Re: 1963 C-10 SWB BBW Fleetside in NC
 

Yards like this are few and far down here. Most yards are heavily picked over or just don't have anything over 30 years or so.

Re: 1963 C-10 SWB BBW Fleetside in NC
 

Got a little time in last night on the fleetside. Finally got the last of the frame prep done to the rear crossmember. 2 coats of rust guard down, frames been rinsed off, so I can get some paint on tonight and the cab mounts on tomorrow. This has been the only hold up on the fleetside getting the cab permanently mounted so I can install the auto column and start working on the stepside again...which is my Saturday project. I need to clear some more room up so I may just set the 348 and trans in the engine bay for now. Just a temporary fix to clear up room.

Also considering drilling a small hole in the front and rear section of the front crossmember as they hold water. Thinking just a 1/4" hole should work to allow the water to drain off.

Re: 1963 C-10 SWB BBW Fleetside in NC
 

Looking Good!!! :metal:

Re: 1963 C-10 SWB BBW Fleetside in NC
 

Thanks Don. Frames wet in the pics, looks much better in person. I have prepped under the cab also....so will be painting on my back, but at least on concrete!!

Re: 1963 C-10 SWB BBW Fleetside in NC
 

Finished the frame work from the rear cross member forward. Undercoating, paint and mounts done. Got the new mounts installed and placed the 348 in the engine bay for storage and to mock up.

Will move the engine forward using the CPP tubular mounts as like most big blocks, the pass side is in, but very tight. Only other issue with the factory perches is exhaust manifold clearance. They don't like the factory perches....would only have to be trimmed about the amount of 1/2 of a penny, but the tubular mounts will give me more clearance for headers.

Re: 1963 C-10 SWB BBW Fleetside in NC
 

Few more. The heater core is no good, but I left it in just to check clearance. I have a replacement...good thing as it took a little ding setting the 348 in place. The engine has a block of wood under the torque converter, so its sitting just a hair high in the back.

Re: 1963 C-10 SWB BBW Fleetside in NC
 

That W Motor looks right at home!:metal:

Re: 1963 C-10 SWB BBW Fleetside in NC
 

Also got the auto column I rebuilt installed. Still waiting on a new turn signal lever and the shift indicator lens so I can mount the wheel. Put new bearings, switches and wiring in, so should be good to go for awhile. Will paint the column once I finalize the interior/exterior color.

Re: 1963 C-10 SWB BBW Fleetside in NC
 

Thanks Don. I know its a ways off still, but damn its exciting to get it in for mock up. Can't wait to fire this beast up and go for a shake down run!!!

Re: 1963 C-10 SWB BBW Fleetside in NC
 

Looking good bud! Engine looks right at home and frame is coming out nicely! :chevy:

Re: 1963 C-10 SWB BBW Fleetside in NC
 

Thanks TJ. Frame looks 100% better and the new mounts and hardware should help the ride a little. Glad to be making some progress although it has ate into my step side time this weekend. I needed to make some clearance under my carport. Although its 24 x 20, with 2 trucks, 2 engines, an auto trans and engine stands/lifts....it fills quickly. Was a blessing to be on concrete and shade this weekend. Nice thing is I can slide the trucks back and gain even more room when out there.

Re: 1963 C-10 SWB BBW Fleetside in NC
 

Think I may have finally solidified the manifold. These are made by a member of the 348-409 forum and look great. Numbers on the dyno show good also.

Stock intake ( dotted line ..... )
torque 438.5 @ 3500 RPM
horsepower 389.9 @ 5400 RPM ( 387.7 @ 5300, 387.6 @ 5500, 385.6 @ 5600, 383.4 @ 5700 )

Performer RPM intake ( broken line _ _ _ _ _ )
torque 448.7 @ 4200 RPM
horsepower 424.8 @ 5700 RPM ( 422.9 @ 5500, 424.3 @ 5600, 424.5 @ 5800, 423.9 @ 5900, 423.0 @ 6000, 421.8 @ 6100 )

Speed-Port 6000 intake ( solid line _______ )
torque 466.6 @ 4200 RPM
horsepower 465.8 @ 5800 RPM ( 464.8 @ 5600, 465.4 @ 5700, 465.7 5900, 465.7 @ 6000, 464.9 @ 6100, 464.4 @ 6200, 464.0 @ 6300 )


The also utilize the factory style PCV valve as opposed to a road draft tube.

link: http://www.speed-port.ca/

Re: 1963 C-10 SWB BBW Fleetside in NC
 

That 348 looks really good in your truck! I have to say that I like the direction that your build is going. Keep working hard on your trucks and thanks for sharing all of the updates as you go along on this one.

Re: 1963 C-10 SWB BBW Fleetside in NC
 

Thanks for the kind words and encouragement. Hang around awhile on this one though, I've been putting a lot of time in on it, but I've got to get back on the stepside soon as I have all the parts to complete it. Was my weekend goal last week to get back on track and I ended up working on the fleetside. I'll be working on both at once, but mainly just trying to do the big conversions on the fleetside (manual to auto....etc....) and replace the missing/broke parts.

