Re: 1941 project fenix
 

I forgot to relate why I posted the hat picture, it is the same color as the interior will be. :lol: I found it while looking for a good maroon/oxblood color when it showed up in a google search.

Re: 1941 project fenix
 

I hope you didn't have the old hat for the last 20yrs..that thing would be funky by now..haha

Re: 1941 project fenix
 

haha I still have the original one, but its washed and worn out by now, just an emergency cap when the sun is too high

wear your gloves! using the 4" brush on the grinder and the impossible happened, my thumb would have been hamburger.
http://i103.photobucket.com/albums/m...psvrmc7mrc.jpg

moved the trans crossmember
http://i103.photobucket.com/albums/m...pszmdbzczg.jpg
http://i103.photobucket.com/albums/m...psxukfc35x.jpg
http://i103.photobucket.com/albums/m...psd3b2h0yo.jpg


I had already decided to replace this rear brake line but as I moved it to clean up the frame for my weld...
http://i103.photobucket.com/albums/m...psfsfmpkwx.jpg

rolled out!
http://i103.photobucket.com/albums/m...ps81ubloxy.jpg

body on!
http://i103.photobucket.com/albums/m...psq7ioh4dp.jpg

my motor move was ambitious but worked perfect, 9.5" rearward. only one bracket hit the firewall, although I did have to move some harnesses and wires.
http://i103.photobucket.com/albums/m...psqxdu9ung.jpg
http://i103.photobucket.com/albums/m...psubrjcnl9.jpg
http://i103.photobucket.com/albums/m...psmfyklc74.jpg

I used moog problem solvers years ago and forgot that they have an eccentric for camber (solving the problem of excessive negative camber of worn springs). you flip the cross shaft one way or the other, I picked the wrong way.
http://i103.photobucket.com/albums/m...pskv4yizu7.jpg

oh well, everything still needs to come back apart.

mounts are dead on, near as I can tell anyway. they measure out the same way to all the monuments.

Re: 1941 project fenix
 

That's some mighty fine work will be starting mine soon,
Do you know if a 2.8 would have to be moved back as well.
As I have chance of one of them.
Keep the good work up gloves save fingers lol

Re: 1941 project fenix
 

yes, all engines in the factory s10 location will need moved back. if you dont care about using the clutch fan, and it doesnt have a serpentine system on it, you can usually just buy (or make) S10 V8 swap mounts and flip them over, they will move the motor back 5". still need to do something about the trans crossmember but that is a fast way to move the engine.

but I still recommend my way, because getting the factory S10 mounts loose in trucks pre 95 is about as fun as a cactus butt plug. they are bolted from the top and getting to the bottom nuts requires you to, and I am not kidding, remove the lower control arms and springs.


last thing tonight, I needed the front clip from the back yard, but the body cart is still full of s10 cab (dont throw anything away till its time!) and the other small cart is behind the trailer, lots of moving and jostling to get it out. luckily my wife AND my daughter were home so I went ahead and did it myself.

http://i103.photobucket.com/albums/m...psgeyu9s0t.jpg

needs a trim
http://i103.photobucket.com/albums/m...psxsn0uceq.jpg

still about 4 inches forward, looks like the wheels have a shot at lining up
http://i103.photobucket.com/albums/m...pskt3gkwof.jpg

the motor looks OUTSTANDING tucked in there, like a factory install. more tomorrow!

Re: 1941 project fenix
 

Coming along nicely! I hear ya on doing things alone, seems like a common theme on these builds, but I take pride in finding a way to do the hard work alone.
Looking forward to seeing that sheet metal all mocked up.

Re: 1941 project fenix
 

Wow you are screaming ahead!! I bet you almost fell over when your daughter sent you that pic of her ring lol. I had those exact seats in my Jeep for years got them out of a '89 Chrysler Daytona best seats ever till the sun killed them, and could not find another set :(. I like your motor mount relocation idea.

