61 c15 Apache Build

[lucasmooers]

We after 25 years of sitting in the barn me and my father have decided to tackle the restoration of the family farm truck that was bought new in 61. The truck was used every day up until the mid 80s as the rust finally put a stop to its everyday use. What we plan on doing is this we have a 1984 Chevy 1/2 ton 2wd donor truck that we plan on using. What we want to do is this...

Swap the torsion beam front end to the modern 84 coil front end.(The torsion beams are very worn and need a total overhaul and parts are non existent or very very expensive)

Swap the 235 and 3 speed on the tree to a nice running 305 and TH350. (The 235 would be eventually placed in a Oliver 77 frame)

Swap the rear axle from coils to leaf springs and a GM 10 bolt. (I know a lot of people love the coil rear end but ours needs total rebuild which would push 700+ dollars whereas the leafs from the donor are in great shape and our time is free as oppose to buying parts)

All of the above swaps would be on the original 61 frame which is a long bed feet side. We also have a nice 63 cab from a C60 truck to put in place of the 61 cab which is rotted pretty bad.(thanks to 30 years of Maine road salt)

Any input for this project would be greatly appreciated especially if people have done the front end swap and the read end swap.