Teenagers Dream
 

So i am new here, dont know a whole lot about trucks, but i know what i want! i love 63' C-10's and C-20's. SO i wanted some advice, maybe somebody could help me out.

What is a good price for a running C10?
Is it possible to do a diesel swap, what engine should i use?
Does anybody sell a lift kit for the 63?

Im looking to build a daily driver that will handle city driving for the most part but also dirt roads, and 85 mph highways. If you have any helpful tips i would love to learn anything i can.

Re: Teenagers Dream
 

85MPH? You may want to think about a chassis swap.. You can have the best of both worlds.. Late model underneath with old school look on the outside.

Re: Teenagers Dream
 

Welcome aboard!!! Expect up to about $2500, but hopefully less for a running driving truck. As for your other questions, there is a wealth of info out here. Just search and you will find. The FAQ Section is the best place to start. It is located on the 60-66 forum page. Have fun with your new Dream!

Re: Teenagers Dream
 

Not sure, but would using a C20 instead of a C10 be better for the diesel conversion? torque and frame strength wise

Re: Teenagers Dream
 

3/4 ton frame would be stronger, how much torque are you planning on getting? Quite a few 1/2 ton drag trucks out there.

Re: Teenagers Dream
 

Well in talking with my friends, they repair Diesel Fords for a living... They told me if i really wanted to go diesel to put in a Chevy 6.2 Diesel from a late 80's pickup, not sure the exact torque output. But they are supposedly affordable and easy to find

Re: Teenagers Dream
 

welcome, i grew up in richardson, went to yale and berkner (no apollo, though). i'd offer help/advice but my trucks go down not up :) good luck with everything.

Re: Teenagers Dream
 

If you go the diesel route plan on also swapping in an overdrive transmission and some smaller ratio ring and pinion gears into the rear differential.
6.2 and 6.5 diesels swap in more easily because they mount to the frame just like a small block chevy and they share to same early chevy bellhousing pattern.
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Re: Teenagers Dream
 

6.2 and 6.5 swaps are the easiest, but neither are great engine. 6.2 is notoriously bad, actually. They get great mpg's, but produce less power and don't even last as long as smallblocks. 6.5's are reliable, just not "great". Cummins 6BT's are the most popular diesel swap. They are reliable, powerful, and get great mileage. They also only require one single wire to run. The con is that you have to fab your own motor mounts.
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Re: Teenagers Dream
 

How hard are to motor mounts? i have a mechanic friend who still owes me $300 in service if i bring him the vehicle and parts he can do just about everything to every motor vehicle

Re: Teenagers Dream
 

Don't know the first thing about diesels or 4x4's, but welcome to the forum!

Re: Teenagers Dream
 

Will i be able to cruise up to 90mph with the 6BT? i know i will have to get a lower gear ratio or something if im really intent on pushing the truck to that speed

Re: Teenagers Dream
 

On what road can you legally and/or safely "cruise" at 90mph (in a 50 year old rusty truck)?

No offense, but I think you are proving your username to be true...

Regardless, to answer your question, it all depends upon gearing. You could put a 2.73:1 gearset in your rear diff, and an overdrive transmission, and probably "cruise" your truck at 90mph on the highway all day.

I haven't done a 6BT cummins swap myself, but from what I've seen it is a very long and very heavy motor. SO it is a litle more involved than just some new motor mount brackets and one wire. You're talking suspension upgrade, modification to the firewall, fabrication of a front crossmember with motor mounts, exhaust, relocating the transmission and transfer case backward, getting driveshafts shortened/lengthened, etc.
I have seen people fit 4BTs in quite nicely.

Re: Teenagers Dream
 

Here in Texas we have an 85mph highway or two, being that's the road i have to take to visit my brother down south i would just like to have that option. If it can only cruise at 80 or 75 i will just have to find a way to get to my brother on a slower road

Re: Teenagers Dream
 

Yeah, I do seem to remember some high speed highways when I was in Texas. Although 85 is the limit it is still legal to drive a little slower in the right hand lane, right?

Anyway, if you do build your truck to dive 85+ on the highway, please also upgrade your braking system, suspension system and steering system so that they will be safe at those speeds. GM engineers designed these trucks to be driven at about 60mph or so on the highways in the 60s.

Re: Teenagers Dream
 

Of Course, the change to diesel should be one of the last changes i make. Im trying to find a good running tagged pickup now that will drive me to work everyday this summer. Every paycheck i will do a little more, starting with disk brake conversion and new power steering. Then Paint and interior, then rims. Then electronics. Then i will officially decided if i want to go diesel or not. I would like to go diesel and have stack and the whole 9 yards. But that may not be in line with my families current financial standing and if thats the case i will just clean up the engine already in the truck and drive it as is till i can afford the swap

Re: Teenagers Dream
 

Regarding lift kit, the answer is no. But just because no one makes a lift kit, doesn't make it impossible. However there are some serious challenges.

