1961 Chevy Sparten 409 - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

*Peanutbutter* · 01-30-2018, 11:39 PM

Went to a yard sale awhile back, clear on the other side of town, wife and I got there first. I was in hog heaven, all kinds of semi truck parts, cheap, but the first thing I got was this 1961 Sparten 70 3 axle, W motor with 5 and 3. Could'nt waite to git it home.

j.kirn · 01-31-2018, 12:21 AM

nice

C10 - C90 Bill · 01-31-2018, 12:22 AM

Interesting truck.

Probably about as heavy as you could get for a C-Series in '61.

*Peanutbutter* · 01-31-2018, 01:19 AM

36000 on the data plate

**buggy5872** · 01-31-2018, 08:37 AM

looks to be in pretty good shape. Nice score

5Tractorguy · 01-31-2018, 08:51 AM

I hope your going to be putting it back on the road. That is one cool truck!

*Peanutbutter* · 01-31-2018, 10:42 AM

it had a dump box on it but its going to be a tractor. I want to be able to pull my little 25 ton hyster manul folding gooseneck lowboy. That means I'll have to mount a winch behind the cab, but I already have a 6041 browne with a power tower on it so I have all the pieces I need.

flashed · 01-31-2018, 10:48 AM

Cool old truck , Im in to see more .

factorystock · 01-31-2018, 12:43 PM

Wow, rare find. Not your typical early 60's Chevy truck. This one has some good bones! Glad you saved it!

C10 - C90 Bill · 01-31-2018, 06:09 PM

Right, '62 was the first year in the '60-'66 style truck that got the Straight Front Axle and only on the GMC 6500. Never did find out if the '62 Chevy C-80 got one as well, but all trucks did '63 and up. If I had a Torsion Bar Suspension, I would keep it too.

What is wrong with the '61 Cab? It looks OK in the pictures.

5Tractorguy · 01-31-2018, 06:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by C10 - C90 Bill

If I had a Torsion Bar Suspension, I would keep it too.

I will say with a load on it they do ride nice for a big truck.

C10 - C90 Bill · 01-31-2018, 07:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 5Tractorguy

I will say with a load on it they do ride nice for a big truck.

I used to carry 14,000 on my '62 4000 and I agree, it rode just fine.

*Peanutbutter* · 01-31-2018, 09:39 PM

the cab looks descent from a distance but rough close up, I'm more of a 456 guy and I have much nicer 456 cabs to pick from. That will greatly reduce the time it takes to get the truck operational. That may give me more time to cherry out a big back window cab that I have and swap them out later. As far as the IFS is concerned I have never even driven or rode in one of the old torsion trucks, that would be great if it rode softer than what I'm used to.

Robert1970C20rstbukt · 02-02-2018, 10:21 PM

Awesome truck, very cool engine/transmission combo! My Grandpa used to have a 1960 Fleetside pickup, would like to find a '60 or '61 C50 or C60 to set up with the winch and gin poles that I have. Found a 1965 Chevy with tandems about 30 miles away several months ago but the scrapper beat me to it, shame as it ran only a few years ago until the owner passed.

factorystock · 02-04-2018, 10:50 AM

'62 was the first year for the straight axle option on Chevy's, but only on the 80 series. IMO, I would leave the front suspension alone if its OK, more historical and gossip value, just 3 years of this type of suspension in such large of a truck. Same goes for the cab, IMO, I would stick with correct styled cab, I'm sure theres a few super clean ex grain hauling C 50's that would make great donors for a rare factory dual drive 10 wheeler.

*Peanutbutter* · 02-06-2018, 12:19 AM

was 1961 the last year for the sparten 70 designation and then in 1962 it evolved into the C 80?, or how did that work?

factorystock · 02-10-2018, 11:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Peanutbutter

was 1961 the last year for the sparten 70 designation and then in 1962 it evolved into the C 80?, or how did that work?

The 70 series was replaced by the 80 series in '62 and the head honcho.

C10 - C90 Bill · 02-06-2018, 01:20 AM

I believe that would be correct.

Also, just to throw in another 2 Cents, I would also recommend keeping the original style cab.

*Peanutbutter* · 02-06-2018, 01:41 AM

I'm still trying to convince myself it would look great as one of these, instead of a 456.

C10 - C90 Bill · 02-06-2018, 09:03 AM

I like both, but only when they correspond to the front clip they sport.

Myself, I can spot the difference a mile away.

5Tractorguy · 02-06-2018, 09:51 AM

Searching through trucks around the US, came across this in Arizona, figured it could be good for reference photos.

If ya can stick with that original '60-'63 cab, the front grill and the cab make the look of that truck.

https://phoenix.craigslist.org/evl/c...456057973.html

*Peanutbutter* · 02-06-2018, 02:52 PM

thanks 5T for the info, If I had the yellow cab and clip on the upper photo in my post 22 it would be a done deal.

