Re: 1963 C-10 SWB BBW Fleetside in NC
 

Take yer time on that 63 fleet hoss. Ya got a big block needs spun up affore the valve springs go flat on it anyways. And ye'll be needin quick change rear wheels anyhow cause a pair o tires ain't gonna last much morein 53 miles with that engine tranny combo....less ya put 500 lbs o corn in the rear of the bed to holder down, then ya might be able to smoke em out to 102 miles or so.

Re: 1963 C-10 SWB BBW Fleetside in NC
 

Yeah, I agree.....Im like a bull in a china shop though...always multi-tasking and over projecting. My folks say its the Paramedic in my blood. I go out every few weeks and turn the engine a few cranks to relieve the pressure on the springs. Looks like April 25 will be my target date to start the swap.

Re: 1963 C-10 SWB BBW Fleetside in NC
 

Another hurdle overcome.....DMV came out and approved the vin # and frame #'s, so I'll have clear NC title in 30 days or less. So all the NC/SC tape has been overcome at this point.

Re: 1963 C-10 SWB BBW Fleetside in NC
 

Got some oem parts coming. Nice solid tailgate from Perro and a box of stuff from Lyle. I have a new clutch waiting for when the 230 comes out of the stepside (will get new seals & paint) for the reinstall. Eventually a 348 will come to rest in this truck. Working on those details now.

Re: 1963 C-10 SWB BBW Fleetside in NC
 

Edit....from post above. A lot has gone on through lunch.

Made a good deal on a 348/powerglide combo for $500. Complete engine with all brackets, exhaust, pulleys, dist., carb...etc. Go down Saturday to pick it up. Will need completely gone through, but my machinist is already waiting for it. So looks like the 230 will find a new home and the 348 will go into the fleetside.

So now I'm on the look out for a factory auto column and linkage.

Re: 1963 C-10 SWB BBW Fleetside in NC
 

cool man... i love those ol' W motors. they should have been an option for our trucks. "i want to order the big block please".

now you have to do the big block hood too.:metal:

Re: 1963 C-10 SWB BBW Fleetside in NC
 

thanks...ive seen a few at shows, but this is the 1st "w" block ive owned. looking forward to this build as well....i just like the big blocks. the 348 & 409 were both available in 63, but ive never seen a factory c10 348 or 409 in a 63. ive seen a c20 and a few larger application trucks with them. base models were 250hp w/355 lbs torque and could be optioned with up to 325hp. torquey little big block.....should be a fun ride

Re: 1963 C-10 SWB BBW Fleetside in NC
 

looks like i may have found a factory powerglide column too so i can do the conversion for the 3sp.

Re: 1963 C-10 SWB BBW Fleetside in NC
 

So its decided. 348 "w" block and 2 speed powerglide is the way this build will go. In the process of working up parts list now, so I can see what I have and what I need.

Re: 1963 C-10 SWB BBW Fleetside in NC
 

Always liked the looks of the 348 and 409, those Valve Covers rock!!!:metal:

Re: 1963 C-10 SWB BBW Fleetside in NC w/348 & powerglide
 

Yes sir, I agree. And I like the stock look of the engine when they are built. One of the few engines that don't need tons of chrome or aluminum to make them look good. Although looks like chrome valve covers and covers were an option. I'm learning tons about these engines through my research these last few days. I pick up the engine/trans Saturday morning and will have more info then. The guy I'm getting the parts from has fallen into bad health and needs to move parts. Couldn't tell me much about it other than "it ran when parked" and he "knows its a good engine/trans, but recommends a rebuild die to sitting in the garage a few years". I'll look at it good once home. See if it'll turn over by hand. If not, i'll soak the cylinders and see if we can get it to move. If that doesn't work, then it'll get torn all the way down. It will end up rebuilt at some point anyways, but I'll set it in the frame for now for storage areas until the barn is done.

Looking for something similar to these pics of the engines.

Also a few pics of the steering column that's been ordered and should be enroute in a few days.

Re: 1963 C-10 SWB BBW Fleetside in NC
 

Nice Score!!!

