'65 GMC 1500 project. From the Netherlands
 

Hello,

A while back I bought a '65 GMC 1500. It is a California made truck that I bought here in the Netherlands. It has the 305E V6 and the SM420 transmission.

I've been looking for a 60-66 Chevrolet for a while, with either a straight 6 or a V8. When I stumbled upon this GMC I figured they swapped the engine, because I've never heard of a V6? After doing some research I discovered these interesting line of engines and decided to take a look.

The V6 runs great, the rust on the truck minimal compared to others that you see. The main point is the bed, it is in rough shape. The bed wood is gone, along with the bed strips. There are tons on bondo on the bedsides, to cover up dents and damage. The fact that the bed is sitting on wooden planks tells the story. There is a generic bed liner sitting in the bed, but there is nothing underneath. The cross beams are luckily still included, they are laying in the bed.

The brakes are non functioning, most of the rubbers are gone. A lot needs attention. I believe the original color to be red. A blue was on top of the red, and they later painted it black. The title that I have mentions the color blue.

Due to space restrictions I decided to park the truck in storage until I start working on the truck itself. We've taken off the bed from the truck to start the fabrication work required to bring it back in better shape.

I'm not planning it to be a show truck. I'll see what I'm going to do about the paint.

The main points are:
-Getting the bed back into shape so that it can be mounted back in the truck.
-Brake work, keeping the drums but upgrading to a dual master cylinder from a '67.
-Checking the engine, possible carburetor rebuild. Converting it to LP fuel. Ignition upgrades.
-Electrical, such as wiring to the lights, dash gauges.
-Changing the sealed beam lights to light that accept H4 lights as sealed beam lights are not allowed here.
-General maintenance.
-Possible repaint in the original color.
-Required welding work.
-Rustproofing

I've bought the X-6523 GMC truck maintenance manuals from Rockauto.com, they sell reprints for a fair price.

This is my first project and I'm learning as I go. I'll be sure to post the progress.

Thanks for looking! David

Re: '65 GMC 1500 project. From the Netherlands
 

Some additional pictures.

Re: '65 GMC 1500 project. From the Netherlands
 

Here are some pictures of the bed removal and the subsequent rust repairs.
There are a couple of rust spots, all in the bed side behind the support beam, these get full of wet dirt and eat the metal away. I'll probably modify the support beams to let the water/dirt escape instead of trapping it there.

Re: '65 GMC 1500 project. From the Netherlands
 

Hi David.
Welcome to the forum. At the moment I'm also restoring a 1500. I also thought about swapping the V6 at first, but after doing some research I decided to keep it. Not everyone here in Europe has it.
Have fun with your GMC and stay motivated :-)
Tom

Re: '65 GMC 1500 project. From the Netherlands
 

Thanks Tom, you have an impressive build going on. Mine won't be a frame off restoration, just fixing what needs to happen. Are you going to run it on gasoline? Gasoline isn't cheap here, thats why I'm converting to LPG. (Liquid Propane Gas)

Re: '65 GMC 1500 project. From the Netherlands
 

Yes, my plan is to run it with gasoline. In Austria it's also expensive but not so expensive like in the netherlands. I think nearly 1,30€/liter (normaly I'm a Diesel driver) but I think I will not drive more than 2.000km/year with my GMC.

Re: '65 GMC 1500 project. From the Netherlands
 

Quick update. Still busy with the bed rust repairs. I've welded a new section underneath the front panel. The welding work on the bedsides is mostly done, except for the angled sections with the square holes for the bedwood. These still need to be welded in.

I'm also working on the bed crossmembers, de-rusting them to prep for paint. The small cross strip that is mounted just before the rear axle has some deep pits and rust holes, new sections will be welded in. the rest has pitting also, but is still usable.

I'm going to buy a stud welder to help with the dent repairs. I've ordered bed strips and bed bolts. I'm looking around for pine wood the bedwood.