First lets look at the rear:
The factory spring mounts relatively high on the frame, with a modest arch to it, and has a 5-1/2" block to achieve the proper ride height. For this reason you won't be simply bolting in a 4" or 6" block like on a cheap, late model truck lift kit. Also, the stock springs have unique eye diameters and bushings that are unlike most of the common lifted leaf springs. So you won't be able to simply order a 4" lift spring and install it. This all means custom spring hangers and shackles, or custom leaves. Both can be done, but neither is cheap or easy. I chose to use some later model spring hangers and some of my own fabricated mounts on my truck in order to use standard aftermarket lift springs.

Then the front:
Up front you can actually get away with using common lift springs from a 72. The lengths and widths are the same. The eyes are different, but you can have poly bushings turned down, bored out, and cut down to fit. It isn't the best design, but it will work. otherwise you need to do the same as the rear and use later model hangers and shackles to mount the later model springs.

Re: Teenagers Dream
 

That makes stuff tough, now doesnt it. I will have to talk to my truck buddies, they said my idea was stupid but it sounds like everything i want can be done i just have to convince them!

Re: Teenagers Dream
 

Yeah, unfortunately our early 4x4 trucks are really not well supported by the aftermarket. So its all doable but just requires more fabrication or custom use of later model parts that are easier to come by.

Re: Teenagers Dream
 

C10's are two wheel drive correct? the K10 is the 4x4?

There are alot of lowering kits, i personally feel like thats a waste of a truck, atleast i cant use a truck if its lower to the ground than a Prius. If you're gonna ruin a truck like that. Im a 16 year old in a poor family that would like an older truck to get him to work this summer so he can buy stuff he wants and let his parents pay for rent in the house they were just forced into by the bank hahahaha. But seriously dont ruin the truck, give it to a kid

Re: Teenagers Dream
 

Oh woops! you're talking 2wd, not 4wd! My bad, Ignore me!

Re: Teenagers Dream
 

You're fine, its whatever i can get my hands on. If i can get a 4x4 i will take it, they are more fun, but idk if they are the best for a slim wallet

Re: Teenagers Dream
 

Two drive axles is always more expensive than one! :)

I feel the same way you do about the function of a truck. Lowered trucks just aren't as capable at doing truck duties. On my 64 c-10 I installed 3/4 ton rear springs and 3/4 ton HD front springs, then added a modest 1" body lift. I was able to comfortably fit 31x10.5" tires and still haul loads of sand and gravel. Not really a "lift kit" per se but its probably one of the taller old 2wd trucks that is driving around.
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Re: Teenagers Dream
 

After bottoming out and getting my friends 93' Ford ranger stuck in mud at a boy scout camp this weekend, i decided a little lift should not hurt. So that is another things i will need to figure out. Here is my list so far...

- Find a Cheap Running truck
- Paint it, New Interior, Radio
- Disk Brake Kit
- Power Steering or Power Brakeing if the truck does not already have those
- Lifted
- Diesel Conversion, most likely a Cummins
- STACKS

I want to combine a nice old truck, with a monster sounding diesel. Best of both worlds should get me around town and through college

Re: Teenagers Dream
 

Not mine, but thought you might like something to dream about.

Re: Teenagers Dream
 

Check out this thread on Dino's Pre-runner.

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...ht=dino+lifted

Re: Teenagers Dream
 

Yall just know how to tease a guy dont ya? Those are very nice trucks! Now i see lifting them is a total possibility :truck:

Re: Teenagers Dream
 

Gorgeous Truck, im really diggin that lift kit! I would want mine permanently lifted and still have access to the bed. But i like what he did there! I knew this site would be helpful

Re: Teenagers Dream
 

When it comes to the diesel, it can be challenging. Depends on what diesel you plan on using.

Personally, I'm putting a 5.9 Cummins into my 60 Panel. I took it out of a '95 Dodge 2500. Do your research when choosing a diesel. The reason I choose the 95 it that it is the last model before they switched to computer controlled systems. Means I do not need to source a computer brain for the engine. I considered the Duramax because of all the power it can build but having to source a computer and then have it customized for my application, just did not appeal to me. Not to mention having to add the smog equipment (you likely dont have to worry about this in texas but I'm unfortunately in CA)

I chose the '95 also because it has the most HP of the "P-pump" Cummins. Not a lot by todays standards (160HP in stock form) but it has a lot of aftermarket options for buiding more easily. But I'm more interested in towing than racing so its perfect for me.

