Mike Kelley's 1966 1/2-Ton Pickup

"Ol 66"

01 January 2007 Update

From Mike :

           Hello all. I have not sent an update for my '66 1/2-ton since 2003, so thought it was about time to do so. Here are a couple of updated pictures for my truck. I have some Goodmark front fenders in place, 15 x 8 stock steel rims all the way around, original aluminum grille, and chrome rear bumper installed. I have installed a 3-speed overdrive transmission that was an option this year Stovebolt. It early helps the cruising in today's traffic.

           I also have a website where I post pictures and keep a running journal of my work on "Ol 66." It includes:

• Truck Journal - This is a journal that I have kept during the time that I have owned my truck. It will tell you some of the things that I have gone through as I have owned this truck.
• Truck Project Phases - This is a place for me to map out what I plan to do to my truck. This is very much subject to change. Stay tuned.
• Truck Links - These are some links that I have found to be helpful as I have owned and worked on my truck.
• 60-66 Chevy/GMC Truck comparison - On this page I have collected pictures of Chevy and GMC trucks to compare the grilles and hoods from these various years. I'll add other comparisons as I come across them.
• 60-66 Chevy/GMC Crew Cabs - I have found the crew cabs of this era to be very interesting. So, I have started collecting pictures of them. On this page I have posted the pictures that I have found and a couple of links of a couple other guys who have done the same.

Thanks!

Mike Kelley
"mkelley"
Midwest Classic Chevy/GMC Truck Club
Bolter # 10662
Arnold, Missouri

13 March 2003 Update

From Mike:

Here are a few more things that have changed.   The engine compartment has been cleaned up and painted.   I purchased chrome hubcaps and trim rings.  I made a tonneau cover for the bed. Thank you, Mike Kelley "mkelley" Midwest Classic Chevy/GMC Truck Club Bolter # 10662 Arnold, Missouri

01 February 2001 Update

From Mike:

Dear Stovebolt Editor,

           Since I last communicated with you, I have made some progress on my truck. Small progress, but progress none the less. So, I thought I would send you a couple pictures of how it looks now and a list of what I have done to it since we last talked. Feel free to update the page on my truck as you see fit.

           In an effort to keep my truck on the road, but improve it, I have….

replaced front bumper with a used chrome one with bumper guards replaced rear bumper with a different step bumper that I painted had the gas tank boiled out had the seat recovered (I ended up having to purchase another seat as we could not fine replacement springs for the broken springs that were in the seat that I had. I found a deluxe see for that year. It had different springs and much more foam. That might make a tech article, if your interested. It was quite an ordeal.) rebuilt the brakes (brake shoes, wheel cylinders, brake hoses, emergency brake cables, a couple brake lines) replaced a front wheel bearing replaced the battery and battery cables replaced clutch, pressure plate, & throwout bearing replaced u-joints picked up a used right front fender picked up used rust free front inner fenders purchased used bed to replace the one I have purchased an underdash A/C unit that was purchased new in 1965 but never installed new tires etc.

           I have some rust issues that will need to be addressed in the future. But that will come as time and money come together. For now I am driving it occasionally on errands or with my truck club members. For now, I plan to drive it while I work on it.

           I am enclosing a recent picture of my truck. It shows what it looks like now. (Not that much has changed on the outside yet.)

           Thanks for the great website. I check it out almost daily. I have found the bulletin board to be most informative.

Mike Kelley
"mkelley"
Midwest Classic Chevy/GMC Truck Club
Bolter # 10662
Arnold, Missouri

From: Mike :

           I purchased my grandfather's 1966 Chevy short Fleetside pickup in February 1996. He purchased it new and used it until 1972 as their family truck. Then, it became his work and farm truck. So, it got beat up a little hauling livestock, lumber, firewood and whatever else he hauled. My dream is to fix it up a bit over the next few years, keeping it close to original condition as possible, but making it more comfortable to drive on the road.

           It has a 250 CID 6-cylinder engine and a three-speed transmission with the shift on the column. I may or may not keep it configured that way. I have always liked the sound of a V8 motor and would like the power it affords, especially since this is to be a "daily driver" and I will use it to haul and pull things as the need arises. So, I am thinking of finding a 283 or 327 to put in it sometime in the future. Since I live in the city, an automatic transmission is also very attractive, so that may be in the future as well.

           As I am sure you are aware, all of these plans are time and money contingent and are subject to change as time goes by. To this point, the things I have done are related to keeping it driveable and dependable. I have done a few minor things cosmetically to make it look better.

           This picture was taken at my Dad's place in Arkansas before I drove it to St. Louis where I live. Thanks for a great web page -- I check it out often.

Mike Kelley
"mkelley"
Bolter # 10662
Arnold, Missouri