The "new" 65.

[dtkarst]

I just picked up this 65 after I helped load my 66 for its transit to Orlando, Florida after I sold it and picked this one up. Bought it from the original family and I have seen it around for years. A guy i went to high school who graduated two years before me drove it to school and I never really saw it around. Turns out he was teaching his little brother how to drive it and he rear ended someone and did some serious frame damage. The plan is to possibly take the shortbed frame from my parts truck and drive it. It has a crate 350 in it, A/C (not factory but around the same time as the 60s), custom cab etc. I wanted to put a regular bed on it but ive kind of grown to like the little utility box.

[dtkarst]

More pics

[markeb01]

Looks to be in really nice condition except for the damage. Have fun with your new project!

[Shaun1162]

Oh man that things cool! I say keep it with the original utility bed... Definately don't see many originals from back then, especially short bed ones. Too bad about the frame damage... would have been a real nice survivor except for that. Have you asked a body shop if they can possibly straigten the frame with a puller?

[joedoh]

doesnt look like any frame damage except on the bumper mount or the very front. with a crate 350 that truck is a GREAT deal.

[dtkarst]

I havent talked to anone about pulling the frame out on it. Ont he first picture of the second post, its a horrible angle, but you can see where its tweeked pretty good. The previous owners rigged the reverse lights up so you can flip a switch in the dash and use the reverse lights on all the time to work at night. Im already pretty attached to that little utility box though. I would like to put that 66 frame under it while redoing the suspension and all that int he process and driving it. I trust that crate motor to go anywhere but I just wish it didnt have frame issues. Althought he previous owner said that A/C unit would freeze you out of the cab so id like to try that too

[dtkarst]

The news on the frame is that i need a different one. I do have a 66 shortbed frame that I will most likely pull from the parts truck its on and redo the suspension and put it all onto that one...just need the time. and motivation haha Does anyone think I should put the utility box back on it or put a regular bed on it?!

[Clyde65]

I cant really see it very good, but I bet you could get a frame shop to pull it back without any issues. Id call and ask one what it would cost. then you could decide if it would be worth doing or better for the frame swap.

[dtkarst]

I have already talked to a body shop. He said he could straighten it but it would end up right back where its at. Theyd have to take the whole front end off to straighten the frame and suspension back out straight. I dont think it would take to swap teh parts frame out

[Clyde65]

well if your going to do a disc brake swap, you might consider the frame work. good luck either way you go, looks like a very nice original truck and a great grab!

[dtkarst]

Well the plans have changed for the 65...We went to a little town nearby to get our seed wheat cleaned, and I had spotted a 64-66 cab sitting on blocks that was there the year before. I finally got ahold of the owner to see if he would be willing to part with it and he said he wanted to sell all the pieces he had, which turned out to be a shortbed 65. He had disassembled it with his son and his son lost interest, but they painted the frame and did suspension and brakes. It is a fleetside which changes what I plan on doing with my 65 with the utility box. I will have pictures up soon when I get the latest purchase.

[62-One-Ton]

Aww man you gotta rock the utility box, that thing is sweet.
Posted via Mobile Device

[rcbildr]

Originally Posted by 62-one-ton

aww man you gotta rock the utility box, that thing is sweet.
posted via mobile device

x2

[dtkarst]

Well the plan for the utility box is to go on a 65 K10 that i recently found, and it would be painted the same colors as the company my grandfather opened in 1935 that we still run, and it is Karst Water Well and it would be the same as our old shop trucks. That is of course if the rust within the box is fixable. Its got a lot of bondo on it as well in places where it ate through. so we will see

[62-One-Ton]

Ok. Well at least your not going to just scrap it. If it came to that I would hope a fellow member woukd save it.

Regards, Mike.
Posted via Mobile Device

[dtkarst]

I cant let that little box go to waste I enjoy it too much haha its really small

[dtkarst]

Well after digging the box out of the guys garage turns out it is a long box..A very straight and rust free boxm but still a longbox. SOoo the utility box will remain on the truck! haha

[dtkarst]

It will begin tomorrow. I will be torching all the beat up panels off of the donor frame and will be beginning the frame swap process. The utility box will remain on the truck but hopefullyit goes smoothly.

[MikeS.]

So...Where are the pics you promised us 2 months ago???? Gotta have my pic fix.

[dtkarst]

Well I have to start on it first! haha ill take pictures of the donor and pull the 65 out of her spot in the shed

[dtkarst]

A backhoe and a cutting torch is how to get things done when you need it haha