1964 Chevy pickup. 1 owner (my dad), I'm going to start some upgrades soon. Where to start?

[kurtis500]

My dad bought this truck on April 2, 1964 from Courtesy Chevrolet in Phoenix. It still doesn't have seatbelts and no rust. All white Imron. He is giving it to me to keep in the family. I bought a 1994 Dodge Ram and still have it, my son will be buying a truck in 2024 so we each have trucks 30 years apart.

It is almost all original except it has a 327 now. Drum brakes and everything. I want to upgrade the brakes, engine and etc. I still has the factory option AC with freon a 4 speed but #1 is compound low.

What would you start with? Im probably doing all 4 wheel disc brakes to begin. Then power steering and a crate motor.

Thoughts anyone?

I attached a couple of pics over the years. The one with me as a kid and the blue boat is the original Aquacraft that Rusty Biesemeyer splashed the mold to make the first Biesemeyer circle boat. He made his own deck and the first one was on this boat. My dad and Rusty put it on....After cutting off a beautiful mohagony deck I think its the ski deck, race deck came later. Other pic is a 16ft Biesemeyer at Burnt Corral Apache Lake

 

[zhandfull]

Start with a 5.3 engine and overdrive trans take out of a 2001 or later Chevy/gmc. That takes care of fuel injection, overdrive, ps pump, good alternator, ac compressor for less than 2k.
Power steering box upgrade and front power disc brakes.
Doing it yourself going to be in 5k deep already by time installed and running.

 

[zhandfull]

Or power steering new tires and just drive it! Drum brakes work fine when maintained.

 

[wishiknew]

Start with a 5.3 engine and overdrive trans take out of a 2001 or later Chevy/gmc. That takes care of fuel injection, overdrive, ps pump, good alternator, ac compressor for less than 2k.
Power steering box upgrade and front power disc brakes.
Doing it yourself going to be in 5k deep already by time installed and running.

I would say buy a whole truck then you have all brackets and accessories

 

[WhatExit?]

How much are you selling it for.? (2FF is proud of your excellent post)

 

[zhandfull]

I would say buy a whole truck then you have all brackets and accessories

Been a few years since I bought a take out motor and trans. There are people selling complete take outs with everything including computer and wiring harness. Last one I bought was 1,500 before pandemic. Can’t beat the value of the package price.

 

[lbhsbz]

put the old wheels back on....don't change anything else.

The drum brakes on that will put you through the windshield if they work right....I was never able to fade mine either. Maybe a dual circuit master, but don't fuck it up with an LS and 4 wheel discs

 

[Bpracing1127]

Put a blower on it!!! That will wake it up

 

[monkeyswrench]

What is the intended purpose for the truck? If you want to modernize it, there are a million different ways to suit your tastes. Me personally, I'd keep it pretty original. I like clutches, but I like overdrive, so I'd put a 5spd in it. Other than that, I'd just keep her as an old farm truck. Modern is nice, but she'll never be a new truck. Personally, I'd rather they have a few miles on them.

 

[MK1MOD0]

All right. I’ll play. For a low buck cruiser.... I’d do front discs, a Holley sniper, and power steering. you would have less than 2k in parts and a damn nice driver. No real need for the rear discs for a normal street driver.

 

[Gelcoater]

What are you planning on doing with it?
A weekend cruiser?
I’d assume you don’t plan to daily drive it?

Me being frugal I’d probably do brakes like you said, probably install factory style power steering, give it a tune up and run it!

A 5.3 takeout like mentioned sounds alluring although your swapping a 327 for a what? 323?

I’d consider simply swapping a non granny low 1st 4 speed before the whole drivetrain swap but that’s mostly because I enjoy seeing someone me semblance of old school under the hood of a classic vs the generic looking modern mill.
Everyone’s taste vary.

What would your dad have liked to see done to it?

 

[C_J_J_C]

Unless it is a total cluster I say make it a weekend driver and let the car tell you where to start.
You will know if you need to start with suspension and brakes, engine, tires, cosmetics, Ect. I take bites so I can keep enjoying it. If I tear things apart and can't use it while dumping money at it I lose interest fast.

 

[Sherpa]

I have our original owner family 62 Chevy c10 longbed. I’ve built I think 5 motors in this truck.
2nd transmission and 2nd 3rd member.

I’ve street raced this in my teens and early 20’s.
It’s got the original drum brakes front and rear and will stop on a dime even towing up to 5000.

Anymore than that takes a little longer.

