1962 Short bed step side Need imput

[lunati397]

I am new here but not new to cars but im getting into restoring older cars now as a hobby and I love old chevy trucks I picked up a 1962 stepside for 400 bucks its running with the old 235 and 3 speed on the floor the truck is all original and has some rusted out parts that will be getting replaced.

Right now I have taken it apart and im starting from the frame up I plan on getting a front end off of a newer truck to upgrade to the disc brakes but

the big Question is should I go to a V8 and auto or should I keep the old 235 I6 and saginaw and keep the truck true to its original as much as possible

It will be getting lowered just alittle and I want to paint it cobalt blue.

Im just on the fence for the engine choice I am restoring it to sell so that is a big factor also. Ill get some pics up in a few

[lunati397]

Also and it will depend on money and if i can find a deal I will put a LS1 with whatever trans i find with it on

[lunati397]

some pics from picking it up last Thursday till today the engine and trans come off tomorrow then its clean up and prep the frame for powder coat

[andyh1956]

hey cool truck. 235s are good engines, the truck engines have solid lifter cams i think so they need adjustment ever so often. they also have "floating distributors" so check to see vacume advance is working properly. stick you an iron powerglide behind it & cruise!
andy

[DPowers]

If you are planning on flipping it, I would keep the original 6 and tranny.

[REDNOSE65]

Originally Posted by DPowers

If you are planning on flipping it, I would keep the original 6 and tranny.

Yep...I'd only change it if I was keeping it.
...and I think it's a keeper.

[psycotruckr]

Keep it oridginal if its a real option, butching up a truck is not a small under taking but some times personal wants and desires trump oridginal. I am a BIG fan of Manual trans though, Mine has an Aluminum BW T-10 for a 62 corvette and is a blast to drive, I have had a couple of PG's over the years but was not impressed as I am with a 4 speed.

[protrash64]

I agree with the others; if you're trying to flip it you need to keep cost down as much as possible= keeping the six. As a buyer, I would have to find a really nice truck to buy a six; I prefer SB.

[hb32]

I agree with keeping it original or at least keep all the parts for the next person. I am struggling with this on my 65 step as it came with build sheets and protect-o-plate.

[lunati397]

I just found out that it does not have the original saginaw but a muncie sm420 with a 7.05 to 1 first gear so I might just go ahead and put a 350 and auto in it for drivability

Its not to hard for me to do and I have a couple engines that i can use on hand just have to get a trans

Also all the wireing needs redone so its no difference to me to do it for the original or to wire it up for a LS1 I have done a few swaps like that already

[lunati397]

Also I enjoy the process of fixing a car or truck and if i keep it well ill run out of space the camaro in the backround is my highschool car and thats my keeper

Its gone from a 305 tbi auto to a 350 LT1 6 speed to a 383 LT4 6 speed and the whole interior is out of a 1995 including the dash cluster center console

[62much]

Originally Posted by andyh1956

hey cool truck. 235s are good engines, the truck engines have solid lifter cams i think so they need adjustment ever so often. they also have "floating distributors" so check to see vacume advance is working properly. stick you an iron powerglide behind it & cruise!
andy

What is a "Floating Distributor" never heard of it before?

[lunati397]

Update I picked up a LS1 cheap and thats what it is going to get just deciding now on a TH350 or t10 but she is going back together soon frame is getting paint this weekend along with a disc conversion

[raycow]

Originally Posted by 62much

What is a "Floating Distributor" never heard of it before?

Well I have never heard it called that before, but the vacuum advance unit rotates the entire distributor body instead of just the breaker plate. This was the stock setup on all 216 and 235 engines, so there is nothing particularly scarce about it.

Ray

[61_FL_Apache]

My 65 had the 235 Saganaw combo and it was fun to drive, BUT, my 61 with a 305/350auto is just a little more fun!! HA! Its a personal preference. I have had both and it doesnt really matter to me. they both turn heads!!