Re: 1963 C-10 SWB BBW Fleetside in NC
 

I thought so too. I don't have anything against the aftermarket shifters, but I like the factory look on interior stuff.

Re: 1963 C-10 SWB BBW Fleetside in NC
 

"W"ay Cool Man

Re: 1963 C-10 SWB BBW Fleetside in NC
 

Trying to keep it as factory correct as possible at least as far as application and appearance.

Re: 1963 C-10 SWB BBW Fleetside in NC
 

Did get an hour or so last night to clean up the engine bay up some. I'll have to use the truck as a temporary storage area for the 348, so putting it in the engine bay is the best choice right now.

I found a new cpp trans mount and tubular crossmember for a steal, so the bellhousing crossmember will come out soon. Maybe this weekend if I can get some time to grind off the rivets. The engine bay actually cleaned up pretty good. This is just a wire brush, flat tip screwdriver for the hard to reach areas and a water hose. I'll pressure wash and seal the frame this weekend.

Just a few bolts and the front fender assemblies can come off for better access. Frame looks super solid, just a light coat of surface rust, but no pitting and all bolts, nuts and threads look great.

Looks to me that maybe this was a factory v8 truck. Has the shorter throttle shaft linkage off the pedal and the radiator supports were mounted low, not high. No engine/trans when picked up and I assumed it was a 6cyl truck, but looking more like an 8cyl truck maybe.

Re: 1963 C-10 SWB BBW Fleetside in NC
 

Will pick up new grade 8 bolts for the engine mounts today and the engine perches.

I know the frame/perch bolts and the engine to mount bolts, but any help on the mount to perch bolt would be appreciated. I believe its 7/16 coarse....maybe an 1" or 1 1/4" length?

Re: 1963 C-10 SWB BBW Fleetside in NC
 

Picked up some motor mounts today for the original perches and new grade 8 bolts for the perches/mounts.

Engine/trans picked up tomorrow, new column in the mail and the new cpp trans crossmember is enroute too. Starting to pull parts together pretty quick.

Re: 1963 C-10 SWB BBW Fleetside in NC
 

I believe the bolt you are referring to is 1" but I can double check today. The engine bay cleaned up real good. Good luck on cutting the rivets for that cross member. The top ones are really hard to get to with the cab on.

I am jealous of your new W motor. I built a ton of early 60's Impala models as a kid and I always used the 409's when they came with them. I even had a 58 Impala that had the 348. I love the stock chrome valve covers with the Chevy bowtie on them.

And I agree with Sharps on the Powerglide to each his own though. The good thing about it is with the right rear gear. First gear will go all the way to 60 mph before you have to shift. My dad's 64 El Camino had one with a 283. Only bad part is after 70 you have no more gear!

Bret

Re: 1963 C-10 SWB BBW Fleetside in NC
 

I picked up the engine and trans today. Engine has cleaned up pretty good, still a little cleaning left to do. So far it looks really promising. Take a peek at the heads with the vavle cover removed....clean as can be. No sludge, gunk, debris or anything. JUst nice and oiled and tight. #'s are a little tricky though. Appears heads were upgraded at some point in its life. The numbers read as:
Block: cast # 375501 K 17 58 T 1121G
Cast on November 17, 1958 and built on November 21, 1958 Passenge car 250hp/355torque w/powerglide an 4bbl
4.125 bore an 3.25 stroke with solid cam

Intake: 3732767 K 19 58
Cast iron 1958 pass ar 4bbl 250hp November 19, 1958

Exhaust: 3732794 Pass side 37332793 Driver side
Pass car 250/280/315hp

Heads: 3781147 A 3 61
Cast Jan 3, 1961 Special HP head with larger valves and hardened shank rocker arm studs for Special HP 348's. Also says the pistons required to be used wit the had had larger relief notches for the valves and increased metal thickness in the rib on the inside of the piston skirt and reinforcement at the loweedges of the skirts.


So interesting #'s. I'll know how the bottom end loks oncethe oil pans off and the trans is removed. If the botto end looks as good it may nt need to be rebuilt. Let me know what you guys think....and the block weight is 640lbs minus trans.

