Re: 47 chevy panel
 

13) So had a few of my sons friends come over to the house so we could lift the body off of the chassis. Nothing like strong backs weak minds to get the job done. Then I took the hoist and flipped the chassis on it side.

http://i100.photobucket.com/albums/m...U/IMG_4137.jpg

http://i100.photobucket.com/albums/m...U/IMG_4135.jpg

http://i100.photobucket.com/albums/m...U/IMG_4140.jpg

I got all of the welding done in a couple of hours. Slammed the engine in put the body back on. All that’s left on the chassis is the crosmember has to be notched for the exhaust. Now comes the part that I have gotten tons of questions on the steering linkage. I wish I could tell you guys some really crazy story about how I carved a centerlink out of a piece of steel with my 2 inch grinder. NO it was much easier than that the inner tie rod holes on an S-10 center link are 9” apart.

http://i100.photobucket.com/albums/m...U/IMG_4142.jpg

I added 4.25 to the center of the S-10 frame. The centerlink on a G-body [79 – 87 Monte Carlo, Regal] is 13’ and yes it is the same front end just wider. So I went to the parts store and got one. All I did was bolt it up. Next is the sheet metal I’ll start that in a couple of weeks.

http://i100.photobucket.com/albums/m...U/IMG_4143.jpg

Re: 47 chevy panel
 

Hey Lou i noticed that manual tube bender in one of your pictures. Is that what you use for all your bends? if so where did u get it and what did it cost? Thanks troy.

Re: 47 chevy panel
 

Hi Lou,
I really love the way you widened and installed the s10 front frame clip. I especially like the way you tied it in behind transmission mount under the cab, it won't have that grafted on look when you raise the hood. I am seriously considering doing this to mine, and have some questions if you don't mind.

First is what v8 motor mounts did you use, and how did determine how far to move them back to get the engine the proper distance to the firewall?

Can't wait to see further updates on this build. I can see it is gonna be first class.

Re: 47 chevy panel
 

Troy54GMC, The bender is from Chuck Smith Motorsports tools in Mooresville NC [704] 660 0707 super nice guy.

Flatbed51, I looked at a couple of trucks I found one that I liked the way the engine sat in it. I measured the distance from the grille to the pulley and then to the firewall. The engine mounts are from Prothane they are the taller 2nd gen Camaro mounts

Ratty 46 I was told many years ago by this old man never mount your shocks no more than 30 degrees. I also read in the book Doorslammer that same thing. Its because the shock isn't efficient past that. It has to do with how it works compression rebound that kinda stuff. The angle of the dangle I will find it and give you the whole story.

Re: 47 chevy panel
 

I figured you had a formula of sorts ... the pix are kind of optical in that the angle looks much more than just the 30 degrees ... that's why the question.

Thank you.

Ratty 46

Re: 47 chevy panel
 

Lou,
Nice work! I particularly found the front centerlink info extremely useful! I'm looking at finding a way to extend the stock S10 control arms by about 2" on each side and was wondering where to find one that would be about 4" longer.

I think I've found a set of stock upper arms that will bolt in, next is the lowers...

Nice work!

Cheers,
Ted.

Re: 47 chevy panel
 

Really cool project man and nice work.

Re: 47 chevy panel
 

As far as I know no one makes longer lower control arms. I could have made some arms, but I thought it would be cleaner to make the front end wider.

Re: 47 chevy panel
 

Hmmmm... spent part of the day cruising wrecking yards around here and think I found a set of stock upper that will bolt in for a 2" length increase (same width, same drop and offset as the S10, just longer) and the lowers may be the same, but I won't know until I get mine out for some measuring and sizing. If I can find them, I'll post where they come from, as I know this is the biggest PITA for an S10 swap.

Cheers,
Ted.

Re: 47 chevy panel
 

The uppers are easy to make. The lowers are were I see the trouble. Why don't you just widen the front end?

Re: 47 chevy panel
 

I've got everything welded in already (engine mounts, plumbing and other stuff. A little worried about geometry in widening it as well. The laws in Canada are a little more stringent about cutting and welding frames and the cops around here love to pull people over for inspections. So, finding something that will bolt in or looks like it came with a stock truck / frame are much easier to pass.

I have a full inspection to go through before I register it properly. The truck is in my name already and has parking insurance on it, but unless it's been inspected with all the mods, the insurance company likes to weasel out of things.... and we only have one basic insurance company in BC (don't even get me started on that!).

Cheers,
Ted.