*Peanutbutter* · 02-06-2018, 03:37 PM

spent the last 3 days at the annual farm consignment sale, all kinds of neat stuff, got rid of stuff and picked up more stuff. Since I want to make the Sparten 70 compatible with my 1967 Hyster folding gooseneck lowboy I need a winch behind the cab, I have one but found one I like a lot better at the auction. Its a nice old old school rigup truck winch with the cap head drums and clutch and brake levers intact. Very period for this truck and I've got the 6041 browne with a power tower to run the winch.

**special-K** · 02-07-2018, 08:43 AM

Glad to hear it!

jumpsoffrock · 02-09-2018, 10:15 PM

Man that is such a cool truck. I would love to have a truck like that for a car hauler, but I don't think I'm a skillful enough driver to use air brakes.

01-30-2018, 11:39 PM	#1
Peanutbutter Account Suspended Join Date: Feb 2013 Location: Mesa, Colorado Posts: 450	1961 Chevy Sparten 409 Went to a yard sale awhile back, clear on the other side of town, wife and I got there first. I was in hog heaven, all kinds of semi truck parts, cheap, but the first thing I got was this 1961 Sparten 70 3 axle, W motor with 5 and 3. Could'nt waite to git it home. Attached Images

01-31-2018, 12:21 AM	#2
j.kirn Registered User Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: MO. Posts: 970	Re: 1961 Chevy Sparten 409 nice

01-31-2018, 12:22 AM	#3
C10 - C90 Bill Registered User Join Date: Nov 2001 Location: Moneta, VA USA Posts: 3,066	Re: 1961 Chevy Sparten 409 Interesting truck. Probably about as heavy as you could get for a C-Series in '61. __________________ '60-'72 Chev/GMC Fan GMC 9500 Fan Detroit Diesel Fan

01-31-2018, 01:19 AM	#4
Peanutbutter Account Suspended Join Date: Feb 2013 Location: Mesa, Colorado Posts: 450	Re: 1961 Chevy Sparten 409 36000 on the data plate

01-31-2018, 08:37 AM	#5
buggy5872 Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: North Beaver TWP PA Posts: 833	Re: 1961 Chevy Sparten 409 looks to be in pretty good shape. Nice score __________________ ___________________________ 1959 Apache Short Fleetside, 1959 Apache NAPCO Long Stepside, 1957 3100 with 59 fleetside bed 1957 5700 LCF Crew Cab "Big Bertha",1959 GMC F370 1958 GMC 600, 1946 Chevy, 1959 Viking 60 LCF 1974 Elcamino SS, 1979 6500 GMC Tilt Bed Wrecker Big Bertha Build

01-31-2018, 08:51 AM	#6
5Tractorguy Registered User Join Date: May 2015 Location: Central Massachusetts Posts: 495	Re: 1961 Chevy Sparten 409 I hope your going to be putting it back on the road. That is one cool truck! __________________ Jake 5Tractorguy on Youtube

01-31-2018, 10:42 AM	#7
Peanutbutter Account Suspended Join Date: Feb 2013 Location: Mesa, Colorado Posts: 450	Re: 1961 Chevy Sparten 409 it had a dump box on it but its going to be a tractor. I want to be able to pull my little 25 ton hyster manul folding gooseneck lowboy. That means I'll have to mount a winch behind the cab, but I already have a 6041 browne with a power tower on it so I have all the pieces I need.

01-31-2018, 10:48 AM	#8
flashed Registered User Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: canton ga Posts: 12,728	Re: 1961 Chevy Sparten 409 Cool old truck , Im in to see more .

01-31-2018, 12:43 PM	#9
factorystock Registered User Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: west coast Posts: 3,354	Re: 1961 Chevy Sparten 409 Wow, rare find. Not your typical early 60's Chevy truck. This one has some good bones! Glad you saved it!

01-31-2018, 06:09 PM	#10
C10 - C90 Bill Registered User Join Date: Nov 2001 Location: Moneta, VA USA Posts: 3,066	Re: 1961 Chevy Sparten 409 Right, '62 was the first year in the '60-'66 style truck that got the Straight Front Axle and only on the GMC 6500. Never did find out if the '62 Chevy C-80 got one as well, but all trucks did '63 and up. If I had a Torsion Bar Suspension, I would keep it too. What is wrong with the '61 Cab? It looks OK in the pictures. __________________ '60-'72 Chev/GMC Fan GMC 9500 Fan Detroit Diesel Fan

01-31-2018, 09:39 PM	#13
Peanutbutter Account Suspended Join Date: Feb 2013 Location: Mesa, Colorado Posts: 450	Re: 1961 Chevy Sparten 409 the cab looks descent from a distance but rough close up, I'm more of a 456 guy and I have much nicer 456 cabs to pick from. That will greatly reduce the time it takes to get the truck operational. That may give me more time to cherry out a big back window cab that I have and swap them out later. As far as the IFS is concerned I have never even driven or rode in one of the old torsion trucks, that would be great if it rode softer than what I'm used to.

