Starting a project Apache 10

[vintagezx]

Ok, I’ve been waiting until I had a question, but I’ve decided I might save myself some pain by laying out the plan and asking for guidance.

You can see the link to my blog for the gory details, but here is the plan. I have a 1960 Apache 10 that has sat out in the weather for too long. If it hadn’t been my Dad’s truck I would have never tried this. That means I’m making it more work than it should be by not starting off with a good base. I’ll bet I’m not the only one on the list that has done this.

I am slowly pulling the truck apart and have picked up a couple of major parts to make it work. The first was a cab from a 61 that has been in the dessert. I also picked up a core support and inner fenders at the same time. I know I will need to to do some sheet metal work on the cab, but I’m not even going to look to close until the weather is drier and the frame is closer to ready. In the mean time I’m going to get the motor and transmission ready inside where it is warm and wait out the weather.

The original truck had a 235 with a 3 on the tree. It came with out the original engine or transmission and at first I figured I’d get a 350 and drop it in. By chance I picked up a 1975 c10 donor for the front end disc brake conversation. It has a 250 with a 4 speed and It only has 97k original miles. It just had a cracked exhaust manifold and I have a pre 1975 head available. I decided that I like the idea of dropping a 6 back in it and dressing it up. Here’s my Summit Racing shopping list.

As far as suspension, I am planning on 2.5 inch drop spindles and springs and shocks. Not slammed, just take the gap out of the wheel wells.

I have been on the site since November reading and searching. I have found some really good information and I see a lot of knowledge and experience here. I’m tossing out my plan for it to be picked apart. I’m looking forward to the feedback I get.