

As far as 60-66 trucks go both are rare. The panel is more cool, but the stepside more useful. If you are going to ruin a stepside at least sell that bed to someone who will use it.

[Oregoon]

Panel!!!

Next best thing to a 'Burb, though I'm real partial to a longbed. Those don't get enough love.

Ideally, one day, I'd love a great-big mile-long one-ton panel, though I'd lose the heavy running gear in favor of something a bit more driveable, and drop it into the weeds...

Congrats on a cool truck!

[smiti7]

Originally Posted by Tomsriv

As far as 60-66 trucks go both are rare. The panel is more cool, but the stepside more useful. If you are going to ruin a stepside at least sell that bed to someone who will use it.

Well, in all reality the frame under the panel will work under the Pick up right? It still has the original 6 in it and everything else. The bed will be for sale after Thanksgiving, and then after I strip the cab it will be for sale too with a title. I'll probably start by putting it in Craigslist here in Houston.