64' Black Betty

[Tony S.]

Can I get some information!!!???
I have a 64 c10 I pulled the 292 out of along with the granny 4 and I'm putting th400 with a 1978 454. What I need to know is what or where can I go to buy or get the right motor mounts and the tranny mount/crossmember? Please can somebody help me??!! Thanks a bunch!!!!!

[The Rocknrod]

Performance online has them CPP has them.

[Captainfab]

A big block is going to have to move forward unless you want to modify the firewall. For engine mounts you can use '68-'71 big block brackets and mounts, or the '73-'87 mounts from a C20 or C30. The top flange of the frame in the engine compartment will need to be trimmed back for both the engine mounts and header clearance. For a trans crossmember, one from a '63-'87 truck with an auto trans will work. You may find it easier to convert your e-brake cable assembly to the '66-'72 assembly.

[ol_skool_chevy]

I got CPP tube motor mount towers and Headers, Clippster, Mid-Length

[Tony S.]

So my original brackets won't work at all that I had for my original straight 6 292? Even if I change the mount style?

[Captainfab]

No, not really. The 292 engine mounts are offsett, not straight across as a BBC needs. The passenger side mount could work but you would need a mirror image one for the other side. This would basically be a mount for a '67-'72 with a small block. The '67-'72's have the small block mounted in the forward location. The '68-'71 big block mounts position the engine a little rearward of the forward location. The '73-'87 mounts will also work to mount a big block far enough forward as to not need firewall modification.

Originally Posted by Tony S.

So my original brackets won't work at all that I had for my original straight 6 292? Even if I change the mount style?

[Tony S.]

Thanks all who replied! I appreciate it. I think I'm going with the 73-87 big block mounts and brackets so i don't have to cut out any firewall. Also gonna go with the 63-87 Xmember for the th400 I think? So do the new mounts mean I need to drill new bolt holes to install the mounts? I'm assuming so. On both the engine and tranny install I'm sure. Does anybody know how much I will have to trim my drive line or if I can replace it with another without having to cut it at all? I think once I get all this done I will be closer to getting power steering in this beast! Thanks again for all your information I really appreciate the input. If you have any pointers, tricks or warnings you can let me know about I would appreciate that as well.

[Tony S.]

Wont going to the BB also raise my engine a little bit? Like an 1 1/2''?

[Captainfab]

If you go with the '73-'87 mounts, you will want the frame brackets from a C20 or 30. Those will fit the early C10 frame better than the brackets from a '73-'87 C10. Some guys claim they need a 1/4" or so spacer on top of the frame. The brackets should line up with the holes in the crossmember. Then you will just have to drill a couple holes on the top of the frame. Once you get the engine located, then you can drill the holes for the trans crossmember. As for the driveshaft, there is not one from another vehicle that will be the exact correct length. Just measure what you need once the engine and trans is installed and have your current driveshaft either shortened or lengthened. Shortening is less expensive. Also, on your TH400, does it have a fixed bolt on yoke or a slip yoke? Also is your truck a longbed or a shortbed?

[Tony S.]

Yes the trany has a slip yoke and yes it is a longbed.

Keep the information coming! Thanks so much for your advice. It's golden and I appreciate it.

[Tony S.]

So I'm sure I'm jumping the gun a bit but what kind of project am I looking at by changing to power steering? That manuals gonna kill me soon.

[Captainfab]

I would definitely go with a 2 pc driveshaft with the HD carrier bearing. Others will argue that a 1 piece will work, but a 2 piece is a good bit stronger as long as it is a HD shaft and carrier bearing. The light duty driveshaft and carrier bearing are what is responsible for the 2 pc driveshaft having a bad rep.

Originally Posted by Tony S.

Yes the trany has a slip yoke and yes it is a longbed.

Keep the information coming! Thanks so much for your advice. It's golden and I appreciate it.

It isn't a huge job and well worth the effort. Just like power disc brakes. Both can be done for a reasonable cost if you are resourceful.

Originally Posted by Tony S.

So I'm sure I'm jumping the gun a bit but what kind of project am I looking at by changing to power steering? That manuals gonna kill me soon.

[Tony S.]

Updates:
I removed the original six and 4spd from the 64 and am now installing the towers, mounts and transmission cross member for the 78 big block and th400. After looking under there once again, It looks to me that the original 4spd cross member seems to be structural? it's awfully burly. Is this the case? It's also riveted? Not bolted? Do I just grind those off? Can anyone help answer these questions? I'm sure I'm not the first one to have these questions before. Also, when installing the 454 and th400 are there any pointers or warnings I can get from you all who might be more familiar with this application? I know I need to cut my drive shaft, possibly need to use 1/4" spacers under the top tower mounts, and I believe remove my E-brake cable cross bar? I'm not sure about that yet so if you all could help it would be greatly appreciated! If you can think of anything else...

[Tony S.]

So I need to cut my frame? The top for my motor towers? And maybe cut some engine compartment too? Can anyone help me in this as far as maybe a video showing this procedure? I really don't want to get it all nasty looking and chopped up under there. Thanks all!