1961 Chevy C70 Firetruck - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

**Todd68Chevy** · 11-11-2011, 10:34 PM

I bought this 1961 Chevy C70 Fire Truck last week from my local Fire Department. Some of you probably seen this when I posted it when I was looking at buying it but I thought I would start this thread so everyone can see. I have not got it moved home yet but was told the brakes did not work and now are locked up. The clutch is also supposed to be stuck. It has a 2 barrell 348 cid engine. It also has less than 16,000 miles on it. I do not have any plans on restoring this at this time but mainly wanted the 348 engine in it. I will figure out what I am going to do with it at a later date.

**Todd68Chevy** · 11-11-2011, 10:38 PM

More pictures

**Todd68Chevy** · 11-11-2011, 10:42 PM

More pictures.

qksilver · 11-11-2011, 10:55 PM

sweet!

Steve

jonzcustomshop · 11-12-2011, 08:28 AM

interesting how the back is pop riveted to the back of the cab....
that view was blocked by the mirrors in previous shots....

**62 Longbed** · 11-12-2011, 05:25 PM

I understand why you would want the motor ... I wish I was closer , depending on what you decided to do with the rest ... But I like It !!!!! But we can only do or have room for so much ... My wife Loves Firetrucks ... Keep us informed ... Awesome purchase !!!!

C10 - C90 Bill · 11-12-2011, 09:18 PM

If a Wrecker picks it up and moves it back and forth, it could break the Rear Brakes free, but to bring it home, you may want to Trailer it or Rollback it. Even with a Rollback, the Brakes could break free when pulling it up on the bed.

Keep us posted.

Bill

S-31 · 11-12-2011, 09:57 PM

Nice score! I'd love to have that grill and instrument cluster. Does anyone know if the hoods on the bigger trucks will fit on the 1/2 ton trucks?

krazy_texan · 11-12-2011, 10:08 PM

i would lower it and restore it and make it a cool truck to take to shows,

'63GENIII · 11-12-2011, 11:22 PM

Looks like it would be an easy resto if you went that way. Fire departments usally take pretty good care of their stuff. Either way, that thing is slick! Who doesn't like a firetruck? Hey is that some sort of block heater that the radiator hose runs through? Interesting looking.

**62 Longbed** · 11-13-2011, 05:38 AM

Yes, S-31 ... the hoods are the same as ours ...

**Todd68Chevy** · 11-13-2011, 08:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by qksilver

sweet!

Steve

Thanks

Quote:

Originally Posted by jonzcustomshop

interesting how the back is pop riveted to the back of the cab....
that view was blocked by the mirrors in previous shots....

Yes they tried to make it look like it is all one piece. The 40 that I have has the bed and the cab as 2 seperate parts.

Quote:

Originally Posted by 62 Longbed

I understand why you would want the motor ... I wish I was closer , depending on what you decided to do with the rest ... But I like It !!!!! But we can only do or have room for so much ... My wife Loves Firetrucks ... Keep us informed ... Awesome purchase !!!!

I already have a 1940 Chevy firetruck that I need to working on. I put a 283 cid, turbo 400, 88 box truck rear end under it and front disc brakes. I am keeping it stock looking but making it drivable. I have the 40 in the barn but I also have a 53 Chevy school bus outside and just sold a 46 Chevy firetruck chassis that I took the cab off of for another project. My dad says I need to go back to Hot Wheels because they take up less room. LOL

Quote:

Originally Posted by C10 - C90 Bill

If a Wrecker picks it up and moves it back and forth, it could break the Rear Brakes free, but to bring it home, you may want to Trailer it or Rollback it. Even with a Rollback, the Brakes could break free when pulling it up on the bed.

Bill

The truck is only a mile from my house so I think a wrecker will work good. I am hoping between the wrecker and some help I can get the brakes to free up so I can move it around once it is at the house.

Quote:

Originally Posted by S-31

Nice score! I'd love to have that grill and instrument cluster. Does anyone know if the hoods on the bigger trucks will fit on the 1/2 ton trucks?

Thanks, IF I part it out I will run an add in the classified section.

Quote:

Originally Posted by krazy_texan

i would lower it and restore it and make it a cool truck to take to shows,

That would look neat.

