65 long bed step side

[mehoff400]

i figure i should start this build thread soon so here we go.

i picked this up a 65 long bed with 3 on the tree. the previous owner picked it up rewired the truck redid the drum brakes and go it a sold running truck.












well after driving it all summer and watching smoke blow from the exhaust and the 3 on the tree not doing enough to have fun driving it i started doing research at what my options are. at first it was a easy decision a chevy 350 with a automatic behind it. but going to car shows and driving the truck some more i realized i dont want another 350 swap. now i am not bashing on a 350 its a easy reliable and cheap swap you can't go wrong with. i decided to stay with the straight six and go with a T-5 swap. with a lot of help from this forum and some great guys i think i got everything together. luckily enough i found a straight six out of a 69 nova with 30,000 miles on it locally for 300 bucks.







getting ready to paint




painted block






in the the process i also found a local guy that will build the exact T-5 i want for a decent price




gettin ready to pull the engine






i am a little farther a long then it shows in the pictures. i will be doing an update soon.

[TJ's Chevy]

Subscribed! Always like 6 banger builds!

[62stepside longbox]

nice truck. straight 6 with a t5 will be great! i hear you with the whole 350 thing. i get that they are cheap easy power but their not unique enough for me.
are you planning to stick with the patina look?

[Grizz1963]

Welcome to your new truck

I like the blue and its patina. The wheels n chrome caps are very nicely understated.

The pics you took of the truck make me want a long stepper too.

Engine swap....? Perfect.

[mehoff400]

Originally Posted by 62stepside longbox

nice truck. straight 6 with a t5 will be great! i hear you with the whole 350 thing. i get that they are cheap easy power but their not unique enough for me.
are you planning to stick with the patina look?

Plan is to keep the patina... previous owner cleared and wet sanded it.

[62stepside longbox]

is that a short throw shifter on the t5? if so what kind is it?

[mehoff400]

Originally Posted by 62stepside longbox

is that a short throw shifter on the t5? if so what kind is it?

no it is currently just the stock 88 S-10 shifter. the T-5 is a 91 camaro case front half with 85 v8 gears and 88 s10 tailhousing

[mehoff400]

here is some pics of the engine bolted in

[62stepside longbox]

Lookin good. Liking the valve cover and side covers

[TJ's Chevy]

Looks good! Love that valve cover; I got the same one.

[62stepside longbox]

Any updates?
I have wondering for a while, is your truck stock height or is it lowered?
Also what size tires are you running?

[mehoff400]

Originally Posted by 62stepside longbox

Any updates?
I have wondering for a while, is your truck stock height or is it lowered?
Also what size tires are you running?

no current updates.. i have a couple more things bolted on but just kind of taking my time. i think i will get the trans mounted this weekend. the tire size is 235/75/15. the previous owner cut 1 coil up front and heated the rear coils. plan is to lower it as much as possible in the future

[60chevyjim]

cool truck , and the engine looks good too.
I converted my truck from a 350 th350 to a 6cly 3spd on the tree .

the 350 and th350 went into my friends truck that im building for him .
both trucks were his , my truck was his parts truck .

[mehoff400]

here is a bit of progress... just taking my time i am pretty close to being able to fire it up.. i am putting the stock carb and exhaust on for now. i plan on doing a 4 barrel holley once its running. i didn't want to put a new carb and time it all at once. this will be my first time setting timing and such any good write up? tips?

[mehoff400]

finally got my T-5 installed today. my neighbor said he can help me with welding up a shifter

[62stepside longbox]

Nice.Have you got your driveshaft shortened yet? Did you put in a trans mount. Oh and also i have been wondering what hubcaps are you running? I really like the look of them.

[mehoff400]

Originally Posted by 62stepside longbox

Nice.Have you got your driveshaft shortened yet? Did you put in a trans mount. Oh and also i have been wondering what hubcaps are you running? I really like the look of them.

haven't gotten it shortened yet.. i havent done a trans mount i really hear you dont have to i am going to run without one and see how it feels. i believe the T350 trans mount works

i believe i am running these http://www.autoamenity.com/KartList/CBM.htm

[TJ's Chevy]

Progress!!!

[mehoff400]

installed lokar shift handle today. and was able to drop the drive line off to get shortened and rebuilt. transmission is in 2nd in pic plenty of room.

[TJ's Chevy]

Twin stick? That's cool! lol

[mehoff400]

Lol my buddy pointed out the same thing.. Guess I should remove the 3 on the tree

[62stepside longbox]

Nice, Looks a lot more correct now

[mehoff400]

driveline installed and cross-member moved down

[62stepside longbox]

Sweet.
Have you taken it out for a Cruze yet?

[mehoff400]

i haven't... i am getting close to firing it up, i have a few things to do on the engine before shes ready for a cruise