Re: 1941 project fenix
 

thanks guys :metal:

I trimmed, trimmed and trimmed some more. I measured down from the support rods, added an inch (for my eventual crossmember) and cut the original core support
http://i103.photobucket.com/albums/m...psoplkwox3.jpg
http://i103.photobucket.com/albums/m...pswx1hnvcw.jpg

my adopted son helped and did the lifting :lol: (here is a funny aside, I could NOT find the handle for the picker! I had to use a jack handle, but the correct handle is in this picture... look around)
http://i103.photobucket.com/albums/m...psjjqvbrnw.jpg

I got into a cycle where I couldnt get enough trimmed. turns out I didnt have any bolts in the cab mounts and it was walking around as I shoved on the frame. this did give me another 1/2 inch at the engine, good!
http://i103.photobucket.com/albums/m...pslqa3kd6k.jpg

I did need to trim the frame horns a little more, but I left the meat on the bottom for the bumper mount.
http://i103.photobucket.com/albums/m...psde7lemwr.jpg

I also drilled out the fender bolts. after 75 years there was no amount of heat or penetrant that was going to loosen them up, so I made them 5/16 and I will weld new 1/2" nuts inside.
http://i103.photobucket.com/albums/m...ps1ndhj1m0.jpg

after more trimming, this is where I am at
http://i103.photobucket.com/albums/m...psnzuefeq6.jpg
http://i103.photobucket.com/albums/m...ps3olflags.jpg
http://i103.photobucket.com/albums/m...pswwlqltc3.jpg

motor tucks in nice
http://i103.photobucket.com/albums/m...pskjswwvms.jpg


The front needs to drop another 2 inches, I will check the alignment again after that, but I am thinking its good with the wheel slightly back. Its not a "more work" thing, I can move the cab mounts back easy because they are just tacked, and I havent mounted the core support yet. any thoughts?

Re: 1941 project fenix
 

I like the fitment right where it is.

Re: 1941 project fenix
 

Me too. Is the picker handle laying on the truck cowl?

Re: 1941 project fenix
 

Hi Russ, I have watching this build from the beginning, as I am working on my 1st build. A 46' 1/2 ton, 82' s10 frame, 98' 4.3 and 4L60E set back 8 inches. I am at about the same place as you. I was thinking of using 2" x 3/16 flat bar mounted vertical on the inside of the frame since the outside of the radiator support seems to be about the same place. I don't know if the steering box moved out 3/16 would be ok or not. Your thought on that? Thanks for taking the time to share your knowledge and fantastic sense of humor with us!

Re: 1941 project fenix
 

AD yes, in fact you can see the jack handle on the cowl in later pictures, I laid it right next to the right one and still didnt notice. :/

metalmaker, I like mounting my core support "soft", using bushings, so I plan to run a 1x3 inch rectangle all the way across the bottom of the cut and use bushings on the outside of the framerails. here is a picture of how I did it on my 49
http://i266.photobucket.com/albums/i...psywudc6yp.jpg
http://i266.photobucket.com/albums/i...psvuwtmimc.jpg

your way sounds like it would work too though, although instead of coming up between the steering box just use L brackets on the top of the frame like the 47-55 s10 swap guys do.
http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/a...1&d=1402971512

have you seen that S10 swap how to? a lot of good info in there.
http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=632686

Re: 1941 project fenix
 

Yes thanks, indeed great info in there. Mine is a little different thanks to someone before me being hacksaw happy, (long story) coupled with my ridiculous need to think of every conceivable way to do something and taking way too long to do it. lol Carry on!

Re: 1941 project fenix
 

Nice job!! Took me a bit but I did find the handle funny how that happens. I think the front clip looks good where it is.

Re: 1941 project fenix
 

I found the handle too. Took me a hot second. Lol. I like to lay crap down and play look for it.

Re: 1941 project fenix
 

Are the front fenders on your truck the 1.5 ton? They look like they arc higher.
Will you use them or use half ton front fenders.
Are you going to install the running boards?
Great project, and excellent pics. I have another 42 that might this direction
Thanks

Re: 1941 project fenix
 

they are definitely not 1.5 ton, I picked up a pair of 1.5 ton fenders yesterday and the wheel opening is huge.
http://i103.photobucket.com/albums/m...psfyixvzak.jpg
http://i103.photobucket.com/albums/m...pssycy5hpv.jpg

I havent decided what to do with these yet, I have a third 41 cab that is rougher than the other two and I thought about getting a C30 DRW frame and putting a wacky diesel in it, maybe a 5 cylinder turbo diesel mercedes.

actually its the cab behind this project truck in some pictures, it has a 1.5 ton front axle and wheels but its also a 3/4 ton so it has the same fenders.
http://i103.photobucket.com/albums/m...psl6wnlczx.jpg
they arent in great shape, but I have another 1/2 ton front clip in the back yard and the wheel openings measure the same. I have had it for sale a while with almost no interest, so rather than scrapping it I will make a project. cant wait to hear the clacky diesel in it. it will be a poser with only 200 lbft of torque and less hp, but I never haul anything anyway, and it will get amazing mileage as I drive around and pick up cabs and beds.

yes I will be running running boards, I have a couple sets of those too.