Quote:

Originally Posted by '63GENIII

Looks like it would be an easy resto if you went that way. Fire departments usally take pretty good care of their stuff. Either way, that thing is slick! Who doesn't like a firetruck? Hey is that some sort of block heater that the radiator hose runs through? Interesting looking.

This one has been sitting out side for close to 10 years and it is amazing that it has not been damaged but it still looks really good. I am not sure what that is. I know on my 40 it had a set up that in the summer they could run the tank water through the engine for better cooling while it was running at a fire so it might be something like that or it could be a heater. I will take a better look when I get it home.

**Todd68Chevy** · 11-19-2011, 09:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by krazy_texan

i would lower it and restore it and make it a cool truck to take to shows,

Lowering it would be pretty easy to do. I could not believe it when I looked under the front end and seen control arms and torsion bars. I thought all the big trucks would have straight axles. Bags in the front and change the rear springs.

jimmydean · 11-13-2011, 11:06 AM

That's bad ass! I think a resto is in order as well.

Fastrucken · 11-13-2011, 06:24 PM

What is the box that is inline with the upper radiator hose?

duallyjams · 11-13-2011, 07:32 PM

I like the spot light up high.

**Todd68Chevy** · 11-19-2011, 07:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jimmydean

That's bad ass! I think a resto is in order as well.

It will not be me but it would be nice to find someone that would restore it.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fastrucken

What is the box that is inline with the upper radiator hose?

I am still not sure. I looked at it again today and it also has 2 small lines coming out of it running back.

Quote:

Originally Posted by duallyjams

I like the spot light up high.

Does look different. I think I would rather have them high also.

Rooster's 67 · 11-19-2011, 09:55 PM

that box looks like it may be a block heater(keep the ole grl ready and warm in the winter for a call at any time), just a guess

Quote:

Originally Posted by Todd68Chevy

It will not be me but it would be nice to find someone that would restore it.

I am still not sure. I looked at it again today and it also has 2 small lines coming out of it running back.

Does look different. I think I would rather have them high also.

**Todd68Chevy** · 11-19-2011, 07:47 PM

Well the wrecker guy still does not have his truck back so I was thinking maybe I should go see if I can get the wheels to roll. My buddies kept saying "we can get that home" and one kept saying just let me know and I will help. I called him this afternoon and he met me over there. I removed the driveshaft and found that it turns. We jacked up each wheel and found them sunk down. After getting them raised up they rolled just fine. It was just sunk in the dirt. Noticed the parking brake is a drum on the rear of the transmission and it works just fine. We were discussing how to pull it and we decided that a tractor would be best. He call his wife to come help and I went home and got my dad's 1959 Ford Workmaster tractor. I pulled it and he steered. His wife followed in my truck and across town we came. I love living in a small town. He used the hand parking brake when needed and it went very smooth. Now I just have to figure out what to do with it.

While we were messing around and checking every thing out my buddy grabs for the water pump pulley. I of course said "that will not turn" and then he turns the engine over a short way. I could not believe it turned by the belt.

It was getting dark but I took a couple pictures anyway.

Pop's C-10 · 11-19-2011, 09:35 PM

That is a sweet truck..i'm sure tha whole thing would sell easy even without tha motor..

C10 - C90 Bill · 11-19-2011, 11:44 PM

It looks even better now.

Straight Front Axels weren't until '63 ('62 in a GMC 6500, not sure about a Chevy 80).

Nice looking Tractor by the way. I've got a '59 John Deere about the same size.

Bill

markeb01 · 11-19-2011, 11:54 PM

That is entirely too cool. Nice that you got it home without heavy equipment and without incident. Good luck on whatever you decide to do with it.

**Captainfab** · 11-20-2011, 12:11 AM

Depending on the condition of that front suspension, it might be worth some money to someone looking for one. Several months ago someone contacted me about parts for a medium duty truck with the torsion bars. At that time I had never heard of that in the medium duty trucks.

likaroc13 · 11-20-2011, 01:36 AM

while some of the parts could no doubt be used for another project, it looks like it's just too nice to not restore...it's definitely a unique find...congrats, & good luck with whatever you decide to do with it!

