So after a little wheeling, and dealing along with some trading I received a nice little project truck. The Project is a 1962 Chevy Panel Truck. It is a running, and driving truck (Kind..) Has only front brakes, and long hose feeding into a gas can to feed the motor. But im running through some idea's as to how i want to do it. Looking for any opinions as to what you guys think on how i should go. I am not bagging or lowering it. stock height and other goodies to go along with it. And I might be removing the side bubble window's.
Get it running and driving safely, as in rebuild the brake system (that includes using new brake lines throughout). Get some seats in it and drive it then you will know what you want to do with it. I would try to install an NV4500 5 speed or a Tremec so that you can cruise down the freeway without winding the motor to death. As for the brake lines when not if that rust pit blows out you will be going for Toads Wild Ride, I have had it happen twice, not fun.
unique ride - find some custom/hot rod books from '61-'65 and build it to look like the rides back in the day. big ride, would upgrade brakes, check/replace steering/suspension rubber parts.
I kinda like it the way it is. Repair the fuel system and brakes. The see what else it and your needs are. Gary
My Struggle right now is finding a gas tank that will fit my truck, in the meantime i am just going to run a fuel cell. I ordered all the new wiring harness, and new voltage regulator as well.
Love it! Keep the bubble windows and era-correct wheels, just fix it up mechanically, and maybe add some more period goodies? Sidepipes?? Maybe a slight lowering job and an interior makeover 60's style? Whatever you do, it's got great character.
I drove a 63 suburban for many years. PS and PB and gear ratio is what I did to most every one I did for customers about 20 years ago. I did maybe 15 swaps total I'd keep the torsion front end, as well as the drum brakes on a truck that won't need to carry two tons of cordwood... power drums will put you through the windshield , even with a small booster. I had to warn my customers of how it would do that, before getting used to it. PB is a challenge with that dual master. I only did one of those. I used a stock 63-66 brake master on a 67-72 C10-C20 booster that sits way out, which left room for a small clutch master behind the booster. That was the last year for the old rear with drop out chuck. Likely has 3;90 gear unless someone swapped in the late70s and later Chevy 6 lug 4x4 rear to get those good ratios. I used a 2;76 with a sbc 400 and TH350...it really needed a lockup as the 400 could handle it on the highway. I would be careful about over gearing that six. PS really makes them steer like a new truck. I used the typical Chevy truck boxes from late 60s to later 80s; made my own hardware and spacers My 63 was the most useful truck I ever had, no back seats so I could haul lots of stuff as well as selling at swaps. the rust finally got it
So i have all my new brake parts, wiring harness, fuel tank at the front door today. I ordered a 1963 underbed gas tank i will have to modify it a little to fit. Im looking at new wheel and tire combos. Really like chrome reverse skinny whites ect... All potential ideas.
Not much progress I have been sick for a week straight now. Im Trying to find a set of chrome reverse for it still.
Oh man! I'd do it up just like we did in the late 60s, early 70s.....white base coat, panel paint, lace on the top and hood top, fade jobs in the panels, some pinstriping and metalflake, bubbles, different candy colors.....the works! Then bury it all in clear and put some polished knock-offs on those aluminum slots with white letter tires...do the interior in orange **** carpet with polished wood banisters, bar, a sun roof and keep the bubble windows. Go with a killer sound system and play credence clearwater. led zepplin, pink floyd etc etc. Hang a dream catcher from the mirror and position roach clips hanging from the **** headliner...douse the entire interior in patchouli oil and rock out.........don't forget some purple bean-bag chairs... far out, man...............
No-no! Wait!...........do some robert williams art on the panel sides....."Just p***in thru.......... on one side, Keep on truckin on the other...
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