My 61 Build (Grandfathers truck clone)

[LostMy65]

I'm hoping to encourage you to make your truck a casual hobby rather than a project.

Tinker when you can.

I sometimes feel overwhelmed when digging in.
So I figure what's the rush.

Mine is to tinker.
I have very little desire to tear town and build back up at this point in time. So I tinker.
I do a little. Sit in it and dream a little.
Think of my grandpa a little. And then tinker a little.

I was really impressed how rare your grandpa's truck really was.
If it was mine, I'd just get a running donor - no need for original at this time - just get it back together and running. And then casually locate parts here and there. But as a hobby, not a project.

I didn't have the time or money for my 65, so I sold it. When I could have just kept it and tinkered from time to time.

My 66 now is not a project, it's my hobby.
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[LostMy65]

It's too bad Mark's and Captainfab's posts got deleted in your 'The dream is over' thread.
They both had some encouraging points.

I found Mark's post in my email because I got it when he replied to your thread:

Originally Posted by market01

I’m sorry it turned out this way. I was excited about the concept of the project, but I also understand getting in over your head. I’m frequently disappointed it now takes me days or weeks to accomplish what I use to complete in no time at all. I’m realistic enough to know if I take too much apart it may never get back together. Ten years ago that wouldn’t have been a consideration. Perhaps you could hang on to the rare parts until you find a better donor. If it’s truly time to move on, I wish you the best of luck.

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[CVA59]

Thanks for the reply guys. Your advice is very much appreciated. I have never been as low mentally as i am right now over this whole trade deal. Firstly, I would like to say that the two guys that i proposed the trade to and got the 61 from are awesome and have done everything they can to help even out things for me. I traded a truck (my 64) that had a bunch of money and time spent on it for a "dream". A dream truck that the frame and cab were totally gone on. However, these issues were not found until after the trade was made and the 61 was torn apart. So, it is now my problem to face. I was so caught up chasing a dream to own a truck like my Grandad's that i momentarily lost my perception of reality. I do not blame anyone but myself for my decision, a decision that was foolish and will have everlasting effects on me and how i look at money and time being invested into a project like this in the future.

So, as things stand right now. I need a usuable BBW 63 cab. I am buying a rolling 63 GMC frame from lilred67 and that will solve the frame issues. I have decided to keep all my parts and see what i can find as far as a cab goes. If i can locate a decent cab i will try to regroup and start back up on rebuilding this truck. Unfortunetly, at the moment i have lost most all my motivation and desire to do anything after this roller coaster ride. I will keep at it but until i get out of this funk i am in i won't be doing much to it. I do appreciate those of you who have offered encouragement and support. After loosing as much money as i have on this deal i can sure use it.

Thanks guys,

[LostMy65]

Originally Posted by CVA59

I am buying a rolling 63 GMC frame from lilred67 and that will solve the frame issues.

Is it a trailing arm frame?

[markeb01]

For what it’s worth I can relate to how you feel. Several years ago I took my truck to a “professional” body shop to have NOS rockers installed. Long story short – I spent $1,000 hard earned dollars I could barely afford to have them completely trash my truck. The rockers were poorly and incompletely done. They knocked dents, dings and scratches all over the truck, sprayed gray primer all over my interior including the upholstery, gauges, and dashboard, and hung the doors so crooked they could hardly be closed.

Any legal action requires giving the shop an opportunity to make right on the damages, and I wasn’t about to allow that, so I just ate the loss. After nearly two decades of ownership, the first time out of my hands and it was almost completely ruined. It was terribly depressing. The truck sat in the garage for several months while I considered different ways to just get rid of it. After enough time passed, I started missing the experience of driving it. Eventually I just started over and had to repair and correct all the new problems that didn’t exist previously. In the end, I’m glad I kept the truck, and chalked it up as a learning experience. Maybe a little time will provide a solution.

[CVA59]

Originally Posted by markeb01

For what it’s worth I can relate to how you feel. Several years ago I took my truck to a “professional” body shop to have NOS rockers installed. Long story short – I spent $1,000 hard earned dollars I could barely afford to have them completely trash my truck. The rockers were poorly and incompletely done. They knocked dents, dings and scratches all over the truck, sprayed gray primer all over my interior including the upholstery, gauges, and dashboard, and hung the doors so crooked they could hardly be closed.

Any legal action requires giving the shop an opportunity to make right on the damages, and I wasn’t about to allow that, so I just ate the loss. After nearly two decades of ownership, the first time out of my hands and it was almost completely ruined. It was terribly depressing. The truck sat in the garage for several months while I considered different ways to just get rid of it. After enough time passed, I started missing the experience of driving it. Eventually I just started over and had to repair and correct all the new problems that didn’t exist previously. In the end, I’m glad I kept the truck, and chalked it up as a learning experience. Maybe a little time will provide a solution.

Thanks Mark and very true. I think when enough time has passed i will feel more like tinkering with it again. Your story sounds pretty rough as well. I have to make every penny count on this project and the penny's come real slow if at all. Like the old saying "i have more time than money", LOL. If it weren't for the connection i feel with my Grandad i would probably have went ahead and abandoned this project. In some special way his memory is what is keeping me afloat on this thing.

[LostMy65]

It appears you sold your truck?

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/c...or-sale&cat=18

I'm really sorry this went bad for you.

