The Stovebolt Site Forums The Parking Lot '60-'66 Trucks Small Block Fit In 1961 2 ton Chevy Or GMC Truck?

My son is interested in a 1961 truck. Not sure if it was a Chevy or GMC. It has a V6. Do not know much about these trucks. Though he is thinking with repowering it with a modern small block V8 and an automatic transmission.

So will a small block and automatic trans fit and how much has to be done to make it happen. Jeffrey

If it's got a V6 it will be a GMC. Those engines were standard in GMC's from pickups to heavy duty rigs, anywhere from 305 cubic inches to 478, I believe. There was also a 351, a 401, and a couple of other displacements. They're big, powerful, high torque engines with a huge thirst for gasoline. There should be plenty of room for a small block V8. He will have to fabricate motor mounts, as there won't be anything available as a bolt-in conversion.

If that V6 engine happens to be a 401, that's the same size my 61 GMC American LaFrance fire truck runs. Does the truck also have a 5 speed transmission? Mine has a Clark 5 speed with direct drive in 5th. gear. I'm looking for an overdrive 5 speed. Check inside the glove box door- - - -there should be a data plate with all the truck's vital statistics on it.
Jerry

Post a link to some pictures. Is this going to be another pizza oven truck?

The GMC V6 is a cool engine.

Ive swapped the V6 out and put in small block chevys. Use 63 thru 66 side frame mounts. and with a auto trans remove the bellhousing mount crossmember and install a rear transmission mount crossmember. your changing from a 4 point mounting to a three point mounting.

Yes my son is looking to get a 2nd Pizza Truck up and running. He had to turn down 4 catering jobs this season because he was already booked for those dates. Combined with the engine going down in his 46 truck makes having a back up truck a good idea. Lucky for him I am able to tow bar him to his events with my suburban while the engine is getting rebuilt.

Though I think he should wait and see how his truck performs after the rebuild is done before he decides that the older trucks do not have the power he wants.

Also by having same body style and color gives him a brand recognition when he is seen driving down the road or parked at a location. Jeffrey

Just my dirty and unsolicited 2 cents:

The Art Deco styling of that 41-46 is going to create a stronger sense of "brand recognition" than the 61. The 60s trucks are cool, too. I used to own a 66 that I wish I still had.

But something about that 41-46 waterfall grill makes it a universal head-turner and conversation starter. Your son's pizza truck is one of the coolest on this site.

We are up to $.04 for I agree. I told my son about the brand recognition. Even told him that not only should he get another Art Deco but he needs to paint it the same green his 46 is.

Yes the Art Deco's are beautiful and do turn a lot of heads.

Great minds think alike. Jeffrey


PS: he wanted to go see this other truck this past Sunday but Sunday came and went so I guess he decided to let that 61 truck pass.