61 to 64/66 conversion

[61RodMobile]

Hey guys. Me again. I am really depressed. I just don't know what to do with this rust bucket. The original 283 is runnin' strong and it is already an auto tranny. The frame is in great shape too. But the cab is probably SHOT. Can I put a 64-66 cab on the 61 frame with no problem, and if so, will the front clip bolt up ok. I've got no floor boards in the cab, and around the top right of the windshield there is a hole. Also, on the drivers side door opening at the bottom of the windshield where the weatherstripin' goes, well...it up and left...never to be seen again. And because there aren't any patch panels available for this problem, it leaves me but one choice....NEW CAB. I have found that it is impossible to find doors for the 60-63 trucks, so if I'm gona put a new cab on, then I would like to go to a 64-66 where I can find doors. I know your askin' yourself...WHY DOESN'T THIS GUY JUST BUY ANOTHER TRUCK.... Well unlike some of you guys, I really like the torsion suspension of the 61 and since the frame is in good shape, it leades me back to the question of can I EASILY throw a 64-66 cab on my 61 frame....And does anyone know of a yard that has these good cabs? Thanks for taking the time to hang in there and read my NOVEL!

Confused Chevy owner
:'(

 

[dvalentine]

Hi Rod,

I agree, that cab needs replacing. The 64/66 cab "should" go on with no trouble. You may get a difference of opinion on the avalibility of doors between those years. I think that they are all hard to find, but not impossible. keep checking the obvious places. My newspaper here has someone with two complete 64 and 66 trucks selling as parts. e-Bay is another good spot to troll for parts. There was a complete cab on there not too long ago. Do a search of the auctions that have ended and see if it sold. If not, contact the seller.

When you said, "swap the front clip", were you talking about the suspension? You may run into difficulty there. The 61 frame is narrower than the 63-66. It's not impossible, but it could be done.

But since you said you like the torsion bar setup, I'll assume you are talking fenders and hood. Once again, it should be a fairly simple swap.