Derek Franz's 1962 Chevy SWB Stepside

01 May 2006 Update
# 1122

From Derek:

       Thought I would give you a current update. Had the Ol' Gal put in factory colors ('60-'63 Olympic White) just to get some color on her and for protection / preservation. I spent this weekend lowering her (4 1/2" front and 5 1/4" rear), put together a custom billet dash with polished bezel and polished dash face, VDO Gauge package.

       Future improvements include removal of the current GM 10 Bolt and installation of the GM 12 Bolt 3.73 Posi, a 700R4 tranny to replace the current TH350, shorten the trailing arms 1 1/2"s to move the center of the rear axle forward (centering the axle / wheels within the fender / wheel well). Also plan to add an early classic Super Track Bar setup, shortening the drive shaft to facilitate the transmission and rear diff swap.

       I will keep you posted.

Derek

Derek Franz
"62chevystep"
Bolter # 7357
Portales, New Mexico

05 October 2005
#1122

From Derek:

       Just a quick update. For the tires and wheels, I went with Boyd Coddington Smoothie II's 20x10 (275/40/20 front & 275/45/20 rear).

       The picture on the left is how it sits now. On the right is a picture of how it will be after the final following lowering.

       I've also added new front and rear glass and seals, new gas tank and sending unit. I found an original '62 bench seat. The frame and springs were immaculate! So I had it re-upholstered and installed it.

       I located an original '62 grille and installed it. Then I located an original '62 fan shroud. I'm getting it chromed to go in.

       I've been prepping the 12-bolt Chevy rear end (rear Wildwood disk brakes from the Totally Polished Watts link), Eaton 3.73 posi unit) to go in (and pulling out the current 10-bolt).

       Over the winter my plans are to rebuild the suspension, lowering it, rebuild the doors (glass, rubber, regulators, lock mechanisms, vent window assemblies etc).

Derek

Derek Franz
"62chevystep"
City of Portales, NM

14 June 2005
#1122

From Derek: 

       Truck History

       I have been looking for a '62 SWB Stepside for many years. I found this on the way to work recently. Came out of Roswell, NM (Dry Desert City). Previous Owner had converted it to 5-lug, front and rear, disk front, power steering, power brakes, coil suspension. Rear is 10-bolt, 350 SBC with TH350. Steering column and all wiring has been updated.

      Future Plans

       Accomplish a complete mechanical and electrical "once over" to insure roadworthiness. Drive and enjoy while collecting parts and money for a complete "frame-up" rebuild with "modern enhancements" (i.e., Watts Link, complete engine and tranny rebuild, shaved and smoothed engine bay, SS rear fuel cell, 4/6 suspension drop, 18 x 8 Boyd Coddington Smoothie II's, Posi rear end, Vintage Air, etc.)

       This picture is the truck as it sits in its primer phase. The other is a rendering by a graphic artist friend using the "before" picture as a template of the finished product.

Regards,

Derek

Derek Franz
"62chevystep"
City of Portales, NM