First Post, Happy Post

[tonythezeek]

Hi all!

I've been going to this site for a long time, envious that I could not post anything worth while.. that is until today. I currently have a 62 chevy swb and was having difficulty in finding a crossmember to do a front end swap. The good news is, I finally found one out of an old 75 from AZ and it should be here Monday. Now all i gotta do is figure out where I'm gonna get the rest of the parts which brings me to my first question(s):

Is there anything that I can / should re-use from the original 62 front suspension? What other parts should I be looking for?

I also have a few questions on the rear, but I'll hold them for later.

[Tim64]

Are you wanting to do disc brakes?

[tonythezeek]

I did a front end update when I got the truck nine years ago which involved new spindles and disc brakes buuuuuut I'm not sure if any of that can be used moving forward. I purchased the kit from McGaughy and I think they've updated their products since then. I mention that because the kit I purchased featured a 3 inch drop, which I haven't seen in their inventory.

[protrash64]

Im not an expert on the earlier frames but I believe that they may be a bit narrower than the 63+ frames. I would attempt to use everything from the newer truck. Are you doing power steering also?

[tonythezeek]

Originally Posted by protrash64

Im not an expert on the earlier frames but I believe that they may be a bit narrower than the 63+ frames. I would attempt to use everything from the newer truck. Are you doing power steering also?

I’ll probably opt for manual steering… figured that driving/parking could double as my gym membership. Actually, the manual steering in it now never really gave me any problems. It did take me a little bit of time getting use to when I first got her, but after a while it was all butter. …but this does not mean that I am opposed to power, just not sure if I need to break out the old pocket book.

Man, I cant wait till Monday. Will probably spend the weekend in the garage disassembling <ahem> things.

[4dranch]

[283 Man]

we love pictures here...

[tonythezeek]

lol okay

its not the greatest pic in the world but its a start. Quick Update: the crossmember showed up today so I'll be pulling the engine tomorrow. Will take more pics then.

[protrash64]

I was thinking you were getting the whole front clip when I asked about the power steering.

If you do it , I recommend the quick ratio box; I got one unknowingly and my truck turns like a slot-car. I love it.

[tonythezeek]

lol. i just thought about the pic i posted, should have posted a pic of the front. but yeah, i guess i'm heading down the path of updating the whole front clip. a quick ratio box you say... may look into that too

[tonythezeek]

okay, today was a busy day. Didnt get everything that i wanted to get done but its progress and there is always tomorrow.

front


right side


left side


hi engine


going topless


no front clip


no front clip (up close)


Had to stop because i was getting pretty tired and the chains i had to pull the engine were not long enough.

[72BlckButy]

Great looking project truck, good luck with the rebuild!

[tonythezeek]

Quick update, just got a great deal on the rest of my front suspension. Had to travel back to my home town to pick it up but it was worth it. Now I will be cleaning, painting and installing the parts in the coming weeks and will take more pics along the way.

...hope everyone had a good turkeyday!

[LILRED66]

tonythezeek:

Welcome to the forums from Kansas City, KS. Keep us posted with your progress.