Might have just thrown the plans out the window - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

**wcstory** · 07-25-2015, 10:37 PM

I had it all planned out then I took a look at the temp bed today.......

In January I bought a 1966 GMC 2500 dually Fire Support Truck with a utility body. The plan was to remove the Utility body and put a Fleetside or Stepside body on it. First hitch in the plans comes when the 8' chassis turns out to be a 2503 - 133" wb not the 127" wb model. I found this after I picked up an 8' 73-87 style stepside body.

Some snags the 133" wb chassis - can't buy repo brake lines, Massachusetts make me register a dually as a commercial vehicle, had to get a commercial insurance policy and 9' stepside bodies are next to impossible to find on the East Coast.

Resigned myself to changing the truck to a single rear wheel.

I ended up trading a 350 out of my old '89 R3500 I parted out for a 1965 GMC 2500 133" chassis. I was planning on sandblasting the chassis, POR15 and mounting the updated front end then swapping the motor and cab onto it.

After having to rework the top end to fix some bent pushrods and stuck valves I started driving the old girl around w/o out the bed. No chance of getting an inspection sticker without a bed so I decided to put the 8' stepside on.

I was surprised how well the duallys fit under a stock 8' stepside bed. I had to cut the inside wheel wells some. I really like this look! It looks like I might be fabricating a 9' box for her and mounting 60-66 fenders.

So much for planning things out............

You'll have to excuse the social faux pas of subjecting the poor old girl to a Chevy tailgate hanging off her arse

**Jurassic-1** · 07-25-2015, 11:29 PM

That really looks good and it does fit the fenders nicely. Why not use what you have?

OldGMJon · 07-26-2015, 12:37 AM

dig those wheels...

LostMy65 · 07-26-2015, 12:57 AM

I like the look.
But, I'd like to see it with the 55-66 Stepside fenders.

BigDan3131 · 07-26-2015, 01:00 AM

Just find any set of 8 lug wheels on CL that are either Chevy, Ford or Dodge pre 2010 and they should bolt on 8 on 6.5" bolt pattern. Most can be had for very little with tires, I got mine without, but found used tires cheap. That way you can drive it and get passed then feign the knowledge about it being a dually later on.

**Palf70Step** · 07-26-2015, 07:39 AM

Love the truck. 8 foot stepbeds are really hard to locate. that square-body bed is in primo shape. Can't wait to see how you progress with her.

**wcstory** · 07-26-2015, 08:09 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LostMy65

I like the look.
But, I'd like to see it with the 55-66 Stepside fenders.

I agree, but that was what was available. That was a 2 hour each way ride to get it.

**wcstory** · 07-26-2015, 08:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by OldGMJon

dig those wheels...

Me too , but the local tire shops run away screaming when I mention 3 piece rims.

For ease of service I may have to go to modern 16" rims (that I have).

blown240 · 07-26-2015, 11:42 AM

What about having those wheels redone with a standard outer rim? Get rid of the split rim....

Would be sweet to have the rear duallys made into a really wide single. Then you could mount up some big rear tires.

LostMy65 · 07-26-2015, 11:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by blown240

What about having those wheels redone with a standard outer rim? Get rid of the split rim....

Would be sweet to have the rear duallys made into a really wide single. Then you could mount up some big rear tires.

I was right in the process of posting exactly the same suggestion.

SIR · 07-26-2015, 12:50 PM

....yup...it makes her butt look big...

OldGMJon · 07-26-2015, 01:42 PM

Or maybe ike this one?

Quote:

Originally Posted by blown240

What about having those wheels redone with a standard outer rim? Get rid of the split rim....

Would be sweet to have the rear duallys made into a really wide single. Then you could mount up some big rear tires.

Quote:

Originally Posted by LostMy65

I was right in the process of posting exactly the same suggestion.

Quote:

Originally Posted by SIR

....yup...it makes her butt look big...

**wcstory** · 07-26-2015, 10:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by blown240

What about having those wheels redone with a standard outer rim? Get rid of the split rim....

