Front end 1962

[6863m]

I am trying to change the torsion bar front end on my 62 c-10 and I bought a new front end from a wrecking yard and he said it was a a1980 and a direct bolt on front end. I put it up today and it does not fit up. The bolts only line up in a coupe of bolt holes the rest are off at least a 1/4 inch.

Is there a specific year I should be looking at. I thought I could go all the way to 87 and it would fit the holes. Am I limited to only 63 through 66.

I purchased new rotors and bearnings to change whatever I get.

Can anyone help me with this. I don't think I will have a problem with the yard exchanging the front end.

[jonzcustomshop]

some others will chime in...but from what I have gathered on here, you have to drill 2 holes, and enlarge the rest that don't line up exactly.
you do have the right stuff.

[6863m]

If I have to drill a couple of holes which ones are the starting holes. I can get two bolts each in the underside and one in the top holes. Would the underside bolts be the ones to use as the starting bolts to position everything before I mark, drill and enlarge the other holes.

[protrash64]

I have NOT done this.......but I understand what you are explaining. Is it possible to get a center line measurement off the original X-member and then line it up on the frame. Shooting for wheel centerline, thats what I was thinking. Then it would allow you to figure out where the new one was supposed to fit.

[Captainfab]

I have not done one on a '60-'62, but on the '63-'70's all the holes line up except for 1 1/2 holes per side. All the pickup and Suburban front crossmembers are the same bolt pattern from '73-'87. Sorry I couldn't be more help, hopefully someone will chime in that has done exactly what you are.

[joe231]

i haven't done it either......so it is just my opinion.
but i would say put the bolts in that will line up, then check the wheel center-line in the wheel opening......if it is good drill the rest

[502tripower]

As others have said you should be able to see where the old cross was. Line up the new and start drilling.

[Imperial Kustom]

I have done this more than once. Nobody ever believed me that a '63 and up crossmember does NOT bolt in directly to the '62 and earlier frames. The two holes on the bottom of the frame rails that do line up are in the right spot. Use these holes as your starting point and enlarge all the others and it will be right on.

[6863m]

I used the two bottom bolts as you said that line up and marked all the others and drilled and opened up the others to allow for the bolts. It seems to be lined up but I am not sure what to use as a measuring point but the predrilled holes in the frame all seem to be even when I use them.

Thanks for all the help.

My next topic will be about the motor mounts but I will get the front end on first.

[Imperial Kustom]

I used the regular towers for 63-72. Bolted 'em to the motor, set it in and bolted it to the bellhousing, and then center punched 'em on the rails and crossmember. They fit a little odd because the '60-'62 frame rails are an inch shorter than '63 and up.

[62ChevyStep]

Sorry Fella's been outta town and off the web! Just got back and saw this post. Yep Imperial is correct, easiest and fastest way to go, worked like a charm on my 62' back when we did this. Looks like you have it under control...I'm out!