While keeping an eye on the local marketplaces I've scored some parts: cab rubbers from polyurethane (for a C10 so the rear mounts won't fit however), patch panels for the front fenders are new brake shoes for the front brakes.

A local shop that specializes in american cars had a Felpro gasket set for a 305 V6 for sale, how cool is that? Paid 50 euros for it, great price.

Re: '65 GMC 1500 project. From the Netherlands
 

More pics

Re: '65 GMC 1500 project. From the Netherlands
 

Pitting in the small crossmember + electrolysis to loosen the stubborn rust scale. Then a wire wheel on an angle grinder. After some rust converter primer they are ready for paint.

Re: '65 GMC 1500 project. From the Netherlands
 

Well, sometimes things do not go as expected. A fire ravaged the place where I worked on the bed parts and had stored them. Luckily the pickup (without bed) is stored elsewhere, so I'm lucky I still have it.

Its not my house, but that of my grandparents. Glad they are OK themselves. That is the most important. Sheet metal can be welded onto or replaced.

The bedsides were not great but I'm guessing they are scrap now. It seems the tailgate and front panel and still salvagable. The fenders too, but you can't see 'em on the pictures but they were there also (resting against the post with the vise). 2 of the crossmembers were also in the fire, one looks usable but the small one is all twisted up. In the pictures one can also see a couple of Opel 6 cilinder CIH engines. Also a couple of VW 1.6 diesels. All burned up too.

Some pictures:

Re: '65 GMC 1500 project. From the Netherlands
 

So sorry to hear about your loss of bed parts, David. Thank goodness your grandparents are OK. Like you said, sheet metal can be replaced. Not so with grandparents.

I have no idea what European wrecking yards are like, but perhaps you could find a Chevy or GMC bed in one of them. I even bought a whole Chevy pickup one time, just to get the bed off of it for a GMC project (already had a good tailgate), then sold the still running pickup minus the bed. Some future owner could always build a flatbed for it. At least it sounds like you've still got a good GMC tailgate.

Re: '65 GMC 1500 project. From the Netherlands
 

Thanks for the reply Ed. Unfortunately European scrapyards aren't close to the level of 'goodness' American scrapyards are, most cars are empty shells unless they just got in. Finding a 60-66 pickup would be impossible unless it had some kind of accident damage - maybe. It is always worth looking around of course. Here in the Netherlands we have a couple of scrapyards that specialize in USA made vehicles.

My other game plan was to get a set of repro bedsides. They are available, and from what I've seen on the Brothers Trucks youtube channel, they fit proper and seem to be of good quality. I might start a thread in the bodywork section, pretty curious what other folka experience with these is. Hopefully they are a step up from the chinese non fitting junk. They are pricey though so there is that. As for shipping, we have a shop specializing in US pickup parts, they import parts from the USA. Meaning shipping costs would not be an issue here.

Maybe good sections of the original bedsides can still be salvaged - we'll see.
The tailgate is rare, glad to have it, hopefully the warpage is manageable.

Not planning to go with a flat bed - I like the original/factory design the best.

David

Re: '65 GMC 1500 project. From the Netherlands
 

Wow! So sorry to hear that!
Fire is a terrible thing to go through.
I lost a 6 person shop due to fire about 30 years ago.
Nobody getting hurt is a major plus. Tools and 'stuff' can be replaced but loosing a house and a shop space is a huge loss.
Best wished for the family and the projects.
Rod J
Issaquah, WA
1970 GMC RM-7500 410M

Re: '65 GMC 1500 project. From the Netherlands
 

Thanks Rod.

Re: '65 GMC 1500 project. From the Netherlands
 

I just purchased a GM-licensed repop tailgate from LMC. Test fit was perfect. I did spend a day sanding off the finish and applying an etching primer.