Updates are no problem. I feel sometimes they are repetitive, but I'm a Paramedic, so documentation just comes natural to me.

Again, thanks for the all the comments and many more pages to come!!!!

Re: 1963 C-10 SWB BBW Fleetside in NC
 

How did the junk yard run go???

Re: 1963 C-10 SWB BBW Fleetside in NC
 

Sorry Jeff....it didn't happen. I pulled up the directions Sunday morning thinking he was in Greenville NC (1.5hr north)....he was in Greenville SC, which is like 4hrs away. I had plans at 3:30pm that afternoon for family pictures, so I was unable to go. We are trying to set up another day to meet up. I'll keep you posted on it though.

Re: 1963 C-10 SWB BBW Fleetside in NC
 

Couple of pics I got from a fellow 348-409 forum member. A very clean truck he got a few pics of awhile back. This truck looks great and the engine bay is exactly what I want, minus aluminum manifold and headers.

Re: 1963 C-10 SWB BBW Fleetside in NC
 

Gotta say that 348 almost looks like the truck rolled outta the factory with it! Sweet truck! :chevy:

Re: 1963 C-10 SWB BBW Fleetside in NC
 

May very well have, but doubtful. To my knowledge and research most were ordered in the larger series trucks...although I have found 2 c-20's that were camper specials that were dealer installed 348's.

Either way it looks great and super clean. I hope mine comes out as well!!!

Re: 1963 C-10 SWB BBW Fleetside in NC
 

From what I found the 348 came in 1960-63 chevy 70 & 80 series trucks. The 409 came in 64 & 65 60H & 80 series trucks and the 66 model year the introduction of the 366 big block which was for 60H and 80 series trucks.

Although if what I'm told is correct these were factory installs. At least one of the c-20's I've come across w/348's was dealer installed. Unsure of the other.

Re: 1963 C-10 SWB BBW Fleetside in NC
 

looks great are you going to leave the 348 in the back perch holes? seem like it will hit the firewall, I messaged my firewall when I but the sbc in the back holes! had to drill new hole for the cpp perches for it too!! keep it up, love big blocks

Re: 1963 C-10 SWB BBW Fleetside in NC
 

Thanks for the response.....I'll move the engine to the forward mounts when I pull it back out. It'll also be going to a tubular style mount in hopes that it will allow 348/409 shorty car headers to fit as its my only option next to fabricating a set.

Re: 1963 C-10 SWB BBW Fleetside in NC
 

Got the last of the cable pull vents undercoated. I did the same 60-61 style pull vent conversion in my other 63 and love the change over from the manual pull vents. I did not document the last conversion, but will document this one in case it'll help anyone else out. My projects bounce around, but right now I'm trying to get parts out of boxes and make the truck complete. It's opening a lot of room in the shop and helps me see what I need.

Anyways...heres the fresh air vent covers before and after. I undercoated them and the boxes as they are prone to rust issues as we all know. Close up pic is of the right vent...and although they look the same, they are side specific.

Re: 1963 C-10 SWB BBW Fleetside in NC
 

that's jeff green's place. tons of stuff there

Re: 1963 C-10 SWB BBW Fleetside in NC
 

Yeah...his name is Jeff. Never got his last name.

Re: 1963 C-10 SWB BBW Fleetside in NC
 

Picked up a set of NOS side panel step units. Got both NOS units for $180 total, which was a little high, but lately I see them for like $200 each. But, I have always liked them and wanted them. Got the NOS boxes, gaskets, hardware and templates all new in the box.

Also picked up an aluminum grill for the fleetside. I'll use the parts off the steel grill to complete what missing of this one.

Re: 1963 C-10 SWB BBW Fleetside in NC
 

MAN! Nice parts! Like the NOS side steps! :metal:

Re: 1963 C-10 SWB BBW Fleetside in NC
 

Thanks TJ. The grill has some minor dings that on the top bar that I can work out fairly easy. Someone chromed it at some point and during their polishing for chrome went a little heavy on the "r" in Chevrolet, but I got a good deal on it, so we'll make it work. Nice thing is aluminum won't rust!!!

The side steps aren't for everyone, but I like them personally. They are getting harder to find....I've looked for a few months.

Re: 1963 C-10 SWB BBW Fleetside in NC
 

Will also start the alternator mount fab this weekend. 348-409 parts are hard to come by and expensive when you do. found out how to use an early truck big block lower alternator mount....a little fab work and instant 348 alternator mount. $30 as opposed to $300-400.

1st pic is part to start with. 2, 3 are finished products form a 348-409 forum member and 4 is another mount made from the same mount as in pic 1,2 & 3. So two ways it can be done.

The back mount gets cut off, the lower ear gets cut off and two new holes drilled (or 1 depending on which style I go for) for the head mount. Im leaning more towards the bottom mount in pic 4. One hole to drill and cut the ear off.