I’d leave the truck stock. Mine is torsion bar front, trailing arm rear. Rides awesome. Still doesn’t have seatbelts. They weren’t offered.

 

[Gelcoater]

Put a blower on it!!! That will wake it up

This idea doesn’t suck either

 

[monkeyswrench]

The poor man's clip works good, '74 and up I believe will give you power steering and disc brakes. I think it's really just drilling 4 new holes, and ordering 6 lug rotors to keep it stock for wheels. That also gives you the standard clam shell mounts, so would be easy to swap an LS later. If you do that, swap in a later master and booster as well. Easy stuff, and not very expensive.
I think 60-63 is a shorter height frame rail, and takes a bit more work, like this one.

 

[lbhsbz]

I had a ‘64 long bed with a 283 / power slide….it had just been painted by 1 day…tan and white were the cheapest colors, so it was tan. I worked for an HVAC guy at the time so had plenty of sheet metal and zip screws to patch the floors.

None of the gauges worked so I found full set of nice Stewart Warners at the LB swap meet for $20. Cut a piece of luan plywood and sanded polished after about 40 coats of poly to make a new dash…it was cool. Stopped at some dude’s houSe that was carrying a set of headers out to the trash one night and before I could ask them what they fit he had ‘em in the back of the truck. Had about $40 left and that bought me a couple clamps, some 3” glass packs, and some flange adapters at pep boys.

Every morning I’d fill up the oil and check the gas, and run the shit out of it. That poor 283 floated the valves every day.

What a great truck.


LS motors have no soul…don’t put a fucking LS in it.

 

[coolchange]

The 74 clip is a good choice. Not just a drop in but not hard. Later geometry, I think the box requires some fab to work . Been a while. To bad I just( just? Probably 2 years ago) put one of the members at the curb. I think I still have bell spindles though. Good time to do the bushings etc. Rear end find a more friendly gear.
Get the stock seat rebuilt and shaped in foam.
NO LS!
Are those chrome reverse? Cool. Or steel with poverty caps.
Our camper growing up was a 60 c20. What a beast. Originally a six,had a 300 hp 327 on the granny trans. 10 1/2 ft Lance pulling a buggy. Didn’t like much over 65 mph on the flat, and our friends with newer 400 chevys and 390 fords would give my dad grief. but on the hills he would let that Power Pac 327 eat and no one could hang with us!.

 

[monkeyswrench]

The 74 clip is a good choice. Not just a drop in but not hard. Later geometry, I think the box requires some fab to work . Been a while. To bad I just( just? Probably 2 years ago) put one of the members at the curb. I think I still have bell spindles though. Good time to do the bushings etc. Rear end find a more friendly gear.
Get the stock seat rebuilt and shaped in foam.
NO LS!
Are those chrome reverse? Cool. Or steel with poverty caps.
Our camper growing up was a 60 c20. What a beast. Originally a six,had a 300 hp 327 on the granny trans. 10 1/2 ft Lance pulling a buggy. Didn’t like much over 65 mph on the flat, and our friends with newer 400 chevys and 390 fords would give my dad grief. but on the hills he would let that Power Pac 327 eat and no one could hang with us!.

The steering box either scab in a piece of the later frame (old school), or now they make a 30$ bracket that spaces the box out...pretty slick.

 

[coolchange]

The steering box either scab in a piece of the later frame (old school), or now they make a 30$ bracket that spaces the box out...pretty slick.

Figured someone made a piece for that by now!

 

[bonesfab]

We just did a 62 for a customer. Power steering, power disc brakes, auto trans rewired the whole thing. Still has the six in it. Did a 2bbl sniper and it is actually a pretty nice little cruiser. Not fast but a nice driver.

 

[Paradox]

Dang, as a family heirloom, I’d tread carefully. Personally, I like the thought of keeping it stock but, as replacement parts are needed or desired, perhaps utilizing those that are improved but are consistent with how the originals look and fit.

 

[kurtis500]

Wow! A lot to think about and you guys are on it. Its making me step back and think about how much Ill drive it.

I guess I really wouldnt drive it much except around the house in Phoenix. (Central and Bethany Home) maybe cruise central with it again every 6 months when they do the cruise on central. I like the manual trans but a good injectd motor would be great, I think the sniper sounds good. The 327 is an original vette motor with a fairly fresh build. Dash and radio is all original, only the seat cover is changed from the day it came off the lot.

Does the disc conversion alter permanently? Is anti-lock really worth the upgrade? Power steering would be nice, I remember my mom putting her weight on the steering wheel as she turned it back in the day. Zhandfulls conversion would make it a daily driver... Damn, I was just about to get on Jgs or Summit and shop around, guess I need to figure out what I/we really need to use it for. I do want to keep it original and if theres changes at least put it back to where it is now.

