1960 Apache Front suspension Swap

[offlimts502]

I found a 1960 Chevy Apache for sale and it's what I've been looking for however the front suspension is the factory torsion bars and I want to set the truck up as weekend autocrosser as well as a nice weekend cruiser. So my question is does it matter if it's torsion bars when you swap in a full suspension kit from Hotchkis or the like?

If I do need to swap it over to coil springs first how much is involved or is it just easier to find a 63-66 instead?

Any help would be appreciated on the matter?

[markeb01]

Can't answer the Hotchkis question, but the following thread might help with how to swap the suspension to the later coil spring design. It's a relatively simple weekend project:

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=366828

[64tantruck]

We just did this conversion on our 61 apache using a 79 2wd front end. Quite simple. Of course were in teh midst of a frame off, so nothing was in the way. Click the link in my signature and scroll down to see pics. Its almost a bolt in. Only one hole has to be drilled.

Glenn

[offlimts502]

Sounds straight forward enough. Thanks for the info.
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[Apache20CrewCab]

Originally Posted by 64tantruck

We just did this conversion on our 61 apache using a 79 2wd front end. Quite simple. Of course were in teh midst of a frame off, so nothing was in the way. Click the link in my signature and scroll down to see pics. Its almost a bolt in. Only one hole has to be drilled.

Glenn

Hey Glen,
My name is Rory, I have a 1961 Apache 20 and am planning on doing a front end swap and I just so happen to have a '79 front end that I could buy to do the swap.

I was hoping maybe you could answer a question for me? I am not new to cars and trucks as far as the concepts go but I haven't got much wrench time in.

So the '79 is a C10... do you know if it will bolt into the c20 frame?

Thanks,
Rory
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[LostMy65]

Ask your question.
Many here can help.
My 65 is on a 62 Frame with a Torsion Bar Suspension. I might even be able to answer your question.

[LostMy65]

Originally Posted by Apache20CrewCab

So the '79 is a C10... do you know if it will bolt into the c20 frame?

Thanks,
Rory
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Yes, it'll bolt up the same - C10 or C20.
Either one will take drilling some new holes.

[Captainfab]

The frames are the same in that respect between a C10 and C20. However on the '60-'62's there are quite a few holes that must be drilled. Unlike the '63-'70's which require only 1 hole each side to be drilled and one hole each side to elongate. I believe there is a thread here somewhere by member Markeb01 that details all that needs to be done with a '60-'62 crossmember swap. That thread should be easy to find in the 60-66 FAQ section found at the top of the 60-66 main page.

Originally Posted by Apache20CrewCab

Hey Glen,
My name is Rory, I have a 1961 Apache 20 and am planning on doing a front end swap and I just so happen to have a '79 front end that I could buy to do the swap.

I was hoping maybe you could answer a question for me? I am not new to cars and trucks as far as the concepts go but I haven't got much wrench time in.

So the '79 is a C10... do you know if it will bolt into the c20 frame?

Thanks,
Rory
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[LostMy65]

Here is Mark's thread :

Originally Posted by markeb01

the following thread might help with how to swap the suspension to the later coil spring design. It's a relatively simple weekend project:

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=366828

[Apache20CrewCab]

Thanks for the link. This build has of Marks has had my attention for some years. His and another, using POR-15 to protect and finish all the suspension components are what originally peaked my interest.
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