The valve covers are in great condition...still retain all factory looms and no dents. These are the non dripper covers as some did have oil drippers. Looks like it was painted red at some time. The guy says its been sitting covered for 25 years. Just sealed it up and let it sit in the corner. I'd like to see the conditions of the cylinders and verify there nothing in there.

Re: 1963 C-10 SWB BBW Fleetside in NC
 

That is freakin awesome!

Bret

Re: 1963 C-10 SWB BBW Fleetside in NC
 

Thanks.....looks like the chrome is still under the covers or maybe polished aluminum. Haven't gotten that far, but I'll carefully strip them ans see whats underneath. Very cool they have the bowties on them. Has a period correct cast iron powerglide too...covered in 30 years of oil and grease and dust...will need pressurewashed and chemicals. Paid $500 for engine & trans....figured the engine alone was worth it complete if it was salvgeable. Alternator bracket couldn't be found, but no biggie. I do have the original AC coil and breathers still on and the original 4bbl carb. Kickdown linkage is there too.

Re: 1963 C-10 SWB BBW Fleetside in NC
 

All bolts look like they'll come out. Its actually in pretty good shape minus the grease, dirt and multi paint. I fell i got a solid deal.

I know people are shaking their heads...why a powerglide, but Ilike some of the nostalgic packages that chevy put together. So now I have a 2 speed auto big block truck and a 3 speed manual big block truck in the works. And both are factory combinations. Think I have big blok fever....

Re: 1963 C-10 SWB BBW Fleetside in NC
 

Man!!!! Stop!!!! Yer making me wanna get a 348 or 366 for my truck now!!!! LOL! Nice engine! :metal:

Re: 1963 C-10 SWB BBW Fleetside in NC
 

Thanks. Theres a nice 427 truck tall deck block in our local craigslist now....guys says its running at 500hp.

Re: 1963 C-10 SWB BBW Fleetside in NC
 

Also got some parts in from Lyle to finish the tailgate off. Parts installed and chains on.

Re: 1963 C-10 SWB BBW Fleetside in NC
 

Man I've been studying the photos. That is just a cool engine. It even still has the warm up tube for the choke!

I looked on ebay and just about every 348 or 409 on there were going for over $5,000 and that is not even rebuilt. You stole that thing man. I can understand your reasons for wanting the powerglide but I just couldn't do it unless it was for racing only.

Look forward to seeing this baby all cleaned up and painted. It has a road draft tube setup I guess. How do you plan to run your pvc system?

Also T.J. if you want a 366 they made those until the 80's I believe. My grandpa had an 84' ex-Ryder moving truck that had one with a granny 5 speed behind it. It had mufflers right off the downpipes. I learned how to drive stick in it.

Bret

Re: 1963 C-10 SWB BBW Fleetside in NC
 

By the way those bolts u asked about are 1".

Re: 1963 C-10 SWB BBW Fleetside in NC
 

thanks bret. still working out the details on the engine. it is a road draft style. valve covers can have breathers & pcv added or i can go aftermarket like the edelbrocks

Re: 1963 C-10 SWB BBW Fleetside in NC
 

Few more pics of the engine/trans. Got the carb off yesterday and the lift plate installed. Also pulled the water pump to see why it wouldn't turn. It will need replaced. Took of the thermostat housing also...no thermostat installed. Looks like the water pump / heater hose fittings been plugged off. So far engine looks great inside...look at the pic of the oil. Oil sample from the drain plug just as good. The two forward bolts on the top of the intake to the left of the passenger side thermostat are a/c bosses, so would have come with a/c originally.

Looks like, new gaskets, seals & bearings.
New fuel pump & water pump.
Carb will need rebuilt or replaced (original carb).
Would like to upgrade intake to aluminum.
New cam depending on visual once intake is off.
New plugs/wires/replace ignition parts.

Will know more once on the stand and oil pan removed and intake off, but if its as clean as the rest of the internals...I'll probably hold off on the machine shop for awhile.