Now this is just my opinion so take it for what it is. The larger Diesels like the 5.9 Cummins and the Duramax are too heavy and big for the C-10's and C-20's (again my opinion). I wouldnt use them in less than a C-30 (1 ton). Plus in my case a lot of fabrication, firewall cutting, and some loss of interior space is a result.


I'm still working on fitting it properly but here is a pic of it under the hood (mock up for now)

http://i1052.photobucket.com/albums/...Engine/002.jpg


Here is what I mean but loss of interior, you can see how far into the cab it protrudes.

http://i1052.photobucket.com/albums/...Engine/015.jpg


Hard to see in the pic but the top of the engine is below the level of the dash so I dont loose too much behind the dash. I still can mount my radio and run the AC vents and such. The back of the engine comes to about 4" of the dash front. Once I get the firewall, insulation, and sound deadening I should have JUST enough room to fit my hand between it and the dash, not enough for my arm but you get the idea.

Now some others have put in diesels. Just search and you'll find them. And it looks like some of them fit a little....I started to say easier but I'm sure it wasnt... Maybe just a better fit.

What ever you decide, I say go for it. And dont be afraid to think out of the box, its always nice to have a unique truck. Have fun with it. :devil:

Re: Teenagers Dream
 

FWIW i travel dallas to austin every other weekend in my 89 bronco with a top speed of about 70.. its not a big deal, 85 is a max. not a min. ;)

Re: Teenagers Dream
 

That is a very large engine haha, i never even thought about having to do that much to make one fit! I will have to do and more research about engines and how big they are if they will actually fit in the truck.

Good to know about the speed limit. I guess if i needed to i can just stay in the right lane and let the speedy people pass

Re: Teenagers Dream
 

+1 here. At that speed in an old truck you don't drive it, you aim it.

Remember you're pushing old horrible handling metal made to haul a herd of goats down a country backroad, not a brand new over-computerized Silverado made to go to home depot.


As for large engines, you could always lengthen the truck like Coyoterun did here


http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/a...1&d=1349972895

He's a great guy too. You could probably ask him if you had trouble.

Re: Teenagers Dream
 

Run dont walk away if anyone offers you a 5.7 or 6.2 chevy! If its free take it to the nearest recycle yard. Take the money and buy a real diesel. I had a 5.7 along time ago............ I still have nightmares!

Re: Teenagers Dream
 

I will definitely keep that in mind! For now there is not a dang thing that is free when it comes to this project haha :help: but then again in reality its not that expensive either. i Just gotta get some more cash in hand

Re: Teenagers Dream
 

In yalls opinion, Should i go Diesel or Stay with gas?

Re: Teenagers Dream
 

I would stay with a gasser unless your going to do some serious pulling. im going to school for diesel tech, i love diesels but for the avrage joe a gas is easyer to work on and cheaper especially an sbc. I bought a rusted out 63 4x4 when i was 15 since then ive rebuilt the 283, put in a th350, power brakes, power steering and a diffrent cab and box. In hind sight I couldve put a 60-66 cab and box on a newer frame and saved money and not have had all of the headachs of tring to find parts for an old 4x4 and fabing so many parts. But i wanted to be diffrent and i have to much $$ into it to turn around now haha.

Re: Teenagers Dream
 

I could buy the parts, call UTI, take it to them and tell them to document the build i will pick it up in two weeks.

Oh Oh, sorry you diesel school and my brain shot off into another discussion. if thats the case what kind of chassis would work best? could i just purchase a longer compatible chassis and extend the body work to fit a cummins? This bad boy is going to take me through Agriculture school so who knows if somebody is going to ask me to pull a trailer. Also who knows if the fraternity i want to join will need me to haul a trailer full of drunk sorority girls down to Galveston. The possibilities are endless for how i could use that much power

Re: Teenagers Dream
 

I know a guy who put a cummins 4cyl out of a little case trackhoe in a 72 3/4ton gmc, it fit in great lenthwise and he drives it everyday. He said its got power to boot and after he re geared it it will do 75 no problems. There was a thread i read someplace where a guy was going to put a 3208 in a chevy pickup but thats alota engine in a pickup and 3208s arnt an all star haha but heyd prolly be ok in a pickup

Re: Teenagers Dream
 

Whats the difference in size between a Cummins 4cyl and 6cyl and a Chevy small block? is that a question for a different website haha

Re: Teenagers Dream
 

all depends on what model 4 or 6 your looking at best way would be to go measure some stuff in my opinion. if you had some models you wanted demensions on i have acess to Cummins Quick Serve (online shop manuals) so i could look them up for you