Would be sweet to have the rear duallys made into a really wide single. Then you could mount up some big rear tires.

Queue up the "Queen - Fat Bottom Girls" soundtrack.

She's going to be a working girl so the 17s are going by the wayside in favor of more economical 235/85r/16. The overall stance will remain the same with the 85 series tire.

Aside from safety items I will be trying to stay period correct. She will never be a show truck, but I'll take every opportunity to show her off

TJ's Chevy · 07-26-2015, 10:21 PM

That'll be sweet!

OldGMJon · 07-26-2015, 11:42 PM

Too bad I am not closer...I have a set of rims off an 80' C30 with a good set of that size tires on them that I would trade you for the big red ones.

Quote:

Originally Posted by wcstory

Queue up the "Queen - Fat Bottom Girls" soundtrack.

She's going to be a working girl so the 17s are going by the wayside in favor of more economical 235/85r/16. The overall stance will remain the same with the 85 series tire.

Aside from safety items I will be trying to stay period correct. She will never be a show truck, but I'll take every opportunity to show her off

**wcstory** · 07-27-2015, 05:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by OldGMJon

Too bad I am not closer...I have a set of rims off an 80' C30 with a good set of that size tires on them that I would trade you for the big red ones.

I've found out time and time again that I'm on the WRONG part of the country for old GMC parts.

I do have a set of 6 modern dually rims with 4 good tires.

cooperhw · 07-27-2015, 02:00 PM

I am building a very similar truck in the 67-72 projects and builds called "Meet Homer". I used the same bed you have and widened it 6 inches. It completely covers my dual wheels with some to spare.
I dig your truck.

**wcstory** · 07-27-2015, 02:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cooperhw

I am building a very similar truck in the 67-72 projects and builds called "Meet Homer". I used the same bed you have and widened it 6 inches. It completely covers my dual wheels with some to spare.
I dig your truck.

Thank you, will check out the build thread.

I'm leaning towards building a 9' stepside box that is 56" wide vs the original 51" inside width. Probably putting in an electric/hydraulic pump and 4k lift cylinder under it. She is to be a working girl.
Posted via Mobile Device

07-25-2015, 10:37 PM	#1
wcstory Registered User Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Cape Cod, Ma. Posts: 236	Might have just thrown the plans out the window I had it all planned out then I took a look at the temp bed today....... In January I bought a 1966 GMC 2500 dually Fire Support Truck with a utility body. The plan was to remove the Utility body and put a Fleetside or Stepside body on it. First hitch in the plans comes when the 8' chassis turns out to be a 2503 - 133" wb not the 127" wb model. I found this after I picked up an 8' 73-87 style stepside body. Some snags the 133" wb chassis - can't buy repo brake lines, Massachusetts make me register a dually as a commercial vehicle, had to get a commercial insurance policy and 9' stepside bodies are next to impossible to find on the East Coast. Resigned myself to changing the truck to a single rear wheel. I ended up trading a 350 out of my old '89 R3500 I parted out for a 1965 GMC 2500 133" chassis. I was planning on sandblasting the chassis, POR15 and mounting the updated front end then swapping the motor and cab onto it. After having to rework the top end to fix some bent pushrods and stuck valves I started driving the old girl around w/o out the bed. No chance of getting an inspection sticker without a bed so I decided to put the 8' stepside on. I was surprised how well the duallys fit under a stock 8' stepside bed. I had to cut the inside wheel wells some. I really like this look! It looks like I might be fabricating a 9' box for her and mounting 60-66 fenders. So much for planning things out............ You'll have to excuse the social faux pas of subjecting the poor old girl to a Chevy tailgate hanging off her arse Attached Images __________________ 1966 GMC 1 Ton 305 V6 SM420 4 speed - retired Fire Dept Support Truck from Little Falls, NJ My GMC Photos Last edited by wcstory; 07-26-2015 at 08:18 AM.