I looked at the drivers side, it was hard to get a good look with it next to the trailer but the drivers wheel looks to be back a bit as well. I have decided to move the cab back 1 3/4", which should center the wheels or really close to it. I dont want to go forward of the wheel arch centerline because there is a bracket inside the fender I dont want the tire to hit in turns/bumps. (the wheel is turned slightly in the first picture)
http://i103.photobucket.com/albums/m...ps6kqvqurq.jpg
http://i103.photobucket.com/albums/m...pspu7hud7m.jpg

and the seat guys called, I chose to go to more of a point on the pleats (on the right). They arent stuffed yet, so dont look to critically.
http://i103.photobucket.com/albums/m...psnjfoontf.jpg

Re: 1941 project fenix
 

"But I never haul anything anyway"??? What about all those cool old trucks you drag home and give new life to?

Re: 1941 project fenix
 

I would probably put a flat bed on a 41 C30 chassis and use it to haul steel and maybe the odd cab or bed etc. I wouldnt ever put a trailer hitch on it though. I have my father in laws 2500HD, it tows stuff when I need it.

aside from that, the s10 donors drive home or they dont come home, and for the crusty old ones usually I opt for the adult option and call a tow truck haha. I have a car trailer, but only because it was cheaper than paying for 5 tows from 100 miles away to buy the trailer and tow it all myself, they towed the first one and it was $275 bucks! I said "maybe call me before you pick up another". :lol:

hey where did you get your 30s car taillights? thats what I want to run on this truck but I cant find anything but the LED lenses, I cant find any housings.

Re: 1941 project fenix
 

nice score on the fenders. I like the idea of the diesel poser too! By the looks of your DS pic, I agree that can come back some. pleats look good.

Re: 1941 project fenix
 

I will be honest, I have been sick about 4 days, got the double ended leak that is going around, thought I missed it because the baby had it last week but nope.

this is traffic when a girl decides she doesnt want to ride in a car with her boyfriend ever again. I am exiting the highway and its a good thing because the scene was 11 miles from this.
http://i103.photobucket.com/albums/m...psht21rbad.jpg

I was out and about because the seat guy called and wanted me to look over his work. my wife couldnt believe I was getting out in my state but my delay shouldnt be theirs. turns out I was right to go, because I didnt like this
http://i103.photobucket.com/albums/m...psyjgmtbtq.jpg

I told him even if he had to round off the pleats I didnt want stitching showing. he understood.

while I was there I checked out the truck in the corner, a 54 3100. I was surprised that the suspension was a crown vic setup front and rear. he did some nice interior work on it too.

http://i103.photobucket.com/albums/m...psafxdobme.jpg
http://i103.photobucket.com/albums/m...psklk3e62b.jpg
http://i103.photobucket.com/albums/m...pskuak1qut.jpg
http://i103.photobucket.com/albums/m...psa7om0y44.jpg
http://i103.photobucket.com/albums/m...psmzyms0vh.jpg

he says the seats should be done this week! exciting. I however am still muddling and middling on the way to mount the column. I have an idea I want to try (the wife gets nervous when I say that) but I have to cut up the s10 cab first. maybe tomorrow if I have any energy, I havent eaten anything but 3 cans of soup in 4 days.

Re: 1941 project fenix
 

Kansas has that crap too? Man it's even here in PA.

Re: 1941 project fenix
 

Hope you feel better soon!! That double end'er went through up here too just after Christmas.

Re: 1941 project fenix
 

Hope ya get to feeling better soon!

Re: 1941 project fenix
 

Sick for three days, not eating much, and still have the gumption to go look at some truck stuff. Very cool. Nice looking interior base on that truck.
Feel better soon...

Re: 1941 project fenix
 

Hope you feel better dude.