 

[kurtis500]

How much are you selling it for.? (2FF is proud of your excellent post)

The main reason its coming now is so his wife doesnt try to sell it out from under us before it can be passed down

 

[mash on it]

With a L79, 350 HP 327, you'll be fine.
I had a '60, swapped the 420 trans for the 465, (better 3rd gear) and with 3.90 gears, and 33's all around, 3rd was triple digits.
Power steering would have been nice, but did fine without.
I did HEI.
650 Holley DP, Edelbrock performer. Ram horn manifolds.
Always wanted disc brakes, from what I understand, '63 up drum spindles will interchange with '73 up disc spindles.
Drums performed ok for a daily.
Sucked after a couple of high speed stops.
Interior was spotless, for dates in heels, body wore Joseph's coat, but the chrome always shined.
Ugly as sin. I miss that truck.

Dan'l

 

[CarolynandBob]

This is what I started with. Friend bought a place and this was on the property, so he gave it to me.

I did a frame off and made it my daily drive. Put a 350/700r4 in it with a vintage air system. I used a 77 doner truck for the front end swap. I was pretty easy and if I remember I had to drill 2 holes. I kept the rear drum. All new brake lines and wiring. Should have never sold it.

 

[MK1MOD0]

Beautiful truck C&B. That’s a big project right there !

 

[MK1MOD0]

Wow! A lot to think about and you guys are on it. Its making me step back and think about how much Ill drive it.

I guess I really wouldnt drive it much except around the house in Phoenix. (Central and Bethany Home) maybe cruise central with it again every 6 months when they do the cruise on central. I like the manual trans but a good injectd motor would be great, I think the sniper sounds good. The 327 is an original vette motor with a fairly fresh build. Dash and radio is all original, only the seat cover is changed from the day it came off the lot.

Does the disc conversion alter permanently? Is anti-lock really worth the upgrade? Power steering would be nice, I remember my mom putting her weight on the steering wheel as she turned it back in the day. Zhandfulls conversion would make it a daily driver... Damn, I was just about to get on Jgs or Summit and shop around, guess I need to figure out what I/we really need to use it for. I do want to keep it original and if theres changes at least put it back to where it is now.

I agree. The 327 is sweet and adding a Holley Sniper would make it even nicer as a daily. The disc brake conversion is easy and could be returned to stock if needed( not sure you would ever want to ). The power steering is REALLY nice for a daily when parking ect and runNing around town. A few simple additions would make all the difference, without breaking the bank.

 

[coolchange]

Let me say the hard truth. A small window long bed has not much value, so don’t worry about, “ returning to original”. So take that out of the equation and things get simpler. The value is “ cool as shit, dads truck, and enjoying it!”

 

[rivermobster]

Having built a number of vehicles over the years, here is my suggestion for you...

Start with the suspension. Everyone overlooks this!!!

Most put in big power first, when the vehicle won't even steer.

Go through Everything between the frame and the tires. Replace every bushing, check every bearing, including the ones in the diff. Driveshaft, u-joints, trans mounts, motor mounts, steering column and steering box. Wheels and tires. Brakes, brake lines, brake hoses.

Ever notice what kind of brakes they use on the big rigs? I can tell you right now they don't use discs! A real mechanic can make drum brakes put you through the front window.

Call Ed at ABS Brakes in Orange for any of your brake parts needs.

That front clip deal isn't a bad idea either. If you want to go that route.

Once you have the truck in PERFECT rolling condition, THEN take a look at what powers is going down the road...

At that point you can look at all your electrical stuff, and rewire accordingly.

I like the Dakota Digital cluster for pretty much any application.

After all the above is done, you can dig into the interior, trim and paint.

I've put everything from power locks, power windows and keyless entry into vintage vehicles for clients.

It's real easy to get carried away.

Keep firmly in mind you're working on a 60 year old machine that wasn't meant to last this long and plan accordingly.

Most importantly...

Have fun!

 

[bonesfab]

And don’t waste your time on a sniper. Spend a few bucks more and get the terminator. Much better and more reliable.

