65 dog house cut

howdy im new here and new to early chevy vans. I had a 64 econoline before...any how I have a 64 chevy van ,,has any one cut there dog house out? the ford one unbolts... I wanna install a v6 and it looks like cutting the dog house out is the best way..any input?

Spot weld cutters or just drill them somewhat around the the perimeter. There are lots of them. They will come off without doing to much damage.

sweet , thanks.. I was lookin around and saw a couple of them done..i also saw where someone said you made your own... Im going to see if I can find that post.. thanks again

ok saw yours that gives me ideas as the v6 is shorter hmmmmm.....thanks

If you can get a hold of a 2nd gen dog house to use it might be easier. I had a lot of sheet metal and no 2nd Gen DH to use . Having easy access to the engine makes life so much nicer tho.

What V-6 are you going to use? I got a 4.3l out of a '99 S10 and a 700R4 tranny ready to go. Just need to find the time. I'm in Fl. so my thought for the shorter motor is that I can run a mechanical fan and still have room for A.C. and maybe power steering someday. Good luck and please keep me posted.
Sam

Installing a GM 4.3 V6 is going to be the same as installing a V8 except you will have more room up front a 4.3 is a 350/305 (V8) minus the 2 front cylinders it will bolt in the same way..... There are a few threads on installing a V8 in a 1st Gen on this site you may get away with the 1964-66 1st Gen factory motor box if you plan on using the stock exhaust manifolds and not hedders.....Get a 8 inch drop universal transmission cross-member from "Speed Way Motors" and weld some plates on the frame for it to bolt to.... Use standard V8 mounts up front  and the rest will come together you will probley have to get a drive shaft made.!!..But I could be wrong it should not be that big of a deal...AC is doable with a "Vintage Air Kit" the power steering will be a "Issue" since you will need a power steering box that will fit a early Van but they are NOT bad at all to steer the way it is so put that part on the back burner.... Getting any project started is the hardest part..!!!......JMO.......Good Luck.!!!....Sam I was just outside Sarasota last weekend for the holiday...