Re: My 66 Service Truck Build Thread
 

This is a Service Truck, and the Box is really heavy, so I won't be removing it for this axle swap.
I don't want to be doing this from under the truck, so I set-up kind of a jig to line everything on the Eaton up.
I nailed 2x6's to my shop floor so they won't budge.
I traced the Eaton's Trailing arm perches U-Bolt holes.
Then I will use this for getting CaptainFab's new Perches lined up on Corp 14-Bolt to match the Eaton perch location.

.http://i1099.photobucket.com/albums/...m/IMAG0286.jpg

http://i1099.photobucket.com/albums/...m/IMAG0290.jpg

.http://i1099.photobucket.com/albums/...IMAG0287-1.jpg

Re: My 66 Service Truck Build Thread
 

I scribed and cut a piece of scrap particle board at the angle that I will need for setting the 14-Bolt at the same angle as the Eaton.
I'm done for the day, - I took 3 advil, and will likely sleep good tonight.
http://i1099.photobucket.com/albums/...IMAG0291-1.jpg

Re: My 66 Service Truck Build Thread
 

Your well into your conversion and too bad you don't live closer to me, I have an extra GMC 1 ton frame that would have been lots less work.
GMC 63-66 came only with leaf springs and my 14 bolt 3.42 geared rear out of a 79 diesel GMC bolted right in. :mm:
The front suspension did too.

Re: My 66 Service Truck Build Thread
 

I got the 14-Bolt up on the jig today and started taking some measurements.

I noticed the pinion is off center side to side by about 1 inch.

I wondered why, and have been searching these forums.

This seems to be the reason posted here:

Re: My 66 Service Truck Build Thread
 

I got Captainfab's Perches tacked.

Pinion angle is set the same as it was on the Eaton.

http://i1099.photobucket.com/albums/...o/IMAG0293.jpg
http://i1099.photobucket.com/albums/...o/IMAG0295.jpg


I didn't get a whole lot done this weekend.

I need to run down to Oregon Spring Company tomorrow and get new U-Bolts made.

Re: My 66 Service Truck Build Thread
 

wanna make me a deal on the electronic distributor off that 250?

Re: My 66 Service Truck Build Thread
 

Member rustyrodknocker got that from me some months back.

Re: My 66 Service Truck Build Thread
 

If anyone else decides to swap out their eaton for a 14-bolt GM Corp FF, Captainfab's Perches/Saddles work perfect.
I got the u-bolts made today and bolted up the 14-bolt to the trailing arms.
http://i56.tinypic.com/2h5ln2t.jpg


For the panhard bar, I cut the bracket off the Eaton and welded it to the 14-bolt.

http://i1106.photobucket.com/albums/...5/IMAG0651.jpg

Re: My 66 Service Truck Build Thread
 

It's good to see you making some progress.

I'm glad to hear that those trailing arm mounts worked out correctly.

Re: My 66 Service Truck Build Thread
 

I went ahead and put new shoes, cylinders, springs, and seals on this 14-bolt as long as I was putting it in. It's all mounted and u-bolts torqued to 175.
I went ahead and put in new u-joints also.
Emergency brake cable is also all hooked up.
All I have left is the the brake lines, and then bleeding.
I will do that this weekend.

My wife is anxious for me to get this thing rolling so I can go get 3 tons of wood pellets for the winter - they're on sale at wilco.
Yeah, Sure... she says the truck is ugly, but still wants me to get it going to take care of things on her honey-do list. :D

I also hope to get out to see jimmydean next week to pick up his rear bumper.

I'm reading up on patch panels, and had a question;
If I get this:
http://www.topbananaparts.com/servle...c-truck/Detail
Will I not need the inner rocker panel because it's already part of it?

(from 198plus's thread:

Re: My 66 Service Truck Build Thread
 

That is correct. You will not need a inner rocker in addition to that piece. I'm really glad they came out with that piece for our trucks. That one piece covers the majority of the rust issues with our trucks without having to buy 2 floor sections and only use a portion of each. This piece also makes it easier to keep that area straight, versus welding 2 pieces together.

