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Old 07-01-2013, 05:02 PM   #1
BSLSK05
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Where should I start?

Ok, I've asked what transmission I should use, but now I need insight more than anything.

This is my baby:







My question is where should I start?
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Old 07-01-2013, 05:09 PM   #2
jayoldschool
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Re: Where should I start?

Start with a clear goal. What do you want the truck to be? A daily driver? A weekend toy? A show truck? Then, set your to do list accordingly. Brakes, suspension, electrical, bed, body.
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Old 07-01-2013, 05:20 PM   #3
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Re: Where should I start?

Defiantly a daily driver but I also want it to stand out.

The brakes are practically gone and the suspension isn't much better. most of the drivetrain is good, but I will not cut a hole on my floor board to accommodate a shifter.

There is minimal rust and what is there can be easily fixed.

I just see $$$
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Old 07-01-2013, 05:43 PM   #4
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Re: Where should I start?

As Jayoldschool said, it's best to get a goal in mind. Something I did that helped out tremendously with my goal was to surf this forum and look at the many pictures of other trucks. I've seen daily drivers that look better than show trucks. You have an awesome truck to start with. If she were mine, I would make her safe to drive until you had a set plan to go on. Good luck and welcome!
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Old 07-01-2013, 06:07 PM   #5
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Re: Where should I start?

Welcome to the obsession! Looks like you have a nice truck to start with. I completely agree with Wolfinthesnow and Jayoldschool, figure out a plan then get going. Your plan will change as you go along. Since you want a daily driver maybe the first things to do is make it a safe driver. New brakes, dual master cylinder and perhaps some new tie rods and bushings. Do some small things to get it going that you will want to keep. If you want disc brakes in front, that is another good thing to tackle. Also think about power steering. If the suspension is bad, decide what you want, static factory stance, static drop or go with bags.

Have fun with this. I know I stressed out a little at the beginning but then realized, this is my hobby and it has to be fun. Relax and enjoy! Tons of great people on this forum who can answer any question.
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Old 07-01-2013, 06:11 PM   #6
62 Barnfind
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Re: Where should I start?

What trans does the truck have? I have the original 3 speed with the six and i'm happy with that. If I was building something that my wife or for a hot rod i would put a v8 and auto trans in it. What do you want to do?
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Old 07-01-2013, 06:39 PM   #7
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Re: Where should I start?

A good degreasing, some new hoses and please fix the wires. I hate rat nest wires, seen my fair share of electrical fires. Good tires, brakes, fresh fluids. Check nuts and bolts. The rest is up to the paycheck.
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Old 07-01-2013, 07:13 PM   #8
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Re: Where should I start?

Got seatbelts? That's the cheapest safety upgrade you can make.
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Old 07-01-2013, 09:07 PM   #9
BSLSK05
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Re: Where should I start?

Quote:
Got seatbelts? That's the cheapest safety upgrade you can make.
I have the original seatbelts so, somewhat safe.

I have a brand new Saginaw 3 Speed but the bushings in my steering column for the shifter are worn-out and its binding up when I move it and I wont cut a hole in my floor. I want it gone.

I planned on going disk brakes all around because my brakes are in pretty bad shape to begin with and I like to be able to stop.

With the suspension, I would need new bushings, shocks and springs and to spend several hours cleaning the mud and grease out of the undercarriage.

Quote:
please fix the wires. I hate rat nest wires, seen my fair share of electrical fires.
Trust me, its a priority. I am gonna make a new harness as soon as I get all new connectors.

I need to have my block dipped because the cooling lines are completely clogged with rust. Also, my pistons are no longer snug against the cylinder walls. Spilled about a cup of antifreeze into cylinder 6 while replacing a head gasket and it drained through in less than a minute. A good boring over of .030 should be enough. Anyone know of a good machine shop near Rome, GA?

So, where is a good place to start?
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Old 07-01-2013, 10:39 PM   #10
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Re: Where should I start?

