1963 C-10 in NC

[markeb01]

Good for you. Just keep chipping away, it will all come together soon!

[1963c-10]

Thanks for the encouraging words Mark....it seems overwhelming sometimes with all the prep work....and now two projects in the works.

[1963c-10]

A couple of teaser pictures of the crossmember mock up. Ready for final assembly now. Just need to go get some coil spring compressors.

[1963c-10]

I posted these on the fleetside build, but guess they belong on the stepside build too. 1st time parked side by side.

[bj383ss]

Looks awesome! Hopefully by the end of the day my frame will be painted black. I plan to sandblast the cross member and a arms today as well.

[1963c-10]

Originally Posted by bj383ss

Looks awesome! Hopefully by the end of the day my frame will be painted black. I plan to sandblast the cross member and a arms today as well.

Very cool....I'll work on the frame once the engine's out and the front ends off. I need to mount the factory front tow hooks at the same time too.

[McMurphy]

That is so cool !!
I cannot wait to get a photo of my two side by side like that.
Right now the tow truck is still hemmed in with snow...

[1963c-10]

Originally Posted by McMurphy

That is so cool !!
I cannot wait to get a photo of my two side by side like that.
Right now the tow truck is still hemmed in with snow...

Thanks.....I'll be happier when the fleetside has drivetrain and a grill. Was cool to get them side by side for a pic though. Now I just need to get the stepside conversions done so I can really get into the fleetside.

[1963c-10]

I hear you there TJ....I'd like to see that pic also!!!

[1963c-10]

So I think I figured out which clutch I'm going with. Ram stage 2 92762 which is 1 1/8" 10 spline and 11" clutch. Some big blocks were ordered with 10.5" clutch, but the 11" seemed to be the standard. Will order it from Summit today. So just exhaust left to either order or take to a shop. Leaning towards the Flowmaster 3" universal kit which is around $300 minus mufflers.

[1963c-10]

OK, more parts enroute....ordered new ARP flywheel & pressure plate bolts.

ARP Flywheel bolts 7/16" - 20 x 1" ARP-100-2801 $10.29 180,000psi
ARP Pressure plate bolts 3/8" -16 x 1" ARP 130-2201 $13.10 180,000psi

Need to double check the flywheels I have. Most are 10.5", but I believe I have one that will hold an 11" clutch also. If not, I'll ordered one from Summit. I know the bellhousing is part # 3815891 and it will except 10.5" or 11" clutch.

Other issue I'm sorting out is to use a stock starter or a high torque starter. I hear pros/cons for both. And I don't want to chew up a flywheel with a high torque starter either.......

[TJ's Chevy]

With that clutch you should easily be able to do a 3rd gear burn out! LOL! Yep..I'll get you some pictures when I can..the 77 is on jacks right now..big ol 496 V8 blew up the spider gears in the axle...that was funny..until the amount of money it costed to buy the new parts...but..gave us an excuse to convert to a posi. lol By the way..What year is the hood bird on your 63 again?

[1963c-10]

60-61 hood ornamnet. chevy has the long pointed nose and the gmc's are short and blunted

[bj383ss]

I have a high torque starter on my Caprice. The two things I like about it is kicks the high CR 11.1 over with no problem. Second is it has different positions to make it fit better around headers. I would definitely recommend it if you big block is high compression.

Bret

[1963c-10]

Ive been looking into them...will decide this weekend.

[1963c-10]

clutch kit and the new arp bolts arrived. went through my stash and found a good 168 tooth flywheel that'll take an 11" clutch. i'll take it down monday to get turned....it looks good, no broke/chipped teeth or cracks. so now just down to exhaust decisions

[1963c-10]

A few pics of the flywheel and clutch. Spent most of the weekend working in the yard. We are in flow blown pine pollen season down here and any outdoor painting is on hold until the pine trees are done.

Will get the flywheel up to the machine shop tomorrow to have it turned. All bolts are in, so clutch assembly is complete.

[TJ's Chevy]

Neat!

[1963c-10]

yeah, glad all the parts for the conversion are done except, exhaust. my banks happy too.

[1963c-10]

Dropped the flywheel off at my machinists today. $35 and I'll have it back by lunch tomorrow. So more good news. Now just need to get some exhaust quotes to compare to the flowmaster universal 3" kit prices. And starter....still debating standard big block starter or hi torque starter.....

[1963c-10]

Big brown truck came yesterday....brought my new front/rear and rear diff brake lines. Had some made in stainless steel. Not much new to report.....been busy with yard/house projects....but back at it this weekend. Looks like April 25 is the tentative swap date...so stay tuned.

[1963c-10]

Another small job done. Just back from the machine shop....nothing like freshly turned metal!!!! This should make the new clutch happy. Just need to install the pilot bearing and bolt on the flywheel & clutch now.

[1963c-10]

Got the threads all retapped last night and the bolts in for the clutch housing. Pilot bearing removed and new one installed also, so clutch assembly is finally done. Just need to do final assembly and install. I'll get the clutch and bell housing installed this weekend so the only thing to add will be the trans. Getting closer and ready for the 25th to come around!!!

[bj383ss]

So where did you get your brake lines from? And are they stock or for front disc conversion.


Bret

[1963c-10]

The fronts are a kit from Brothers to be used wit a disk front end and the front/rear and rear linsI ad made up by a guy online that I've been using for awhile. He does excellant work and I'v never had a line not fit from him.