WIW: '63 SWB Big Window (6cyl 3OT)

[72BlckButy]

I wanted to see what you guy's can tell me about a '63 I located. I'm not very familiar with their worth when being compared to the 67-72 models, so any help you can provide would be greatly appreciated.

Here's the specs on the truck from what I've been told thus far:

1963 chevy c-10. straight six. 3 on the tree. Tecently had the entire brake system replaced as well as a full tune up and radiator rebuild. The body is in great shape. The only sign of rust is at the corner of the drivers door, but it is very minimal. It has a one piece large back window.

And a few pics of the truck:







How does this model compare to the 64-66 models? Does the wrap around front window add value, or deduct value?

Thanks for any information you can provide!
Nate

[72BlckButy]

Sorry I don't have any other pictures, I am currently working on more information/pictures.

Also, what kind of suspension would this truck have? Similar to a 67-72 coil spring?

[lolife99]

Nice truck Nate!
Suspension will be like a '67-'70.
What's the scoop on this truck?

[72BlckButy]

Thanks for the info on the suspension Keith... I knew somewhere during the 60-66 era there was a different type of suspension (60-62 IIRC).

As far as the truck, it has actually been for sale for a few months with obviously not bites. I think the owner is high on the price which is why I wanted to see what something like this might be worth.

[63deluxfleet]

well first of all, that is a very clean, and nice example of a 63' i own one myself. well basically the difference is purely cosmetic. the design of the truck is one year specific. the differences is the grille, which has the rounded headlight bezels, the interior dash is different with the "double hump" dash, also the wrap around windshield is there vs the flat one on the 456 trucks. as you can see the doors are also angled different vs a 456 truck. the suspension is the same, which started in 63, with the coil suspension. the significance is that these parts (doors and grille) are not available in reproduction. i would say go for it as far as purchasing. all of the hard to find parts are there. Also, i might add it has the rare custom steering wheel, which is a sought after piece. i personally enjoy owning a 63 because of the one year specific design.
and to answer your question, if that truck has that minimal rust, i would say that the truck would be worth anywhere from $6,500-$8,000 in my opinion

[lolife99]

,... and the big back window makes it worth more,... in my opinion.

[72BlckButy]

Thank you for the review 63deluxfleet. I have been trying to read through several of the threads in the 60-66 MB to learn what the differences were, and I remember reading about the wrap around window and the double hump dash. I wasn't aware of the steering wheel though.

Thanks again!

[72BlckButy]

Originally Posted by lolife99

,... and the big back window makes it worth more,... in my opinion.

Two fold IMO...

[Bazooka]

I think $6,000 - $6,500. Just my opinion.

[markeb01]

I happen to prefer the 63 grille over all others in the 60-66 Chevy series. It was my preferred choice when I found my 1960 GMC instead. The 63 is unique in that it’s the only year with the later chassis while retaining the earlier windshield design. I like the wrap around windshield and double hump dash. There are trade offs depending on what is most important to you. The wrap around w/s is cool looking, but the glass costs more and is very hard to install compared to the 456 “flat” windshield. The knee knocker A post is less convenient when getting in and out of the cab compared to the later style. The 60-62 frame is actually much stronger than the 63-66 version, but has expensive to rebuild torsion bar front suspension. It’s essentially a convertible frame with mostly boxed rails and a full X member. The 63-66 frame is a simple ladder design with C channel rails which is similar to the later frames, and newer front suspension simply bolts on. Aftermarket upgrades for the 63-66 chassis are plentiful, while almost nothing is available for the 60-62 chassis.

The big back window is definitely a valuable addition today – if you like them. There are many on the forum spending a lot of effort and money to convert to the bbw. Although these may have been “desirable” when new, they weren’t very popular due to sun roasting the driver, which makes them hard to find, and worth more today.

I’d go along with what 63deluxefleet suggests as a starting point for value. There are many variables however which can have a bearing on what the seller will take and what the truck is actually worth. First is the “real” condition of the body. Mechanical fixes are easy and relatively cheap. Rust repair is one of the most expensive aspects of restoration. If the body is as good as it appears in the photos, this truck would be a solid investment. Make sure to check all the usual places for rust. I’d suggest taking a look at the following link for some tips:

http://www.stovebolt.com/techtips/bu...uide_60_66.htm

In negotiations it should be noted the six generally isn’t as desirable and the V8, however with gas prices it might make the owner happier. Another consideration is the terrible state of the economy. Just like home sales, there are many bargains available now in the collector car market. What used to cost tens of thousands of dollars can now frequently be obtained for half price or less. With so many people just trying to keep their lights on and feed the family, there are a flood of bargains to pick from. On the other hand if the guy is just selling it because he wants something else, he may just hang on until he gets top dollar. If it were to sell at auction, two competitive bidders could take the price to silly levels.