**Todd68Chevy** · 11-20-2011, 10:38 AM

My buddy's wife just sent me some pictures she took. I did not know I had pictures of the voyage across town.

11-11-2011, 10:34 PM	#1
Todd68Chevy Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Shelburn Indiana Posts: 3,975	1961 Chevy C70 Firetruck I bought this 1961 Chevy C70 Fire Truck last week from my local Fire Department. Some of you probably seen this when I posted it when I was looking at buying it but I thought I would start this thread so everyone can see. I have not got it moved home yet but was told the brakes did not work and now are locked up. The clutch is also supposed to be stuck. It has a 2 barrell 348 cid engine. It also has less than 16,000 miles on it. I do not have any plans on restoring this at this time but mainly wanted the 348 engine in it. I will figure out what I am going to do with it at a later date. Attached Images __________________ Note: All parts I have for sale are also for sale locally. I currently own: 1940 Chevy Fire truck (project), 1946 Chevy truck (project), 1946 Chevy 1 Ton pick up, 1953 Chevy school bus (storage area), 1968 Chevy C10 (I have drove for 26 years), 1994 Chevy C2500 (daily driver), 2005 GMC crew cab K2500 (parts hauler) and more trucks for parts.

11-11-2011, 10:38 PM	#2
Todd68Chevy Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Shelburn Indiana Posts: 3,975	Re: 1961 Chevy C70 Firetruck More pictures Attached Images __________________ Note: All parts I have for sale are also for sale locally. I currently own: 1940 Chevy Fire truck (project), 1946 Chevy truck (project), 1946 Chevy 1 Ton pick up, 1953 Chevy school bus (storage area), 1968 Chevy C10 (I have drove for 26 years), 1994 Chevy C2500 (daily driver), 2005 GMC crew cab K2500 (parts hauler) and more trucks for parts.

11-11-2011, 10:42 PM	#3
Todd68Chevy Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Shelburn Indiana Posts: 3,975	Re: 1961 Chevy C70 Firetruck More pictures. Attached Images __________________ Note: All parts I have for sale are also for sale locally. I currently own: 1940 Chevy Fire truck (project), 1946 Chevy truck (project), 1946 Chevy 1 Ton pick up, 1953 Chevy school bus (storage area), 1968 Chevy C10 (I have drove for 26 years), 1994 Chevy C2500 (daily driver), 2005 GMC crew cab K2500 (parts hauler) and more trucks for parts.

11-11-2011, 10:55 PM	#4
qksilver Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Southern Pines NC Posts: 3,853	Re: 1961 Chevy C70 Firetruck sweet! Steve

11-12-2011, 08:28 AM	#5
jonzcustomshop 1961 crewcab Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: missoula, mt Posts: 6,164	Re: 1961 Chevy C70 Firetruck interesting how the back is pop riveted to the back of the cab.... that view was blocked by the mirrors in previous shots.... __________________ 60 build: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=280904 61 crew build: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=646830 63 build: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=336537 64 'burb build: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=448681 65 'burb build: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=590715 65 build: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=281955

11-12-2011, 05:25 PM	#6
62 Longbed Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Gresham , Oregon Posts: 588	Re: 1961 Chevy C70 Firetruck I understand why you would want the motor ... I wish I was closer , depending on what you decided to do with the rest ... But I like It !!!!! But we can only do or have room for so much ... My wife Loves Firetrucks ... Keep us informed ... Awesome purchase !!!!

11-12-2011, 09:18 PM	#7
C10 - C90 Bill Registered User Join Date: Nov 2001 Location: Moneta, VA USA Posts: 3,087	Re: 1961 Chevy C70 Firetruck If a Wrecker picks it up and moves it back and forth, it could break the Rear Brakes free, but to bring it home, you may want to Trailer it or Rollback it. Even with a Rollback, the Brakes could break free when pulling it up on the bed. Keep us posted. Bill __________________ '60-'72 Chev/GMC Fan GMC 9500 Fan Detroit Diesel Fan

11-12-2011, 09:57 PM	#8
S-31 Registered User Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: Fayetteville NC Posts: 98	Re: 1961 Chevy C70 Firetruck Nice score! I'd love to have that grill and instrument cluster. Does anyone know if the hoods on the bigger trucks will fit on the 1/2 ton trucks?

