Dennis Weatherald's 1965 GMC 910 1/2-Ton

"Red Barron"

From Dennis: 

      Hello. I have a project submission for you to post in your gallery. "Red Barron" is a 1965 GMC 910 1/2-ton pickup, longbed, fleetside, custom cab which had a 283 V8 motor and 3 on-the-tree trany.

      The truck has been sitting in an abandoned yard site for some 30 years and the trees have grown up around it. I was able to purchase it for $200 (cdn) and this included a second 283 with powerglide auto transmission from a '66 Chev Bellaire that was nearby. The two engines will be used to make one and they are about to go to the shop for rebuild and modification. The original engine I'm afraid was shot because of the oil bath aircleaner feeding water into the engine! Why can't people who rob parts put the hood down?!?! :(

      Body problems are the typical ones in the '60-'66 models ... floor boards and toe panels rusted out, cab supports with corrosion holes, inner fenders with minor corrosion, lower rear of the front fenders with cancer, and the bottom of the tailgate is kaput. Nothing that can't be replaced or fixed.

      The goal is to have a great daily (or at least weekend) driver. I'm trying to retain the original truck with many upgrades so here goes with the list of "To Do's":

• Engine is to be rebored, headers and dual exhaust,
• Baja cast aluminum rims 15-7 front/245/60r15s and 15-10 rear with 295/50r15
• BF Goodrich T/A radials,
• Disk front brakes with 2 1/2inch drop spindles.
• PPG paint in metallic crimson (red) with pearlescence clearcoat
• Gas tank will be moved to the box with a second front bulkhead and sheeted in on top with the filler access on top. This will make more leg room in the cab (I'm 6'4"!) for ...
• The refinished white/cream leather bench seat, and ....
• A new oak bed floor.
• Too many other little thing to list!

      I'll be sure to post pics on the way back up this ladder. Anyone has a question or advice I'm all ears! :)

GoodDay,
Dennis Weatherald
Wawota
Saskatchewan, Canada