Ok guys, I have 65 Custom that I am working on and want to update everything from the ground up, so here is my question. Has anyone compiled a list of what things are compatible from other trucks, like Brakes, spindles, steering box, axles and what ever else one may do or want to do? I would like to start combing the yards for some parts or hitting the local parts stores. my site with a few pictures of the progress so far http://home.comcast.net/~remock
Checked out your photos and you have something good to work with there if rust isn't a problem. As to your engine...I have seen some pretty feisty 283s. Put in a 350 or 383 if you must, but above all do NOT junk the 283 if the block is good. A big block will greatly increase your expense and difficulty of course. As to the list... well it would be really hard to do because people want to do different things with these trucks. (Cruiser or dragster? Want it lower or not?) Also, these trucks don't need a lot to run and handle real well. For disk brakes and steering you will find that a lot of stuff from 73-87 model trucks is what you need (power steering box and front spindles especially). I used stuff from '77 1/2 ton. Rear axles can be redrilled to five bolt pattern, or better and probably cheaper, just buy some conversion axles. Other basic parts (shocks, springs, bushings, etc.) for 64-66 are very easy to get new... no real need for change to most of them. As to the engine... well SBC is about as generic as it gets, and you have a huge engine bay so almost any SBC parts will fit. A blown big block gets you in to a whole new universe of course! Specific questions? Just ask here or get advice from good companies like Classic Parts or Performance Online.
Thanks Thanks for the information I have quite a few ideas to put to work on this one. I am doing an air ride suspension ordering it this week. The disc brake parts are next and the cab and front end are coming off in the next few weeks. The frame is going out for powder coating after I have the air bag brackets in place. The rust is quite extensive in the floors, When I went to look at it was in the weeds and I couldn't get a good look at them but now I can see that I need both floor patch panels and all 4 cab corners and one cab mounting seems to be pretty rusted too so Don't know what is going to take fix that just just yet. I recently found patch panels for the inner bed wall as mine are straight but missing most of the lip due to the metal plate being welded in and basically rusting away because of the poor and fooling installation. I was planning on selling the engine It runs well and I was told that it didn't have too many miles on it seems to have a lot of power and runs pretty good for just cranking it up. The previous owner said it was a 327 but the ID on the Block says it is a 283 may need more investigating to be sure will know when I pull it
Noticed in your post you said you were planning on selling your 283 How much are you asking for it? thought Id ask
327s did not come in trucks from the factory until '66, so it prob. is a 283. Sorry to hear about your rust. Are you doing the repair yourself? If your cab sits straight on the frame you might want to do the rust repairs before removing cab from frame... to make sure nothing gets out of line. Others on the board may have different advice on that. I have had a LOT of rust repair done and my cab has never been off the frame. The new cab mounts are available from Classic Parts and other sources. I recommend the complete ones, not the patch type. Are you building a real driver- to fearlessly drive 1000 miles or more? Or is it a local cruiser? What's the engine plan? Keep us posted...
350 Tpi Well my plans are to build a real driver where I can get in it and go all day long with no problems. I was hoping to put in a 350 TPI with a 4l60e or a 700r4 not sure on that but Im still aways off from that. The cab mounts are pretty good from what I can tell so far but I do know that I have one that is out and needs repair. I plan on doing everything myself or as much as possible, there will be a few things that I just can't do for several reasons tools or place to do it in etc So far the near future plans are to get it broken down It's not going as fast as I would like, but I have an air ride system ordered for it and steel coming to beef up the frame just want to make it a little stronger than it came, then send it out to be cleaned and powdered coated I got a good quote that I cant pass up Also 4 wheel disc setup coming soon too, boxing in the rear truck arms Then on to the sheet metal repair
65Custom: There is some brake/spindle info/discussion you might care to check out under "66 chevy front suspension" topic. I must say, it sounds like you are in for a real welding festival in the near future. Hope electricity is cheap in your area! You are a brave or foolish man! Take some pics of your work and post, please. Doing a TPI eh? I just finished one, and can provide some advice when you are ready. I am just finishing the first month's shakedown after my TPI installation and I absolutely LOVE it! I think I may be done with carbs forever. There is a website chevythunder.com you might want to amuse yourself with.
Sounds like me when i started my 64 custom - i talked to everyone i could find & got a lot of good advice from the old timers on suspension options - i stayed with the trailing arm suspension in rear with coilover conversion in stead of a 4 link (all the old timers said it was the best for the horse power & besides its the same type that nascar uses ) I added a torsion bar to keep the torque in check bac there - as for the front 3" lowered spindles with matching springs & shocks & power disk brakes & power steering - as fo finding parts that will work corect me if i am wrong guys - most chevy components in regards to brakes, bosters, master cylinders, power steering components, a-arms from 72 up to 83 will work with minimal fabrication and you can buy reconditioned over the counter rather than scavenging from bone yards - i purchased a kit for the power brakes that bolted right up to existing holes as for the power stearing I beefed up the frame rail (boxed the frame where the steering box mounted) to give it more strength to avoid any cracking over time & purchased a trick pump mount for the pump - a stock pump mount will work for the pump also - again guys please feel free to corect me if i have miss stated anything here good luck on your project -
Jvan, I think you are off on the dates: 73-87 is the stuff that works. You're pretty much right on otherwise. My rear suspension is unmodified except for lowering springs and shocks and an adjustable panhard bar. Post some pics of your 64, man.
Billydonn - i posted 7 yesterday - i think you can get to them in the galleries - new to site not sure how everything works yet - will try to post some detailes pics of rear suspension for you today
