The Stovebolt Site Forums The Parking Lot '60-'66 Trucks 1963 C30 Daily Driver

I just bought a 1963 C30 (numbers matching straight 6 and 4 on the floor). I was looking for advice on how to make it a better DD. I want to keep it as original as possible but I'm not against modernizing the engine, I just don't know how...

So here's what I'm looking for:
- engine reliability
- tires/wheels (I've got split rims up front that I'm not to fond of working on)
- transmission
- gearing

Your questions are a little to vague to answer. But, like buying any used truck, you need to take a close look at everything to make sure everything is working as it should. I don't believe there is anything on the truck that cain't be repaired or replaced to keep it in service.
I would change all fluids, lube all the grease points. Get it up on a lift and check all wear points like ball joints. Replace worn parts. Run a compression check and monitor oil usage on engine.
Keeping it orginial as possible will make it easier to sell when the time comes.
Questions on the different sections of the truck can be addressed in the shop section of this forum. The guys here have "been there, done that" and will be glad to help.
Welcome and good luck with your truck.

Welcome to the site. Motor of that age can meet the dd reliability metric. Won't get great mpg, but with right periodic maint it will be fine. Compression check and oil checks as suggested. My 66 w/250 considered. Many others can 2nd. Wheels tires and brakes are needed. Look for Grigg to suggest wheel compatibility. Check into the drive line forum for rear differential and or axle recommendations.
There are others in the ga area with 60-66 know-how.
Hambone

I had a 66 C30 250 4spd 5.13 rear. It was slow and a workout. At times I hated driving it, but I would have no issue driving it daily if in good condition stock. To improve mine I purchased a complete 83 dually to swap everything into the 66. disc brake front end sway bars 454 etc.

The 6cyl is reliable and can take a lot of abuse. I ran mine 80mph up the interstate a few times only letting off when the valves started floating and it took it no problem. If you want power a v8 swap or even a LS swap would be my choice.

The trans is a SM420 and bullet proof but for higher speed I would swap to a NV4500 5 speed, or a 4L80 automatic.

The rear is also bullet proof but harder to find parts.I would leave it alone, swap to 4.10's ,or a later rear. Single wheel or cab and chassis would be the correct width.

For wheels, any newer chevy 8 lug wheel should work . Up to 1995 possibly newer wheels also? I used 19.5 wheels off of a P30 stepvan.

80's C30's can be found cheap buying one and swapping everything over would be the quickest way to a cheap fun daily driver and stay looking stock somewhat.

Thanks for the suggestions. I'll keep y'all up to date on the progress.

Keep in mind that these trucks were daily drivers when they were built. The roads have gotten better, but highway speeds have gotten faster and it's unrealistic to think that a bare stock 1960's truck will be equal to a modern vehicle. Only you know what your "daily driving" is like and if the level of "comfort" will be enough to be considered something you would want to do daily. If you are asking if the truck can be made reliable enough to be a reasonable daily driver? I would say yes, but not without the typical wrenching that you would have had to do in the 1960's. Modern vehicles have spoiled us as far as drive and forget (other than oil changes, brakes and batteries)

welcome back sixtyfive c-10. sort of a long nap you had
hope all is well

i took a 1995 dodge 12v cummins 5 speed. and removed the body. installed a 65 c10 on it. had to due custom work on the fire wall for the clutch. it has disk vacum brakes. lowered it 4 inches. have done no body work, still run c-10 gauges, it turns alot of heads,