My 63 Project

[coulter]

great work so far!! i cant believe how rust free that thing is!

[ZouchaR]

Front of the box.

[ZouchaR]

First time in the sunlight in several month.

[ZouchaR]

Bath time.

[ZouchaR]

Getting a good high pressure wash.

[ZouchaR]

We pulled the straight six before we washed it.

[ZouchaR]

More engine pulling.

[ZouchaR]

And the tranny.

[ZouchaR]

Front end rebuild was next.

[ZouchaR]

I purchased a four wheel disk brake conversion kit along with new 2 inch drop spindles for the front. Came with four new rotors, calipers, front spindles, master cylinder, brake booster and proportioning valve. All the brackets and brake lines except for the brake lines for the frame. Complete package, $1100...

[ZouchaR]

So all of this has to come off. And since I am here, it's much easier to clean the cross member if you Take it off.

[ZouchaR]

Just as well take all of the paint off of the fire wall and inner fenders, since it's so easy to do it now. Wire brush on a grinder and off it comes.

[ZouchaR]

And that is pretty much where I am today.

I purchased a new wiring harness early on, so that will go in after I get the motor in.

I plan to continue to clean up the frame and the engine compartment. Rebuild the front end, get a steering column (what years can I use if I want power steering)???? Also, I am going with 2" drop spindles and I want to cut at least one coil from the existing springs. How much drop do you guys think that will give me? I am thinking about 4 inches. I also want to drop the back about 4 inches and I really DO NOT want to notch the frame. I think I can go 4 inches with a single driveline. Your thoughts?

Also, KBS Cleaning is offering a really nice paint system for doing the frame. I am going to use that for the engine compartment, frame and maybe the inside. It can be brushed on and when it drys, the brush strokes are gone.

Drop the motor, bell housing and tranny in so I can get the specifics for the driveline. I am going from a two piece to a single since the front drive line would be about 18 inches long with this longer transmission.

I already have an issue with the rear end. The "dust shields" that are on my axle are solid. Meaning that they don't come off and leave the flange for mounting the new disk brake bracket. At least I don't think they come off, I haven't started tearing into them yet. Front end first. Thoughts??

[TJ's Chevy]

My thoughts...You are off too a great start...Truck is looking good! The 327 will be a nice V8.

[ZouchaR]

Yeah. The 327 is just plain wore out. 383 stroker, full roller motor, on the way, should be here in about two weeks or so.

[Jmorales3181]

Nice start on your project

[ZouchaR]

Originally Posted by coulter

great work so far!! i cant believe how rust free that thing is!

I have to agree.. when I drove over the hill to look at it, the huge standout for me was the lack of rust.. Even the fenders are rust free.. and the rocker panels.. .and of course the drip rail.. And it has made this so much easier as a build...

[NEWFISHER]

Check with CaptainFab here on the board for a powersteering bracket, template, extension then source a 73 and up 2x box. Tilt column from 73 and up to 81 van or motorhome works well. Keep an eye on the FAQ section above the threads and read through the suspension section for some good info on springs , cutting and what works.

[ZouchaR]

Originally Posted by NEWFISHER

Check with CaptainFab here on the board for a powersteering bracket, template, extension then source a 73 and up 2x box. Tilt column from 73 and up to 81 van or motorhome works well. Keep an eye on the FAQ section above the threads and read through the suspension section for some good info on springs , cutting and what works.

Thanks. I have been watching the other builds for some time. Great help!!

[Captainfab]

Welcome to the forum

Looking good

I can't believe how rust free this truck is either. Yep the '63 12 bolts had pressed on backing plates. You could probably cut them off and try and weld on some flanges to bolt the caliper brackets to, but they will have to be absolutely true to the axle flange. It might be easier to swap the differential for a '64-'70 truck 12 bolt. Or if you are going with 5 lugs, a '71-'72 would be a good swap. That is if you can find one.

No matter which column you use, it will have to be modified/shortened for use with the power steering.

Let me know if you need the steering box adapter plate.

[Captainfab]

Thanks for the recommend

Originally Posted by NEWFISHER

Check with CaptainFab here on the board for a powersteering bracket, template, extension then source a 73 and up 2x box. Tilt column from 73 and up to 81 van or motorhome works well. Keep an eye on the FAQ section above the threads and read through the suspension section for some good info on springs , cutting and what works.

[ZouchaR]

Originally Posted by Captainfab

Welcome to the forum

Looking good

I can't believe how rust free this truck is either. Yep the '63 12 bolts had pressed on backing plates. You could probably cut them off and try and weld on some flanges to bolt the caliper brackets to, but they will have to be absolutely true to the axle flange. It might be easier to swap the differential for a '64-'70 truck 12 bolt. Or if you are going with 5 lugs, a '71-'72 would be a good swap. That is if you can find one.

No matter which column you use, it will have to be modified/shortened for use with the power steering.

Let me know if you need the steering box adapter plate.

I know I will need the steering box adapter...

And I will be staying with the six lug for several reasons, first off I already have the disk brake conversion for 6 lug... second, I am looking at 6 spoke crager wheels.. EVERYONE has 5 lug cragers.. but 6 is kinda unique.. and less likely to have people try to steal them... Just my thoughts..

I wonder what a posi 12 bolt, 6 lug axle will set me back...

[ZouchaR]

Before....

[ZouchaR]

And after!!!

[ZouchaR]

I have to say that if your going to do a project like this, invest in a blast cabinet. I picked up the 40 lb full size from harbor freight, just over $210. What a time saver. On the two upper control arms, I took a screw driver and got the big junk off and then into the blasting cabinet for about 30 mins. Worth every penny. I couldn't have gotten them this clean with out it.