Re: My 66 Service Truck Build Thread
 

I'll be swapping out my front later this summer.
http://i53.tinypic.com/35bfi8x.jpg

Given this info here:
Is the front end of a 73-87 also 1.5" wider than the 60-72 ?

Re: My 66 Service Truck Build Thread
 

I put a 79 front suspension clip in my 66 and the wheel/tire look like they sit in the same spot. But then again we are talking 3/4" per side differance. I had the motor out on my first swap and in on the second.
Definately easier with no motor.

Re: My 66 Service Truck Build Thread
 

I will have to do mine with the motor in.
Right now, with the new 13" brakes on the 14bolt, the truck is stopping great. So I'll probably wait until the front brakes need replacing before doing the swap.
Posted via Mobile Device

Re: My 66 Service Truck Build Thread
 

I will have to do mine with the motor in.
Right now, with the new 13" brakes on the 14bolt, the truck is stopping great. So I'll probably wait until the front brakes need replacing before doing the swap.
Posted via Mobile Device

Re: My 66 Service Truck Build Thread
 

I used a cross member for a trans under the balancer, left the top bolts on the motor mount perches and the motor mounts bloted up so the motor wouldn't tip over.
I unbolted the lower bolts for the perches that attach to the cross member.
After pulling everything out I found out all I had to do was swap A arms with spindals and rotors... etc....
3/4 to 3/4 is a direct swap.

Re: My 66 Service Truck Build Thread
 

Thanks.

From the threads I've read, I had just figured I'd swap the whole front cross member. But your post got me thinking; I searched the forums and found a couple threads on the subject:

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=384196
http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=357610

Re: My 66 Service Truck Build Thread
 

After checking auto-zone, checker O'Riely's and NAPA I found the same part number for 63 3/4 ton and 79 3/4 ton A-arm shafts. In fact they used the same A arms for over 20 years.
They bolt directly in. They are the same upper and lower. I have a 79 1/2 ton suspension that bolted directly to my 63 cross member with no problem whatsoever.
I have no idea as to the interchangeability between 1/2 and 3/4 ton.
The reason I had to use the cross member on the 66 is because I used the 79 motor mount plates and the contour and hole pattern is different on the different year cross members where the plates bolt on. The 79 plates made my Pontiac transformation a bolt in deal.
If I hadn't used a Pontiac motor in my build I may have opted to leave the cross member in and not change it at all.
Frankly, you could pull your spindles only and bolt them to the 63-66 A arms.
I could do that swap in 3 hours total.

Re: My 66 Service Truck Build Thread
 

Thanks for all the research and advice.
I may just go that route.
Either way, I'm going to wait until the rainy season to do the front.

Re: My 66 Service Truck Build Thread
 

I had planned on trying to get by and see Jimmydean and pick up his bumper, but wife over-ruled; she says I have to do her honey-do list first.

At HomeDepot picking up plywood:
http://i1099.photobucket.com/albums/...m/IMAG0521.jpg

Re: My 66 Service Truck Build Thread
 

Right now during the dryer summer months, I want to get my cab patched up and protected.
I'd also like to at least do a quick spray on the box just to get it looking a smidgen better. It's pretty chipped up, and the black is brushed on.
I don't want to bother doing a lot of sanding, so I'll do a quick over and then do this as Mark talked about here:

Re: My 66 Service Truck Build Thread
 

Yeah, I need to rush out there and get busy myself. Was only 105 in the shade today, a sure sign the hot weather is on it's way...
:)

Re: My 66 Service Truck Build Thread
 

Great thread for future reference when i go to do the brakes:
http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=460791

Another thread for future reference:
http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...248460&page=93

Re: My 66 Service Truck Build Thread
 

Nice write up, lots of links to other threads and interaction with others. You search a lot I can see. Maybe you'll find the 65, maybe not. Sounds like you have found a good substitute with your 66 in the present. & I wonder what is in that circle under the paint ?

However, I can't help you with your issue re: 66 vs 65 but it sure made me laugh.

Re: My 66 Service Truck Build Thread
 

Yes, I try not to start a new thread asking questions that can be answered with just a little searching.

