Classic of the Month is a monthly post about a classic vehicle and the story behind it. Want to be featured? Submit your classic here.
When Roger Gleaves takes his truck to shows, it’s like bugs to a light.
“People are drawn to it,” he said of his 1965 Chevrolet Crew Cab.
It was originally ordered by a doctor from a dealership in Redfield, South Dakota. It was then sent to Stageway Coaches in Fort Smith, Arkansas, where a six-man conversion was completed on the truck.
“What the original purpose of the six-man (conversion) was for business,” Gleaves said. “Like railroads, public utilities.”
But the purpose behind this conversion was a lot more recreational; road hunting pheasant.
The truck came into Gleaves’ ownership through his nephew. As a rail inspector, he came across a lot of old cars and trucks. Gleaves told him he was on the lookout for a ‘64-’66 short-wide.
“And immediately he popped up and said, ‘I know where a crew cab is at,’” Gleaves said. “At that point in time, I’d never seen one.”
As with lots of classic trucks in the midwest, it became a victim of time and rust. The only original parts are the hood and part of the floor.
Gleaves purchased the parts for the build from Classic Parts of America. This includes front and rear bumpers, both fenders, the front grill panel, all four doors, bedsides, rear inner wheel tubs, stainless strips in the bed, all of the weatherstrips. steering column, armrests, all new gauges, sun visors, and all of the moldings.
“I’ve known a lot of the guys for a lot of the years. They’re standup guys,” he said. “A lot the places you call, the people you’re talking to aren’t truly truck people or not car people. These guys are. They know their product.”
When starting the project, Gleaves wanted something different that nobody else had.
“It’s just weird how people react to it,” Gleaves said. “When I built this truck, I thought, me and maybe a couple of other guys were going to be the only people who liked it. I had no idea people would really like the truck.”
If you’re starting a project, Gleaves said to be prepared to go over budget but to enjoy the process.
“Don’t get frustrated,” he said. “Don’t just quit on it. Do it a little bit at a time and enjoy it.”
Some of the parts in this build
| Image | Description | SKU | Price |
 | (1964-66) Speedometer | 24-329 | $134.95 |
 | (1960-66) * Fender-Left, Reproduction | 37-127 | $209.95 |
 | (1960-66) *Floor Outer Complete Section-Right | 45-934 | $79.95 |
 | Classic Parts License Plate Frame | 95-101 | $2.49 |
 | (1963-66) * Bumper – Rear – Fleetside – Chrome | 65-034 | $194.95 |
Very cool! It says you supplied all four doors, although I didn’t see the rear doors in your catalog.
The back doors are front doors!
Hi: I must admit I do enjoy my 1970’s Chevys. I guess it goes back to when I used to ride in my Dad’s 1955 GMC transport truck. My first GMC was a 1964 fleet side, half ton, which served me very well for numerous years until I purchased my 1971 chevy was me next half ton, when I realized I needed a bigger truck. Then in 1974 I purchased a 3/4 Chevy pickup, then I got tried of having my tools getting rained or snowed on, so I went to my 1979 Chevy, Silver, Silverado, Suburban, which served me for many years. I am now using it for parts to restore a 1979 3500 GMC, Campers Special with a GVW of 10,000. My story with the 1979 Suburbans is rather interesting to say the least. In 1978 I went looking for a suburban when I found one and took it for a test drive. Weeks later when I returned to purchase it, the vehicle had been sold, so I told them to order me identical, with a couple of distinctive differences. Needless to say I had great pleasure with my 1979 suburban, when in 1995 I was told about another one for sale. Of course my original suburban was well used, driven hard and put away wet, sort of speaking, but it always was there when I needed it, for work or pleasure. I could not believe my eyes when I saw this second Silverado Suburban with few km. and very well kept. When I told that owner I knew this vehicle, he was surprised to know I knew the complete history as it was discovered upon registering it. I drove my original only then for work, while keeping the second one in pristine condition as it still is today as well as being in very original condition.
You have come a long trail, and did a good job. I love the old Chevs, and own a 49. I have had so many people, when Ido take it out, question me about it 100%. Youre a champ!!