Hm, Is it a 1963?

[ravidmnas1]

Alright, bought this truck for $200. Believe its an Apache 10, Going to restore it and stuff a 502 under the hood. My question is what year is it? The title says it is a 1963, but i was told they quit making the "Apache" in 1961. So how can i be certain on what year it is? Also can i swap a 1964 style hood to it (like the picture below) New to this era truck so sorry i sound like a rookie. Thanks for any help!

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[dieseldude4bt]

If it is a 63 someone has already swaped the hood, it should have one like the red one and it would not be an Apache.

[ravidmnas1]

Originally Posted by dieseldude4bt

If it is a 63 someone has already swaped the hood, it should have one like the red one and it would not be an Apache.

Alright. What about the grille? Are they interchangeable with the 63 style with only single head lights? Thanks for the quick reply!

[66Submarine]

If it's a '61 it will have an x frame and torsion bar front suspension; '63 will have a standard ladder frame with coil springs.

[Keith Seymore]

Here's the generic info packet from the GM Heritage Center archive for a '63 Chevy pickup. It will show all of the various available options and content.

https://www.gmheritagecenter.com/doc...olet-Truck.pdf

Here's the same thing for a '61, just for comparison's sake.

https://www.gmheritagecenter.com/doc...olet-Truck.pdf

K

[jonzcustomshop]

I say 61, the interior of a 63 is fawn, that is silver, the column, wheel, and dash cluster on a 63 are white, that is also silver, which shows it to be a 61.

I would inspect the vin tag, which you can see in the pic. 60-63 they are spot welded on from the factory in that spot, is that one screwed on, or riveted? if so it has probably been changed.

as mentioned 60-62 have the "X" frame 63 does not.

also if still there the data tag on the kick panel (left side) will show which engines are available , 60-62 had 235, and 283 listed, if it was a 63 , it will not show the 235 anymore, but will show the 230, and 292.

the hood will fit, but before getting too far along in the build, I would get the title issues straightened out.

check out this thread for some more vin info:
http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=316902

a 63 grille should just bolt right onto that support, you might have to drill a couple of the holes, but the top outer ones do line up.
also the 60-62 grille support are different from 63-66, the later ones had a big notch for the frame rail.
...and bumpers for 60-62 are different than 63-66, (they bolt on in different spots) -something to keep in mind when looking for parts.

[71PICKEMUP]

Ditto on getting the title verified. That certainly looks to be a '61.
I wouldn't spend any money on it before doing this!

[aerotruk63]

The vin tag would start 3C143 first number indicating year.
63 would have rods activating the clutch instead of hydraulic.
Shame on the windshield looks like the easy eye tinted option.
63 first year for 12 bolt rear end with pressed on backing plates.
We could go on and on.

[ravidmnas1]

Haha, got it all figured out. Long story short, had two trucks, only one title. So i have a vin plate and a matching title, going to have to register it as a 1963. Also re stamp the frame to match. Even though it is indeed a 61. Thanks guys! Another question.. Im putting a Supercharged 502 Big Block in it, will box the frame and some other things, what do i need to do suspension wise, not going to drag it just a fast daily driver. Will stock torsion bars, spinals and all that work and hold the extra weight? (doing a 5 lug, disc brake conversion with 2 1/2 drop spinals) Thanks again!

[j.kirn]

restamp the frame?

[ravidmnas1]

Originally Posted by j.kirn

restamp the frame?

Here.. From a topic posted above

Originally Posted by jonzcustomshop

On all 7 years you can also find the vin number on the left hand frame rail in front of the A arm.
There is also one stamped on the top of the LH frame rail under the cab,
these shots are from my 65 1/2 ton long box.
Notice how they only stamp the year, assembly plant, and the sequential serial # on the frame rail.
the under cab shot is from a 66 frame I have, I have hi-lited where the vin is stamped, it is about 12 inches in front of the left hand rear cab mount on top of the frame rail
"

[j.kirn]

again restamp the frame not a smart move

[ravidmnas1]

Originally Posted by j.kirn

again restamp the frame not a smart move

Why not?

[60sIron]

I would venture to say its against the law. As is changing vin tags. If the year of the truck and vin #'s don't match I wouldn't put a dime into it. It could not work out well for many reasons. The big one being the truck could be stolen. Now you can register a vehicle with the frame vin #'s if the tag is missing. The numbers need to be verified by DMV or the CHP.
That's here in California anyway, I've done it. Good Luck.

[ravidmnas1]

Originally Posted by 60sIron

I would venture to say its against the law. As is changing vin tags. If the year of the truck and vin #'s don't match I wouldn't put a dime into it. It could not work out well for many reasons. The big one being the truck could be stolen. Now you can register a vehicle with the frame vin #'s if the tag is missing. The numbers need to be verified by DMV or the CHP.
That's here in California anyway, I've done it. Good Luck.

