The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area General Truck Talk New Guy Help

I'm new to the site and I am finding it very informative and helpful. I can sure use some help. I inherited a 1966 LWB Fleetside from my father-in-law who got it from his father who bought it new in 1966. It's kind of a family heirloom and I want to get it back on the road. I have an almost complete 1978 "donor truck" which was also a gift from my father-in-law. What I want to do is swap the engine (250ci recently rebuilt), trans (TH350), power steering, front disc brakes, and switch from 6-lug to 5-lug. What extra parts will I need (ie spindle kit, power steering bracket kit, etc) and what would be the easiest way to do this? I want to do this without spending too much money and my donor is in running condition and I would like to use as much of the donor truck as I can to save money. Any and all help will be appreciated...Thanks

Welcome to the site. I'm kind of new here myself and have also found it very useful. I'm not too familiar with 60-66 model chevys, but I'm sure someone will be along that is pretty soon. Good luck on the truck. Good Day.

Rotor - we did something similar with my '63. We used the tranny and engine from a '75 Chevy truck. We've always pulled both the engine and the transmision at the same time and re-set them together in the project truck. It is the easiest or fastest way? I don't really have the answer - it is the only way we've done it.

You've listed a lot of questions. You'll get the best response if you can break down your questions. Try to focus on your first challenge. What is it you want or need to do first? Then, let the guys know what you are getting stuck on. There is a ton of information here and lots of people eager to help.

I would also recommend you pick up Tom Brownell's "How to Restore Your Chevrolet Pickup" to get started. There is a terrific review of the book here if you'd like to read more before you buy it.

Also, try visiting the "links" section of the website to get acquainted with the vendors who supply parts for your truck. Woogeroo, a member of this board, has a nice list of links for his truck at: http://woogeroo.home.mindspring.com/Matraca/matraca.html

Good luck and enjoy your new project.

you can swap in the whole front suspension from the 1978 pickup by drilling six new holes and using a kit to mount the steering box,but if you are lowering it,it will be cheeper to buy dropped spindles for the 66 and then using the 78s brake parts.you will need another kit to use the 78s rearend.

Chevrolet is the most swap friendly maker in the business. Almost everything will fit as a direct bolt on swap, assuming the old truck is a 6 cyl. as well. If it's a v-thing you will have to get wrecking yard stuff like engine mounts, etc. It's a pretty easy thing to do, good luck and if you have problems remember the stovebolt page, we'll help you.