Re: '65 GMC 1500 project. From the Netherlands
 

I've also ordered new repro bedsides and some other bed related parts. I'll try to rescue as much OEM parts as possible. Heard good things about fitment so I went for them. Bought them through a supplier here in the Netherlands. One gentlemen here offered a OEM bed for me but unfortunately can't cancel my repro order now.

Meanwhile, I'm working on the brakes. Cleaning them up and rebuilding the wheel cylinders and brake hoses. New brake lines are also on the list. And a conversion to the dual master cylinder.

All the drums look excellent, shoes are not worn much. I've boiled them to get the muck and leaky brake fluid out of 'em. Wheel bearings and seals are as new. All the brake line nuts broke loose without a problem. All bolts came loose without an issue too, makes working on these much more enjoyable. Thats great about a vehicle that has always been in a dry and hot environment.

Re: '65 GMC 1500 project. From the Netherlands
 

Hello all, sorry for the lack of updates.

Every week I try to spend a couple of hours working on the GMC. School has been very busy so unfortunately not much time to work.

Anyway. I've done the following:
-Drained the old diff. oil and cleaned up the gunk inside the diff. That oil must have been 30 years old. Gears look very good. 4.10 rear. Replaced the gasket with a new one from Felpro.

-The rear wheel seals wore a groove into the steel sealing surface on the axle. I ordered SKF Speedi Sleeves (no. 99240) and installed them.

-All brake components have been cleaned and rebuilt where necessary. I still have to replaced all the brake lines and convert to the dual master. Ordered DOT 5 silicone brake fluid to be used.

While I was waiting on brake parts I've tackled the propeller shafts. What a mess. On of the u-joints was completely cooked - including the press fit bore into the prop shaft. Also the center bearing must have had a poor press fit, resulting in a rubbing motion of the bearing on the shaft. Aka it was worn undersized.

To repair the center bearing I've machine the worn area round and true to the splines. Then machine a bushing that I split. The 2 halves fit exactly on the machined area. Welded these split bushing on the machine area, and them turned those down for a light press fit with the center bearing. It took some doing but all is well. A very satisfactory repair.

The one press fit that was ruined due to the bad u-joint had the ID filled in with weld. it was then bored out for a new press fit. That worked out good as well.

Then replaced the center bearing with a new one from SKF and all the u-joints with new ones from Moog. Reassembled the whole kitten kaboodle and found out that the grease fittings were inaccessible because I had them facing the wrong way (should have faced the grease fittings to the axle itself :pullinghairout:). So I turned all the u joints around and she was done.

I've also taken the WW carb off and I am rebuilding it. The throttle linkage with the butterfly valves has some play on the shaft. I will ream out the holes and solder on bushings to be turned down with the proper fit.

On the topic of rear axles - what does one recommend for the rear axle wheel bearings regarding lubrication. Mine came out greased. I figured the rear diff oil would lubricate them. Should I grease them, or dip them in diff oil, or fill the hubs with diff oil?

Re: '65 GMC 1500 project. From the Netherlands
 

More pictures.
1st picture shows the complete Speedi Sleeve. I removed the radii piece (as is possible) with used the bearing to carefully tap it further onto the sealing surface.

2nd picture. Guess what is wrong. Took that one while I was lying underneath the truck, installing the driveshaft for the first time.

3rd picture installed center bearing.

Re: '65 GMC 1500 project. From the Netherlands
 

4th picture: cooked u joint.
5th picture: worn area caused by rubbing center bearing.

Re: '65 GMC 1500 project. From the Netherlands
 

A full floating rear axle is lubricated with the rear end oil. If someone put grease in the hub bearing it was because the oil seal was leaking. Installing the Speedi Sleeves should take care of the problem. On my truck I cleaned the grooves and filled it with Devcon Titanium and sanded it down smooth. Have over 6300 miles on it and no leaks. When you fill the rear axle raise one rear wheel as high as you can go to allow the rear end oil to flow into the hub. After 30 minutes or so do the other wheel. Then recheck your rear end oil.

