Hot Rods 61 Chevy Apache ideas?

That ball joint for the torsion bar front end has always been pricy. It was high dollar 40 years ago.

 

I did the 73-87 front crossmember swap in a couple nights on my 60 GMC. You have to buy an adapter for the steering box, and drill, if I remember right, 4 holes. I used the 73 motor mounts too just had to modify their basic shape. I used the 12 bolt rear out of it as well. Stock 60 driveshaft shortened a couple inches. Sorry for no real good photos.

 

No reason to go through all that ****. Get the disc conversion kit and DROP in a 409. These trucks had a 348 option.

 

My donor truck was free, literally the only reason why I went this way

 

By the time you get done screwing around with what other guys are talking about, the frame swap would be easier.

 

My ***istant swapped a full crossmember, in 4-hours, with less than 10-minutes of instruction and help from me.

Hardly difficult, costly, or time consuming.

 

While the later front ends will pretty well bolt in the track is going to be wider which may limit your choice of wheels and tire size. You also have the 5 on 5 bolt pattern to deal with if you don't swap rear axles.
71/72 Chevy C-10's usually had the coil spring rear axle with 5 on 5 bolt pattern. They are still wider mounting surface to mounting surface than the 68 and down trucks were though.

 

I have to agree with Gimpyshotrods on that. It isn't hard or time consuming to swap crossmembers under those trucks even with just hand tools in a home garage. It might actually take less time putting the new one in taking the old one out in some cases.

 

There are several companies that sell '73-'87 style rotors with 6-lugs. Not re-drilled, but made that way.

 

Since I am eventually looking to change to front power disc brakes, V8 engine and automatic transmission, I am now looking for a complete rusty 1973-1987 C10 truck that has all those parts in good condition for a good price. (At least that's my thoughts as of today) (5 minutes ago)

 

If you're serious about the swap take the ride and get that stuff from old wolf, it ain't gonna get cheaper than that. It's not hard to do if you want to. Or if it's a tech deal fix the tie rod for now it wo
It will be cheaper in the long run and you can save some $$$ til later......for that 409 swap never saw a 1/2 ton with a factory 348

 

That's your best option. We bought lots of those square cab trucks for around $500 and junked them. I bought a 78 that had a 454 and turbo 400 for $525. All it needed was a timing chain. We bought most at the Little Rock police impound auction. They likely have those type auctions in Chicago or Gary ind?

 

Well things have totally changed. I traded in my 61 Apache towards a Rat Rod 1947 Chevy Fleetmaster with a power train and sub frame from a late 70's Camaro. It needs work but I like the style and its a good foundation to work with. Thank you all for your help, I am positive I will be posting a lot of questions once I get into working on the 1947.

 

Rat Rod is a dirty word here on the Hamb

 

Sorry about that, an older vehicle that needs a lot of work and even when its finished looks like it needs a lot of work.