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?
Hello Jim, congratulations on your great score. I'm not up on all the specs for that year, but I had a '63 Fleetside for many years and wish I would have kept it. Just loved that wrap around windshield.
Jim - sounds like a great truck. I am working on my second 1961, so I will reply to your questions with what I have picked up.
The engine should be the grey color as far as I have seen. The valve cover would be the stamped "Chevrolet" one with the oil filler cap toward the front. I think most of the 235's were built at Flint, and I have always believed that the valve cover is painted the same. I am not sure about the Thirftmaster marking, but now I want to find this out. Generator question, yes, that is what I would do (my generator was replaced at some point and is toast now!) My data plate reads the same, and my engine is the standard RPO engine -- so is 95hp the rating? Again, I will see what I can discover on this. Great question. I am attaching a shot of some of the numbers from my 235. On base trucks, I believe the gas cap was body color.
Not much help, but you inspired me to answer a couple of these questions for myself. Best luck with your truck! GPK1961
Thanks for the response and I appreciate the conversation. The questions seem to beget more...
As far as markings under the hood, I've looked at many pictures online and on this forum. The original decal was barely visible on the oil cleaner. After seeing so many photos on engines in various conditions, I was expecting at least so remnants of the yellow "Thriftmaster" decal on the valve cover. It is proper as to the location of the breather cap, and it is a "breathing" breather as the cover is not vented as earlier models.
Other than what I think might be the last of the original blue/gray block color in a few places near the plugs. Curiously, there is a streak of what looks like "Chevy orange" behind the generator and a spot of yellow on the block just above the oil pan; both on the left side of the engine.
It's a Janesville truck and, owing to a vintage service sticker still in place from the late '60s, spent at least the beginning of its life in Illinois, although I couldn't say whether in the metro Chicago area or not. But it must of either moved to a drier climate or been locked away for a long time before appearing again on the scene. The winter salt around here would have had reduced it to scrap decades ago. My dad had a '64 3/4 ton around '70, '71 and it was already pretty eaten up.
Yesterday was the first day since I brought it home where it was cool enough to get it outside for a good cleaning. And here's another question. On this site, in various locations, I read about the oil filter being a factory or dealer option. This truck has none and the pros and cons of having it are many. My intent was to leave it as stock as I can, allowing for what has already been done (HEI). But then, while studying the truck shop manual for '60, I discovered caution in bold print. It warned:
"If oil lines are removed, and vehicle is to be operated without a filter, connect a jumper line between the fittings on the cylinder block. DO NOT plug fittings in the cylinder block as this will cut off oil circulation."
Does this imply I should make the described connection? If this was so critical to lubrication; why didn't it come from the factory with that line if an oil filter was not ordered?
Wow, GKP, sorry for being so long-winded. There is no one in my area (that I know of) who can help with these "unknowns." Photods from yesterday, attached.
Jim -- Great looking truck! The bed is in very good condition.
My truck has the oil filter - I will have to research your question. The research is fun to do. Tomorrow I will prep my 235 to come out of the truck. GPK1961
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
You did not mention if you have a step side or a fleet side and a short bed or long bed. Sounds like you have real nice original. The 60-61's are my favorite. The hood is over the top cool. The curved front windshield is great. The torsion bar front suspension is superior.
Last edited by jb66ss396; 10/07/202010:43 PM. Reason: left out my reply
1961 Long Stepside Apache 10, original 235, 4 speed and 3:90 posi totally stock (owned 9 years) 1966 Chevelle (owned 50 years) 1965 Corvette (owned 34 years)
I believe the oil filter is an option. I have one on my '61 235. I would say you have a short bed as you have the three speed on the column as standard equipment. I believe the long bed came with a four speed standard on the 235.
1961 Long Stepside Apache 10, original 235, 4 speed and 3:90 posi totally stock (owned 9 years) 1966 Chevelle (owned 50 years) 1965 Corvette (owned 34 years)
To all who have responded to the fits and spurts of progress, thank you...
To jb66ss396: The photos may have not clearly indicated the truck to be a Fleetside long bed. It is sparsely appointed and little changed from, "as delivered." The only options are heater, cigar lighter, driver's side visor and armrest. It didn't come with a rear bumber and remains so. The big problem was oil, everywhere. Other than the valve cover gasket, no other seals had been addressed prior to my becoming caretaker. With much of the accumulated oil potentially due to the road pipe and obvious trouble spots, addressed first were: side cover gasket, transmission plug and differential.
After these repairs and several hours of driving, the truck was parked and left for inspection. I wanted see how much leakage could be attributed to the rear main seal before replacing. The repairs virtually eliminated the problems. A couple drops fell from the transmission cover hole - that's all. The test proved no replacement necessary, at least for now, of the rear main seal. As I understand, from reading on this site, even when new, the old rope style seals wept a little oil.
There was an unfortunate and selective paint job, at some point, that it did not include all sheetmetal and looks to be primarily below the beltline. The cowl, roof, front fenders appear to have never been touched. Being a low-miler, with no filler and only minor suface rust in a few places, I can't imagine the reason for painting - and skipping panels. There are a few scratches but it's a driver. And after sixty years, I dont mind them at all.
I prefer to keep nice, stock vehicles just that way - stock. If a part needs repalcing and NOS is not available then a reasonable reproduction is okay. The only changes to original equipement is a more modern HEI distributor, installed prior to my purchase. A brass tag attached to the radiator allowed me to trace and contact the shop that re-cored the original radiator. So far the only other obvious replacement part is the gas tank; again prior to my taking possession. I was kind of bummed about that. Since the truck was relatively unmolested, I was hoping to find the build sheet behind the tank. The spare tire still had "hair" and had never seen contact with the road. It's a Goodyear Hi-Miler, 7.10-15, 6 ply. After a lot of digging online, I decoded the date code to '61. I'll attach the number if anyone wants to confirm or comment (see photo).
The rubber floor was gone. I recently installed a nice reproduction floor and it really improved the apprearance of the cab (see photo). The seat is in excellent, original condition - except for one, tiny puncture about middle of the seat bottom (see photos). I don't want it to turn into a larger problem over time and was seeking help to stop the brittle vinyl from tearing further. The upholstery shop I have used in the past will only do a full recover and I have to supply the material from SMS. I want to keep the seat original, just stop the hole from getting worse. Any suggestions?
I'm not up on all the specs for that year, but I had a '63 Fleetside for many years and wish I would have kept it. Just loved that wrap around windshield.