'65 Chevy shortbed 4x4 project.

Keeler

New member
Mar 25, 2012
254
9
0
39
Claremore, Oklahoma
This is what I started out with:
44760_459143824539_730834539_6314758_1565891_n.jpg


No engine, modified factory frame to accommodate for the front axle and leaf springs all the way around, fresh 700R4, NP203 transfer case, and some rust.

After looking at the frame I decided I didn't want to use it. Someone did a piss poor job of putting it together and I just flat out didn't like it. Welds looked like ASS, shit was half assed thrown together. The PO ran a TBI engine in it and put the gauges from the truck in it and put the HVAC controls from an 88-94 fullsize GM in it. That will all be coming out in due time and factory stuff will be put back in it (with the exception of the gauges and I'll probably make my own pod and put some nice autometer gauges in it.).

Purchased an 84 LWB 4x4 Chevy with a fairly new crate 350 crate in it and a bad TH350. Ditched the cab and bed off the 84 and going to put the cab and bed off the 65 onto the 84 frame and running gear. Will be shortening down the frame in the process.

How she sits now.
Ochelata-Ramona-20120502-00077.jpg


Ochelata-Ramona-20120502-00079.jpg


Ochelata-Ramona-20120502-00080.jpg


Tonight, I got the 700R4 and the 84 transfer case mated and put in the truck.
Ochelata-Ramona-20120502-00081.jpg


I plan on taking my time with this build. Should hopefully have it driveable in a couple of months and then the body work will start.
 
Got very little work done to it due to my dad getting the fucking skid load BURIED up. Spent most of the day Sunday getting it out. Somehow, my truck finally got it pulled out.
Ochelata-Ramona-20120506-00098.jpg



I did get the wiring ripped out of it and did a couple of other odds and ends. The wiring in the cab was something else... One HELL of a hack job. Pics:

Duct tape glove box anyone?
Ochelata-Ramona-20120506-00090.jpg


This is how they had the gauges set up. Piece of wood cut out with a piece of screen going over the gauges to hold it in I guess.
Ochelata-Ramona-20120506-00091.jpg


HVAC screwed to the bottom of the dash. Can see some of the wiring mess.
Ochelata-Ramona-20120506-00092.jpg


Headlight switch chillin.
Ochelata-Ramona-20120506-00093.jpg


HVAC actuators chillin, tied to nothing. Two of them duct taped together on the left.
Ochelata-Ramona-20120506-00094.jpg


Piece of wood holding the radio in I guess.
IMG-20120506-00095.jpg


RPO codes from the glove box.
Ochelata-Ramona-20120506-00096.jpg
 
Haven't had the time nor money nor health to work on this thing in a while. Found a dr willing to do surgery first of November and didn't go back to work till about a month ago. Between getting caught up hospital/dr bills it will be put off for a little longer.

I have decided to take another rough with it. I've decided not to use to 65 body, its just too butchered for me. I'm either going to make a clean 80s model Shortbed 4wd regular cab or make it into a nice 80s model crew cab Shortbed 4wd. I'm leaning more towards the crew cab. Will eventually put a 6.0 in it eventually as well.

Sent from my teepee
 
CCSB would be sick. Every 80's model CC I have ever seen was a dually. A short bed would definitely be unique.
 
I agree. Will take some extra work but I think it will pay off in the long run. I've seen CCSB square body slammed but never seen one in the air. Don't plan on running bigger than a 33". Maybe a 35". I just want a nice unique driver. Not shooting for a show winner. Trying to decide if I should use my long bed frame and add to it or find a CCLB frame and shorten it. Going to depend on what I can find.

I'm still not back to 100% but I'm doing TONS better. Actually able to work 40 hours a week with some OT.

Sent from my teepee