Mid '60s Chevy

ToeJam · May 12, 2003

I might have the green light to go pick up my grandfather-in-law's mid 1960 Chevy 1/2 ton (can't drive it anymore). I did a walk around last summer and the body is in great shape. The only rust I cold find was a hole in the floor on the driver's side (been in Montana its entire life). From what I can tell its a 350 with a four-speed manual. Something like 80K miles. I'm told it still runs, but its likely been sitting in the garage for 6+ months.

I love olders cars, but my skills don't go much farther than changing oil. The idea of taking an old rig from the family and fixing it up to last is just making me shake with excitement.

So tell me something I don't know about this truck (with the limited details I've given you , sorry). I'm basically looking for any particular reasons why it wouldn't be worth my time to restore it (like parts are really scarce) or a reason why I should be out the door now, driving to Montana.

MountaineerTom · May 12, 2003

I think I'd be heading to Montana.

Is he giving it to you or are you buying it?

ToeJam · May 12, 2003

I think I'd be heading to Montana.

Is he giving it to you or are you buying it?

I'm sure it would be a "$50 purchase" :thumb:

Wingnut · May 12, 2003

I would jump on it. But I like a full driveway.

Ridinghigh · May 17, 2003

The words Chevy and Scarce Parts dont ususally go together. 60's era are normally fairly easy to find. 67 and later more so than 66 and earlier however i have restored a 66 GMC and didn't have any problem finding new and used parts.

Chevyduty.com is the place I used most often.

Good luck and send some pics once you pick her up ;)

TDS 854X4 · May 23, 2003

One thing to be watchful for, is rusted chassis/driveline components. I got my '85 from my uncle for one of those "$50 purchases". Since he was getting a new Blazer and didn't need or want the old truck sitting around. Well, it had been their 3rd vehicle, and it did not see a lot of road miles. Things were pretty rusty underneath and in need of replacement after sitting idle like that. Talking about u-joinits, ball joints, stuff like that. Having a shop replace these types of parts can add up pretty quickly, especially if it happens to be a 4wd truck. But even saying that, it sounds like a deal that would be too good to pass up. Those old trucks are cool!!!

boflaade · May 24, 2003

Congradulations on your first project. Get a repair manual and study it. The engine may be the 283 which was one of the best. If an automatic, it would be a two speed. Which stood up well over the years.

boflaade · May 24, 2003

Congradulations on your first project. Get a repair manual and study it. The engine may be the 283 which was one of the best. If an automatic, it would be a two speed. Which stood up well over the years.

Before you start it up pull the spark plugs and drop a few ounces of oil in each cylinder. Turn it over a few times then replace the plugs. Working on these old trucks is a good time to learn. They are basic and your skill will improve each time you lift a wrench. Drive it arround for a while and get a feel (love?) for er first. If grandpa drove it recently, then you don't need to start the repairs right away

Good Luck

boflaade · June 27, 2003

I don't think a 350 was available for the mid sixties 1/2 ton. Roll up your sleeves and look for the repair manual first. Drive it a while and enjoy it. Once you strip it down the enjoyment won't be the same.

N2TRUX · July 13, 2003

...From what I can tell its a 350 with a four-speed manual.

... It's probably a 327 or maybe a 283 if it's a V-8. The four speed is probably a granny 4. Not much use for street driving, but great if you want to pull stumps out.

If it's a clean old truck, then get it. Don't be scared, cause it's only metal....

greyghost03 · July 13, 2003

Sounds like a great project! Even if you don't restore it, for $50 it's a steal! Keep her in the family. I think I would have to restore it if it were mine just sitting in the driveway saying drive me, drive me, drive me!

ToeJam · July 14, 2003

Great info, thanks everyone....I still haven't picked it up yet. Hopefully later this summer I'll get the approval, but I'm waiting for the "go" from my grandfather-in-law. Everyone else says "take it", but you just don't go grab someone's truck w/o their blessing...ya know...

ToeJam · August 10, 2003

I got the "GO" this weekend. Its a 1966 that he swears has a 350 in it (but he's 95+ years old, so we'll see what is in there when I get it). I'll be picking it up in September....Price = $1