1963 C-10 SWB BBW Fleetside in NC

[McMurphy]

Hmmmm gun and matching knife... hard combo to pass up.

[1963c-10]

I agree....I just need some time to see what I want to do. If not, I'll help Rich find a 63.

[bj383ss]

I got my chains soaking in a vinegar CLR mix. See if they look like yours in a couple days.


Bret

[Sharps40]

Originally Posted by McMurphy

Hmmmm gun and matching knife... hard combo to pass up.

Ya have to fight GoodWife for the dagger, that's herins. But that there pistola ain't just a simple huntin piece. When I'm done prettyin her up with sexifyin custom work that piece is gonna be so TotesmaGoats Hotty Melty Sexy that foolish boys will be rammin each other in an effort to get to my driveway for ta make the swap first!

[Sharps40]

Yep a 63 or a 55 or a 57 or maybe a 72 short fleet....but I like the first bestest and two best.

[Sharps40]

Originally Posted by 1963c-10

I agree....I just need some time to see what I want to do. If not, I'll help Rich find a 63.

Take yer time on that 63 fleet hoss. Ya got a big block needs spun up affore the valve springs go flat on it anyways. And ye'll be needin quick change rear wheels anyhow cause a pair o tires ain't gonna last much morein 53 miles with that engine tranny combo....less ya put 500 lbs o corn in the rear of the bed to holder down, then ya might be able to smoke em out to 102 miles or so.

[1963c-10]

Yeah, I agree.....Im like a bull in a china shop though...always multi-tasking and over projecting. My folks say its the Paramedic in my blood. I go out every few weeks and turn the engine a few cranks to relieve the pressure on the springs. Looks like April 25 will be my target date to start the swap.

[1963c-10]

Another hurdle overcome.....DMV came out and approved the vin # and frame #'s, so I'll have clear NC title in 30 days or less. So all the NC/SC tape has been overcome at this point.

[1963c-10]

Got some oem parts coming. Nice solid tailgate from Perro and a box of stuff from Lyle. I have a new clutch waiting for when the 230 comes out of the stepside (will get new seals & paint) for the reinstall. Eventually a 348 will come to rest in this truck. Working on those details now.

[1963c-10]

Edit....from post above. A lot has gone on through lunch.

Made a good deal on a 348/powerglide combo for $500. Complete engine with all brackets, exhaust, pulleys, dist., carb...etc. Go down Saturday to pick it up. Will need completely gone through, but my machinist is already waiting for it. So looks like the 230 will find a new home and the 348 will go into the fleetside.

So now I'm on the look out for a factory auto column and linkage.

[clemdaddy]

cool man... i love those ol' W motors. they should have been an option for our trucks. "i want to order the big block please".

now you have to do the big block hood too.

[1963c-10]

Originally Posted by clemdaddy

cool man... i love those ol' W motors. they should have been an option for our trucks. "i want to order the big block please".

now you have to do the big block hood too.

thanks...ive seen a few at shows, but this is the 1st "w" block ive owned. looking forward to this build as well....i just like the big blocks. the 348 & 409 were both available in 63, but ive never seen a factory c10 348 or 409 in a 63. ive seen a c20 and a few larger application trucks with them. base models were 250hp w/355 lbs torque and could be optioned with up to 325hp. torquey little big block.....should be a fun ride

[1963c-10]

looks like i may have found a factory powerglide column too so i can do the conversion for the 3sp.

[1963c-10]

So its decided. 348 "w" block and 2 speed powerglide is the way this build will go. In the process of working up parts list now, so I can see what I have and what I need.

[Ta2Don]

Always liked the looks of the 348 and 409, those Valve Covers rock!!!

[1963c-10]

Yes sir, I agree. And I like the stock look of the engine when they are built. One of the few engines that don't need tons of chrome or aluminum to make them look good. Although looks like chrome valve covers and covers were an option. I'm learning tons about these engines through my research these last few days. I pick up the engine/trans Saturday morning and will have more info then. The guy I'm getting the parts from has fallen into bad health and needs to move parts. Couldn't tell me much about it other than "it ran when parked" and he "knows its a good engine/trans, but recommends a rebuild die to sitting in the garage a few years". I'll look at it good once home. See if it'll turn over by hand. If not, i'll soak the cylinders and see if we can get it to move. If that doesn't work, then it'll get torn all the way down. It will end up rebuilt at some point anyways, but I'll set it in the frame for now for storage areas until the barn is done.

