63 Stepside - Frame swap or upgrade?

[jakelyons]

I've got a 63 LWB Stepside that I'm rebuilding for my daughter. I want to upgrade the brakes, change out the rear end (it's geared for the farm), replace my Muncie standard with an automatic, install power steering and air conditioning. Basically modernize it for her. Been reading through the posts and trying to figure out the best option. I'm guessing that using 67-72 frame might be my best option but open to advice from the experts. Am willing to even consider trying to swapping onto a much newer frame if it will make the air conditioning/power steering additions easier. Would like to stick with an original/original replica steering column to maintain the original cab decor. Thanks in advance.

[justcuz]

I believe it is easier to swap the upgrades to your current chassis. Front disc brakes can be done by parts or complete crossmember swap. You can buy 5 lug axles and drums for the 12 bolt rear end, or swap out a newer rear axle with 5 lugs and a numerically lower (higher) gear. Automatics are easy to swap and AC too. For the front end, I prefer the older style lubable control arm bushings versus the newer rubber ones, but thats just me. Swapping the suspension parts is less work than doing a complete frame swap. As for the transmission, you should teach her to drive a stick. She will know how to do something most boys can't do anymore. My daughter is bugging me to death to teach her how to drive a stick and back a trailer! I think (not sure) that in 63 the rear axle mounting pad spacing was changed, so any newer rear axle up to 72 should bolt in.

[spr85gmc]

couldnt you/me use the suspension off of a 77-87 pickup crossmemeber and rear-end....

[justcuz]

Should work, just have to weld on trailing arm mounts to the rear axle.

[GruntMoanCough]

Welcome Jake. I think that what you're doing for your daughter is so cool!
As far as your question; IMO, a frame swap to a newer truck would be the way to go, since a donor truck would probably have most of the upgrades that you're talking about.
Anyways, Good luck!

[joe231]

no need to swap the frame, the frames didn't change much from 63-72, other than the cab mounts which I think would be a pain to swap.

you can swap the a arms out from a 73-up 1/2 ton and get most of what you need. You can even pick up 6 lug rotors to fit the spindles and you won't need to swap the rear end. For power steering there are kits all over the place to use a 73-up gearbox. Captainfab on here sells a nice piece......
the A/C has nothing to do with the frame....

spend some time searching this site and you will find all the info you need

[Captainfab]

There is absolutely no good reason to change the frame. All of the '71-'87 upgrade parts will swap over to your '63 with minimal modifications. And as Joe said, the A/C has nothing to do with the frame.

Is that 2nd pic showing the red and white interior the truck you're working on? It looks real nice

[jakelyons]

Thanks for all the advice. Was wondering if I could possibly buy a 73-87 donor truck and use that to swap most of the hardward (arms, power steering box, master brake cylinder booster, etc) on the front end of my 63. Originally didn't think they were compatible at all but now have some hope.

Also considering just adding a 73-87 front clip to my existing frame to simplify things. Thoughts?

Found a 74 GMC donor but not completely sure I like it.

Was also curious if having a 230 straight 6 would be a show stopper for adding the power steering or a/c.

And yes, captainfab. That is the new interior. Took out the aftermarket bucket seats and put a bench seat back in. Made a lot of head way on the body without thinking of upgrading the steering or brakes because I was planning on keeping the truck for myself. But then a dad could never deprive his daughter of living the Chevrolet dream.

[jakelyons]

Just answered one of my questions on the feasability of using a 73-87 donor frame. Found this excellent thread after digging around a while.

Re: HELP!!! 62 front suspension.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Following is a link to details of the install on my 1960. After recently replacing the power steering box I'm convinced the donor front end came out of a 1975 rather than a 78. I did the swap 10 years ago so I don't remember the frame having a gap either way. Seems mine was tight and I needed a cheap cable puller to pull it into position. Good luck.

http://sixty7ss.proboards.com/index....lay&thread=633

My compliments to markeb01.

Again any other input or advice would be greatly appreciated.

[mike73]

I just did alot of that stuff a month or so ago. Pretty straight forward jus make sure you get more than you think you might need off your donor. I didnt get the sway bar brackets that are attached to the frame. I havent seen anything on the brake booster but I did it anyway also I did the brake pedal which needs more figuring out. Brake lines are another issue because the rear is smaller that what your donor was power steering is a matter of getting an adapter bracket and the idler arm is a learning experiance but if you have the PS box bracket that will help yo set you straight.

[joe231]

no need to "clip" the frame
everything from the 73-up will bolt on......you will just need to drill a few holes.
I dunno much about the 6 cylinder a/c & p/s brackets, sorry

[Strodder]

Originally Posted by jakelyons

Just answered one of my questions on the feasability of using a 73-87 donor frame.

Again any other input or advice would be greatly appreciated.

Check my build thread. I am doing the same swap your talking about. I used a donor 73 Short bed C-10 with 5 lug wheels. My truck was a 65 C-20.
http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=327644

[jakelyons]

Strodder,

I have already read your thread throughout. Very nice shop and truck. Awesome work.

Leaning towards trying to just switch hardware instead of merging/swapping frames due to time and equipment constraints.

Took my daughter with me today to look for a suitable mid 1980's donor and this is what we came home with.

Not exactly making headway on her stepside but this was a deal that I couldn't pass up.

Now do I sell her or just moth ball her for now? She would be number 3 on my project list behind the 63 stepside and a 49 stepside. Hmmmm. Nice dilemma to be in.

[Strodder]

Originally Posted by jakelyons

Strodder,

I have already read your thread throughout. Very nice shop and truck. Awesome work.

Leaning towards trying to just switch hardware instead of merging/swapping frames due to time and equipment constraints.

Took my daughter with me today to look for a suitable mid 1980's donor and this is what we came home with.

Not exactly making headway on her stepside but this was a deal that I couldn't pass up.

Now do I sell her or just moth ball her for now? She would be number 3 on my project list behind the 63 stepside and a 49 stepside. Hmmmm. Nice dilemma to be in.

Thanks Jake. Yours will be much easier without shorting the frame. Looks like a nice truck and it's a big window. Which one has less rust?

[jakelyons]

The stepside is in much better shape. I recently had it taken down the the bare metal and repainted. The 65 will need a bit of body work. I can see some bondo in the usual places.

[Strodder]

Originally Posted by jakelyons

The stepside is in much better shape. I recently had it taken down the the bare metal and repainted. The 65 will need a bit of body work. I can see some bondo in the usual places.

It's hard to tell in the pictures.

[GruntMoanCough]

Originally Posted by jakelyons

Took my daughter with me today to look for a suitable mid 1980's donor and this is what we came home with.

Next time, stay focused...................... and wear the blinders!

[Tx Firefighter]

I've done all of this stuff to my 63 in the last few months. I'm local, so if you ever need to ask questions or see the truck in person, let me know.