[CVA59]

Originally Posted by LostMy65

It appears you sold your truck?

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/c...or-sale&cat=18

I'm really sorry this went bad for you.

No, in order to stop the thread i marked it sold. I still have everything here in my garage, LOL.

[daverod]

Sucks your feeling so down. These trucks do seem to suck up a lot of money. Keep your head up Zack things will work out. It might just take a little bit longer.

[CVA59]

Originally Posted by daverod

Sucks your feeling so down. These trucks do seem to suck up a lot of money. Keep your head up Zack things will work out. It might just take a little bit longer.

Thanks Dave. I appreciate it. I will get excited again hopefully before i know it.

[Captainfab]

I am very happy to hear that you have had a change of heart on selling this truck. Like you said you just need a little time to get enthused about it again. I can understand your feelings of giving up all the $$ and work you put into your '64, only to end up with something far less than you hoped for.

I think that '63 frame you are picking up will solve some of the issues you were facing with the '61 frame. Is the '61 cab really all that bad? When you feel motivated to get back at this again, get a hold of me, and I'll see what I can do to make things a little easier for you.

[CVA59]

Hmmm, I learn something new everyday. I will more than likely just slice the plates off and move them out. My sills are like brand new, not rust at all. For me that sounds like the easier fix. Thanks for pointing that out Fab.

[Captainfab]

Yes That should work too.

[Dino Driver]

I started out with a 1960 and tinkered with the motor mounts but as soon as I put an automatic tranny in I had to change motor mounts. I am now using a 1964 frame for several reasons. The torsion bars don't get in the way of exhaust and any suspension items I want cost on average 20% less than the 1960-63 frames and they are easier to come by. I did have to cut the cab mounts off the 60 frame and weld them onto the 64 frame, I suspect you'll have to do the same.

[CVA59]

Dino..... I should be ok on that. My cab is a 63 and the frame is a 63 so other than the bed sills as Fab pointed out i should be in good shape for the swap over. I am hoping anyway, LOL. I am going to look at a running 63 BBW SWB near where i live this afternoon. If i get it, i will swap my 61 stuff over to it and then i should be off and running again. The guy says the cab is pretty solid and is a running driving truck minus a complete brake overhaul. I will hopefully find out this afternoon.

Does anyone know where i can find a good 61 grill? I am getting one from the PO but i would like to find a spare anyway.

Thanks

[daverod]

I think I would fix the brakes and drive the hell out of it.

[CVA59]

Originally Posted by daverod

I think I would fix the brakes and drive the hell out of it.

I hear ya Dave and that is a very GOOD idea. That is definitely something i am looking at if the truck is as good as the owner says it is.

Mark.......... I saw that grill. It is awesome but the price tag is quite a bit out of my range. I would love to find one like it though. I do not see anyone paying that kinda of money for a grill.

[daverod]

I only paid 300 for my 64. If you drive it all the time it's hard to spend a lot of money on it. Not saying I have'nt put some cash into it, but not as much as my other trucks. Best thing is I get to drive it the other ones only go up and down.

[markeb01]

Originally Posted by CVA59

Does anyone know where i can find a good 61 grill? I am getting one from the PO but i would like to find a spare anyway.

Thanks

If you have pockets much deeper than mine, there is a beautiful chromed example on ebay at the moment.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/1961-...Q5fAccessories

Perhaps a call to the vendor might turn up a less expensive alternative.

[CVA59]

I would rather drive an old truck than my 08. Nothing like driving an old truck. Regardless of what i drive it has to have AC, LOL. When i get my truck driving i will be adding AC. That will be a priority for me.

[LostMy65]

Originally Posted by CVA59

I would rather drive an old truck than my 08. Nothing like driving an old truck. Regardless of what i drive it has to have AC, LOL. When i get my truck driving i will be adding AC. That will be a priority for me.

Living it hot texas, huh?

A heater is a bigger priority here in Oregon.

[CVA59]

Originally Posted by LostMy65

Living it hot texas, huh?

A heater is a bigger priority here in Oregon.

It was 108 outside today. Inside my truck at work was 140. This heat is killing me mentally and physically. I am not sure how many more years i can stand this climate.

[markeb01]

Originally Posted by CVA59

It was 108 outside today. Inside my truck at work was 140. This heat is killing me mentally and physically. I am not sure how many more years i can stand this climate.

In my youth I spent 18 months stationed at MCAS Yuma. Typical summer temperature could reach 118 degrees. Occasionally someone that didn’t appreciate the danger would picnic in the desert where the temps could reach 135. A few didn’t come back alive. The experience cured me of ever wanting to live in that type climate again.

[CVA59]

Originally Posted by markeb01

In my youth I spent 18 months stationed at MCAS Yuma. Typical summer temperature could reach 118 degrees. Occasionally someone that didn’t appreciate the danger would picnic in the desert where the temps could reach 135. A few didn’t come back alive. The experience cured me of ever wanting to live in that type climate again.

I hear ya Mark. I was born and raised here in the south. When i was young i didn't care how hot it was. Now, I have to work indoors or not at all. I tend to loose all interest in any outdoor activity when it feels like someone is holding a torch 6 inches from my face. I lived in Wyoming for a few years and loved the climate there. I hope to get back there one day. Much more tolerable climate out west.

[juanz1947]

man i love those side steps are you going to be running
nice truck i have there