Looking for something similar to these pics of the engines.

Also a few pics of the steering column that's been ordered and should be enroute in a few days.

[Ta2Don]

Nice Score!!!

[1963c-10]

I thought so too. I don't have anything against the aftermarket shifters, but I like the factory look on interior stuff.

[Bomp]

"W"ay Cool Man

[1963c-10]

Originally Posted by Sharps40

Yer seriously putting in a powerglide? Are ya? 2 gears, 123 gallons per mile? Ya found a way to sneak an extra gearset or two into the case right?

Trying to keep it as factory correct as possible at least as far as application and appearance.

[1963c-10]

Did get an hour or so last night to clean up the engine bay up some. I'll have to use the truck as a temporary storage area for the 348, so putting it in the engine bay is the best choice right now.

I found a new cpp trans mount and tubular crossmember for a steal, so the bellhousing crossmember will come out soon. Maybe this weekend if I can get some time to grind off the rivets. The engine bay actually cleaned up pretty good. This is just a wire brush, flat tip screwdriver for the hard to reach areas and a water hose. I'll pressure wash and seal the frame this weekend.

Just a few bolts and the front fender assemblies can come off for better access. Frame looks super solid, just a light coat of surface rust, but no pitting and all bolts, nuts and threads look great.

Looks to me that maybe this was a factory v8 truck. Has the shorter throttle shaft linkage off the pedal and the radiator supports were mounted low, not high. No engine/trans when picked up and I assumed it was a 6cyl truck, but looking more like an 8cyl truck maybe.

[1963c-10]

Will pick up new grade 8 bolts for the engine mounts today and the engine perches.

I know the frame/perch bolts and the engine to mount bolts, but any help on the mount to perch bolt would be appreciated. I believe its 7/16 coarse....maybe an 1" or 1 1/4" length?

[1963c-10]

Picked up some motor mounts today for the original perches and new grade 8 bolts for the perches/mounts.

Engine/trans picked up tomorrow, new column in the mail and the new cpp trans crossmember is enroute too. Starting to pull parts together pretty quick.

[bj383ss]

I believe the bolt you are referring to is 1" but I can double check today. The engine bay cleaned up real good. Good luck on cutting the rivets for that cross member. The top ones are really hard to get to with the cab on.

I am jealous of your new W motor. I built a ton of early 60's Impala models as a kid and I always used the 409's when they came with them. I even had a 58 Impala that had the 348. I love the stock chrome valve covers with the Chevy bowtie on them.

And I agree with Sharps on the Powerglide to each his own though. The good thing about it is with the right rear gear. First gear will go all the way to 60 mph before you have to shift. My dad's 64 El Camino had one with a 283. Only bad part is after 70 you have no more gear!

Bret

[1963c-10]

I picked up the engine and trans today. Engine has cleaned up pretty good, still a little cleaning left to do. So far it looks really promising. Take a peek at the heads with the vavle cover removed....clean as can be. No sludge, gunk, debris or anything. JUst nice and oiled and tight. #'s are a little tricky though. Appears heads were upgraded at some point in its life. The numbers read as:
Block: cast # 375501 K 17 58 T 1121G
Cast on November 17, 1958 and built on November 21, 1958 Passenge car 250hp/355torque w/powerglide an 4bbl
4.125 bore an 3.25 stroke with solid cam

Intake: 3732767 K 19 58
Cast iron 1958 pass ar 4bbl 250hp November 19, 1958

Exhaust: 3732794 Pass side 37332793 Driver side
Pass car 250/280/315hp

Heads: 3781147 A 3 61
Cast Jan 3, 1961 Special HP head with larger valves and hardened shank rocker arm studs for Special HP 348's. Also says the pistons required to be used wit the had had larger relief notches for the valves and increased metal thickness in the rib on the inside of the piston skirt and reinforcement at the loweedges of the skirts.


So interesting #'s. I'll know how the bottom end loks oncethe oil pans off and the trans is removed. If the botto end looks as good it may nt need to be rebuilt. Let me know what you guys think....and the block weight is 640lbs minus trans.

The valve covers are in great condition...still retain all factory looms and no dents. These are the non dripper covers as some did have oil drippers. Looks like it was painted red at some time. The guy says its been sitting covered for 25 years. Just sealed it up and let it sit in the corner. I'd like to see the conditions of the cylinders and verify there nothing in there.