02-02-2018, 10:21 PM	#14
Robert1970C20rstbukt Registered User Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: Beeville, Texas Posts: 1,943	Re: 1961 Chevy Sparten 409 Awesome truck, very cool engine/transmission combo! My Grandpa used to have a 1960 Fleetside pickup, would like to find a '60 or '61 C50 or C60 to set up with the winch and gin poles that I have. Found a 1965 Chevy with tandems about 30 miles away several months ago but the scrapper beat me to it, shame as it ran only a few years ago until the owner passed. __________________ RJD 1984 Chevrolet C30 welding truck 454/SM465 1977 GMC C15 pickup 350/TH350 1970 Chevrolet C20 pickup 350/TH400 1970 Chevrolet K20 Suburban 454/TH350 1969 GMC 8500 478M V6/5 spd winch truck

02-04-2018, 10:50 AM	#15
factorystock Registered User Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: west coast Posts: 3,354	Re: 1961 Chevy Sparten 409 '62 was the first year for the straight axle option on Chevy's, but only on the 80 series. IMO, I would leave the front suspension alone if its OK, more historical and gossip value, just 3 years of this type of suspension in such large of a truck. Same goes for the cab, IMO, I would stick with correct styled cab, I'm sure theres a few super clean ex grain hauling C 50's that would make great donors for a rare factory dual drive 10 wheeler.

02-06-2018, 12:19 AM	#16
Peanutbutter Account Suspended Join Date: Feb 2013 Location: Mesa, Colorado Posts: 450	Re: 1961 Chevy Sparten 409 was 1961 the last year for the sparten 70 designation and then in 1962 it evolved into the C 80?, or how did that work?

02-06-2018, 01:20 AM	#18
C10 - C90 Bill Registered User Join Date: Nov 2001 Location: Moneta, VA USA Posts: 3,066	Re: 1961 Chevy Sparten 409 I believe that would be correct. Also, just to throw in another 2 Cents, I would also recommend keeping the original style cab. __________________ '60-'72 Chev/GMC Fan GMC 9500 Fan Detroit Diesel Fan Last edited by C10 - C90 Bill; 02-06-2018 at 01:28 AM.



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02-06-2018, 01:41 AM	#19
Peanutbutter Account Suspended Join Date: Feb 2013 Location: Mesa, Colorado Posts: 450	Re: 1961 Chevy Sparten 409 I'm still trying to convince myself it would look great as one of these, instead of a 456. Attached Images

02-06-2018, 09:03 AM	#20
C10 - C90 Bill Registered User Join Date: Nov 2001 Location: Moneta, VA USA Posts: 3,066	Re: 1961 Chevy Sparten 409 I like both, but only when they correspond to the front clip they sport. Myself, I can spot the difference a mile away. __________________ '60-'72 Chev/GMC Fan GMC 9500 Fan Detroit Diesel Fan

02-06-2018, 09:51 AM	#21
5Tractorguy Registered User Join Date: May 2015 Location: Central Massachusetts Posts: 495	Re: 1961 Chevy Sparten 409 Searching through trucks around the US, came across this in Arizona, figured it could be good for reference photos. If ya can stick with that original '60-'63 cab, the front grill and the cab make the look of that truck. https://phoenix.craigslist.org/evl/c...456057973.html __________________ Jake 5Tractorguy on Youtube

02-06-2018, 02:52 PM	#22
Peanutbutter Account Suspended Join Date: Feb 2013 Location: Mesa, Colorado Posts: 450	Re: 1961 Chevy Sparten 409 thanks 5T for the info, If I had the yellow cab and clip on the upper photo in my post 22 it would be a done deal.

02-06-2018, 03:37 PM	#23
Peanutbutter Account Suspended Join Date: Feb 2013 Location: Mesa, Colorado Posts: 450	Re: 1961 Chevy Sparten 409 spent the last 3 days at the annual farm consignment sale, all kinds of neat stuff, got rid of stuff and picked up more stuff. Since I want to make the Sparten 70 compatible with my 1967 Hyster folding gooseneck lowboy I need a winch behind the cab, I have one but found one I like a lot better at the auction. Its a nice old old school rigup truck winch with the cap head drums and clutch and brake levers intact. Very period for this truck and I've got the 6041 browne with a power tower to run the winch. Attached Images

02-07-2018, 08:43 AM	#24
special-K Special Order Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Mt Airy, MD Posts: 85,863	Re: 1961 Chevy Sparten 409 Glad to hear it! __________________ "BUILDING A BETTER WAY TO SERVE THE USA"......67/72......"The New Breed" GMC '67 C1500 Wideside Super Custom SWB: 327/M22/3.42 posi.........."The '67" (project) GMC '72 K2500 Wideside Sierra Custom Camper: 350/TH350/4.10 Power-Lok..."The '72" (rolling) Tim "Don't call me a redneck. I'm a rough cut country gentleman" R.I.P. ~ East Side Low Life ~ El Jay ~ 72BLUZ ~ Fasteddie69 ~ Ron586 ~ 67ChevyRedneck ~ Grumpy Old Man ~

02-09-2018, 10:15 PM	#25
jumpsoffrock Registered User Join Date: Apr 2014 Location: California Posts: 923	Re: 1961 Chevy Sparten 409 Man that is such a cool truck. I would love to have a truck like that for a car hauler, but I don't think I'm a skillful enough driver to use air brakes.

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