why is it hard to find new parts for my 62

[Dano0579]

I have a 62 LWB Stepside Chevy pickup and I have noticed that a lot of parts books for classic trucks skip over the year model of my truck. Anyone know why? It may just be me missing it but it seems like they can't make some parts for certain model trucks. Thanks for any info on my question.

[1963c-10]

What parts are you looking for? There are many venders and Im sure some of us here can point you in the right direction. But you are correct, the 60-62 in particular and the 60-66 are kinda the evil step children of the Chevy truck world and there are many parts not reproduced that are available for other years. There are also alot of original parts dealers, and that is actually your best source for alot of parts as they were originally made by the manufacturer for that specific purpose and reproduced from cheap materials and labor.

[LVPhotos]

It used to be a day at the junk yard and some Fab work. Now it's a day on the internet. I had my stock grill straightened and chromed. Sold all engine hardware and generator to a 1962 Corvette 100 point restoration and my heater to a member here. Some bad work when I was younger and less in mind to keep this one has been repoped and the rear tailgate and inner fenders save hours of paint prep. I went all out on the air ride for this one. The last draged headers and a arms. Once I get new stuff I post the old stuff and it goes fast. Clean desert truck.
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[markeb01]

Regarding chassis parts I think the short answer is the aftermarket manufacturers don’t see enough potential demand to make it worth producing parts for such a small segment of the hobby (60-62 Chevy trucks).

o Many/most of the later chassis parts interchange between 63-72, providing a comparatively large market.

o Far more 63-66 trucks were produced than 60-62’s.

o More 63-66 trucks survived due to their contemporary coil spring front suspension and cheaper replacement parts.

o Swapping a later suspension on 60-62 models is relatively inexpensive making the investment in brand new aftermarket offerings less desirable.

o All of the above tend to keep the 63-66 models in higher demand and more profitable for the aftermarket.

[Dano0579]

Originally Posted by 1963c-10

What parts are you looking for? There are many venders and Im sure some of us here can point you in the right direction. But you are correct, the 60-62 in particular and the 60-66 are kinda the evil step children of the Chevy truck world and there are many parts not reproduced that are available for other years. There are also alot of original parts dealers, and that is actually your best source for alot of parts as they were originally made by the manufacturer for that specific purpose and reproduced from cheap materials and labor.

Hey 1963c-10,
Thanks man, I'm not really looking for any one particular part. I was just going trought some books and making a wish list for my truck and happen to notice that a lot of the catalogs skip over the 62. I can find the parts one way or the other put just found it wierd some compaines can't reproduce these parts. Thanks

[Dano0579]

Originally Posted by LVPhotos

It used to be a day at the junk yard and some Fab work. Now it's a day on the internet. I had my stock grill straightened and chromed. Sold all engine hardware and generator to a 1962 Corvette 100 point restoration and my heater to a member here. Some bad work when I was younger and less in mind to keep this one has been repoped and the rear tailgate and inner fenders save hours of paint prep. I went all out on the air ride for this one. The last draged headers and a arms. Once I get new stuff I post the old stuff and it goes fast. Clean desert truck.
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I hear you LV, around here we still have a lot of junk yards with these old trucks and cars in them. I can drive 5 miles in any direction and find some old cars and trucks in somebodies yard just waiting to be picked.

[Dano0579]

Originally Posted by markeb01

Regarding chassis parts I think the short answer is the aftermarket manufacturers don’t see enough potential demand to make it worth producing parts for such a small segment of the hobby (60-62 Chevy trucks).

o Many/most of the later chassis parts interchange between 63-72, providing a comparatively large market.

o Far more 63-66 trucks were produced than 60-62’s.

o More 63-66 trucks survived due to their contemporary coil spring front suspension and cheaper replacement parts.

o Swapping a later suspension on 60-62 models is relatively inexpensive making the investment in brand new aftermarket offerings less desirable.

o All of the above tend to keep the 63-66 models in higher demand and more profitable for the aftermarket.

Thanks Markeb01, that seems about right that I would decide to fix up a model thats not real popular. lol, But I like it like that, I love my 62 knee knocker!

[markeb01]

I ended up with the same problem. I started out wanting and searching for a 1963 Chevy. The two primary things I did not want included any 1960-62 (torsion bars) or any GMC with a V6.

So of course I bought a 1960 GMC with a V6!

It was a one family truck that was too cherry to pass up, so I’m very familiar with the lack of support for these earlier years.

[doobiebro]

Dano been there and done that especially know where Markeb01 is coming from on the suspension parts (torsion bars).. Long time ago I had a 62 short step side and now currently have a 60..

[slepysal]

I feel your pain !

[62 Barnfind]

I know how you feel but it's not that bad. Most parts are interchangeable if you know what your looking for. I know the frame is the same or similar to the 60-61 and the cab is 60-63. I also do some research on this site with other members like markeb01 and 61 FL Apache. They will point you in the right direction.

[Dano0579]

Originally Posted by markeb01

I ended up with the same problem. I started out wanting and searching for a 1963 Chevy. The two primary things I did not want included any 1960-62 (torsion bars) or any GMC with a V6.

So of course I bought a 1960 GMC with a V6!

It was a one family truck that was too cherry to pass up, so I’m very familiar with the lack of support for these earlier years.

Thats funny Mark! I know what you mean, when you see that truck, no matter what it is, you got to have it.

[Dano0579]

Originally Posted by slepysal

I feel your pain !

Thanks Slepysal, it may make it harder but it will still be fun!

[Dano0579]

Originally Posted by 62 Barnfind

I know how you feel but it's not that bad. Most parts are interchangeable if you know what your looking for. I know the frame is the same or similar to the 60-61 and the cab is 60-63. I also do some research on this site with other members like markeb01 and 61 FL Apache. They will point you in the right direction.

Thanks 62 barnfind,
It's not going to be that bad. I might try to find a early 80 model chevy truck to pull the whole front end out and do a swap.

[62 Barnfind]

I have been thinking about doing the same. Just to make it a better driver. Im not that far yet I am having a hard time trying to get my paint right on mine. The satin color is real hard to blend right without streaking. If I can get that right I will be happy.

[Dano0579]

Originally Posted by 62 Barnfind

I have been thinking about doing the same. Just to make it a better driver. Im not that far yet I am having a hard time trying to get my paint right on mine. The satin color is real hard to blend right without streaking. If I can get that right I will be happy.

Well I'm no where close to painting yet. I want to get it running and driving good before I start on the paint. That paint will look awesome on your truck!!