front crossmember swap Q's on a '62 with a 261

[HumphreyMurdoch]

Hey fellas, This is a long drawn out thread but please bear with me. I've been reading all kinds of threads till my eyes start bleeding and just have a few loose ends to figure out. First off, I bought a '62 Longbed fleetside with a 261 a couple months back.



Yes, it does have a '63 grill but I assure you, the torsion bars and hydraulic clutch are there.

Have any of you guys done a crossmember swap with the front mounted inline 6? The mount is riveted to the front member, which I'm sure can be attached to the newer style. BUT, will the steering linkage fit in between like the original as posted below??



If anybody could post pictures of the center link at a couple different angles on the new style steering, that would be just fantastic.

My next question. If it's not practical to use the front mount and since my engine has the three holes on both sides of the engine for side mounts. Does anyone know if running side mounts would interfere with running fenton headers??

Lastly, any chance a steering column from a '69 C-10 bolt in my '62? with the updated steering linkages and box, this would attach to the box.

Thanks guys, I've tried to do my homework as much as possible and not beat a dead horse. This is my first post but I haven't had a need to post seeing as how most all my Q's have already been answered up till this.

Here's a picture of my daughter playing in my truck, she loves it. Gotta teach 'em young!

[Captainfab]

Nice looking truck, and cute girl

Looks like you found one of those elusive aluminum '63 grills.

Regarding the steering linkage, I would say the draglink may be close to that front mount. If it is too close or touching, it could be notched for clearance, and a half round filler welded in.

A '69 column will not be a plug and play installation, but it will fit closely to your dash and firewall. There will be some modifications necessary.

[chopper john]

i did it on my 60 with a 235 . just cut the rivets bolted to the motor. linde it all up drilled holes on the new crossmember. no clearance issues on the mounting bracket

[markeb01]

Don’t know the answers to the engine mount questions, but perhaps this thread will help with the crossmember swap:

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=366828

[HumphreyMurdoch]

Thanks captain! She's the light in our lives and yes it is an aluminum grill. Truck has been owned by a few, for lack of nicer words, hacks. But its got alot of potential and a solid start!

chopper john,
Thanks for the input, glad to hear it wasn't an issue. I'll just have to give it a go and see how mine turns out!

markeb01

I've read that thread a few times, it is definately a great build and good work.

Now just the slow going of accumulating parts and crawling through bone yards for buried treasures.

I'll keep ya posted as it goes on, or at least ask questions when needed.