1963 C-10 SWB BBW Fleetside in NC

[1963c-10]

Picked up a set of NOS side panel step units. Got both NOS units for $180 total, which was a little high, but lately I see them for like $200 each. But, I have always liked them and wanted them. Got the NOS boxes, gaskets, hardware and templates all new in the box.

Also picked up an aluminum grill for the fleetside. I'll use the parts off the steel grill to complete what missing of this one.

[TJ's Chevy]

MAN! Nice parts! Like the NOS side steps!

[1963c-10]

Originally Posted by T.J. MCCAULEY

MAN! Nice parts! Like the NOS side steps!

Thanks TJ. The grill has some minor dings that on the top bar that I can work out fairly easy. Someone chromed it at some point and during their polishing for chrome went a little heavy on the "r" in Chevrolet, but I got a good deal on it, so we'll make it work. Nice thing is aluminum won't rust!!!

The side steps aren't for everyone, but I like them personally. They are getting harder to find....I've looked for a few months.

[1963c-10]

Will also start the alternator mount fab this weekend. 348-409 parts are hard to come by and expensive when you do. found out how to use an early truck big block lower alternator mount....a little fab work and instant 348 alternator mount. $30 as opposed to $300-400.

1st pic is part to start with. 2, 3 are finished products form a 348-409 forum member and 4 is another mount made from the same mount as in pic 1,2 & 3. So two ways it can be done.

The back mount gets cut off, the lower ear gets cut off and two new holes drilled (or 1 depending on which style I go for) for the head mount. Im leaning more towards the bottom mount in pic 4. One hole to drill and cut the ear off.

[1963c-10]

Started work on my alternator mount for the 348 last night. Got the back part of the bracket removed and ground down, then out to the truck to check fitment and put some tape down for where to trim. I decided to leave the bottom hole where it is and remove the top ear so that I have more clearance if I decide to go with power steering in the future. Part is marked for trim and drilling the hole which is 2 1/2" center-center on the 348 heads. Really stout mount and the guys on the 348-409 forum say no issues with not having a side mount.

Didn't get to completion though as my fiancée's moms AC crapped out and I had to go install some window units, but heres a few pics before and after mount removal and mocked up to the driver side cylinder head.

Clearance is close on the valve cover, but plenty of room to remove it with out messing with the alternator.

[1963c-10]

Got the cable pull vents cleaned up and undercoated. Was 98* here yesterday, so put them in the sun to dry and didn't take long. Moved them to the porch to set overnight. Sounds funny, but I use the q-tips where the cable hold goes and this is the 2nd set Ive done. They actually work pretty good to keep the threads open. Waiting on the new gaskets to arrive for the vents themselves and then I'll be ready to do the conversion from manual vents. I have an extra set of OEM cables and knobs already lubed up and ready to go. Ordered the seals from Classic Industries and should be here in the next week or so. Also ordered the taillight bezels, which completes all the lights and signals.

[1963c-10]

Last of the mount trimming marked off. Just need the ear removed and a 7/16" hole drilled and it'll be complete.

[bj383ss]

Great job on the mount. It cools you can modify it and make it work versus spending $$ for an original.

Bret

[1963c-10]

Originally Posted by bj383ss

Great job on the mount. It cools you can modify it and make it work versus spending $$ for an original.

Bret

Thanks Bret. I'm not building a 100% original engine, so this will work great. Nice thing is when we're done with it it'll pass enough to look stock as most people probably couldn't tell you what a 348 mount looks like next to the die hards.

My dad is a gunsmith and teaches machining at a local community college since retiring from 24 years in the Army with around 20 of those years in Special Forces. His shop is down for the moment so I went by a local shop that came recommended by my engine builder. The guy wanted $85 just to trim the ear and drill a hole for me. Long story short....I sent an email to CaptainFab and I'll be sending it up to Idaho to have him do the work. I try and source local business, but the price was way excessive. Thankfully we have some very talented guys on the forum and the issue will be resolved soon.

And a big thanks to CaptainFab for his talents and time!!!!

More pics once it comes back and is bolted on. Just down to exhaust to mock up once the alternator mount is done. Wiring will be pretty straight forward as the 6cyls have driver side alternators.

I still need to pull the engine forward 2" and install the CPP tubular mounts. I just need to get to Napa and get some engine mounts for the center bolt styles. Then engine will go off to the builder.

[TJ's Chevy]

Nice progress bud! The mount is sweet!

[1963c-10]

Originally Posted by T.J. MCCAULEY

Nice progress bud! The mount is sweet!

Thanks TJ. I have the upper mount enroute, which is also a repop, but its pretty straight forward. Looks like a small metal hockey stick. Its a stock replacement for the 348/409 engines. Same as in the pic....

And I saved the alternator off the 230 since it was only a few months old so I don't have to buy another for the 348.

[1963c-10]

Also go the vents done and reassembled, minus the vent itself which new gaskets should be here in a few days. If the rain will hold off today I may be able to get them installed today or tomorrow. Really need to pick an interior color so I can get some paint down in the cab.