Re: My 66 Service Truck Build Thread
 

Found me a beautiful straight clean box for $100 :eek:
The catch is I had to unbolt it from the f:(rd
He just wanted it gone. I was fine with that. :D

Now I won't have to try and restore my old beat-up box.

http://i55.tinypic.com/2zxts9l.jpg

Re: My 66 Service Truck Build Thread
 

love the service box very cool!

Re: My 66 Service Truck Build Thread
 

Wow, that looks good. If it is as nice as it looks in the pic, you stole that box.

Re: My 66 Service Truck Build Thread
 

OMG! You touched a Ford......
Did you get vaccinated afterward...
Seriously, you should see a Doctor and make sure you didn't catch anything..
Gotta go.. need to wash my hands after typing the F word...

Re: My 66 Service Truck Build Thread
 

These guys took my 79 donor away.
I wish I would of got a pic as they still had it hanging from their claws way up in the air. :D
http://i1106.photobucket.com/albums/...IMAG0290-1.jpg

Posted via Mobile Device

Re: My 66 Service Truck Build Thread
 

I get that same soreness and tire easily when working on my 66. Since that makes 2 of us it must be the 66 trucks. LOL

Re: My 66 Service Truck Build Thread
 

Yea, there isn't any other reasonable explanation. :lol:

Re: My 66 Service Truck Build Thread
 

Got the old box off today.
I cut each side off and will be keeping them for tool cabinets.
http://i1106.photobucket.com/albums/...5/IMAG0294.jpg

Re: My 66 Service Truck Build Thread
 

I always like how these trucks look even without a bed.
That isn't rust on the back of the cab, that's the original county orange.
http://i1106.photobucket.com/albums/...5/IMAG0297.jpg
http://i1106.photobucket.com/albums/...5/IMAG0296.jpg

Re: My 66 Service Truck Build Thread
 

My Cab Corners arrived today from Dan's here in Portland.

They sent me two different brands.

TriPlus for the Driver's side and I don't know for the Passenger's.
I will be exchanging the passanger's side for a Tri-Plus brand.

The off brand is just way too cheaply made. The metal is terribly obviously thinner. :(
The shape of the body lines are very under shaped.

The TriPlus is far superior.

http://i1099.photobucket.com/albums/...IMAG0319-1.jpg
http://i1099.photobucket.com/albums/...IMAG0322-1.jpg

Re: My 66 Service Truck Build Thread
 

Pressure washed the frame rear section.
I'll be doing the rear gas tank upgrade and cab corners while I have the box off.

http://i1099.photobucket.com/albums/...o/IMAG0314.jpg
http://i1099.photobucket.com/albums/...o/IMAG0312.jpg

Re: My 66 Service Truck Build Thread
 

What kind of tank are you planning to use? Just wondering because I'm at about that stage on my 66. The plan right now is to use a 64-66 mustank tank. I've seen a couple used in our trucks and they are almost a drop in and very little hangs below the frame. They are only 16 gal., though, and also the sender needs to be modified to 0-90 ohms.

Re: My 66 Service Truck Build Thread
 

I have two tanks to choose from.
My first choice will be a huge 79 suburban tank I got off my donor - similar to the blazer:
http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=474448

If I don't like how it's coming together, I got one off of the F250 that I got the service box off of. It's looks to be about half the depth of the suburban tank.

I'll try and load some pics of the tanks this afternoon.

Re: My 66 Service Truck Build Thread
 

I thought the 60's trucks used 30 ohm fuel gages??
I need a tank bad. I hate it in the cab.. makes me real fricking nervous!

Re: My 66 Service Truck Build Thread
 

Here's the F:mad:rd F250 gas tank.
I see now it won't fit between the rails.
If I have to go below the rails, I might as well use the huge suburban tank because it fits between the rails, so I'm guessing it won't hang any lower than the f:(rd tank mounted below the rails.

http://i1099.photobucket.com/albums/...IMAG0331-1.jpghttp://i1099.photobucket.com/albums/...IMAG0333-1.jpg

79 Suburban tank:
http://i1099.photobucket.com/albums/...IMAG0335-1.jpg
http://i1099.photobucket.com/albums/...IMAG0334-1.jpg