Can I swap a 60 Frtend w/65 Frtend

Discussion in '1960-1966' started by Chris60Chevy, May 11, 2003.

  1. Chris60Chevy

    Chris60Chevy Member

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    I have a 60 chevy c10 and it has torsion bar suspension.
    I installed a 350 with headers, hoping that the headers would clear.
    No such luck. The collector on the headers hits the torsion bars so that I can't bolt them to the block.
    So my question is...can I take a 65 chevy c10 frontend and install it on my 60. i.e. use the same bolt holes, same steering box...and not have any major issues?

    Thanks in advance for all those that can help...

    Chris
     
  2. dvalentine

    dvalentine Charter Member

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    Hi Cris, I believe you can. Measure the width of the frame at the crossmember mount and that will tell you.

    BUT, why go with a 65 ? If a 65 will fit, so will a 72. And with a 72 you get disk brakes.. A disk brake conversion is the best improvement you can make to these trucks and is the most popular modification, right ahead of adding power steering.

    DValentine
     
  3. Chris60Chevy

    Chris60Chevy Member

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    RE: Can I swap a 60 Frtend w/65

    HEHEHH, true true, why settle for a 65. One reason is cash flow *grin*.
    I'm a Staff Sergeant in the Air Force, and my wife is a public school teacher. PLUS we have a 4 yo son (Kyle) and a 9 month old daughter (Brooke) all of whom I love dearly - - - and give all my "extra" money too. hehehehehehheh.
    The truck I have I bought for $200 from a guy that has 4, count them...4, 60-66 year model trucks in a field holding down the dirt!
    He said that I could come and get whatever I needed for my truck for free. So needless to say I have been raiding the FREE "parts-store" whenever I can. *GRIN*
    BUT...I didn't know that a 72 would fit...and when I DO start the upgrade of my truck I will keep that in mind!

    I have a really good friend that is helping me with the restoration of my truck. He has a 66 stepside. He's the one that got me hooked on makin a hotrod. When you have some free time chk out www.stepside66.com
    I have a tab that shows my truck. CHRIS' 60.

    But, once again thank you very much for your prompt help.

    Chris
     
  4. dvalentine

    dvalentine Charter Member

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    RE: Can I swap a 60 Frtend w/65

    I understand completly ! I'm x-Air Force from a bazillion years ago !

    One question ? WHERE IS THAT FIELD !!! The truck is looking really nice and the motor looks tight.. Keep it up !!

    DValentine
     
  5. Chris60Chevy

    Chris60Chevy Member

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    RE: Can I swap a 60 Frtend w/65

    Really.....WOW! Maintanence or Flyer?
    I'm a maintainer myself...
    I could tell you, but then I'd have to kill you. No offence, *GRIN*
    But thank you for the complements. My buddy Mark built that 350 from scratch and is going to teach me how to do it too. He built that 454, bored 60 over, Big Block that he dropped in that 66 stepside. So I trust that 350 thats in mine, cause it came from his truck.
    Hopefully it will run/drive this fall.
    Thanks again for the help/encouragement. I'll chk back in once I get it (the frontend)installed. Went and pulled it this afternoon.*grin*
    Later, Chris.
     
  6. dvalentine

    dvalentine Charter Member

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    RE: Can I swap a 60 Frtend w/65

    " Really.....WOW! Maintanence or Flyer? "

    Maintanence,, I guess,,, Flight Medic.
     
  7. Chris60Chevy

    Chris60Chevy Member

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    RE: Can I swap a 60 Frtend w/65

    Well in my book...thats the best of both worlds! !
    It's hands on...you get to fix things (ie people) AND get to fly.
    The flyers we have for AWACS are mostly 18 y.o. Tom Cruz wannabees.
    Which is slowly making me one of those crusty ol' Sarge's. If you can say that a 28 y.o. TSgt. Select can be "crusty".
    I was a flying maintanence technician, in short, I fixed problems with the Radar System that couldn't be duplicated on the ground.
    But I am now a field training instructor...I teach those new mx troops how to fix the radar I used to fix.

    Just for your info for others that might ask.
    The measurement for the inside distance of the frontend is 30" across. As is my outer frame distance.
    Thanks.
    Chris
     

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