Project Big Red

[Cudamank]

Well I guess its time to start this thread. My son carl and I are working on my grandfathers 63' pickup. It was straight 6 3 on column. Plans originally called for us to keep it stock for him. But grandpa as not exactly up on maintance and we would have had to go .060 over to clean up the cylinders. So we decided to upgrade.

We found a "just rebuilt" 345 that had not been installed or run, and picked up a t-98 4spd to go with it. A correct crossmember for the large front mount was found. Then I began to read more and more on this forum. Particularly about the oiling issues and cam bearings. We will try and prime it this weekend following the procedures we found here (great right up) and see if we have oil pressure and oil to the top of both rocker shafts.

Ill update as we go. My son turns 17 in September and my goal is to have the new motor in and running. We will see.

 

[Cudamank]

 

[Cudamank]

Here is a photo of what we found under the valve cover on the 6 we pulled out. Posting more pics on our album.

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[Cudamank]

So where are we? So far we have pulled the old straight six and 3 spd. Cleaned and pressurewashed the engine bay. Removed the old floor mat and found some light surface rust and a few through holes.

Also found a set of road reflectors, old triangle shaped metal cans that fold down and have to reflectors on each side.

Carl enjoys more of the tearing down and building up mechanical wise, but not really anything to do with body work. We found a floor shifter floor plate, along with shifter for the t-98. Will post some more photos tonight of where we are at.

 

[Cudamank]

Well yesterday I took up trip up to antioc, CA to pick up a camper shell member brandt was selling. Was nice to meet another member, and checked out his project.

Today we followed the "old iron" instructions and primed the engine. We got 55lbs pressure right off, and oil to the top of left bank. Then, after a little turning of the crank we got oil to the top of the right bank and rockers. Success!!!

Beginning tomorrow we will start getting the engine bay ready for the new motor!

 

[Cudamank]

Well last night we passed another hurdle on this project. The 345 is alive and running. Sounded great, (with just headpipes), and my son was more excited then I can remember. Will upload video when I figure out how to lol

 

[Cudamank]

http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=qovic7weho8&feature=youtu.be

Startup

 

[Cudamank]

I haven't updated this build so after reading about everyone else I thought I would update ours.

Lot has happened. Our 345 and t-98 are in and running. We needed the drive-shaft lengthen so that was done.

The original radiator was rusted and leaking from the core. We had it re cored with another 3 row core.

Truck starts right up and runs. Last Sunday we took it for its first ride in over 2 years. Was a lot of fun.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mfo4szq30cs

Still more work to do. We will be changing the soft lines out on the brakes, and inspecting the shoes and the hardware.

Passenger floor has been replaced and about 85% welded in. Still need to do drivers side. Will post more photos tomorrow

 

[Cudamank]

Some photos along this last 6 months