Questions on swaping parts from 68 to 66

[shaun1300]

I looked at a 66 today that has been blasted and primed. It has stock 6cyl drivetrain, runs well and a lift of 3 to 4" which I would remove. My questions are based on pix of the 66. My goal if I purchase the 66 is to swap parts between it and the 68 I have (very rusty especially cowl corners). My 68 would need $1500 in body panels plus labor/time to bring it back. 66 comes w/new front floors, a usable 302 and 4 good General tires. I quess I am looking for the things that need changing on 66 to put in V8. next year. Possibly frame mounts? I would like to swap my power steering and Dana 44 with discs this fall, is this doable? Is roof the same between 66 & 68 since 66 doesn't have one. Worst area on 66 is door posts and my 68 has good ones. Price on 66 would be around $2k. Seller did not do lift, bought in NJ that way, so please don't bash him. He does look at this site. shaun1300

 

[jedblake]

The I6 to V8 conversion is not a big deal if you are a qualified welder/fabricator. I used a plasma to remove my original motor towers and reinstalled a few inches forward. I reccomend taking the measurements off another stock EB. $2k for that rig seems a bit high but you are in the rust belt and the cost to transport one in may offset the premium price. I think $1,300 is more reasonable in this economy. The D44 should be a direct swap minus the pitman arm if you have not added a later model pitman yet.

 

[shaun1300]

68 to 66 swap questions

Jed, thanks for your valuable input, I am not a welder but have friends who are. I am still practicing. As far as price, I tend to agree with you but you make a good point about cost of hauling one from south or west. I am wondering if 66 drove poorly compared to say a 68 or later? I do plan on adding steering damper, my 68 has one. I have only driven my 68 1/2 mile or so while I sort out its issues. shaun1300

The I6 to V8 conversion is not a big deal if you are a qualified welder/fabricator. I used a plasma to remove my original motor towers and reinstalled a few inches forward. I reccomend taking the measurements off another stock EB. $2k for that rig seems a bit high but you are in the rust belt and the cost to transport one in may offset the premium price. I think $1,300 is more reasonable in this economy. The D44 should be a direct swap minus the pitman arm if you have not added a later model pitman yet.

 

[NGABronco]

Hey Shaun, I believe there are some issues on the swap?? The I6 bell and or tranny are shorter than a V8. Someone did that on my 66' and they had to beat the firewall back to make it fit??? You may want to check that aspect of the swap!!%)%)

 

[jedblake]

The bashing in of the fire wall would be why we need to cut and re-weld the motor towers. A V8 came w/ these trucks so a V8 will fit perfectly if installed correctly. And it is true that the I6 bell and trans are not compatible w/ the V8, however you should know these basic truths before starting this type of project.

 

[shaun1300]

I understand what you are both saying, it appears the firewall was bashed to accomodate the fact that the v8 mounts were not moved forward as Jed mentioned the swap to v8 requires . thanks for your replies. shaun1300

The bashing in of the fire wall would be why we need to cut and re-weld the motor towers. A V8 came w/ these trucks so a V8 will fit perfectly if installed correctly. And it is true that the I6 bell and trans are not compatible w/ the V8, however you should know these basic truths before starting this type of project.