1961 Apache C10
 

Today I found the year truck I been wanting for a long time. So I jumped on the deal and drove 2 hours to get it. Here is where it sat.

Re: 1961 Apache C10
 

Here is where I brought it home. I was told by owner that it is a Thrifmaster L6 235 but after looking up the "inline six" thread I found that this might be a l6 261??? also not sure about the transmission but its not original on the 3 on tree anymore but a 4 speed on the floor. I always drove auto and this time I want to work with what I have already and learn standard shifting.

Re: 1961 Apache C10
 

Alil update. First attempt to start inliner 235 got a burnt electrical wire that Po should not have hooked up. My dad helped me redo the wiring with extras from a previous wiring kit. Everything is working great now! I bought new ignition points,condenser and rotor but still need to install. The truck sounds good though. Here is pic of the the front end where I got some of the chrome back to life and the tail light bezels too, PO liked everything in primered black. I had alil Ocd kick in by peeling the black paint off the tailgate by hand. Lil by lil we will get the truck on the road as my daily driver.

Re: 1961 Apache C10
 

Welcome aboard. Looks like a good truck to start with...I'm perrty sure its a 235....engine block casting number will tell you. 235 and 261 where nearly identical looking. :chevy:

Re: 1961 Apache C10
 

I forgot I looked up the block number and it came up as a 1961 chevy truck inline 235 plus I seen the badge inside to confirm it has a thriftmaster 235. The head number is for a 235 and 261.

Re: 1961 Apache C10
 

Welcome and great looking truck. Grill looks 100% better.

Re: 1961 Apache C10
 

looks good man!! i also have a 61! little hint if you are keeping the torsion set up, buy a set of spare torsion keys. lol ask me how i know. this is my daily.

Re: 1961 Apache C10
 

Thanks for the heads up. I am new the the torsion bar setup and plan to keep it original and simple. Your truck looks killer. Love seeing another 61 out there!

Re: 1961 Apache C10
 

Keep at it, you've got a nice looking truck there.

Re: 1961 Apache C10
 

Kool, luv them 60-61s. Mine's a 60 with 61 hood pods!! Ha!:metal:

Re: 1961 Apache C10
 

AWESOME!!! Mine isnt perfect. The passenger side bed on top rail is really wavey/dented but its okay. The cab is pretty much cancer free almost just a couple very small spotts around driver side upper door jam but not bad a all. The hood has rot on the passenger side but all in all a solid truck worth saving.

Re: 1961 Apache C10
 

New gas tank installed.

Re: 1961 Apache C10
 

yep torsion bars are decent for the ride and height adjust-ability, but dont go too low because the torsion cross member hangs really really low. i hooked mine and snapped one of my keys. they DO NOT make keys and they are a pain in the a** to find. so buy at least two if you can.

Re: 1961 Apache C10
 

I am going to keep this one stock height. I just want to keep it simple and be able to drive it down dirt roads with no problems someday.

Re: 1961 Apache C10
 

Today my dad and I worked on the rear brakes. We replaced the brake shoes and rebuilt the wheel cylinders. They were not as bad as I seen before.

Re: 1961 Apache C10
 

New gas tank..new brakes...inspires more road driving confidence. lol!

Re: 1961 Apache C10
 

Tj's chevy that about all this is for us. Keep it simple, get it on the road and have fun. That being said got the front brake shoes installed, new hoses, rebuilt wheel cylinders and bleeding done. Now off for it's first test drive. My dad did the honors while I sat and held the camera. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ib9_r45yV1I

Re: 1961 Apache C10
 

Well alil update. My dad and I have installed a new intake/exhaust manifold gaskets, underdash gauges, differential cover gasket and pinion seal. Should be road worthy with alil tinkering on the idle.

Re: 1961 Apache C10
 

I am not trying to do body work right now but I been picking at the flat black lil by lil.

Re: 1961 Apache C10
 

Cool truck!

Re: 1961 Apache C10
 

Lookin' Good...:mm:
I'm along for the ride...:uhmk:

Re: 1961 Apache C10
 

Thank You. Got along ways to go. Today I picked up this powerglide. Ownder said it came out of a 1960 impala or belair. I looked up on a powerglide site that helped me Identify the year it was made J149 which is Oct 14,1959 so I am guessin it was for the following year chevy. Question I have is what is the lever near the bellhousing?

Re: 1961 Apache C10
 

Well I found out the lever is actually the passing gear. I dont have the rod/extension for it. Will this ruin my transmission If I dont run it or could I use something to manually kickdown it? DOnt know if that makes sense.

Re: 1961 Apache C10
 

It's the manual kickdown linkage attaching point IIRC .

No , it shouldn't be any problem if you leave it disconnected , it's been a long time since I worked on a Slip 'N Slide Power Glide .

You may need to change the ATF a couple three or four times before it remains red and sweet smelling , don't worry just keep at it ~ Power Glides are *very* strong trannies , they used to love them in circle track racing because they were hard to break .

It appears you live in the Valley ? .

I know a good tranny parts place in Burbank should you need parts , I imagine OnLine will work cheaper .

If you can find a picture or diagram of the kick down linkage , this Sunday is the PO-mona Swap meet and you'll surely find if there in a pile of junk .

Just DO NOT foolishly ask " ? will this linkage fit my old Power Glide ? " as they'll lie and yes why yes if course it will and sell you useless junk .

I hope you've done the all important valve adjustment and opened those spark plugs gaps to .035" before adjusting the dwell to 33 degrees and then setting the ignition timing to ball on pointer at or below 600 RPM ? you'll find once it is sharply tuned , the 235 will have plenty of get up and go , be careful you don't kill it by over speeding it on the freeway .

Tune up must be done in the proper order else you'll be chasing your tail .

Re: 1961 Apache C10
 

I am actually in Orange county. Yes my dad and I gapped them correctly and replaced the points and what not but no adjustments on the valves. Fires up nicely since my last posted video of it. Yea I need to find a diagram with the brackets. I learned the hard way asking if things fit and end up not.:waah: