1963 c 20 questions?

[Rich1028]

1963 c 20 questions?

I'm looking at a 1963 c 20 truck
it has the 8 lug wheels,and V-8 and a 4 speed.

now I talked to him a bit on the phone and he says it's a "creeper gear" 4 speed.
so what is a "creeper gear" 4 speed??

do I not really have to use first gear when taking off from a stop?
is first only used just to creep along at a steady slow speed?

and to me it seems to be a short side box,I'll put up a pic later when I figure out how to get it off my phone.


it looks to be all stock,not much modified on it.

it was a factory 283 w/ the 4 speed.
he put in a 350.

how are the c20's as for finding parts?
like brakes,and suspension stuff.

he says the wheel cylinders are bad,so I'll have to get right on that.

thanks to all that read this and reply.

I had a '64 c10 many years ago and enjoyed it,but I let it go.

[raycow]

First gear is extremely low, about 7:1. You would start in second for normal driving. First is used only for hard pulling, like starting off up a steep hill with a trailer. It can also be useful in heavy traffic, because you can just let the engine idle in gear.

Ray

[Sixxer]

Hello! I'm a fellow C20 owner, nice to meet you! Yes first gear is useless... well sorta. I would bet your rear end has a gear ratio right around 4:54 or 4:56, I can't remember off the top of my head. I just recently swapped out my rear and put in a new GM 12 bolt, I have yet to pull the cover and count but it is a much better ratio. I will count tomorrow or tuesday and let you know what I am running. Yes you can find SOME brake and suspension parts for the C20's at auto parts stores just don't expect them to be in stock. I say some because I ended up having to order my wheel cylinders off www.partstrain.com because my local O'Reilly's didn't carry them. Now I'm swapping away from 8 lug but I have heard of people swapping to a more modern 8 lug rearend! Which might just be the ticket for you if you wanna keep 8 lug. That way you could get a more modern axle with greater parts availability, a better rear end ratio for anything over 45, all while retaining the C20 look! Hope this helps

[aerotruk63]

1st. gear is a straight cut gear, used for pulling. You never use it for daily driving. 2nd/3rd & 4th. are synchronized for smooth shifting. It's difficult to shift from 1st. to second while rolling.
Short box 3/4 ton? Not according to the 1963 Truck Data Book, standard wheel base 127" with a box. you could get longer wheelbases without a box in the cab and chassis and stake bed models. Get pictures, easier to help you out. Lot's of pictures, lot's, many.

[jonzcustomshop]

I had some issues getting the correct 3/4 ton wheel cylinders for my 63 4X4 at the parts store, then I ordered one from lmc truck thart was correct, and I found the other one at napa (I thought I was getting a pair from lmc because I read the catalog wrong, would have been cheaper to get both at napa)
the worst part about the 34 ton stuff was the $$, not like doing a 1/2 ton

[Rich1028]

thanks all for the replies so far
here are the pics,not so good takne from my cell phone.

[aerotruk63]

That an 8ft. box, looks like a short box . Look's good in the pictures. The wheels are not the split rim type that are not legal for the street. Nice spare tire mount in the box.Mirror on drivers side not original. Nice stance. Could be a very nice truck.
Your intentions for it would be? More pictures would be appreciated. Partial VIN# would be handy as well. 3C2534? Look for a build sheet behind the seat, wedged between the seat springs and burlap.

[Rich1028]

Originally Posted by aerotruk63

Nice stance. Could be a very nice truck.
Your intentions for it would be?

I would use it as a driver durring the summer,and slowly fix it up.
not to a show room condition,just as a driver,cruiser.
I'd go through the brakes and shocks,and any other safty stuff first.
looks like it needs new tires,so that would be on my first things to do list.

[jonzcustomshop]

aero? those look like regular 73-87 wheels to me, not split..
the bed does look like a short to me , notice no third stake pocket above the left rear wheel?
since 3/4 was not available short, look for either a late model suspension swap, or a long with shortened frame, and a short bed box...

[aerotruk63]

I was trying to say that the wheels on the truck are legal, unlike the split rim that would have to be replaced. Thank you for clarifying. Then it is a short bed, eagle eye comes to the rescue. Interesting truck. Any bet's on what was done? The box seems to be in better shape than most.

[Fred T]

Transmission should be the SM420. http://www.novak-adapt.com/knowledge/sm420.htm Very reliable and durable. My favorite of the granny box 4 speeds.

Differential is an HO52, 10 bolt. Gear ratio should be 4.57. It can be upgraded to 4.10 gears but they are getting hard to find. Last I checked no one was making new gears for it. Best option to regear is to replace with the newer 14 bolt if you want to keep the full floater for hauling.

[Born Lucky]

I recently purchased a C20 long bed.
Yes, first is real low!
I just replaced all brakes parts, got everything from NAPA. Best prices for wheel cylinders, $28 and change, everyone else wanted close to $40.00.
Just remember to look at the rear wheel cylinders, I ordered the old style and they were wrong.
I plan on changing the rear in the future, currently it has an Eaton H052. I want to change because of parts, I like the 8 lug but other rears have more choices.