1965 C20 LWB Flatbed Restoration

[Mike1965]

I've been meaning to post this build thread for a while now. I am now finally getting around to doing it. Here is my 1965 C20 Flatbed build. I picked this truck up last year in August.
My plan for this build is to restore it back to original with period correct mods done to it. I have already got a lot of work done to it so far.

[Mike1965]

Here are some pictures of the brakes getting rebuilt. I picked up an original power brake booster for it also. I forgot to take pictures of the disassembly of the front sheet metal. But I'm sure all of you have seen that many times before, so you are not missing out on much.

[Mike1965]

Here are some pictures of the original 283 v8 getting rebuilt. The truck also came with the optional Powerglide transmission (I'm also getting that rebuilt).

[Mike1965]

Here is some pictures from when I tore down the cab and took it off the frame. The PO had welded a terrible bumper on the rear that had to be cut off. I am going to be reworking the flatbed when the time comes to do that. I am going to get the frame powder coated semi gloss black for that brand new look.

[Mike1965]

I got the rear shear type cab mounts rebuilt by Steele Rubber Products. Here is the link to the thread I made about these cab mounts. http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...ght=shear+type

[Mike1965]

I got the original 17.5" x 5.25" steel wheels for this truck. I got them powder coated so they will hold up for a long time. Also I just had to try them on before I get the rubber for em.

[cwcarpenter98]

Lookin' good!
Did you use panel bond to attach the new roof skin, or did you weld it back in? I'm going to be pulling the roof skin off my truck and I haven't decided on how I want to attach it back

[Mike1965]

Originally Posted by cwcarpenter98

Lookin' good!
Did you use panel bond to attach the new roof skin, or did you weld it back in? I'm going to be pulling the roof skin off my truck and I haven't decided on how I want to attach it back

Thanks! Glad you like it. I'm having the sheet metal work done by M & J Performance out in Apache Junction, AZ. https://m.facebook.com/pg/MJPerforma...ernal&mt_nav=0 He "spot" welded the skin back on.

[cwcarpenter98]

It looks like he is doing a very nice job. I just hope that my attempt at fixing the rust will look at least half as nice

[Mike1965]

Here are some pictures of the start of the big back window conversion.

[Mike1965]

Here are some more pictures. These show the sound deadening being applied on both panels. The fit and finish of this brand new big back window panel is really nice.

[Mike1965]

I had the filler neck hole filled for safety and smell reasons. I'm going to get a fuel tank to put under the side of the flatbed so it is out of the cab.

[72cs20]

Originally Posted by Mike1965

I had the filler neck hole filled for safety and smell reasons. I'm going to get a fuel tank to put under the side of the flatbed so it is out of the cab.

What is your thinking for the tank under the side of the bed? I've been kicking that idea around myself for awhile for my flatbed.

[Android04]

Looks killer and I love me some big back windows!

Anymore pics of that lowered single cab dually by the cab? haha

[Mike1965]

Originally Posted by Android04

Looks killer and I love me some big back windows!

Anymore pics of that lowered single cab dually by the cab? haha

Thanks, glad you like it! That dually isn't mine, it was at Matador Rod and Customs in Queen Creek, AZ. Thats where I got the cab sandblasted and powder primed.

[Mike1965]

Here are some pictures of the cab after the metal work was done.

[Mike1965]

Here are some more pictures.

[roll_the_dice]

Looks great! I am about to do a 64 GMC 1 ton dually flatbed...and I am thinking of putting a side tank on as well. Have you found any you like yet? I haven't really started looking. I promised myself (my wife) I wouldn't do anything to the 64 until I finish my 65.

[Mike1965]

Originally Posted by roll_the_dice

Looks great! I am about to do a 64 GMC 1 ton dually flatbed...and I am thinking of putting a side tank on as well. Have you found any you like yet? I haven't really started looking. I promised myself (my wife) I wouldn't do anything to the 64 until I finish my 65.

Thanks, glad you like it! That sounds like an awesome build you got. I haven't found a tank I like yet, I don't want something that looks out of place. If I can't find anything, I might have to see if someone can weld one up for me.

[roll_the_dice]

Originally Posted by Mike1965

Thanks, glad you like it! That sounds like an awesome build you got. I haven't found a tank I like yet, I don't want something that looks out of place. If I can't find anything, I might have to see if someone can weld one up for me.

I agree on looking out of place. I am thinking a tank similar to 18 wheelers...but smaller...that is what I envision. Hadn't thought about having one made...I will keep watching yours...You will get there before I will!

[Mike1965]

Originally Posted by roll_the_dice

I agree on looking out of place. I am thinking a tank similar to 18 wheelers...but smaller...that is what I envision. Hadn't thought about having one made...I will keep watching yours...You will get there before I will!

I was thinking smaller 18 wheeler tank too. I'm probably going to look online at medium-duty truck parts sellers and see if they have anything aftermarket.