11-12-2011, 10:08 PM	#9
krazy_texan Registered User Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: West Des Moines, Ia Posts: 3,233	Re: 1961 Chevy C70 Firetruck i would lower it and restore it and make it a cool truck to take to shows, __________________ Krazy Texan My Trucks are made with Wrenches not Chop Sticks 1967 GMC 3/4 ton "Johnny Cash" 1990 v1500 suburban 1967 Ford f100 Swb 4x4 "green bean" GOD BLESS JESUS, JOHN WAYNE, AND THE ALAMO

11-12-2011, 11:22 PM	#10
'63GENIII Registered User Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: San Carlos, Ca. Posts: 3,048	Re: 1961 Chevy C70 Firetruck Looks like it would be an easy resto if you went that way. Fire departments usally take pretty good care of their stuff. Either way, that thing is slick! Who doesn't like a firetruck? Hey is that some sort of block heater that the radiator hose runs through? Interesting looking. __________________ Chris '63 k15 long step Vortec 7.4 - L29 Blackbear tune, Five 0 Motorsports injectors, Chris Straub Cam, NV4500, divorced 205 52" front and 63" rear spring swap D44 / 14bff - disc axles Milemarker 9K and 10.5K hydraulic winches 63" & B52 Spring Install http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...ng+swap+thread NV4500 Reverse Build Thread http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...=reverse+build L29 - 7.4 Vortec Build http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...&highlight=L29

11-13-2011, 05:38 AM	#11
62 Longbed Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Gresham , Oregon Posts: 588	Re: 1961 Chevy C70 Firetruck Yes, S-31 ... the hoods are the same as ours ...

11-13-2011, 11:06 AM	#14
jimmydean Registered User Join Date: May 2005 Location: Beaverton, OR Posts: 3,728	Re: 1961 Chevy C70 Firetruck That's bad ass! I think a resto is in order as well. __________________ New Project: 1966 LWB C20 Plans: 1/2 ton conversion Dropmember front Dropmember rear Corvette discs Restored raised bed http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s....php?p=4295210

11-13-2011, 06:24 PM	#15
Fastrucken Junior Member Join Date: May 2006 Location: Peninsula, Oh Posts: 197	Re: 1961 Chevy C70 Firetruck What is the box that is inline with the upper radiator hose? __________________ A good friend will come bail you out of jail, but a true friend will be sitting next to you saying, "That was ****ing awesome."

11-13-2011, 07:32 PM	#16
duallyjams Registered User Join Date: May 2007 Location: Deale Md Posts: 4,663	Re: 1961 Chevy C70 Firetruck I like the spot light up high. __________________ James 63 GMC V6 4speed carryall 65 chevy swb bbw V8 auto 68 K20 327/4 speed, buddy buckets 2002 GMC CC Dually Duramax 64 GMC lwb 3/4 V6 4speed SOLD 66 GMC swb bbw buddy buckets SOLD IG duallyjams The only thing that stays the same is constant change!

11-19-2011, 07:47 PM	#19
Todd68Chevy Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Shelburn Indiana Posts: 3,975	Re: 1961 Chevy C70 Firetruck Well the wrecker guy still does not have his truck back so I was thinking maybe I should go see if I can get the wheels to roll. My buddies kept saying "we can get that home" and one kept saying just let me know and I will help. I called him this afternoon and he met me over there. I removed the driveshaft and found that it turns. We jacked up each wheel and found them sunk down. After getting them raised up they rolled just fine. It was just sunk in the dirt. Noticed the parking brake is a drum on the rear of the transmission and it works just fine. We were discussing how to pull it and we decided that a tractor would be best. He call his wife to come help and I went home and got my dad's 1959 Ford Workmaster tractor. I pulled it and he steered. His wife followed in my truck and across town we came. I love living in a small town. He used the hand parking brake when needed and it went very smooth. Now I just have to figure out what to do with it. While we were messing around and checking every thing out my buddy grabs for the water pump pulley. I of course said "that will not turn" and then he turns the engine over a short way. I could not believe it turned by the belt. It was getting dark but I took a couple pictures anyway. Attached Images __________________ Note: All parts I have for sale are also for sale locally. I currently own: 1940 Chevy Fire truck (project), 1946 Chevy truck (project), 1946 Chevy 1 Ton pick up, 1953 Chevy school bus (storage area), 1968 Chevy C10 (I have drove for 26 years), 1994 Chevy C2500 (daily driver), 2005 GMC crew cab K2500 (parts hauler) and more trucks for parts.