If you're trying to get her on the road before fall and paint can wait, I would start on the engine.

Since things are interconnected, if you start with the engine, you'll be working on the electric in the engine compartment, too. Once the engine is in decent shape, you'll have to work on the shifter, which leads to chasing down dashboard gremlins.

Next big project is the brakes. While the wheels are off, take care of the suspension. And with the rear end up in the air, also a good time to check wiring in the back half and anything else that might concern ya'.

My biggest helper is The List with 3 columns: Major Things, Minor Things, and Completed Things. The List keeps me focused. Hope this helps.
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Old 07-02-2013, 01:54 AM   #11
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Re: Where should I start?

I know I'm always goin' on about using square body parts but if you had a running square for a doner you could use the motor, trans, front crossmember to go disc, rear end, wheels, swaybar, steering column, steering box, and probably a bunch of other stuff I can't think of right now. Heck, you might even be able to use the 3 point seatbelts too.lol.
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Old 07-02-2013, 08:06 AM   #12
Clyde65
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Re: Where should I start?

I cant add anything more that these guys havent already said, except one thing. Enjoy the truck as your getting her road worthy/built. Do the things that will get her road worthy and safe first. then drive her around and save money and/or look for ideas and deals, then take her off the road for a short time while you do small projects.

too many have blown their trucks apart going for a total rebuild and then get overwhelmed or loose interest. Good luck to you friend and the knowledgeable folks here are only a point and click away when you need help.
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Old 07-02-2013, 08:20 AM   #13
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Re: Where should I start?

I totally agree with the above post- safety first-brakes and suspension/steering. I understand you need the "go" before the "whoa", but sounds like you have a handle on what to do under the hood.

One thing different I would suggest.:
Do a complete evaluation before diving into any repairs. get the truck in the air, knock the wheels off and look it over VERY good, inspect the metal brake lines, fuel lines, e-brake cables. Check and see what suspension is immediately needed-loose tie rods, broken shocks, worn bushings, etc.
Make your lists as mentioned above and prioritize them, factoring in your budget.
Some things may be on a waiting list, where you buy a few pieces here and there until you get all you need, then you can tackle it.

Another hint- front suspension is easier to work on with the engine in the truck, if you are just swapping springs, ball joints. If changing the complete crossmember, naturally, no engine is better.

Good luck and welcome to the insanity!!
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Old 07-02-2013, 09:05 AM   #14
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Re: Where should I start?

On a Budget ? Cheapest route to go:


FIND A DONOR TO SOLVE ALL THE PROBLEMS. We found a 91 suburban 2wd, fresh engin, fresh 700r4, rebuilt front end, then the guys son wrecked it. The burb still ran ,

Here is what we used off this truck:

1. complete engine,motor mounts, frame mounts, computer, wiring harness, fuse block

2. front crossmember (bigger bearings, disc brakes, sway bar)

3. power booster and master cyclinder

4. power steering, pump and gearbox, tilt wheel.

Total Cost $900.00

Take your time look for a good Donor truck.......then you can upgrade and solve all the issues at your leisure.........Kieth

Here is a link to my build........with pictures of the donor burb


http://kieth.smugmug.com/Trucks/66-G...5158&k=c93wLV9


donor:

http://kieth.smugmug.com/Trucks/65-G...2114&k=GxfCTDD


We could have put abs brakes on the 66 but decided not to try it..

Good luck on your build. Kieth

here is an example of a possible donor:

http://oklahomacity.craigslist.org/cto/3849497058.html

http://oklahomacity.craigslist.org/pts/3834721979.html

must be a 2wd not 4wd

Last edited by kieth; 07-02-2013 at 09:25 AM.
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Old 07-02-2013, 09:29 AM   #15
BSLSK05
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Re: Where should I start?

