'62 or '63?

[RBW]

I'm looking to buy a '62 or '63 C10. Is the independent front suspension enough of an improvement (and more easily upgraded later) so that I should really look for a '63 instead of being willing to consider a '62?

[aerotruk63]

I'd buy a 63 to start yourself on an easier road. But then that's the only year I'd ever buy, so don't listen to me!

[62stepside longbox]

63 is probably better, it is the most desirable in my opinion since it has the wrap around windshield and the new frame. The thing with 60-62 is that all the front end parts are expensive and hard to find and that's not the only thing that's odd, there's hydraulic clutches, horseshoe and bellhoubellhousing motor mounts, eaton ho32 rear end that's hard to find parts for and lots of other things. 63-72 trucks have lots of aftermarket parts available as well

[TwoFiftyShifter]

63 was the first year for the 12 bolt rear ?

[aerotruk63]

63 was the first year for the 12 bolt 17 spline axles with pressed on backing plates. So many other new innovations but then who wants to hear them all! lol

[LostMy65]

I prefer the 64-66.
But I'd go with a 63 before 60-62 because of reasons posted above.

[RBW]

Originally Posted by LostMy65

I prefer the 64-66.
But I'd go with a 63 before 60-62 because of reasons posted above.

Are your preferences due to esthetic or mechanical areas? And if it's mechanical, could you list a few?
Posted via Mobile Device

[LostMy65]

I just prefer the look of the cab and the interior of the chevy 64-66.
I think the only improvement mechanically the 65+ has over the 63 & 64 is the rear axle, but you can easily swap in a 65 -72 axle into a 63.
.
I think there's a thread that talks about the changes from 60-66.

[LostMy65]

I'm searching for threads that talk about differences between years 60-66.
Here's a few:
http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=677436
http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=152782
http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=584601
http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=542736

[TJ's Chevy]

63 for me!

[62 Barnfind]

A 63 would be better if you have choice. I agree with everyone else about the 60-62 front suspension parts harder to find and expensive. If I had to do it again i would try to find a 63. Also the 230 engine is easier to get parts and do more mods to than the 235 in the 62.

[ImpalaJim]

Originally Posted by LostMy65

I prefer the 64-66.
But I'd go with a 63 before 60-62 because of reasons posted above.

As me! still want a 60 61 hood!!!

[RBW]

I really appreciate all of the info and opinions. I had been looking for a '57, so have lots to learn now that I'm moving to the early '60s trucks. I've been talking with a guy who has a nice '62 for sale, and was about to take a fairly long drive to go see it. Don't think I'll be doing that now, as I'm looking for a driver and it sounds like the upgrades from '63 and up should make a noticeable difference. Might even toss the '64-'66 into my search net.

BTW, I'm seeking a clean, sound short bed in stepside or fleetside. Upgrades like PS and disk brakes would be a plus. I'm in California. If anyone knows of something, please let me know. I can manage a bit of mechanical work, but don't want to take on a lot of body work.

[reed62]

Originally Posted by RBW

I'm looking to buy a '62 or '63 C10. Is the independent front suspension enough of an improvement (and more easily upgraded later) so that I should really look for a '63 instead of being willing to consider a '62?

I bought a 62 because it is different than all the "standard" mid sixties trucks you see. It has the unique grill, and yes the front lower ball joints are outrageous...just dropped $350 on two of those...but for me it was a unique truck...a short bed that was formally a I-6 and 3 speed but someone dropped a '72 Pontiac 400 and Turbo 400 trans in it. It had a dart board laying in the bed along with a pair of 1970's white golf shoes....I was born in '62 so this truck was meant to be in my garage.

[62stepside longbox]

Originally Posted by LostMy65

I just prefer the look of the cab and the interior of the chevy 64-66.
I think the only improvement mechanically the 65+ has over the 63 & 64 is the rear axle, but you can easily swap in a 65 -72 axle into a 63.
.
I think there's a thread that talks about the changes from 60-66.

Just curious was 63 the only year with the pressed on backing plates or did 64 have them as well?

Originally Posted by reed62

I bought a 62 because it is different than all the "standard" mid sixties trucks you see. It has the unique grill, and yes the front lower ball joints are outrageous...just dropped $350 on two of those...but for me it was a unique truck...a short bed that was formally a I-6 and 3 speed but someone dropped a '72 Pontiac 400 and Turbo 400 trans in it. It had a dart board laying in the bed along with a pair of 1970's white golf shoes....I was born in '62 so this truck was meant to be in my garage.

I agree with you about the 60-62 trucks being cool and unique. Love cool grilles and in 60-61 the bubble hoods. Some 64-66's just look boring to me with the straight pillars and square grilles.