The Stovebolt Site Forums The Parking Lot '60-'66 Trucks '64 LB original or modify?

I have a 1964 C10, fleetside, LB. I am at a cross roads between either making the truck original or modified. It did not come with an engine or trans., but I think it had a 283 and the trans. was a manual. My questions are:1. How well does an original truck stop on all drum brakes? 2. Did the 283 have a specific manual trans., or is there a way I can tell by the shift linkage (it was on the column.)? 3. Is there any way to tell for sure what engine this may have had? 4. How hard is it to maneuver w/o power steering? (Contacting the person who took out the eng. & trans. is not possible.) Thanks! Janine

Does it still have the build tag on the driver' side kick panel? It will help you identify what was there.

Disc brakes are far better. Mine has a '73 front end in it. Fairly easy swap. Also have a '78 tilt power steering, and a '75 3/4 ton rear end.

The column shift would indicate a 3 speed manual, or automatic.

Which ever way you go, have fun!

The build tag has been painted over, but I can make out some of the numbers. 5000 : which I think is the load, 8 TD 503 (503 I know is the color) But the 8 and TD ??? and then 127 is the wheel base.
(Note: Its was a manual since there's a clutch pedal.)

Does it still have the radiator? The 230 L6 had a radiator that was 18" wide x 1.26 deep. The 292 L6 and 283 V8 had one that was 25.22 wide x 1.98 thick. (Although they may have been replaced by now.)

I can't find the build codes now.

I have no power steering and low pro tires on my 65 long bed. It turns fine. I don't have drum brakes all around though. Disc up front. Original is a nice option. Lots of guys rat rod these trucks. It's all up to you my man. I ordered everything from earlyclassicenterprises.com. Whatever you decide, there's tons of experience on this site. Great people here.

My '65 has 4 wheel drum non power brakes and does not have power steering.

1.0 It stops fine IMO. I can lock up the tires if I mash the brakes hard enough.

4.0 As for steering, as long as you use a large diameter steering wheel, 15" or larger, you will be good to go.

Keep in mind that people drove cars from the early 1900's through the early 1970's before front wheel disc brakes or power steering became mainstream and standard equipment.

But also keep in mind it will not stop nor steer like a modern day vehicle.

Happy Trails,

John

There is no radiator, or inner fenders, but the guy who sold it to the guy I bought it from had taken a 283 to an eng. shop and never had them work on it, so I think it was from this truck.I looked at the motor mounts too, no rear ones, but looks like there may have been 1 on either side of the cross member. (The front end has already been epoxied over.) I also took another closer look and I am sure that it had a 3 spd trans. by looking closely at the linkage that is still there and comparing it with pics & diagrams.
So, with the info I have gotten so far from ya'll I think I might just stick with original. They are becoming rarer and I am also currently doing a frame off restro on my '65 SB, Stepside, with a rebuilt 350 and 700R4. Thanks, all! Janine

I have a 64 with as close to factory setup as possible. It has the factory steering wheel as well as drum brakes. I do not drive mine every day nor do I drive it fast when I do. If I were on the interstates and driving it to work etc... I do think I would like power steering and power brakes.. Of course that is my opinion... I like things more original. I have a cousin that hot-rods everything he has.. I think that messes it up, but that is his trucks and his money. in my opinion, I would never cut a long bed down into a short bed..that is just me..

I've put disc brakes and power steering on several of these trucks, its easy and reasonable in cost if you do your homework.
Most folks cannot even tell the modifications aren't original, and it makes driving in today's traffic much safer and much much more enjoyable.

I decided to rebuild the rear brakes as original and thought that would give me time to make up my mind on how I want to build the rest of the truck, (I am leaning toward original now that I've read your posts) but as things go...while spinning the axle hub I noticed that differential fluid was pouring out from behind the yoke. I sure hope it's just a seal! The fun just never stops! ;-) Janine