Re: My 63 Project
 

Nice start on your project

Re: My 63 Project
 

I have to agree.. when I drove over the hill to look at it, the huge standout for me was the lack of rust.. Even the fenders are rust free.. and the rocker panels.. .and of course the drip rail.. And it has made this so much easier as a build...

Re: My 63 Project
 

Check with CaptainFab here on the board for a powersteering bracket, template, extension then source a 73 and up 2x box. Tilt column from 73 and up to 81 van or motorhome works well. Keep an eye on the FAQ section above the threads and read through the suspension section for some good info on springs , cutting and what works.

Re: My 63 Project
 

Thanks. I have been watching the other builds for some time. Great help!!

Re: My 63 Project
 

Welcome to the forum :D

Looking good :thumbs:

I can't believe how rust free this truck is either. Yep the '63 12 bolts had pressed on backing plates. You could probably cut them off and try and weld on some flanges to bolt the caliper brackets to, but they will have to be absolutely true to the axle flange. It might be easier to swap the differential for a '64-'70 truck 12 bolt. Or if you are going with 5 lugs, a '71-'72 would be a good swap. That is if you can find one.

No matter which column you use, it will have to be modified/shortened for use with the power steering.

Let me know if you need the steering box adapter plate.

Re: My 63 Project
 

Thanks for the recommend :D

Re: My 63 Project
 

I know I will need the steering box adapter...

And I will be staying with the six lug for several reasons, first off I already have the disk brake conversion for 6 lug... second, I am looking at 6 spoke crager wheels.. EVERYONE has 5 lug cragers.. but 6 is kinda unique.. and less likely to have people try to steal them... Just my thoughts..

I wonder what a posi 12 bolt, 6 lug axle will set me back...

Re: My 63 Project
 

Before....

Re: My 63 Project
 

And after!!!

Re: My 63 Project
 

I have to say that if your going to do a project like this, invest in a blast cabinet. I picked up the 40 lb full size from harbor freight, just over $210. What a time saver. On the two upper control arms, I took a screw driver and got the big junk off and then into the blasting cabinet for about 30 mins. Worth every penny. I couldn't have gotten them this clean with out it.

Re: My 63 Project
 

So now I am just about ready to tear into the control arms. I got my new bushings and ball joints.. Do I need to measure where the existing ones are to get as close as possible for the alignment shop??? And does anyone see any reason that I can't use a cutting torch on these rivots on the top of the ball joint??? I would be much faster than a grinder..

Re: My 63 Project
 

Couldn't Resist!!!

Re: My 63 Project
 

Dude!
Everything looks great on your build so far!
PM me, as I just did this exercise and may have some good tips!

Re: My 63 Project
 

hi zouchar nice truck and nice build, im just rt down the road from you,sunrise mt las vegas building a burb,nice build looking good

Re: My 63 Project
 

Does anyone have any thoughts about lowering the rear end four inches with drop springs only?? Will I have to C notch the frame??

Re: My 63 Project
 

So I got the dyno sheet on my new motor yesterday... 453 Horse, 476 ft lbs of torque!!! I am so jazzed to get this in my hands!!!

Re: My 63 Project
 

WOWZA!!!! And that is 453 hp and 476 ft lbs torque of CHEVY power to!!! LOL!!! HAHA!!! Man! I gotta take you on in a race with my Dad's 496 Bigblock chevy in his 77 C-20 pickup!!! It makes something like 500 hp and 500 Ft lbs torque! lol!!! Salt flats time!!!!:metal:

Re: My 63 Project
 

Upper control arm after paint.

Re: My 63 Project
 

The lower control arms came out even better.

Re: My 63 Project
 

And a shot of the springs. One before and one after the blast cabinet.

Re: My 63 Project
 

Holds truth!!!! HAHAHAHHAHA!!!!:metal:

Re: My 63 Project
 

I like your truck build, keep up the amazing work on it. Your new 383 sounds like it will be a great engine for your '63. Keep the updates coming and good luck with getting it all together.

Re: My 63 Project
 

The UPS man stopped by. 4" drop springs for the back.

Re: My 63 Project
 

I have a set of those springs, and an adjustable panhard bar that I could've thrown into the mix, just sayin!!! LOL!
Just toyin with ya!
Things are lookin great, keep up the good work!

Re: My 63 Project
 

Parts are looking good! Having a blast cabinet is the only way to go. Way easier than cleaning the dishwasher from greasy parts!

Re: My 63 Project
 

Those are some nice numbers. Who are you getting your engine from?

Re: My 63 Project
 

West Coast Engines

Brady at www.westcoastengines.com

Re: My 63 Project
 

What is this???

Re: My 63 Project
 

Uh that is a fuel tank re-locator kit....no doubt it is a tank that mounts to the rear frame...LOL! Or are you just playing around with us! HAHHAHA!!!

Re: My 63 Project
 

Well.. since I ordered it... Yeah... Just playin around.... I also go the battery bolt brace and bolts... and the lower radiator mount rubber... should be getting another box today or tomorrow... and I need to go pick up the motor...

Re: My 63 Project
 

Well at least you were playing around! LOL! I would have been worried if you weren't! HAHAHAHHA! Well looks like you have a nice stash of part yer buying! :chevy:

Re: My 63 Project
 

I have to give it up too my wife... I have parts all over..... but she doesn't seem to mind... much...

Re: My 63 Project
 

Guess what arrived this afternoon!!!

Re: My 63 Project
 

And the best part....

Re: My 63 Project
 

AYE! Appears ta be a 350 small block chevy! Wait let me take my glasses off anf make sure my eyes aren't playing tricks on me.....hmmm............

Re: My 63 Project
 

One piece rear main.

Re: My 63 Project
 

Full roller 383 TJ.

Re: My 63 Project
 

Had a feeling it was a 383 after I took my glasses off! HAHAHHA!!!!! Nice motor!:metal:

Re: My 63 Project
 

about how much did you find these sweet guages?

Re: My 63 Project
 

Nice numbers on the engine and it looks great. Bet you can't wait to break it in...