1965 GMC build

[kasander]

I also just stumbled across this thread. I have a '65 Chevy Pickup, big window, short bed, fleetside. I bought it when I was in high school (20 yrs ago), drove it for a few years, took auto body classes at the local community college while I was in high school and started working on it. I also worked at an engine machine shop during the summers and built a nice 350ci small block for it. Then I went off to college, priorities changed, and it is still in 10,000 pieces. I am finally building me a garage now, so hopefully I can resume the project in a year or two. I will try to find some pictures of it to share. I don't have the time, money, or resources to do a build like this, but I will probably steal a few ideas from your build!

Thanks for documenting. Can't wait to see the finished product!

 

[C_F]

Here is a better shot of the added gusset/mount for the rear of the lower control arm (Don't mind the bolt and washer, that is just a plug we installed as we send this thing off to powder coating Monday Morning)

Okay, now I see better. I thought it was just the one brace, your other added mount will really help keep that end of the A-arm firmly in place. Great stuff!

 

[Robert Haas]

This feels a lot like how a parent feels on the first day of kindergarten dropping your child off for the very first time. We dropped the chassis off at the powder coater. First time it has been out of our custody since the build began last summer.





So with the chassis getting its self a nice new look it has become time to get into the part of this build I have been dreading. Sheet metal replacement and bodywork. I have practically zero experience doing this type of work but have been around it and feel I can at least get it close enough that a competent tin bender will be able to steer me in the right direction.

First order of business was to build a structure to support the cab once we cut out the floor and firewall, so we drew up a design that will let us bolt it on to the cab using the door latch mount and the door hinge mounts. this way we can remove it and save it for my cab that we will be starting late spring of this year.

So here is the cab waiting for its De-floor-ectomy.

 

[threeputt]

Great job Robert. Will be looking for more updates on this 64. With your talent you will have no problems with the sheet metal. Tom

 

[Robert Haas]

Great job Robert. Will be looking for more updates on this 64. With your talent you will have no problems with the sheet metal. Tom

Thanks Tom, it is a 65, (Basically the same thing)

 

[Daveo]

I know you ranted on lack of interest, but now that you moved on to the body, post a lot of details! Please!

 

[KMScott]

I to am eager to see the progress. My knees do not alow me to work on restorations any more and just enjoying your work. Thanks.

 

[Robert Haas]

Sheet metal deliveries started yesterday. We should have the majority of parts on the floor by end of week.

 

[Robert Haas]

Frame is home from powder coating, very happy with both the color and the finish.

 

[jhn9840]

Looks sweet. Powder coater did an excellent job.

jhn9840
John

 

[Chateau Slate 66]

Completely agree. Color and finish looks great.

 

[vwracer]

Frame came out awesome, what color is the body going to be? Always liked the early 60's pickup's.

 

[matt_i]

That is a stellar job. Looks great!

 

[C_F]

That frame looks great! You are definitely gonna need to place a bunch of mirrors on the ground at car shows.

 

[CudaChick1968]

Fantastic!

 

[1/2 Cup]

Robert Haas, the powder coating is awesome and only enhances your craftsmanship

 

[Robert Haas]

exciting to be bolting things on for the final time. will post up a couple pictures after it looks like we actually got something done.

 

[Daves69]

So with the chassis getting its self a nice new look it has become time to get into the part of this build I have been dreading. Sheet metal replacement and bodywork. I have practically zero experience doing this type of work but have been around it and feel I can at least get it close enough that a competent tin bender will be able to steer me in the right direction.

First order of business was to build a structure to support the cab once we cut out the floor and firewall, so we drew up a design that will let us bolt it on to the cab using the door latch mount and the door hinge mounts. this way we can remove it and save it for my cab that we will be starting late spring of this year.

So here is the cab waiting for its De-floor-ectomy.

I like that design for a birdcage, especially since you have another cab to repair.
Are you planning to use a stock pan and firewall or custom made? The metal installation is not a big deal getting the panels straight takes time.

Keep the updates coming.

 

[red94chev]

Awesome build, just stumbled upon this! I'm in the middle of bagging my 94 C1500 and the plan is to get it powdercoated too. Would you mind me asking about how much that cost and if they sandblasted it too?

Keep up the awesome fab work.

 

[racer-john]

"I like that design for a birdcage, especially since you have another cab to repair.
Are you planning to use a stock pan and firewall or custom made?"
Have you tried to remove the "bircage" yet?
It appears that with the two outer frames welded together it wont be possible, or have I missed something? Also you don't have cross braces at the dash to support removal of the rewall.
Hope I am wrong.

 

[coldh2o]

"I like that design for a birdcage, especially since you have another cab to repair.
Are you planning to use a stock pan and firewall or custom made?"
Have you tried to remove the "bircage" yet?
It appears that with the two outer frames welded together it wont be possible, or have I missed something? Also you don't have cross braces at the dash to support removal of the rewall.
Hope I am wrong.

Looks like when its unbolted you can turn it 90 degress and it will slide right though the doors.

 

[Robert Haas]

"I like that design for a birdcage, especially since you have another cab to repair.
Are you planning to use a stock pan and firewall or custom made?"
Have you tried to remove the "bircage" yet?
It appears that with the two outer frames welded together it wont be possible, or have I missed something? Also you don't have cross braces at the dash to support removal of the rewall.
Hope I am wrong.

Yea it will unbolt and rotate.

The dash brace is a separate structure and will be dealt with when I finish the floor and rockers.

 

[Robert Haas]

So now begins the good part. We are putting the chassis together for the final time. No more mock ups, trial fits or measuring exercises. We get to actually torque stuff down, put in lubricant and use Loctite and cotter pins.

Boy Howdy is this thing purrrtty

 

[BuffettFan]

Pure Artwork!

 

[GLTHFJ60]

Beautiful.

 

[Robert Haas]

 

[Robert Haas]

 

[GLTHFJ60]

Most recent pics not viewable. Sharing settings in google photos need to be checked.

 

[Robert Haas]

try this, I am sorry about the previous posts.
















The Engine transmission and suspension is all installed, working on the exhausts and then I can get busy plumbing it.

I am also building the fuel tank from scratch using Stainless

 

[C_F]

Looking great! I really like the finish they did on your frame, too.

 

[GLTHFJ60]

Gorgeous.

 

[stinkity stoink]

Awesome build!!!!!

 

[Robert Haas]

Little video of where we are as of today

live from the MultiMedia Garage

 

[Robert Haas]

A little you tube

 

[Robert Haas]

Well we have been very busy of late.

Today we installed a new floor. Prepping for this and pulling it off in a few hours is an exciting afternoon.

very happy with the build right now.

 

[C_F]

Gotta love fresh new sheet metal! Great use of your rotisserie, too.

 

[GLTHFJ60]

Damn, that's ambitious.

 

[zmotorsports]

Truck is looking fantastic Robert. I've been following along and have enjoyed the level of workmanship that you have put into it.

Keep the pics coming.

 

[Robert Haas]

Gotta love fresh new sheet metal! Great use of your rotisserie, too.

Thank you. The rotisserie is far and away the best tool I have acquired in decades.


Next to the Bendpac it sure is a time saver.

 

[Robert Haas]

Damn, that's ambitious.

Ignorance and stubbornness overcome obstacles I ain't smart enough to ignore.