66 Hotrod Pro Touring

[codesjones]

I am new to the site and this is my new project. I have always wanted to build a truck that is both old school hot rod and pro-touring. I have this picture of what I want the truck to look like in my head and now its time to make it happen.

I want to get this build thread going even though I have already started the project. I will post the pictures of what I have complete already.

Don't be fooled by the pictures it looks great from a distance.

Driving my new ride home

[codesjones]

So I have been super busy buying parts. I want to get ahead on the big items. My goal is to go with a full front suspension upgrade, disk brakes, and steering so that I will be able to autocross the truck once I am finished. I also bought an LS truck motor and transmission to change out the tired old motor.

[62stepside longbox]

I'm subscribed, looks like the beginnings of a awesome build

[scoot_mcgrute]

Looks like a great platform to start with! I kept a pro-touring vibe with my 66 and I gotta say that it makes for a great little driver! I'll be looking forward to updates

[codesjones]

So after taking the truck down to my friend's shop I wanted to get the tear down started. My goal is to get all of the front-end fabrication complete first then work on the back. We pulled the engine and front clip to get a better look at what is going to be needed.

[codesjones]

Now that the front clip is off time to start on the steering and suspension upgrades.

• 1947-72 Chevy Truck and GMC Truck Power Steering Conversion Gear Box, Quick Ratio 19153
• 1960-66 Chevy C10, C20 Truck Power Steering Conversion Pitman Arm
• 1960-66 Chevy-GMC Truck Power Steering Conversion Brackets
• Borgeson Power and Manual Steering Rag Joint Coupler Deluxe
• Intermediate Steering Shaft, 3/4"DD X 18" long
• Single Needle Bearing Steering Universal Joint, Borgeson
• 1960-66 Chevy C10 Truck Steering Column, Tilt with Shifter

[Qwk]

Great looking truck! Subscribing for the updates.

[northern 85]

Im in for this one!

[codesjones]

Next are the steering and control arms and airbag mounts. As a result of the new steering box and idler arm, the geometry of the steering is moved back some. This was causing us some issues where the center link would not fit..

So some frame surgery was needed. The strange thing was that once we cut open the frame there was a HUGE pile of dirt inside the frame. It took awhile to clean out all the dirt before closing it up.

[codesjones]

Closing it up after cleaning it out and now trying to find a center link. The truck had power ram steering. The issue is it has brackets on the drag link and will just not work. I found a salvage yard that had one that was in really good shape. Moving on now to the brakes and dropped spindles.

[codesjones]

Putting the 2 inch dropped CPP spindles and the Wilwood disk brakes on. This means that I am going to do a 5x5 conversion. The downside here is that I don't have any rollers that are 5x5 so it has to sit on the lift until I can find something cheap. I am sure you have seen that we replaced the upper and lower control arms with tubular ones from POL. This will allow us to check all the clearances before we have to take all back apart.

[codesjones]

Still need to put the front clip back on to make sure that everything else is going to fit like the radiator and AC compressor will all fit. Now to pull the back off and work on the c-notch and dry fit the gas tank and air tank. While we were back there needed to test fit the new axels that are 5x5.

[northern 85]

Yep that looks awesome!

[siggyfreud]

Looking great! Love the pro-touring builds. Will be following this one.

[codesjones]

The block is painted but still need to send the heads out to be hot tanked. There is still so much junk yard grime on them. The paint shop mixed up some single stage paint based on the color I picked for the truck. I am hoping it is not orange.

[Robbyprc]

Awesome Build!
I just started on my 64 Pro Touring Build, so ill be following along!

[The1960APE]

Your off to a GREAT start, we started mine about this time last year....I don't know what to classify mine...Pro touring, rat rod junk..lol
Anyway, great looking project and the work looks fantastic!

[codesjones]

Thanks, The1960APE and Robbyprc! I am happy with the progress as you know it does take time (sadly ).

The1960APE looks like you are making good progress with your build and looks like its going to be a cool truck.

[aggie91]

Nice progress so far. Tuning in for the finish!

[SIETEDOCE]

Nice Project

[codesjones]

We got the heads back from being hot tanked and now they look brand new!! The transmission is also back from being tuned up, cleaned and painted (so shinney ).

We went ahead and put the engine back in the truck but I am still waiting on the new valve covers and coil packs. Hopefully, they come this week but should have the at least get the transmissions bolted back on and get the driveshaft measured and built.

[mr andrerson]

I like the way this is going!! keep it up!

[KenAdams]

Hey, why is there a c cut out on the upper passenger frame rail right before the motor mount? Does it serve a purpose or was it there when you bought the truck?

[codesjones]

KenAdams, wow good eyes! That little cutout allows the AC compressor to stay in the stock location.

[dschmit]

Did you use the factory V8 frame brackets in the original V8 location? What engine brackets did you use? Any issue with AC compressor hittng the mounts?