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11-19-2011, 09:35 PM	#20
Pop's C-10 Registered User Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: memphis Posts: 2,537	Re: 1961 Chevy C70 Firetruck That is a sweet truck..i'm sure tha whole thing would sell easy even without tha motor.. __________________ 1981 C-10 (Pop's) 1978 Camaro 2006 Lacrosse

11-19-2011, 11:44 PM	#21
C10 - C90 Bill Registered User Join Date: Nov 2001 Location: Moneta, VA USA Posts: 3,087	Re: 1961 Chevy C70 Firetruck It looks even better now. Straight Front Axels weren't until '63 ('62 in a GMC 6500, not sure about a Chevy 80). Nice looking Tractor by the way. I've got a '59 John Deere about the same size. Bill __________________ '60-'72 Chev/GMC Fan GMC 9500 Fan Detroit Diesel Fan

11-19-2011, 11:54 PM	#22
markeb01 Senior Enthusiast Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Spokane Valley, WA Posts: 8,356	Re: 1961 Chevy C70 Firetruck That is entirely too cool. Nice that you got it home without heavy equipment and without incident. Good luck on whatever you decide to do with it.

11-20-2011, 12:11 AM	#23
Captainfab 60-66 Nut Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Coeur d'Alene, Idaho Posts: 23,252	Re: 1961 Chevy C70 Firetruck Depending on the condition of that front suspension, it might be worth some money to someone looking for one. Several months ago someone contacted me about parts for a medium duty truck with the torsion bars. At that time I had never heard of that in the medium duty trucks. __________________ Power Steering Box Adapter Plates For Sale HERE Power Brake Booster Adapter Brackets For Sale '63-'66 HERE and '67-'72 HERE and '60-'62 HERE and "60-'62 with clutch HERE Rear Disc Brake Brackets For Sale. Impala SS calipers HERE Camaro Calipers HERE D52 Calipers HERE 6 Lug HERE Hydroboost Mounting Plates HERE

11-20-2011, 01:36 AM	#24
likaroc13 Rollin' Old Skool Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Hattiesburg, MS Posts: 5,371	Re: 1961 Chevy C70 Firetruck while some of the parts could no doubt be used for another project, it looks like it's just too nice to not restore...it's definitely a unique find...congrats, & good luck with whatever you decide to do with it! __________________ _____________________________________________ Phillip My Build threads: 1966 Chevy C-10 "Black Betty" shortbed, fleetside, BBW, 327 V8/ Powerglide (under construction) http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...ighlight=betty 1997 Chevy Tahoe, 2dr/2wd, mild custom (Daily driver) http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=601142 Pics: '66 C-10 https://flic.kr/s/aHsjHWD4h9 '97 Tahoe https://flic.kr/s/aHsjGZ7wKP '93 C-1500 https://flic.kr/s/aHskxdpdnQ '88 S-10 Blazer https://flic.kr/s/aHsjYGx4Md Previous Rides: 1993 Chevy S-10 ext. cab, 4.3L, 4/5 drop (Sold) 1993 Chevy C-1500 short/step Retro-Rod (Sold) 1988 S-10 Blazer 2dr/2wd mild custom (Sold)

11-20-2011, 10:38 AM	#25
Todd68Chevy Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Shelburn Indiana Posts: 3,975	Re: 1961 Chevy C70 Firetruck My buddy's wife just sent me some pictures she took. I did not know I had pictures of the voyage across town. Attached Images __________________ Note: All parts I have for sale are also for sale locally. I currently own: 1940 Chevy Fire truck (project), 1946 Chevy truck (project), 1946 Chevy 1 Ton pick up, 1953 Chevy school bus (storage area), 1968 Chevy C10 (I have drove for 26 years), 1994 Chevy C2500 (daily driver), 2005 GMC crew cab K2500 (parts hauler) and more trucks for parts.

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