I want a donor but that wont be possible in my situation. I am rebuilding it in the parking lot of my college. Yes, I am getting yelled at for it, no, I'm not breaking any rules so there is nothing they can do about it.

I've pulled the front end apart and found that it has hit something before and won. Unfortunately, the inner fender on the passenger side is bent and nothing lines up anymore.

The metal components of the suspension are in good shape, they mostly need a cleaning and a coat of paint. I will probably do that at the same time I do the brakes.

I guess I should list whats actually new on my truck:

Saginaw 3-speed (Will be selling if anyone is interested)
Clutch
Center Drive shaft Bearing
Some electrical, mostly to the rear lights

I do have something very interesting on my truck. One of its previous owners decided it would be a great idea to replace the bead floor with quarter inch diamond plate steel. It looks great and it was installed very well, but it makes working under it very difficult because the back of the truck is much heavier.

I do not have a budget, I plan on working on this through college as an early graduation present to myself, but I will be working with a couple thousand at a time.
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Old 07-02-2013, 09:28 AM   #16
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Re: Where should I start?

first thing get an air filter
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Old 07-02-2013, 03:23 PM   #17
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Re: Where should I start?

Drum brake parts are cheap, so do the drum brakes early on, so you can drive it safely while taking on the bigger parts. You can probably do all four, new shoes, rebuild kits for all the wheel cylinders for well under $100.

That will buy you some time to find what path you want to take for a disc brake conversion (donor car swap crossmember or new drop spindles or whatever). Then you can address wiring, engine, suspension etc.

Personally, I recommend driving it around and getting to know it as it is before deciding on motor and/tranny swaps. If you replace the bushings in the steering column, it might be that you really like the three speed after it shifts properly.

Personally, I think a straight six with a three speed in these trucks is very cool.
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Old 07-02-2013, 03:41 PM   #18
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Re: Where should I start?

My 2 cents worth....bite the bullet and get a new wiring harness...doing it your self is a pain, and if not done right you will be hunting down loose connections & bad grounds.......oh ya...welcome!!
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Old 07-02-2013, 03:53 PM   #19
Lugnutz65
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Re: Where should I start?

1. First thing. Make it stop - check all the brake lines and repair/replace whatever isn't right.
2. Make it go. Compression check all cylinders and thoroughly check out the engine before you waste time and money rebuilding the carb, exhaust, gaskets, etc.
3. Clean out the gas tank and install an inline fuel filter.
4. Buy a Factory Service Manual. You will need a 1963 FSM and the 1966 Supplement.
5. Drive it for a while and save up some money. Figure out what you can live with for a while and what needs to be changed.
6. A parts truck can save you a ton of money (only if you really need the parts).
7. Read as much as you can. Many people do not utilize the really nice 1960-66 FAQ INDEX on this forum which is loaded with DIY - HOW TO DO IT info. See post #2 for all the links.
8. Stay motivated.
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Old 07-02-2013, 04:11 PM   #20
BSLSK05
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Re: Where should I start?

Whats great about my current arrangement is that it doesn't need to move for a while. Stopping is a priority and I do want to go to disks, its pricey, but I can tackle those and the suspension at once.

I understand how cool the 3 speed is, but I need to be able to travel with this truck and I would like it to not eat my wallet every time it sees a highway.
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Old 07-02-2013, 04:31 PM   #21
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Re: Where should I start?

Quote:
Originally Posted by BSLSK05 View Post
Whats great about my current arrangement is that it doesn't need to move for a while. Stopping is a priority and I do want to go to disks, its pricey, but I can tackle those and the suspension at once.

I understand how cool the 3 speed is, but I need to be able to travel with this truck and I would like it to not eat my wallet every time it sees a highway.
I have a 66 longbed parts truck and Columbia, SC is not that far away from you. Send me a PM if I can help.
Jay
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Old 07-02-2013, 05:08 PM   #22
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Re: Where should I start?

I am going to make a list of what I need and put it up here.
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