1964 4x4 Swiss fire truck conversion

[jonzcustomshop]

these pics from 1963c10 show a very similar truck: same mirrors and tires/wheels
not sure if the ad is a swiss ad or not...

[Skywalker1210]

Originally Posted by jonzcustomshop

these pics from 1963c10 show a very similar truck: same mirrors and tires/wheels
not sure if the ad is a swiss ad or not...

Wow, where did you get this ad from? First time I see this. Thanks for sharing!!

And yes, this is a Swiss ad (the number plate is from the capital Bern)

Again, thanks!

[jonzcustomshop]

Originally Posted by Skywalker1210

Wow, where did you get this ad from? First time I see this. Thanks for sharing!!

And yes, this is a Swiss ad (the number plate is from the capital Bern)

Again, thanks!

Originally Posted by 1963c-10

very cool truck and welcome to the forum.

this guy posted it in another thread, I just copied and re-posted it here...

[Skywalker1210]

Still no progress on the truck. Unfortunately, some of the wires melted while being prepared for the paint job. My electrician says I should consider replacing the entire harness while I am it...

Now - question for you: would you recommend any wiring harness that I should buy? There are quite a few different ones available on the market. Universal ones for around 250 bucks and model-specific harnesses for almost 500. Is it really worth spending twice as much for the specific one?

Any experience?

Thanks.
Luke

[TJ's Chevy]

Painless is a good choice. The universal 20 circut harnesses are the ones to get. Nice thing about universal is it helps to let you runs wires more where you'd like. And there cheaper. I've heard good about painless so far.

[ambros]

I used American auto wire complete harness for a total rewire I bought it in amazon for 465 dollars every wire is marked and the instructions are pretty easy to follow

[Skywalker1210]

Thanks guys. Decided to go for the Painless version. Great product - got a nice deal at Summitracing. Installed it after I got the truck back. 2 full days, but it was worth it. Easy to install, very good description. I can only recommend it....

[franken]

I love the truck.

You might consider hunting for a set of later wheels depending on the cost of tires and willingness of shops to work with the split rims. Big truck service centers are probably more used to them.

I'd guess the originals are 16.5" and later are probably 16" diameter. Later wheels may even be a bit wider.

Finally, a front diff from 71-87 will have disk brakes and may bolt in.

[Skywalker1210]

Thanks! I was thinking of converting to disc brakes, especially since I will be driving around my family. But difficult to source the right diff in Europe. Will be a project for next year I guess...

I finally got the truck back from the paint shop. Will post some pictures in the next few days when I get back home. Before I get it back on the street, I would like to exchange all fluids (axles, transmission, cooling, what else??) since the car was not in use for almost 10 years. Engine oil and brake fluid already done... What kind of oils would you recommend?

[Skywalker1210]

I have the original wheels that came with the truck - just looking for a set of matching tires. Until then I will keep it on the chrome wheels...

[sodly]

The stock wheels MAKE that truck, IMHO.

[Skywalker1210]

So finally, I made some progress. The truck came back from the paint shop and I put it back together. Two tone blue/white as mentioned in my introduction. Have a look and let me know what you think.

Had some fires to fight with rust on the bed I sourced in Germany, but the cab was totally fine.

New wiring harness and some newer Chevy truck chrome wheels (for now). I know, I know, you all prefer stock wheels - once I find the right tires and caps for 17" wheels, I will put them back on. Until then, I think this is a good interim solution ;-)

Also got a different manifold and muffler to give the truck a slightly nicer sound. Amazing what a 3 inch pipe can do...

[Skywalker1210]

some more pics...

[Skywalker1210]

But now to the important questions:

1. How do I increase milage per gallon?
2. What parts do I need in order to upgrade to power steering?

I would like to make the 4x4 my daily driver (at least in summer). And brakes are also something I am considering doing... Would love to have proper brakes on the 4x4. Any ideas?

Thanks in advance for any input you might have...

Luke

[RANDY COX]

Very Sweet truck, I too also agree about the original wheels, I like the red and I like the Blue, I'm partial to Blue.. Me Likes a lot and 4X4 to boot...

[TopFuel1966]

Sehr schönes Wagen. Vielen Dank für die Fotos.

[Palf70Step]

Very Nice!!! I thought the red was good, but that blue really stands out!

[hotrod66]

Originally Posted by Skywalker1210

But now to the important questions:

1. How do I increase milage per gallon?
2. What parts do I need in order to upgrade to power steering?

I would like to make the 4x4 my daily driver (at least in summer). And brakes are also something I am considering doing... Would love to have proper brakes on the 4x4. Any ideas?

Thanks in advance for any input you might have...

Luke

on the fuel milage a overdrive transmission is a major help.
the power-steering a 73-87 chevy steering box and adapter plate to mount your box to the frame, then you need a pump and bracket (the brackets for the pump are hard to get even in the usa, they did not make many of them) or you could get some like mine that are made by davis speed equipment.

as for disk brakes on your truck i dont know i have never owned a 4x4.
i hope this helps!

[pimpston65]

dang it, i was on-board til i saw the color change. i was totally into the red with those beastly tires. wanna sell the hub caps???

[gixxer711]

Truck looks great! Can't believe I am gonna say this because I leave nothing stock, but I woulda left it all red with the stock wheels like shown previously (totally want one now and I don't care for 4x4s normally). Now that you have the metallic blue with white top and chrome parts, I would go with a polished or chrome aftermarket off road style wheel with current all terrain or mud tires. It is a totally different truck now, but still nice!

[gulfcoast66]

I like it blue, gonna look Great when you put New wheels and tires.... GC66

[1963c-10]

Originally Posted by Skywalker1210

Wow, where did you get this ad from? First time I see this. Thanks for sharing!!

And yes, this is a Swiss ad (the number plate is from the capital Bern)

Again, thanks!

I found it on the internet....not something in my collection. Just shared it with the forum.

[61K10]

tk looks great!! nice job. as for p/s and disc brakes just get a newer ft axle.

[markeb01]

I liked the stock appearance in red, but the new color has taken it to a different level, and added a great deal of interest and appeal in my opinion. Beautiful!

[Skywalker1210]

Originally Posted by pimpston65

dang it, i was on-board til i saw the color change. i was totally into the red with those beastly tires. wanna sell the hub caps???

the red tones of the cab and bed were different, so I decided to get a new paint. And since my previous G30 (Chevy Van) was red I decided to go for another color...

I have 3 of the 4 hubcaps. for 17" wheels tho. Lost the forth one on my first ride. Damn