[1963c-10]

Ok, back to work on the vent wings last night. Started with removal of the vent from the housing. Then off to the sink for a good scrubbing. Once its dry, remove the spring and retaining rod....just pull down on the rod, depress the spring and it will work itself out. Next step is to drill off the rivet heads. I like to use a 1/4" drill bit and only remove the head. I do not enlarge the rivet holes. Once the rivet heads are removed, the assembly will open up very easy. You will notice the original gaskets are a complete gasket and not hollow in the middle like the replacements.

I'm waiting on the replacement seals for the reinstall, so more pics once they arrive. I'll paint the vent doors while I wait and show the rest of the assembly and conversion from manual vents to cable vents once the seals arrive. It is not a hard conversion, but its not a straight forward bolt in either. The 62-66 cabs have a notch that will need to be made on the cab to allow the cable to pass through the cab into the vent assembly and a few screws are different for the vent screens as opposed to the manual vents. This is one of the 60-61 options that I really like and do on every truck I get and a nice option to have, especially if operating the vents while going down the road.

[1963c-10]

Couple of pics of the assembly apart. The paint inside looks as good as when they were painted in either 1960 or 61, so I'll leave the inside as they are.

You can see the difference in the original gasket and the new seals. I keep the original gaskets and will go into detail on that once the new seals arrive and I reinstall.

[TJ's Chevy]

Looking good!

[1963c-10]

Figures a $8 gasket set is holding the project up......

[1963c-10]

Weekend didn't work out as planned due to lots popping up that wasn't on the agenda. Had enough time to move the 348 up 2" and install the CPP tubular mounts. Much better on the valve cover / distributor cap clearance. Still no luck getting factory cast iron manifolds to fit, so its either fab mounts or go to headers. Still haven't tried the rear exit 409 style manifolds yet, but very pricey. Clearance will be tight on the radiator, but looks like enough room.

[1963c-10]

Few more pics

[bj383ss]

Looks right at home. Can't wait to see how you dress it up after seeing your other big block. I keeping seeing the Edelbrock 348/409 finned valve covers in one of my catalogs when I flip through it. Hoping you go with something similar.

Bret

[1963c-10]

Originally Posted by bj383ss

Looks right at home. Can't wait to see how you dress it up after seeing your other big block. I keeping seeing the Edelbrock 348/409 finned valve covers in one of my catalogs when I flip through it. Hoping you go with something similar.

Bret

Thanks Bret. Looks much better in the current placement. And it cleared up multiple clearance issues, with the exhaust being the only one left.

I plan to keep more or a stock look to the engine. Won't be as much eye candy as the 427. I do plan to go to an aluminum intake and am stuck between either a single 4bbl or the 3-2bbl setup.

As far as valve covers....the chrome 409 style covers really look sharp. They are the same as what I have except they have oil drippers inside the covers. But the finned ones look sharp also.

[Ta2Don]

That W motor looks like that is where it belongs!!!

[1963c-10]

Originally Posted by Ta2Don

That W motor looks like that is where it belongs!!!

Thanks Don. I like the forward position much better. Trying to figure out exhaust now. 348-409 headers are not cheap....$400-$700, so I'm in the research mode now. I have tried stock manifolds and mounts and actually had better clearance, but still couldn't get the manifolds to work. Headers seem to be the choice now...so trying to get what info I can off the 348-409 board. Those guys are champs with these engines, but help is sparse when it comes to truck install....especially in a c-10. It'll all work out in the long run. Last ditch effort will be to build headers from scratch.

[1963c-10]

Rain has been a big slow down these last few days. Last of the vent work is done and I'll get pics up later. Just need to install now.

[1963c-10]

Found a factory auto trans crossmember with the ebrake hardware also and a v8 upper radiator mount so more parts being stockpiled. The alternator bracket is enroute to CaptainFab, so should see it back in a few weeks. Got a NOS turn signal lever that needs to go in. Hopefully can get some time in on both trucks this weekend, but if not I have a 5 day weekend coming up July 4.

[1963c-10]

OK, back on the vents. Got the new seals in. As you can tell, they are much different than the originals. I cut the center section out and reuse it as they always look brand new after being sandwiched between the panels for 50 years. This serves several purposes....seals the center of the vent from debris and moisture and fers the vent out to match the gasket surface so you don't bend the panels when tightening them back down. The cut out part does help seal out the vent, so I highly recommend taking 2 minutes to cut it out. I do not use any glue or adhesives on the vents.

Then tape off the arms that attach the vent wings into the housings, and I use q-tips in the holes (work great). I have since undercoated both sides of the vents and painted over the undercoating on the outer portion that faces the cab. I use the chrome spray paint and it actually looks pretty good from inside the cab. Did the same on the stepside vents.

I went and bought new stainless steel machine screws and washers for the reassembly. Just need size 6 machine screws and 1/2" length to work, bt you can use 3/16" bolts also if you can find them. I use a 1/4" drill bit to take the heads off the rivets, but do not open up the hole. I do use washers on both sides and star washers on the rear to ensure the nuts don't back off. This will make disassembly a breeze in the future should the seals go out.

I'll get some more pics tonight of final assembly and install.