newbee question - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

Coleman · 12-21-2005, 02:00 AM

I've been reviewing the posts for some time and I've got some generic questions on a future project (yet to buy). For the 60-66 year trucks, do I look for the best body and not worry about the motor and trans combo or what. If I'm looking at building a somewhat modern truck with disk brakes, V8, PS and an auto tranny, do I keep the existing frame or swap out to a newer/later model rolling frame and build new cab mounts to fit the cab and box. I would like to keep as much stock as I can but I'm not sure what parts are available, what swaps and what to stay away from. Sorry for the generic, open ended question but I need somewhere to start.

Fred T · 12-21-2005, 03:35 AM

Sheet metal rust repair will be the biggest issue in restoring an old truck. It takes a lot of time and money. The only wat to do it, so the body will last, is to weld in patch panels. Engine and drivetrain parts are far easier to replace. That makes finding a relatively rust-free body the biggest challenge.

Frame swaps get into a host of problems. It's usually easiest to modify, clean and paint the original frame. With the 64-66 trucks you can swap the front crossmember with a later truck and have disc brakes. Swapping differentials, trannies and engines is relatively easy.

Tx Firefighter · 12-21-2005, 08:20 AM

The body is about the only thing I ever worry about. Engines, trans, and suspension stuff is everywhere and doesn't get rust out or dents like a body does.

I'd reccomend a 63-66 truck with the plans you have in mind. The 61 and 62 trucks used a torsion bar front suspension that's kind of odd. They went to normal coil spring front suspension in 63 and newer. You can swap any pickup front suspension into one using a donor all the way up through 87 model year.

On my 64 Suburban, I used all 67-72 stuff like engine mounts and accesories. Even used a 72 steering column. A lot of stuff directly interchanges into these older trucks.

Frizzle Fry · 12-21-2005, 12:23 PM

I'm doing a body swap, but if my goals were as you describe; just modernizing the drivetrane/suspension, I'd take the advice of Fred and Tx. Unless you want active handleing and ABS, a rebuilt -87 suspension setup is not much different than the new stuff. As far as drivetrane is concerned, I'd reccommend a Gen III of some sort (5.3,6.0,ls1,ls2....ls7

)

12-21-2005, 02:00 AM	#1
Coleman Registered User Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Tucson, AZ Posts: 50	newbee question I've been reviewing the posts for some time and I've got some generic questions on a future project (yet to buy). For the 60-66 year trucks, do I look for the best body and not worry about the motor and trans combo or what. If I'm looking at building a somewhat modern truck with disk brakes, V8, PS and an auto tranny, do I keep the existing frame or swap out to a newer/later model rolling frame and build new cab mounts to fit the cab and box. I would like to keep as much stock as I can but I'm not sure what parts are available, what swaps and what to stay away from. Sorry for the generic, open ended question but I need somewhere to start. __________________ 68 Chevy K20 72 Chevy K20 (new) 2000 Silverado Z71

12-21-2005, 03:35 AM	#2
Fred T Cantankerous Geezer Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: Bel Aire, KS Posts: 6,264	Re: newbee question Sheet metal rust repair will be the biggest issue in restoring an old truck. It takes a lot of time and money. The only wat to do it, so the body will last, is to weld in patch panels. Engine and drivetrain parts are far easier to replace. That makes finding a relatively rust-free body the biggest challenge. Frame swaps get into a host of problems. It's usually easiest to modify, clean and paint the original frame. With the 64-66 trucks you can swap the front crossmember with a later truck and have disc brakes. Swapping differentials, trannies and engines is relatively easy. __________________ Fred There is no such thing as too much cam...just not enough engine.

12-21-2005, 08:20 AM	#3
Tx Firefighter Watch out for your cornhole ! Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Azle, Texas Posts: 14,162	Re: newbee question The body is about the only thing I ever worry about. Engines, trans, and suspension stuff is everywhere and doesn't get rust out or dents like a body does. I'd reccomend a 63-66 truck with the plans you have in mind. The 61 and 62 trucks used a torsion bar front suspension that's kind of odd. They went to normal coil spring front suspension in 63 and newer. You can swap any pickup front suspension into one using a donor all the way up through 87 model year. On my 64 Suburban, I used all 67-72 stuff like engine mounts and accesories. Even used a 72 steering column. A lot of stuff directly interchanges into these older trucks. __________________ I'm on the Instagram- @Gearhead_Kevin

12-21-2005, 12:23 PM	#4
Frizzle Fry Registered User Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Hillsboro Oregon Posts: 6,449	Re: newbee question I'm doing a body swap, but if my goals were as you describe; just modernizing the drivetrane/suspension, I'd take the advice of Fred and Tx. Unless you want active handleing and ABS, a rebuilt -87 suspension setup is not much different than the new stuff. As far as drivetrane is concerned, I'd reccommend a Gen III of some sort (5.3,6.0,ls1,ls2....ls7 )



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