 

[Canuck 1]

Perfect truck for an ls..... load the ls in the box and take to dump along with the FI systems mentioned

Nice ride, put the chrome reverse rims back on and drive it

 

[Not So Fast]

Oh boy where to start is the question, and a big one because it is expensive to restore a truck nowadays, really expensive, ask how I know lol.
Im listing mine or at least making a list, because of my age mainly. Ive had it about 2+ years and pretty much done, Im adding stuff up and the $$$ list grows immensly as I do., well over my starting limit to be honest and more if you count what others had done befroe I got it. So be prepared !!!
On the other hand, its a great truck and I like it so theres that!! hauls the mail pretty well also
NSF

 

[Orange Juice]

I’d keep it stock, and spend most of the time making it reliable. My dad had a 1966 of the same vintage when I was growing up.

We drove it one summer to Alaska and back, towing a trailer.

 

[CarolynandBob]

Let me say the hard truth. A small window long bed has not much value, so don’t worry about, “ returning to original”. So take that out of the equation and things get simpler. The value is “ cool as shit, dads truck, and enjoying it!”

That is what I did with mine. Wanted something fun to drive to work. I didn't make any money selling it. I probably got the money back I spent on parts, but if you counted labor then it would be a huge loss. Didn't care because it was fun to do.

 

[Luvnlife]

Put gas in it and drive it.

 

[LargeOrangeFont]

And don’t waste your time on a sniper. Spend a few bucks more and get the terminator. Much better and more reliable.

This.

But don’t put an LS in it.. just put everything that makes an LS turn key, functional and reliable in it, without the LS long lock .

 

[Bigbore500r]

This.

But don’t put an LS in it.. just put everything that makes an LS turn key, functional and reliable in it, without the LS long lock .

Yes. that's the way to do it. And spend more on the Terminator setup that an entire 5.3 / 4l60 dropout costs

Then you get the best of everything - You get to keep the low power of the old SBC, the leaking 2-piece rear main, the seeping pan gasket, the leaking rear intake valley gasket, and you also get to keep the non-overdrive trans.

58mph on the freeway and she purrs like a kitten!

Oil smoke is super vintage, like patina for your nose. Just play some reverand horton heat and upgrade your AAA to gold membership.
Then you can pull all the chicks that look like rosie the riveter at the rockabilly reunion. She'll hear wedding bells as she gets to pose like a bubble gum popping hitchhiker , standing roadside in a puddle of genuine green coolant after the show.

Then you don't have to look at that those stupid 15 degree aluminum heads, strain to hear that boring quiet roller valvetrain, or miss opportunities to fuel up and check your oil. They say to know where you're going, you have to know where you've been - and that's easy - just line up with the spots on your concrete driveway. It's all one big period correct win.

 

[Bigbore500r]

I had this exact truck, but a ‘65 with a 283 and power glide. Long bed, small window C10.

It drove pretty damn good for a stock 65. The 4 wheel drums stopped decent too, other than a tendency to lock the rear up when they were warm and you were a little excitable with the brake pedal.

I had it painted and it immediately got stolen…..damn thieves

 

[Sleek-Jet]

....

Perfect truck for an ls..... load the ls in the box and take to dump along with the FI systems mentioned

Nice ride, put the chrome reverse rims back on and drive it

This is my vote. I miss having a vehicle around that has a carb and a distributor. Just jump in the darn thing, pump the gas twice and Vroom... Off we go. Especially if it is driven often.

Maybe an O/D for highway drives, but it doesn't hurt to wind those little V8's out to 3000-3500 rpm either, just a little noisy.

 

[4Waters]

....

Especially if it is driven often.

This, and if it isn't driven often then the carb is a pain in the ass, FI is hit the key and go. I will tune a carb all day at the track and enjoy it but when I want to just enjoy time with my family or run to a cruise night for a couple of hours fuel injection all the way, boat is FI for a reason and I am going to put a terminator FI on my 69 mustang.

I would put a late model 350 at a min as to get a 1 piece rear main and put a terminator on it with a 700r4 with the mid 70's K-member/suspension and brakes. It would be a super slick reliable driver.

 

[monkeyswrench]

Yes. that's the way to do it. And spend more on the Terminator setup that an entire 5.3 / 4l60 dropout costs

Then you get the best of everything - You get to keep the low power of the old SBC, the leaking 2-piece rear main, the seeping pan gasket, the leaking rear intake valley gasket, and you also get to keep the non-overdrive trans.

58mph on the freeway and she purrs like a kitten!

Oil smoke is super vintage, like patina for your nose. Just play some reverand horton heat and upgrade your AAA to gold membership.
Then you can pull all the chicks that look like rosie the riveter at the rockabilly reunion. She'll hear wedding bells as she gets to pose like a bubble gum popping hitchhiker , standing roadside in a puddle of genuine green coolant after the show.