07-25-2015, 11:29 PM	#2
Jurassic-1 Registered User Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: New River Arizona Posts: 1,180	Re: Might have just thrown the plans out the window That really looks good and it does fit the fenders nicely. Why not use what you have?

07-26-2015, 12:37 AM	#3
OldGMJon Registered User Join Date: Oct 2014 Location: Albion, Ca. Posts: 414	Re: Might have just thrown the plans out the window dig those wheels... __________________ Projects: 65' Chevy C10 swb (rebuilt chassis) 65' Chevy Panel swb 64' Chevy C30 flatbed "above" 80' C30 "beneath") Parts: 66' GMC 2503 & 65' GMC I1500

07-26-2015, 12:57 AM	#4
LostMy65 But Found Her 25yrs Later! Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: Oregon City, Oregon Posts: 10,530	Re: Might have just thrown the plans out the window I like the look. But, I'd like to see it with the 55-66 Stepside fenders. __________________ I lost my 65 - Found it 25 years later: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=426650 66 C20 Service Truck: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=428035

07-26-2015, 01:00 AM	#5
BigDan3131 Registered User Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Maple Valley, WA Posts: 1,913	Re: Might have just thrown the plans out the window Just find any set of 8 lug wheels on CL that are either Chevy, Ford or Dodge pre 2010 and they should bolt on 8 on 6.5" bolt pattern. Most can be had for very little with tires, I got mine without, but found used tires cheap. That way you can drive it and get passed then feign the knowledge about it being a dually later on. __________________ Custom Painter/Restoration Specialist 1965 GMC 3/4 Ton LB SOLD? 1964 Chevy El Camino in full restoration 1991 Chevy S10 288K+ miles 2nd Owner SOLD 2020 RAM 1500 Warlock

07-26-2015, 07:39 AM	#6
Palf70Step State of Confusion! Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Gulfport, MS USA Posts: 47,225	Re: Might have just thrown the plans out the window Love the truck. 8 foot stepbeds are really hard to locate. that square-body bed is in primo shape. Can't wait to see how you progress with her. __________________ Bill 1970 Chevy Custom/10 LWB Fleetside 2010 Toyota Tacoma PreRunner SR5 Double Cab - DD Member of Louisiana Classic Truck Club (LCTC) Bill's Gallery Life isn't tied with a bow, but it's still a gift. Live simply. Love generously. Care deeply. Speak kindly. Leave the rest to God!

07-26-2015, 11:42 AM	#9
blown240 Registered User Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: CA Posts: 772	Re: Might have just thrown the plans out the window What about having those wheels redone with a standard outer rim? Get rid of the split rim.... Would be sweet to have the rear duallys made into a really wide single. Then you could mount up some big rear tires. __________________ '61 Panel - Helms Bakery Truck - Daily Driver - FOR SALE

07-26-2015, 12:50 PM	#11
SIR SIR Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: grants pass oregon,usa Posts: 658	Re: Might have just thrown the plans out the window ....yup...it makes her butt look big... __________________ 66long low fleet http://community.webshots.com/user/LVNR66

07-26-2015, 10:21 PM	#14
TJ's Chevy Registered User Join Date: Mar 2013 Location: Southern Oregon Posts: 10,384	Re: Might have just thrown the plans out the window That'll be sweet! __________________ 1966 Chevy C10 "Project Two Tone" http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=596643 1964 GMC "Crustine" semi-build:http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=665056 My youtube channel. Username "Military Chevy": https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC_h...fzpcUXyK_5-uiw

07-27-2015, 02:00 PM	#17
cooperhw Registered User Join Date: Oct 2014 Location: Mesa AZ (Near Phoenix) Posts: 2,302	Re: Might have just thrown the plans out the window I am building a very similar truck in the 67-72 projects and builds called "Meet Homer". I used the same bed you have and widened it 6 inches. It completely covers my dual wheels with some to spare. I dig your truck. __________________ "Life is too short to drive a boring vehicle". Later, Wayne

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