1963 Chevrolet SWB Fleetside

Owned by Pete Davies "Rusty1c" Bolter # 19561 California

From Pete :

I own a 1963 Chevrolet SWB Fleetside, large window Custom cab. I purchased the truck from a lady that I work with. It belonged to her son but he had lost interest in it and the parents wanted it gone.

I thought this truck would be a great first vehicle for my son, who was just coming of driving age. He wanted a truck. We started the project together but he found girls and the truck was soon forgotten about.

The old truck sat in the garage for about a year before I took on the project myself. I resto-moded the truck over a seven year period. It has been on the road again for about three years now.

Rust was a major problem and many patch panels were needed -- new cab corners, fender heels, door bottoms, floor pans, rocker panels and roof panel repair. In the process, I learned welding, metal working, body repair and paint.

The following parts were used from donor vehicles: 

• Engine ---350 from a 1968 Corvette
• Trans 700R4 from a 1991 van
• Tilt column from a 1972 van
• Front disc brakes, power steering, pedal emergency brake and Rally truck wheels from a 1985 pickup
• Modified full gauge cluster

Body modifications include all bed seams welded, shaved cab drip rails and removed all tailgate hardware. The paint is 1993 GM Dark Forest Green Metallic; the tan color is from an interior color on a 1985 Caprice. I installed after-market Vintage Air AC.

All the work was done at home in my garage, except for the upholstery on the front seat and the sun visors.

Pictures: dash :: seats :: gauges :: engine :: bed

The truck continues to evolve as time goes by and I have other additions in the planning stage such as power windows, fuel injection, cruise control and a ram air set up. It is a jewel to drive and gets great gas mileage.

The license plate reads RUSTY1C (translation “Rusty Once” ).

Thanks,

Pete

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