Then you don't have to look at that those stupid 15 degree aluminum heads, strain to hear that boring quiet roller valvetrain, or miss opportunities to fuel up and check your oil. They say to know where you're going, you have to know where you've been - and that's easy - just line up with the spots on your concrete driveway. It's all one big period correct win.

I gotta ask, who TF built your small blocks?!

 

[Sherpa]

I ran a carter afb625. Literally for 2 decades.
Daily. Never needed to be choked even living in Chico/trips to Tahoe in winter.

Love those carters! Now edelbrocks.

 

[mash on it]

I gotta ask, who TF built your small blocks?!

He doesn't realize it's an L79.
So there's that.

Dan'l

 

[monkeyswrench]

He doesn't realize it's an L79.
So there's that.

Dan'l

The L79 cam sounds pretty good, and a 350hp 327 isn't too bad. I'm an old spirit, a cammed small block sounds better to me than a cammed LS. Sure, the LS has more power and potential. I've come to the conclusion in my old age that the hot rod attitude isn't just about speed.

 

[Bigbore500r]

I gotta ask, who TF built your small blocks?!

It’s not my small blocks that are the problem….lol

There’s a place for the traditional SBC platform in today’s performance market

A - you already have it in the car, and your gonna leave it alone and just tune it up / run it. Maybe your gonna budget hotrod it. Maybe your car has value if kept original and you don’t wanna loose the stock appearance or period correct look.

B - your going all out with a 400”+ beast. Big dollar aftermarket t block, Solid roller, 8000+ RPM monster making well north of 650 NA HP with light switch throttle response. Sprint Car / NASCAR inspired stuff. Maybe your even gonna run some 18 degree Brodix stuff, or you’ve got some exotic SB 2 stuff and know what to do with it……tower this is ghost rider, requesting a flyby….

But I can’t fathom spending a ton of time / money on a typical SBC adding EFI and 1/2 the Jegs catalog to make 450 HP

 

[Bigbore500r]

He doesn't realize it's an L79.
So there's that.

Dan'l

Ahh the L79 fire breather

An excerpt from a classic SBC factory engine dyno test session put together by super Chevy…

“After dialing in the ignition timing and carb jetting, the L79 produced peak numbers of 345 hp at 5,400 rpm and 381 lb-ft of torque at 3,900 rpm. Torque production exceeded 375 lb-ft from 3,400 rpm to 4,400 rpm and exceeded 350 lb-ft from 3,000 rpm (and lower) to 5,100 rpm.”

The stuff that Powerblock TV dreams are made of

 

[spectra3279]

I think keeping it in the decade or so that it was built. I'm a traditional kinda guy. Plus the ls swap is over done. Everything has an ls in it. Even a lawnmower.

 

[coolchange]

Yes. that's the way to do it. And spend more on the Terminator setup that an entire 5.3 / 4l60 dropout costs

Then you get the best of everything - You get to keep the low power of the old SBC, the leaking 2-piece rear main, the seeping pan gasket, the leaking rear intake valley gasket, and you also get to keep the non-overdrive trans.

58mph on the freeway and she purrs like a kitten!

Oil smoke is super vintage, like patina for your nose. Just play some reverand horton heat and upgrade your AAA to gold membership.
Then you can pull all the chicks that look like rosie the riveter at the rockabilly reunion. She'll hear wedding bells as she gets to pose like a bubble gum popping hitchhiker , standing roadside in a puddle of genuine green coolant after the show.

Then you don't have to look at that those stupid 15 degree aluminum heads, strain to hear that boring quiet roller valvetrain, or miss opportunities to fuel up and check your oil. They say to know where you're going, you have to know where you've been - and that's easy - just line up with the spots on your concrete driveway. It's all one big period correct win.

Jerry, you missed your calling…

 

[coolchange]

Ahh the L79 fire breather

An excerpt from a classic SBC factory engine dyno test session put together by super Chevy…

“After dialing in the ignition timing and carb jetting, the L79 produced peak numbers of 345 hp at 5,400 rpm and 381 lb-ft of torque at 3,900 rpm. Torque production exceeded 375 lb-ft from 3,400 rpm to 4,400 rpm and exceeded 350 lb-ft from 3,000 rpm (and lower) to 5,100 rpm.”

The stuff that Powerblock TV dreams are made of

Somewhere along the road, probably during an LS swap, you lost your soul.

 

[monkeyswrench]

Somewhere along the road, probably during an LS swap, you lost your soul.

LS really means "Lost Souls"?