You’re heading the right direction looking for opinions. Take what is offered, do your own research, and analyze how all the input fits into your plans and desires. When buying a hobby vehicle, making a well thought out decision will usually make for happier long term ownership, rather than just jumping in emotionally. Good luck.

[LILRED66]

Door shells and door skins are now available for the '60-'66 Chevy/GMC doors.

It appears to be a well-optioned swb fleetside truck with the "now-desireable" big back glass. Not all like them, as mentioned above, as well as night driving...a lot of light shines in. I like them, due to the rear visibility, vs the small back window, which is what I grew up in.

Other options to look for are:

factory A/C
factory automatic
factory tach
factory driver side & passenger side sun visors
factory driver side & passenger side arm rests
factory Custom Cab/Custom Comfort features, including chrome dash knobs, glove box emblem, bright-work
factory power-assist steering
factory power brakes
factory tach
factory rear auxillary overload springs
etc., etc., etc. all of which will add to the value of the truck.

If the mechanicals check out and the rust is minimal in the usual areas, I think anything under $10K, is a reasonable deal. As in any situation, cash speaks and a motivated seller is your friend.

Good luck and let us know if you acquire the truck.

[63 & 64 Bowties]

Nate, the 63 is probably the most desirable of the 60-66's because it's the only model that has the wrap-around knee knocker windshield and the 67-72 style suspension.
Without seeing more, I'd say at LEAST $5,000

[72BlckButy]

Man guy's I can't thank you all enough. I'm still waiting to hear back from the seller to get some more information and pictures of the truck.

63deluxfleet, I was figuring around $4500-8000 depending on the "true" condition of the truck. As we all know pics only show so much so we'll see where the cards fall. Needless to say I've been hitting the 60-66 MB a little more lately.

markeb01... your overview of the 60-66 models was outstanding, props my friend! I did check out the link on Stovebolt and printed it out for future refrence. If I can arrange a time to meet the owner this weekend it will be with me and we'll see how things unfold.

LILRED66 (Tony), I was hoping you would chime in and provide your opinion on the truck. I'm hoping the truck is as nice as he says it is with only minor rust in the door. I will keep the list of added options on hand and see how many I can mark off the list.

Bill, that's kind of what I'm learning about this body style. The '63 definitely has clean lines, the wrap around w/s and year only features.

I've asked the owner, but did these trucks come with wood and steel floor options?

[63deluxfleet]

these trucks came only with the wood beds and steel strips. but...a 67-72 steel bed floor can be swapped in with little to no modifications. ill look for the thread on it..
here u go http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=370488

[72BlckButy]

Thanks for the link. IMO... I prefer the wood floor.

[ChiefRocka]

Like most people mentioned, the '63 is a VERY popular years. One of a kind grill, early styleing (glass/dash), but with coils up front.

That is one nice truck !! I sold this one, rattle canned primed, for $5000....That should make that one a hella of a lot more !!
-
-

[283 Man]

Chiefs right it should be around $10,000 no less great looking 63!!!

[choppedsled]

A V-8 Auto would bring more cash but the 6 with 3 on the tree kills the deal for a lot of people. I've bought two 63's and one 62 in the last 3 months. There are some real deals out there. I'd love to have that truck but starting around $5000 and tops would be $7000, maybe a bit more but only original paint with very minimal rust. The economy just isn't bringing in the prices they were a year ago. Just my opinion from having looked at a ton of these trucks in the last year. I'd say buy it if you really want it for yourself and don't be too concerned with the price. If your buying it to flip it, id stick close to the 5+ grand range. Good Luck !

[special-K]

If you know values on 67/72s then goe with your gut.That truck is worth as much or more than any 67/72 in simular condition/options.Only,figure a decent list of options is more rare in the`63 than any post`66.

[protrash64]

This looks like a very nice example of a '63. Even with minor issues it would be worth 5k+ no problem IMO. I would check out the body condition most of all.....the rest of the truck is a piece of cake to fix and work on. Good luck!!