The Stovebolt Site Forums The Parking Lot '60-'66 Trucks 1961 Questions, as promised

While waiting for an opportunity to get the truck up on a lift that a friend happens to have, I’ve been mostly cleaning tending to superficial tasks and referring to the ‘60 the shop manual (supplement hasn’t arrived yet) before the heat sends me back inside each day. As with any new arrival — we’re just getting to know each other. Up to this point I’ve had mostly mid to late 60’s & early 70’s Buicks (except for the ’55 Olds still on hand) - please forgive my learning curve as I familiarize myself with the new addition᠁

General information: 1961 Apache 10, 235/manual 3 speed. No rust other than minor surface (bottom of doors, inside tailgate, the usual places). Floors, cab corners, cowl, hood᠁ all good. Spent a good deal of time searching for body filler. Found no repairs. Base truck/no chrome. Wood bed appears original and in good condition. No reason to replace/repair. Tampico Turquoise Metallic.

Cab: Radio-delete. Missing rubber floor but given age of truck I imagine it was removed due to brittle damage. It allowed for a more thorough inspection of the floors anyway (remnant remains under sill covers). Seat is original, firm and without tears, obvious wear, or duct tape repair. One small puncture at center — size of the tip of an awl. Steering wheel has no cracks and only a scant amount black wear-through. Minimal overall wear, the only damage is a broken heater lever (I found how to repair in Tech). Jacking tools are complete in place.

Under Hood: Numbers match. I was hoping under hood would present as well as the other aspects. Stock oil bath air cleaner still in place. Has been removed, cleaned, and refilled. Original glass fuel filter gone, replaced with modern in-line. No oil filter and does not appear to have ever had installed (factory block plug still firmly in place). Modern HEI distributor replaces old breaker points style. Radiator re-cored. Lots of oil. Once cleaned, intend to repair all seals/gaskets (the lift).

Questions:

*Stock block and valve cover colors were blue/grey only, no exceptions?

*Valve cover is shiny black with no Thriftmaster markings, “Chevrolet” stamped. Is it common to have had replaced this part?

*The generator date code aligns with ’61. Do not think it rebuilt. I used pipe cleaner as a dipstick and checked both ends — dry. Fill with 10w-30 immediately?

*Manufacturer’s plate on driver’s kick panel certifies H.P. is 95 at 3200R.P.M. Does this confirm the engine is Economy Option? If yes; what, if any, are the differences between E.O. and standard 235?

*Silly question — When new, is the gas cap delivered with the truck in stainless/shiny or body color?

Photos will follow eventually.

Thanks again for the warm welcome!

Jim