1965/73 Cheap Build Up

[Strodder]

The tail gate was so ugly with all the gaps, and holes, I had to figure out how to shave it easer.


This is one of the rear bed supports I cut out to install the tail lights.


So I cut the support to fit inside of the tail gate covering all the uglyness.

[Strodder]

Now fit in place I have to tach weld it.





Looks a lot cleaner now.

[Palf70Step]

That looks much better. Looks like it might make it more solid and less prone to bending also.

[Strodder]

Thanks Bill. It does look beefy.

[allaboutchevelles]

Nice work Strodder on the tail lights. I was looking through the new classic trucks mag and they have an article in it on a silver 68 c10 stepside with custom lights very similar to what your doing. keep at it. looking good.

[Alan's Classic]

Nice to see some progress!! Ronnie and I were talking a couple months ago of doing that late model mod to a tailgate. Looks nice and definately easier to remove and install the TG now.

[Strodder]

Thanks guys. Before I did this I had to straighten the tail gate. It was twisted. When closed one side would be too tight, the other had a gap. I used a ratchet tie down, and a block to tweak it straight. To my surprise it worked.

[Strodder]

Next, behind the rear fenders on the bed is open too much. I was thinking of adding a panel to fill the lower rear of the bed and make a roll pan to tie it in. You can see the shackles. Or install small running boards between the back of the rear fenders into the roll pan that would fill in with the rear bumpers. It would kinda match the front running boards in front of the rear fenders. What do you guys think? I'll take a picture tomorrow so you can see what I'm talking about. Too late now, and getting cold. Besides, I'm having a nice comfortable Rum & Coke.

[Strodder]

Finishing up on the details. Bondo fixes all the mistakes.







I still have to make the other side for the tail light. Them make a roll pan to tie it all together.

[likaroc13]

Originally Posted by Strodder

[B]Finishing up on the details. Bondo fixes all the mistakes.

I still have to make the other side for the tail light. Them make a roll pan to tie it all together.

nice job, looks good!

[aggie91]

Looks good, Dennis.

What you gonna do with that rear bumper since your doing a roll pan?

[Strodder]

Sell it, but not going to ship it. I'll sell it at the Pomona Swap Meet with all the other car junk I have.

[Strodder]

Got more done on the tail lights. It's starting to look good now.

[likaroc13]

Good to see you still tinkering with it!

[McMurphy]

My original plan was/is to mount my caddy tail lights in the rear fenders, as far out board as possible.
Looking at how you boxed in yours to go outside the tail gate has me reconsidering my initial plans....
I know I am in trouble when the thought goes something like .... "If I were to do that, I think I would......."

And yes folks that is exactly how by build snowballed on me to the insanity we all see now.

Thanks for the ideas Dennis, I have never forgotten what you said about visiblity and why you are mounting them there.
Would sure like to see them both in now !!

[Strodder]

Thanks Michael. I'm glad I didn't use those Mustang tail lights. I challenge myself all the time. That's why it's taking so long, besides not having the time.

[daverod]

where do u find the time? Looks good.

[Strodder]

Originally Posted by daverod

where do u find the time? Looks good.

Thanks Dave, between Bondo drying.

[McMurphy]

Dude those look great !!

[Ta2Don]

Originally Posted by McMurphy

Dude those look great !!

[Strodder]

Thanks guys. It's very time consuming.

[bubba327]

Nice clean truck!! How do things stay clean there with all dirt and no lawns?? And where are all the weeds??

[Strodder]

Originally Posted by watahyahknow

thats a realy nice truck , bet it gets retty good milage too

Those old 235's weren't known to get good mileage especially with a low geared 3 speed and a 411 diff. Great truck for around town though.

Originally Posted by bubba327

Nice clean truck!! How do things stay clean there with all dirt and no lawns?? And where are all the weeds??

It's not usally in the dirt all the time. We do have paved roads around here. For about a month I keep up on the weed control when they first come out, then the rest of the year I have no weeds. Just minor touch up once in a while.

[65 Fleetside]

Hey Dennis, Perry here. Hey I really like the back end of your Chevy truck build. Those custom long and lean tail lights are very cool indeed!

[Strodder]

Thanks Perry.