Re: 1963 C-10 SWB BBW Fleetside in NC
 

Started work on my alternator mount for the 348 last night. Got the back part of the bracket removed and ground down, then out to the truck to check fitment and put some tape down for where to trim. I decided to leave the bottom hole where it is and remove the top ear so that I have more clearance if I decide to go with power steering in the future. Part is marked for trim and drilling the hole which is 2 1/2" center-center on the 348 heads. Really stout mount and the guys on the 348-409 forum say no issues with not having a side mount.

Didn't get to completion though as my fiancée's moms AC crapped out and I had to go install some window units, but heres a few pics before and after mount removal and mocked up to the driver side cylinder head.

Clearance is close on the valve cover, but plenty of room to remove it with out messing with the alternator.

Re: 1963 C-10 SWB BBW Fleetside in NC
 

Got the cable pull vents cleaned up and undercoated. Was 98* here yesterday, so put them in the sun to dry and didn't take long. Moved them to the porch to set overnight. Sounds funny, but I use the q-tips where the cable hold goes and this is the 2nd set Ive done. They actually work pretty good to keep the threads open. Waiting on the new gaskets to arrive for the vents themselves and then I'll be ready to do the conversion from manual vents. I have an extra set of OEM cables and knobs already lubed up and ready to go. Ordered the seals from Classic Industries and should be here in the next week or so. Also ordered the taillight bezels, which completes all the lights and signals.

Re: 1963 C-10 SWB BBW Fleetside in NC
 

Last of the mount trimming marked off. Just need the ear removed and a 7/16" hole drilled and it'll be complete.

Re: 1963 C-10 SWB BBW Fleetside in NC
 

Great job on the mount. It cools you can modify it and make it work versus spending $$ for an original.

Bret

Re: 1963 C-10 SWB BBW Fleetside in NC
 

Thanks Bret. I'm not building a 100% original engine, so this will work great. Nice thing is when we're done with it it'll pass enough to look stock as most people probably couldn't tell you what a 348 mount looks like next to the die hards.

My dad is a gunsmith and teaches machining at a local community college since retiring from 24 years in the Army with around 20 of those years in Special Forces. His shop is down for the moment so I went by a local shop that came recommended by my engine builder. The guy wanted $85 just to trim the ear and drill a hole for me. Long story short....I sent an email to CaptainFab and I'll be sending it up to Idaho to have him do the work. I try and source local business, but the price was way excessive. Thankfully we have some very talented guys on the forum and the issue will be resolved soon.

And a big thanks to CaptainFab for his talents and time!!!!

More pics once it comes back and is bolted on. Just down to exhaust to mock up once the alternator mount is done. Wiring will be pretty straight forward as the 6cyls have driver side alternators.

I still need to pull the engine forward 2" and install the CPP tubular mounts. I just need to get to Napa and get some engine mounts for the center bolt styles. Then engine will go off to the builder.

Re: 1963 C-10 SWB BBW Fleetside in NC
 

Nice progress bud! The mount is sweet! :chevy:

Re: 1963 C-10 SWB BBW Fleetside in NC
 

Thanks TJ. I have the upper mount enroute, which is also a repop, but its pretty straight forward. Looks like a small metal hockey stick. Its a stock replacement for the 348/409 engines. Same as in the pic....

And I saved the alternator off the 230 since it was only a few months old so I don't have to buy another for the 348.

Re: 1963 C-10 SWB BBW Fleetside in NC
 

Also go the vents done and reassembled, minus the vent itself which new gaskets should be here in a few days. If the rain will hold off today I may be able to get them installed today or tomorrow. Really need to pick an interior color so I can get some paint down in the cab.

Re: 1963 C-10 SWB BBW Fleetside in NC
 

Ok, back to work on the vent wings last night. Started with removal of the vent from the housing. Then off to the sink for a good scrubbing. Once its dry, remove the spring and retaining rod....just pull down on the rod, depress the spring and it will work itself out. Next step is to drill off the rivet heads. I like to use a 1/4" drill bit and only remove the head. I do not enlarge the rivet holes. Once the rivet heads are removed, the assembly will open up very easy. You will notice the original gaskets are a complete gasket and not hollow in the middle like the replacements.

I'm waiting on the replacement seals for the reinstall, so more pics once they arrive. I'll paint the vent doors while I wait and show the rest of the assembly and conversion from manual vents to cable vents once the seals arrive. It is not a hard conversion, but its not a straight forward bolt in either. The 62-66 cabs have a notch that will need to be made on the cab to allow the cable to pass through the cab into the vent assembly and a few screws are different for the vent screens as opposed to the manual vents. This is one of the 60-61 options that I really like and do on every truck I get and a nice option to have, especially if operating the vents while going down the road.

Re: 1963 C-10 SWB BBW Fleetside in NC
 

Couple of pics of the assembly apart. The paint inside looks as good as when they were painted in either 1960 or 61, so I'll leave the inside as they are.

You can see the difference in the original gasket and the new seals. I keep the original gaskets and will go into detail on that once the new seals arrive and I reinstall.

Re: 1963 C-10 SWB BBW Fleetside in NC
 

Looking good! :metal: