New Build!!! Need some opinions....

[StreetFighterEight]

Hello All!

I have picked up a 1964 Chevy Fleetside. It has a 305 with a stock 3 speed that has been moved to the floor.



The main purpose for getting this is for a cool motorcycle truck, something that I can load the bike up into and head on a longer trip they I would want to ride the bike or want to take the GF.

So now that you know the main purpose of the truck I need your opinions on how I should proceed. Here is what I am looking at:

Motor: 350
Trans: Auto (not sure what Trans)
Add Power Brakes and go to front disk, at least
Add Power Steering
Add A/C (I live in Texas and it is hot...)

I have heard, and read, that I can swap a front end out of a newer, 70's ish, and ill be good to go. Is this the most effective way to get what I am looking for?

I have the room to buy a parts truck but only really what to do that if it will get me 90% of the parts I need...

What are y'all's suggestions?

[BR3W CITY]

get a 71-72 or the 73- style parts truck.

and assuming its equipped with all this;
Steal the front crossmember and swap it over. This will give you disc brakes and the newer style spindles a-arms and bushings, as well as the newer style steering stuff. As part of this, you can instantly convert to the power steering off the same truck, by robbing it of its pump and using the service parts for the 70's truck (pitman, drag link, etc). The 70's truck crossmember should also be setup for the 350 engine, meaning all the steering and braking stuff can be robbed off that truck as well.

Keep stealing, because it will switch you over to 5-lug, so hijack the wheels if its a 2wd. And steal the rear end if its a 12 bolt, since it will bolt into the trailing arm rear with a little work, and give you 5 lug in the rear as well.

Keep stealing, and take the trans if its the th350 or 400, though I don't remember what was normally equipped each year.

[Captainfab]

Welcome to the forum

Yes a '73-'87 C10 parts truck (or Suburban) will give you most of what you will need for what you are wanting to do to your truck.

This thread will tell you just about everything you will need to know to upgrade to front disc brakes.

http://www.67-72chevytrucks.com/vboa...d.php?t=367260

The power brakes and power steering is easy as well. I sell the brackets to make it happen.

[scottofksu]

Just a tip... Save yourself some time and money and buy the good Captains brackets (both the power steering box adapter and the brake master cylinder adapter)... They're inexpensive, but high quality. Let his R&D save you time, money, and heartache!

[StreetFighterEight]

Awesome! Thanks guys, this is exactly what I was needing. Now to start the search for the parts truck...
Posted via Mobile Device

[StreetFighterEight]

Well I found a parts truck a lot after then I originally thought I would. It is a 1984 Chevy that has recently had the front suspension and steering rebuilt. It has a 350 with a 700r4, I believe...not 100% on the trans but it was 103 and had to get to work. The key was the rebuild front suspension, power steering and brakes. So now I just need to start the tearing down the '64 and see how much rust I have...

[markeb01]

Good for you and welcome to the forum. Good luck on your upgrades. Be sure to post progress photos when possible. And if it's not too late take lots of before photos before tearing anything apart. Also use ziplok bags to identify where bolts and parts go, and on bigger pieces write directly on the parts with a felt marker if needed to identify where they go, left or right, passenger/drivers, etc. It makes putting it back together much easier.

[StreetFighterEight]

Well it looks like there will be good weather in my area so I am finally getting some time to get back to the working on this swap. I and currently debating how I would like to attack this project. First I have talked to some guys that mentioned they they said they would use the '84 frame (to keep the leaf springs in the rear) and move the '64 body over. Has anyone done this and is it even possible/how difficult would this be?

I'm guessing that it will not be easy as all the mounting points for everything will be different but I have not been able to compare the two.

The reason would be that this will be mostly used as a bike hauler and boat hauler so the leaf-spring suspension would be better suited for this application. The other option would be to see how the spring work out and then add tow air bags if needed.

What do y'all think?

[Captainfab]

Not to be an a$$ but this question gets asked quite frequently. If you do a search you will find quite a few threads about a frame swap. I always recommend against a frame swap as you are contemplating. There is absolutely nothing to gain, and lots of work to make it happen. Yes I have done it, and won't do one again. Just install the disc brakes, and whatever else you want on your '64 frame.The coil springs and trailing arm suspension is superior to leaf springs anyway. That is unless you are just looking for maximum weight carrying capacity.