Hope this help.

Re: '65 GMC 1500 project. From the Netherlands
 

Sure does James, will do like you instructed here. Thanks.

Re: '65 GMC 1500 project. From the Netherlands
 

also, when you do your final fill, place your thumb over the lower 1/2 of the fill hole and fill the rear axle untill the oil runs out over your thumb, then reinstall the fill plug.

Re: '65 GMC 1500 project. From the Netherlands
 

Could you tell me why you would 'overfill' the axle like that?

Re: '65 GMC 1500 project. From the Netherlands
 

so that oil will migrate down the axle tubes and continually bathe the wheel bearings in oil. I have seen too many rear axle bearings and axles destroyed due to lack of lubricant.

Re: '65 GMC 1500 project. From the Netherlands
 

Hello, another update.

To sum up what I've done so far:

- Filled the rear axle with diff oil, using the instructions given here. No leaks from the diff cover and wheel seals so far :upyes:

-Rebuild the Stromberg WW carburetor.

-Cleaned out the oil bath air filter

-Pre-bent all the steel brake lines for install, copying the old lines, with a couple of extra lines for the dual master conversion.

-In the process of painting the frame with a rust convertor/stopper and then a proper chassis/frame paint.

-Repaired the wiring harness that runs to the taillights.

-In the process of installing H4 lamps. These are required here as the original sealed beams are not allowed in the Netherlands. The connectors are pinouts are the same so they are easily installed and could be reverted if needed.

-I will be saving the original GMC tailgate and rear fenders (if possible). They are now at the sandblaster to remove the baked on paint from the fire.

-In the process of rebuilding the deluxe heater. It will be powder coated black and assembled with fresh gaskets. The heater core is still good and the blower motor could use a little oil on the bearings.

-In the process of performing all sorts of interior related work. From glove boxes to heater controls.

- Forum member AZKen, is helping me out with a ton of parts that will be needed for the build. Much obliged Ken.

Re: '65 GMC 1500 project. From the Netherlands
 

Here are the installed H4 lamps. I bought them from a fellow that sold these lamps to be used in American cars with sealed beam lights. Unfortunately they are of crap quality, made by Autopal in India. I have to modify them, remove the built in parking lights. Also he supplied 4 regular beam instead if 2 low and 2 high beam. This is needed to properly install them in the mounting bezels. The spacing for the 3 prongs mounted on the back of the light is different on low vs high beam so they don't interchange. Aka this had to be modified.

Anyway, cleaned all the connectors out first and installed everything with a dab of dielectric grease and all worked the first try. :upyes:

Also received my new repro bedsides and panels. Very excited to have them. The boxes got a little wet during transportation but the moisture never touched the panels. They look really good. After the frame paintjob and brake lines the bed can be build up on the truck.

Re: '65 GMC 1500 project. From the Netherlands
 

Working on the frame paintjob. Already did the rear of the frame while it was on the ground, now doing the frame rails underneath.

I'm using this product for the first layer:

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Basically a product that penetrates the surface rust on the frame. This seals off the rust. It is applied with a very light coat. luckily the frame had very little loose rust that had to be brushed off first, so this saved a ton of time.

When this coat is fully completed, I can move on to the final paint. This is a black chassis/frame paint from Monopol. It is a 2 part deal, based on epoxy.

Some places of the frame I cannot reach right now, because other parts are in the way. These will be done later, whenever the cab is lifted off. I will do what I can, which is the frame and crossmembers, parts of the radiator support etc.

To project the several grease fittings on the front suspension and driveshaft from dirt and dust, these are small cups available for them. To try these out I have fitted them on the grease fittings. We'll see how it works out in the long run.

Also discovered that the oil pan and bellhousing recieved a nice dent, luckily no rubbing from the flywheel. See picture.

Re: '65 GMC 1500 project. From the Netherlands
 

Some shots of the inside rockers and floor. The drivers side inner rockers is pretty rusty. But overall condition (regarding rust) is still mint compared to some I've seen.
There is some kind of old undercoating left in some places underneath the cab, the light grey stuff. There are also a lot of dirt deposits, these are as hard as rock. To get it off I'd have to beat it off with a hammer and screwdriver. But it did a great job protecting the metal underneath from rust, believe it or not.

Re: '65 GMC 1500 project. From the Netherlands
 

Still working on the frame paint. Due to other people wanting to use the car lift, it had to be on and off. Which allowed me to complete the whole dual master cylinder brake system and my reproduction of the original tailpipe.

The new brake system uses a repro master cylinder from a '67 C10/1500, which is filled with DOT 5 silicone brake fluid. The whole system is based upon the original regarding line placement, and there is an extra set of lines running to the front right wheel. The original T-sections are all used, and I made up extra brackets to hold the extra brake lines in place. If one wanted, this mod would be easily reversible and it looks like factory, with is what I like. See pictures.

The tailpipe is welded up from a straight piece of 50mm (almost 2 inch) pipe and two 90 degree bends. I tried to replicate the original tailpipe as closely as possible. It angles down a little and exists at the same spot. See pictures.

The tires that came with the truck had tons of dry cracks and were swollen in some areas. Running the DOT codes on the tires told me that they were made before I was born! The newest one was from 1998, my birth year :ahhhh:

Scored a good deal on some new Toyo tires, 235/85 R16. I had them install the white lettering towards the inside.

Also did a lot of rustproofing inside the cab. All the areas with surface rust were covered in a light layer of roestfixeer, the stuff I linked previously. Areas that are double walled or bolted together, and the threads of screw/bolts recieved a coat of Mike Sanders Rust Prevention Grease

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. I apply this grease generously, while its cold. When it gets hotter is starts to creep between the sandwiched panels, creating a 'live' rust protection. It also works wonders in door bottoms. Just about any place where it is not exposed to the open elements. I plan apply this whenever I can, when I take something apart and reassemble it is given a coat of grease.

Also. Underneath the bench I found a strip of duct tape. Never thought anything of it, but when I pulled it from underneath the seat I found out it was the original 'sales poster' which was taped to the window. It had the original salles price (3500 USD) and a phone number! Will give that number a call ASAP. Hopefully the original owner is willing to tell me the story on this one!

Re: '65 GMC 1500 project. From the Netherlands
 

It's been a while. Got the frame all painted. Had to move the truck to a new location, so another project (VW Bus Type 3, not mine) could use the car lift.

Recieved a whole lot of parts from AZKen, thanks again Ken.

Have not been able to call the owner, for some reason it keeps saying the person is not accepting calls at this moment. Maybe they blocked me because it is an odd number? Not sure.

What I've done so far:
-Frame fully painted.
-Cab rustproofing. Rust converter on the floor, both sides, underneath the dash and in the doors. The doors were then sprayed with a layer of Mike Sanders grease. Also used underneath the dash and on screw threads.
-Rebuilt the alternator with new bearings.
-Rebuilt the heater controls. Repaired the arms that broke off, installed new heater knobs. Went through the switch for the fan, cleaned all the contacts.
-Rebuilt the wiper motor.
-Installed and cleaned the wiper switch as the original was missing.
-Installed a new fuel sender.
-Re-lubed the speedometer and cable as they were dry, went through all the dashboard lights and gauges. Made a new lens for the turn signal as the bulb had gotten too hot and melted the lens.
-Installed a new wiring harness for the turn signals. Still have a ground issue in one of them, need to make the tool as described in the manual to remove them and clean the contacts.

In process:
-Deluxe heater box powder coat
-Door locks repair
-Dome light install
-Reassemble the doors after rustproofing, still need the window seals as they are gone.
-Wiper arms and hinge rebuild
-Glove box install.
-Rebuild the light switch and rheostat.

There is much more to do, of course, but I hope this gives an idea of what is going on at the moment. So far all the electrics are working first try, except for the one ground issue, got to love it. Of course I try to clean all the contacts and connectors, and reassemble with dielectric grease.

These are great trucks to work on. Got to love all the high quality and perfectly rebuildable components. Also, everything says 'MADE IN U.S.A.'. Makes you feel a little patriotic, even as a non-American. :teehee:

Re: '65 GMC 1500 project. From the Netherlands
 

Here are some pictures of the mentioned repairs, such as the heater lever repair. See pictures.

Some other things:

Converted VW LT van front door checks into usable door checks for the GMC, since the originals were gone and are basically engineered to fail. These have the added bonus of having 2 extra detents for in tighter spaces.

Rebuilt the light switch and installed the dome light.

Finished the rest of the interior, such as the new glove box, wiper switch and inside mirror. Still waiting on some new parts such as the heater hose and the window seals, should have these Monday. Then I can finish the doors and final points of the interior. Also waiting on parts for the turn signal switch.

Repaired the bench seat, one seat bolt was missing the the caged nut on that side was missing also. Turned a new cages nut and welded it in. Also repaired the bench seat angle adjustment, which works like it should again.

Had the heater box pieces powdercoated, save for the cast zinc/Zamac piece, because of the expected warpage with higher temperature. I also had the squirrel cage powdercoated, which I regret because it threw the balance off. Going to rebalance it with a little setup.

Original blower rebuilt, soaked the bearings in oil, remade the little rivets that hold the bearing assembly etc. Runs good now.

Rebuilt the sliding window mechanisms, installed with new rivets and grease.

Still need to remove the gas tank as the plastic filler neck is cracked, have a new one from steel on order, will replace the hose also. Going to remove the gas tank to gain access behind there to fully rustproof the rear of the cab.

When that is all done, I can focus on getting the bed built up.

Re: '65 GMC 1500 project. From the Netherlands
 

Also took the valve covers off top inspect the PCV valves. What a mess. Makes sense, it being a farm truck. The last oil change was... well, it will be changed out soon anyway.

Cleaned up most of the mess and gave the PCV valves a good soak in solvent, they look to be in proper condition. Had the breather element replaced earlier with a new one from Wix. New rubber valve cover gaskets, as the cork remains on there were almost turned to stone.

Still have to adjust the valves, no pushrods were bent so that looks good.
Will change the oil when I take off the oil pan to repair that nasty dent and inspect the oil pump pickup.

The oil I will be using is 20W-50 with high zinc (ZDDP).

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Also added some pictures of the rebuilt blower motor and powder coated heater box.

Re: '65 GMC 1500 project. From the Netherlands
 

Another oil with high zinc is the Lucas brand of Hot Rod Oil, available at Summit, I am using 20/50 high zinc in some of my flat tappet motors.

Re: '65 GMC 1500 project. From the Netherlands
 

Ah yes, the Lucas is available here as well, but much more expensive. I know the Lucas should have a higher ZDDP content (I believe around 2000 PPM), this MPM stuff runs around 1200 PPM I believe. We'll see, it might still be 'overkill' with the oil bath cam and relatively low pressure valve springs.
But I'd rather spend a little more on oil than on a new camshaft and lifters..

Re: '65 GMC 1500 project. From the Netherlands
 

You all now the saying "Pay a little now or pay a whole lot more later". With these engine lasting almost forever I would hate to tear it down due to the wrong oil being used.

Re: '65 GMC 1500 project. From the Netherlands
 

Yes sir. Take care of it and it will take care of you.

Re: '65 GMC 1500 project. From the Netherlands
 

Update:

Fitted the wiper and cowl. Remade one of the wiper shaft bearings as a piece had broken off. Made adapters for the wiper arms to facilitate the use of modern style wipers.

