63 getting a little TLC - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

dlbraly · 12-03-2023, 07:06 PM

It was parked in 1991.
Got brake parts coming this week.
replaced the distributor with an HEI distributor. I was just going to replace the points, but those are pretty high these days.
rebuilding the carb now. Ordered some shaft bushings.
Dad's 71 Bug - It back together. Replaced the steering gear box, tie rods, center link.

**62bagger** · 12-03-2023, 08:31 PM

Very cool truck

lonestar308 · 12-04-2023, 03:49 PM

2 questions...

1. What motor are you running?
2. Did you have any issues with clearance between the HEI and the firewall?

Going to be swapping in a 400 SBC w/HEI into my '63 and it looks like it'll be awful close in there between the HEI and firewall.

**MikeN** · 12-04-2023, 04:27 PM

I have run a stock HEI on a 350 in my 64 C10, with the engine mounts in the stock locations. It's tight to the firewall, but it works. If you need to pull the distributor with the engine still in the truck, you just have to pop the cap off first, then the distributor will come out.

All that said, after a few years of running it that way, I bought an MSD small body HEI with external coil. It just makes everything easier.

dlbraly · 12-04-2023, 11:47 PM

No clearance issues using the HEI Dist.
350 engine

I also run one in my 56 - also 350 engine.

Both truck were 6 cylinder engines. The 56 I changed out, but the 63 was already changed out when my Dad purchased it in 86.

I bought a real cheap Distributor this time - I hope that does not bite me.
$60 on amazon, but figured I'd give it a go.

12-03-2023, 07:06 PM	#1
dlbraly Registered User Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Wylie Posts: 33	63 getting a little TLC It was parked in 1991. Got brake parts coming this week. replaced the distributor with an HEI distributor. I was just going to replace the points, but those are pretty high these days. rebuilding the carb now. Ordered some shaft bushings. Dad's 71 Bug - It back together. Replaced the steering gear box, tie rods, center link. Attached Images __________________ Take Care, Dave

12-03-2023, 08:31 PM	#2
62bagger Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2016 Location: Sonora California Posts: 264	Re: 63 getting a little TLC Very cool truck

12-04-2023, 03:49 PM	#3
lonestar308 Registered User Join Date: Aug 2018 Location: Houston, TX Posts: 34	Re: 63 getting a little TLC 2 questions... 1. What motor are you running? 2. Did you have any issues with clearance between the HEI and the firewall? Going to be swapping in a 400 SBC w/HEI into my '63 and it looks like it'll be awful close in there between the HEI and firewall.

12-04-2023, 04:27 PM	#4
MikeN Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Marietta, GA Posts: 778	Re: 63 getting a little TLC I have run a stock HEI on a 350 in my 64 C10, with the engine mounts in the stock locations. It's tight to the firewall, but it works. If you need to pull the distributor with the engine still in the truck, you just have to pop the cap off first, then the distributor will come out. All that said, after a few years of running it that way, I bought an MSD small body HEI with external coil. It just makes everything easier.

12-04-2023, 11:47 PM	#5
dlbraly Registered User Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Wylie Posts: 33	Re: 63 getting a little TLC No clearance issues using the HEI Dist. 350 engine I also run one in my 56 - also 350 engine. Both truck were 6 cylinder engines. The 56 I changed out, but the 63 was already changed out when my Dad purchased it in 86. I bought a real cheap Distributor this time - I hope that does not bite me. $60 on amazon, but figured I'd give it a go. __________________ Take Care, Dave



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