SMP 1960 Chevy apache

[AMT4EVR]

Greetings builders,

                             I'am currently re-building the SMP version as a long bed wrecker, and using the AMT 1999 release of the '60 Chevy fleetside for a parts donor. My question is as what engine to use for the wrecker ? is the original engine a little to custom for this or would it be better to use the later release engine. Not to savy in the engine department, your comments and thoughts please.    THANKS

[Ace-Garageguy]

Probably depends really on what time period your little wrecker is supposed to represent, and whether it's a "working" wrecker for a gas-station etc. or something for show.

Just about any well-detailed smallblock Chevy V8 would work. They all look much alike for the most part (265-283-302-307-327-350-400).

From '58-'65, a 348-409 big-block would be kinda cool, and would probably be my choice, even if the truck was in service today.

If the truck is still working after '65, a re-engine with a gen-II big-block Chevy (366-396-427-454 all look pretty much the same) would be entirely possible in reality.

Edited May 1, 2017 by Ace-Garageguy

[disabled modeler]

Some of the bigger trucks had a powerful 305ci V-6 in them.

[DRIPTROIT 71]

Some of the bigger trucks had a powerful 305ci V-6 in them.

Not only the bigger trucks, but I've seen two of these v-6's in pickups. Both of the ones that I've seen were in 68 GMC's. This would definitely be a cool option, but if you're building vintage, especially a pickup bed 1/2 ton gas station wrecker, I personally would go with the straight six.

[Longbox55]

The inline 6 from the AMT donor kit would be very accurate for a working truck from that time period, as many of those trucks were equipped with that engine in 1:1.  A smallblock V8 would also be ok. In either case, you would want to consider a different transmission, as the 3 speed found in both kits would be too light for tow truck duty. On the 1:1, the popular choice for that type of truck would be the SM420 4 speed. Unfortunately, the only scale version I know of for that transmission was the '68-'72 MPC Chevrolet truck kits. It should be easy to scratchbuild one, though.

The V6 mentioned was a GMC only engine is light trucks, and there is no scale version of it available.

https://www.gmheritagecenter.com/docs/gm-heritage-archive/vehicle-information-kits/Chevrolet-Trucks/1960-Chevrolet-Truck.pdf

 

[leafsprings]

The '60 283 would be fine for a 1 ton wrecker. Here's an older build with one installed in a '64 C 30 with newer wrecker body.  Correct era 18" were used off a 50's Chevy 1 ton.