Added separate ground wires to the turn signals, these work now like they should. As a connection I used the caged nuts that are used for Chevrolet turn signals, but are not used on the GMC. These are 8-32 thread.

Took the fuel tank out to rustproof the double wall behind the cab and rear of floor, and to replace the plastic filler neck as it was cracked.

Most work is going into the preparations to build the bed back up. Paint work on the cross sills and bed strips, weld work on the fenders etc. Lost one cross sill in the fire, had to fully redo a repro piece of junk to get it fit properly.

Still working on the heater box, the heater core leaked, a solder repair should to the trick. It was full of calcium so that was cleaned out. If it does not work out I will order a new heater core.

Re: '65 GMC 1500 project. From the Netherlands
 

She's coming along nicely.

Mentioned a solder repair would do the trick on the heater core... No sir. A local radiator shop soldered a new core on, which was about the same cost as purchasing a new one and having it shipped from the US. They did a nice job, which allowed me to put the heater back together, finally. Got the heater installed. Then the blower motor would only work at the highest speed. Replaced the blower motor resistor, works fine now.

Replaced the crusty heater hoses with new ones. I figured the elbow fitting on the coolant crossover was not original, so I took it out. Turns out it is original? Anyway, will probably add it at a later date.

AZKen helped me by sending new lock wafers to rebuild the original worn out locks. The package stayed about a month with the customs... I also had new keys made by a guy on Ebay. Very satisfied with the rebuilt locks, they work as they should now.

Finally started on the bed. Got the cross sills and new bedsides installed. Everything is looking good. Will have to square up the bed and do some rust repair on the wheel tubs. The tailgate will be installed soon also. Made a new wiring harness for the taillights, installed it also, with separate ground wires. I added the connectors in the harness as I'm not sure how I would have to install them otherwise, except for taking apart the taillight bezels with the pigtails. This modification is easier and user friendly.

The taillights did not work without a bypass ground wire to the cab, so I will install a separate ground wire from the bed to the chassis, and possibly from the cab to the chassis as well. I already suspected that ground would be an issue with the bed since I used pads from thin rubber between the chassis and cross sills to reduce noise and metal to metal contact.

The bed wood that I will be using is IPE. Very hard, durable hardwood that is usually used for flooring and decking. Read about it on a forum, others had success with it.

Re: '65 GMC 1500 project. From the Netherlands
 

Took her out for a test drive the first time. The brakes work well and have settled in quickly. First, it pulled to the left when stopping, which went away after a couple of tries. The engine did warm up nicely and the new heater works well. I'll remove the pan to repair the dent and change the oil next time.

The second gear synchro from the SM420 is pretty worn out, probably from its use on a farm. I've read that the 2nd gear synchro is integrated into the first gear. I hope to rebuild the transmission if I can find another unit to use temporarily. These pop up from time to time.

The speedometer or cable, or the drive in the gearbox still makes some noise when driving. Not sure where it comes from yet.

Picked up the Ipe wood for the bed floor. Don't have a picture, unfortunately. Assembling the bed floor will be the next task.

Re: '65 GMC 1500 project. From the Netherlands
 

Here you can see the IPE wood. Because of the width of the original bed planks, some still need to be glued together as they are not available in this width. I've matched the planks as to get a nice result. There are lots of variations in the IPE which should make for an interesting look.

However, for now, a temporary plywood floor will have to do.
To have it registered here it will need to pass an inspection first. This is planned on the 3rd of January of 2022, meaning pretty soon.

Due to covid I had to spend about a week at home in quarantine meaning I could not do as much as I had planned. No issues, just a cold basically.

Will have to finish the last details and it hopefully passes first try.

From then on I'll work on the proper bed floor, rust repairs etc. But the first priority will be the propane conversion. It still runs on regular gas now.

As a comparison: The cost of a gallon of gas is 8.08 USD here. (calculated)
Propane is less than half of that luckily.