Hi!

Check all the major fluids and make sure they are still there and in
sufficient quantity. Make sure the air filter and its housing are clean. If
you have enough oil in the motor, you can probably at least start it that
way, but I'd change the oil and filter right away.

I'd recommend changing most of the fluids shortly afterward. Hard to say how
much crud has built up while the truck has been sitting.

When I "revived" my 84 Sierra Diesel pickup, I just made sure that all the
fluids and the oil were in good shape. It had been sitting from '97 until
late 2000. With some fresh batteries, I cranked the truck up until it
started. After making sure that it was basically driveable, I changed most
all the fluids immediately. Depending upon how your truck was stored, you
may have to repair some lines and tubing. I had to replace one of the rear
brake lines and a few lights on my truck.

While it hasn't been driven daily since then, I do try to drive it at least
once or twice every two weeks. Helps keep nature from taking over, that sort
of thing...

I'd change the gas. Hard to say what's its done in four years. My truck
started and ran on the fuel it had onboard, but I don't know if gas and
Diesel fuel age differently.

Maybe one of those "battery computers" or books that you can find in the
battery section of a Wal-Mart or an auto parts store? I've seen at least one
that went back to the early sixties or so. If nothing else you can just
measure the battery tray and buy a battery that happens to fit in there.

William

 Battery will be a group size 24, top post battery.  Any thing over 350 CCA
will do the job, that's bigger than most batteries back then.
I would pull the plugs and then take an oil can, the trigger pump kind and
give each cylinder 2-4 squirts of plain old 30 weight.  Let it sit a few
minutes and then crank it over with the plugs out to lubricate the
cylinders, they are more than likely bone dry.
Of course your going to check all the fluids before doing anything, and yes
figure on draining the gas tank. If you just want to start it up, get a
length of fuel hose the right size, hook it to the fuel pump, and put the
other end in a gallon gas can  sitting on the ground next to the truck.
Also the first time you try to crank it make darn sure no one is in front of
the truck and that it is in neutral, that old a rig, sitting that long, the
clutch could be froze to the flywheel.  63 was sweet looking truck,
especially the short bed step siders, or short bed fleetside.  They drive
like a drunk sailor on saturday leave in the turns, but with good shocks and
tires they ride nice.  Someone must have thought a great deal of you to have
left you that rig.  Expect to see pics, before, during and after your
getting back into shape.
One question, is that straight 6, or one of GM's mighty V-6 engines?
Whitelightning
.

 >Re: "I've inherited a 1963 Chevy C-10

--------------------------------------------------
 Ethan,if it was me I wouldn't take any chances.I fired up a car once
that had been sitting for a couple years and it made a horrendous
clanking from the rod bearings until it built up oil pressure.I'm sure
that didn't help them much.
I've also seen gas deteriorate after 2 years to the point that I
couldn't start the engine until I drained and replaced all the gas.Kind
of smelled like turpentine.
 If it was mine(and I did have a '63 exactly like yours with the 230ci
six)I would remove the spark plugs and shoot in a little fresh engine
oil(30w) in each hole.Then I would change the oil and filter.I would
DEFINITELY drain the gas from the tank and if you can,from the carb and
lines.That old stuff won't start your truck.Siphon out the tank and add
a full tank of good gas.Then I would short the high tension wire (the
one going to the center of the distributor)and crank it over for 30
seconds or so to get oil around.Replace plugs(check condition and gap
1st)and start it up.Before driving it test out the brakes,make sure they
are firm,and that they stop the truck(before you get it going real
fast).Of course check the brake fluid,coolant and steering fluid (if
equipped with power).
  That should do it.good luck.
      Brian O.

                           ********************
       

Number one first and foremost is to pull the plugs and lube the cylinders as
suggested by Whitelightning.  Then drain the old oil as suggested by
everyone.  After you do that, you MUST get fresh oil to the crank, or you
will spin the bearings the first time you try to crank it.  Find out how to
prime and spin the oil pump on that straight six. Then get it to rotate
manually (if possible).  I couldn't tell ya how....I am not that up on the
old sixes, but someone here should know.  I hope...I would like to know
now.....