Also some pics of the cast iron powerglide. Haven't solidified 100% what I'm doing on this end. Rebuild original, replace with a newer aluminum version, or upgrade to another trans. The only other trans I've ran behind a big block is a TH400 in my 69 chevelle ss 15 years ago. Interesting two piece bellhousing set up. Looks like most of the linkage is there.

Re: 1963 C-10 SWB BBW Fleetside in NC
 

I can't believe how clean the oil and engine looks. Might as well pop the heads and pan. If it still looks good hone cylinders put new rings and rod bearings and see how she does.

Re: 1963 C-10 SWB BBW Fleetside in NC
 

Kinda what I was thinking too. I'm going to try and make time to get the trans off tonight and get it on a rotating stand. I'd like to inspect the bottom end 1st to see what were working with. So far all signs look good.

Re: 1963 C-10 SWB BBW Fleetside in NC
 

Looks like a recent rebuild to me.

Re: 1963 C-10 SWB BBW Fleetside in NC
 

spent about two hours on it tonight. got the engine stand built for it. got a 1000lb stand that rotates on sale at harbor freight for less than $47, was cheaper than the 750lb stand on sale. was a coupon in the last hot rod magazine.

got the trans off down to the torque converter. pulled all 8 plugs with no issue. sprayed each cylinder down with sea foam. drained all the oil.....looked good, smelt sour, which was to be expected. plugs don't look to bad, but real info will be when pans dropped and intakes off. i'l drop pan with engine upright, then rotate onces pan free and completely drained.

it has a canister style filter, id rather have a spin on....so putting that on the list.

i dont want to turn flexpate to remove torque converter until cylinders have soaked good, so its on blocks with tension from the lift for a few days

Re: 1963 C-10 SWB BBW Fleetside in NC
 

Few pics from yesterday. Oil came out fine, no sludge or debris, but it has the old sour varnish/oil smell from sitting....the light color in the pic is sunlight.

A pic of the spark plug....rest look the same. Has the old green line AC plugs in it still.

And a few pics of the trans removal. I can assure you that if you've never removed a cast iron automatic.....they are heavy.

Re: 1963 C-10 SWB BBW Fleetside in NC
 

One nice engine you scored! The insides I'll bet are gonna be in great shape!

Re: 1963 C-10 SWB BBW Fleetside in NC
 

I sure hope so TJ. Not prepared to shell out the bucks for another big block rebuild right now. Bearings & gaskets I can handle. The 348/409's are far more costly to build than a IV gen big block. So far so good though.

Re: 1963 C-10 SWB BBW Fleetside in NC
 

Interesting article from Hot Rod magazine on turning a stock 348 into a 437 w/650hp
http://www.hotrod.com/techarticles/e..._engine_build/

Great if you have an extra $14,000 to spend

Re: 1963 C-10 SWB BBW Fleetside in NC
 

Man that looks like the deal of the century. I remember helping my dad remove a 52 Olds hydramatic when I was a kid. That thing was heavy! And IIRC it had 32 bolts holding the torque converter to the flywheel. Back then we didn't have a flywheel turner so it was done one tooth at a time with a big screwdriver and a bunch of scraped knuckles!

Re: 1963 C-10 SWB BBW Fleetside in NC
 

Thanks Mark. I'll get the cylinders resoaked again tonight with the sea foam. The 348 doesn't have a center bolt on the crank. (has three bolts that hold the balancer to the crank), so looks like I'll have to turn it by the flywheel. Its a new engine to me and I'm no auto trans guy, so that's new too. I've only had 1 automatic and that was a TH400 behind a 396 in my 69 chevelle ss back in the late 90's, but I don't think it was as heavy as the cast iron powerglide.

This engine has a two piece bellhousing which is kinda interesting. Also has no bottom access to the flywheel. It has a small cover that rotates left and right to allow access to the torque converter bolts. I'll see if I can get pics of it. Its between the starter and the block. Haven't come up with a contingency plan if for some reason it won't rotate off the flywheel. Downside is I can't get it on the rotating stand until the torque converters off. I believe the powerglide only has 3 bolts on the torque converter.

Hopefully the cylinders are good and the rings aren't rusted to the walls......will know in the next few days.