The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area General Truck Talk 1960-1963 newbe question

Hello,

I like the 1960-1966 style truck but I am partial to the 1960-1963 wraparound winshield. Can anyone offer me advise on which year is easier to make driveline modifications to? What are the pros and cons? My wish list is the big back window, SWB & custom cab. Thank You in advance. Paul

Paul,

I just recently swappd 63 sheetmetal to a 62 frame and vise versa. There are a few differences in mounting locations IE where the front of the cab mounts and where the bed mounts are.

The bigger difference was the front end. The 60-62 uses a tosion bar front end. Depending on what you are doing with the truck one might say the torsion bar is the easier one to modify. You can pull the bar out, rotate it, slide it back in and your truck is lower with out changing spring rates ect.

The 63 and up is on a coil spring between the lower A arm and frame pocket.. If you are planning on bagging the truck, you will more than likely want the 63..

60-62 also has an X frame for added support. I'm guessing for the torsion bar front.

Now most the rears you will come across are a coil set up on a truck arm. GMC I believe was leafs and optional coil but I think Chevy was coil standard.

I hope that helps a little.


Shaun

Thank You! Does the X frame make converting to a V-8/Auto trans swap harder because there is more frame in the way? Is the later larger I6 a unbolt and rebolt swap? There is a '62 that I am considering with very little rust available that is very reasonable. I can spin a wrench but lots of rust I cannot deal with I am not welder/body guy.

I like the 63 up better than the earlier models. The parts are more standardized. Front end parts are rare & pricey for the 60-62. The tortion bar setup was not very practical. That is why GM droped it after 3 years.

The 63-66 had essentially the same front end as the 67-87 4x2 trucks. Makes parts cheap and you can swap in newer disc brakes from the newer ones by changing the ball joints and tie rod ends and addding the new spindle with disc brakes. That makes the choice of a 63 more attractive if you want to keep the wrap around windshield. Swapping in a V8 to a 60-62 shouldn't be a problem. The 'x' brace wasn't in the way of engine/ trans components. Buy the truck, then buy the assembly manual. It's a big help when you want to see how something went together. If you buy the right manual, it covers all 60-66 model PU's.

Shaun,

I own a '61 and personally I think that the 60 and 61 bodystyle is the best. The headlights and grill look much better and so on. I think that torsion bars are great because it made lowering the front end of my truck SUPER easy. I guess that if you haven't bought one yet you still have time to choose. I would definitely get a 60-62 because the wraparound windhield and knee knocker doors kick butt. I guess I am not much help, good luck and welcome!

Kyle

you can put the 60-61 grills on the later trucks.i did.

You have the right truck. It doesn't matter so much for the engine as it does for your chassis. Just check the vendors and EVERYTHING is available for your chassis. Suspension and brake modifications/upgrades are pretty much bolt-ins. But the opposite is true for the 60-62. That AND you have the wrap around window with the double hump dash. I secretly wish my 62 was a 63. You can mix and match pretty much any grill/hood/fenders/bed from any 60-66. You also have more options as far as gas tank locations with your frame if you go under the bed.
Also, I have to disagree with Wrenchbender about the torsion bars being less practical. You can raise and lower the front end simply by adjusting 2 torsion arm bolts. It doesn't get much more practical. And they work great. They discontinued them to save money. At least that's what I think in my own biased opinion. My 03 AWD Safari has torsion bar IFS . Like it's a new thing. P.S. I had to modify the torsion bar crossmember on my truck to get the O.D. tranny to fit. Wouldn't have been a problem with your frame.

I am building a '63 and I agree with all above comments, Decent GM sheet metal is getting rare. if its the right price I would buy a '60-62 just for the sheet metal and stick it on a '63 to '87 rolling chasis. my .02

pncmathias

http://www.stovebolt.com/techtips/buyers_guide_60_66.htm

some of the stuff in that article has already been covered in this thread, but still worth checking out.

-W