The Stovebolt Site Forums The Parking Lot '60-'66 Trucks What to do with my 62

I recently purchased a 62 chevy pu short and wide. It's a Colorado truck solid and original. As in I just replaced the original lower ball joints! Sheet metal is all original including rockers and corners, dents were added. It's a six with a 4 speed (granny) no options on this truck at all. I am not looking to make a hot rod but I do plan to drive it, I expect that after 50 years it can still do some light work. My concern is safety (someone added seat belts), I would like to put in a dual master cylinder and discs up front and maybe p.s..

Should I be concerned with keeping things original?

How about paint color, OK to change it (white is really boring)?

Also I was able to verify the paint code but cannot find anything on the trim code RPO w433 RM.

Any help would be appreciated.

Just curious if you're in Co and what area?

White doesn't have to be boring, Throw in some pearl and some green and orange pin striping? SWEET!

I'm in Grand Junction, always looking for someone to trade ideas with. I have a 61 Apache S/W bed, 283 4 spd. I'm doing a frame up restoration. still tearing down, hoping to be going the other direction soon!

I am in the Denver area.

Dual master cylinder with booster is fairly easy and not that expensive. Power steering? you obviously haven't driven the truck. A 60-66 shortbed truck is probably one of the nicest steering vehicles without power steering ever built. If your setup has been checked over, you don't need power steering. I suggest that you get the truck up to original specifications and then drive it. THEN you can decide what doesn't work for you. I think that you'll find that a '62 is pretty capable of doing good road speed, braking well, hauling the goods, steering great, has a great ride and is generally a very well mannered vehicle. Or you can throw of bunch of "old stuff" in the trash, spend lots of money for "new and improved stuff" and then wish you had that old truck feeling.

Actually I have been driving it although the last few weeks we have had some snow so it's been parked. I agree it drives great! Runs straight down the road and the original six purrs like a kitten. Not sure about highway speeds I need to hook up temporary tach and check the RPMs. Steering issue is related to turning it around in a tight foothills driveway, I would not want to give up feeling it has on the road. PB and duel master is a safety concern.

i don't know, are power brakes and dual masters really that safer? i have seen way more accidents caused by aftermarket parts or parts not originally for the specific application, but i'm no expert. i think drum brakes last longer than disc, they usually run cooler too. i mean if you are going to be tailgating someone, or if you just want them, by all means, go with disc brakes. if the flex lines, master, wheel cyls, and hard line are all good why upgrade?

If you plan to upgrade your brakes, a cheaper way is find a 72 pickup, and get all the parts.The problem with 62 is you need to change the whole crossmember.That is how i did mine.But it is far cheaper than the aftermarket stuff.I also got the rear axle ( had to go to 5 lug) with a better hiway gear ratio.

Good advice Mark, I did that then later when I had more $ I went to disc brakes on the front. I really can't justify the expense.
They brake no better than the old drums.

Aside from seatbelts, I'd keep her stock. In my neck of the woods(flatland) properly functioning drums are fine.

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