The truck has a vin plate and matching frame vin, i know the truck is not stolen its been a 1 owner and have known them for a long time. Just no title for it. As they had 2 trucks and the other was hauled off for scrap before i got there. But saved title and vin plate from it. What kind of a pain in the *** would it be to get a new title for the truck. What all would need done?

[60sIron]

Don't know about Colorado. But in California it's very easy. The titled owner just fills out lost title paper work. The best people to ask are those that work for DMV in your state. Changing the vin tag to match the title you have is not what you want to do. Good Luck. Keep us posted.

[ravidmnas1]

I'm in Colorado, DMV website says all i need is

- Appropriate identification, if your vehicle was purchased on or after 7/1/2006.
- The VIN number and title number of your vehicle.
- Payment of $8.20 for the duplicate title fee.

Where do i find my title number, and also is a bill of sale a good enough proof of ownership since they did not have a title for it as it was lost.

[Captainfab]

Changing the cab VIN tag and altering the frame VIN in definitely against the law and certainly not something you would want to post on the internet that you are going to do.

If this '61 truck is a 1 owner truck and you purchased it from them, then all they have to do is do down to the DMV and file for a lost title. I don't know about Colorado, but here in Idaho, the title transfer can be done at the same time.

IMO, installing a big block into a '60-'62 frame is a big PITA. It is much easier in a '63 and up frame. If you get rid of the torsion bar front suspension and go with a later model crossmember with coils and disc brakes, that will help.

[Clyde65]

Your better off having them do a search for the VIN from the 61. Even if it is a lost title, chances are its just that and the owner on the title is not able to be found and the truck isnt stolen.

A bonded title gives you a fresh title in about 3 years, go this route so everything is on the level and legal.

My dad had a friend who spent many years and lots of $ on a 57 Chevy Belaire ( i think it was a Belaire) anyway, when he finished it and went to title it, he found out it was stolen 10 years before he bought it. The owner wanted it back and he was out all that time and money. food for though my friend!

[ravidmnas1]

Originally Posted by Captainfab

Changing the cab VIN tag and altering the frame VIN in definitely against the law and certainly not something you would want to post on the internet that you are going to do.

If this '61 truck is a 1 owner truck and you purchased it from them, then all they have to do is do down to the DMV and file for a lost title. I don't know about Colorado, but here in Idaho, the title transfer can be done at the same time.

IMO, installing a big block into a '60-'62 frame is a big PITA. It is much easier in a '63 and up frame. If you get rid of the torsion bar front suspension and go with a later model crossmember with coils and disc brakes, that will help.

Originally Posted by Clyde65

Your better off having them do a search for the VIN from the 61. Even if it is a lost title, chances are its just that and the owner on the title is not able to be found and the truck isnt stolen.

A bonded title gives you a fresh title in about 3 years, go this route so everything is on the level and legal.

My dad had a friend who spent many years and lots of $ on a 57 Chevy Belaire ( i think it was a Belaire) anyway, when he finished it and went to title it, he found out it was stolen 10 years before he bought it. The owner wanted it back and he was out all that time and money. food for though my friend!

Thank you. Im most certainly going to get the title all figured out before any real work goes into it.

[McCoyAZ]

Man I love those old bubble hoods. The turn signal inserts and the chevy bow tie are worth about $100 combined.

Good luck on the project. Looks like you picked one that will be a challenge.

[ravidmnas1]

Originally Posted by McCoyAZ

Man I love those old bubble hoods. The turn signal inserts and the chevy bow tie are worth about $100 combined.

Good luck on the project. Looks like you picked one that will be a challenge.

Haha, i got it because it was expensive. Looks like its going to take a good amount of work for it to hold a supercharged 502, and a 4l80e trans. I see a lot of one off parts being made for this truck! I could see the hood being a nice item, it just doesn't fit the look im going for. Also got the title situation figured out, previous owner has a new one on the way! Thank Goodness!

[Shaky]

My truck has '66 badges, a '66 VIN, and appears to be a '66. However, it came '65 title when I purchased it from the previous owner. Dunno why, so I just registered it as a '65.

[ravidmnas1]

Well, Good news today for the build. I got lots of sheet metal for it. Haha paid $100 for all the parts you see in the pics below! Also got all the trash out of it, time to see about shoehorning a big block under the hood haha. Also can anyone tell me what motor is under the hood now? Its mated to an auto trans of some sort... (what a waist would be much cooler as a 3-speed)

[Captainfab]

The valve covers are 327 covers, but it could be any small block. The only way to know for sure is to run the casting numbers and or suffix code and see what it is.