Re: 1941 project fenix
 

Yep, going around here also. Hope you feel better soon! That interior reminds me of the truck my brother built for his daughter. Thought you might like the colors.

Re: 1941 project fenix
 

metal that interior is gorgeous!



its the circle of projects, the next project hauls the current project scrap. this was a complete cab about an hour before this
http://i103.photobucket.com/albums/m...psev0jsyuj.jpg
http://i103.photobucket.com/albums/m...psyoie59wl.jpg

clean body cart finally though. and I got the piece I wanted
http://i103.photobucket.com/albums/m...psidvnz51f.jpg

hung a plumb bob at the column centerline, 11 inches from the centerline of the dash mount.
http://i103.photobucket.com/albums/m...psfo7ixmih.jpg

the bottom bracket for the column isnt going to work as is, so I trimmed it off.
http://i103.photobucket.com/albums/m...ps5b5h1lpi.jpg

thats it, I feel like I hauled bricks all afternoon and all I really did was cut up the old cab for scrap. I need to figure out the steering column mount, I want it to tie to both the dash and the firewall so that the dash can be removed.

Re: 1941 project fenix
 

Who are you using for interior?

Re: 1941 project fenix
 

genesis on seneca is doing the seats, I am doing the rest.

Re: 1941 project fenix
 

Thats cool, looks good

Re: 1941 project fenix
 

seats were supposed to be done friday, no calls yet.

still a little wobbly but this thing is not going to put itself together. mounted up the pedal bracket with some self tapping screws so I can start laying out the column and associated parts.
http://i103.photobucket.com/albums/m...psmwvdlqgm.jpg
http://i103.photobucket.com/albums/m...psi25aviq0.jpg

the column is round but the shifter arm makes it more complicated than just a round hole, so I cut one side to allow me to bend it slightly to let the shift arm through for install
http://i103.photobucket.com/albums/m...psmi5p6m7i.jpg

I have seen other guys use this s10 bracket and I always feel it is mounted too low and too far "out" of the dash. I slotted the mounts to give an extra inch, I can slot the column mounting bracket (the removable piece on the column itself) another inch where it bolts on if needed.
http://i103.photobucket.com/albums/m...psgbniqxw2.jpg

perf. although that brake booster hole, haha, jeeze I can be a real moron sometimes. I drilled the steering column hole and thought "I can just drill the booster hole while I am here". yeah, turns out it doesnt sit centered in the brackets like the later trucks. sheesh.

stickout is good, remember that I am moving the cab back another 1 3/4" for its final position, but it would work right here too.
http://i103.photobucket.com/albums/m...pszwwg2de2.jpg

I will be able to use a combination of the factory s10 column support and the factory 41 column support to stiffen up the mount reeeeally nicely.
http://i103.photobucket.com/albums/m...psy60iceer.jpg

fits well, I will pop the dash in to be sure but I dont think I need to move it "in" any further, the shifter may hit the dash any closer.
http://i103.photobucket.com/albums/m...psiw4zvkqq.jpg
http://i103.photobucket.com/albums/m...pssijt9iwk.jpg
http://i103.photobucket.com/albums/m...psaunfrq0i.jpg
http://i103.photobucket.com/albums/m...psgg2ff5rs.jpg

Re: 1941 project fenix
 

I did the same thing on my 54 gmc. I am thinking about smoothing out the firewall on the next truck to make the booster tighter. Great pics

Re: 1941 project fenix
 

I want to pull the cab for finish welding on the mounts so I popped the mount in, made it a ton stiffer but I will still tie it to the dash. up and down is solid as a rock but side to side is still wiggly. I thought about triangulating off the ears of the s10 mount but I want some room under the dash for wiring, so making the dash a structural member isnt improbable.

http://i103.photobucket.com/albums/m...psmlmfznzq.jpg

final column location. I like it.
http://i103.photobucket.com/albums/m...psazsoe7zo.jpg

Re: 1941 project fenix
 

That should be good and solid!!

Re: 1941 project fenix
 

tore everything back apart for final assembly
http://i103.photobucket.com/albums/m...psqtdmahkw.jpg

trans crossmember out to finish weld
http://i103.photobucket.com/albums/m...pstujamwn4.jpg

had to flip the cross shaft on the uppers to the standard camber side. dont try this with stock springs, but with drop springs, no danger.
http://i103.photobucket.com/albums/m...psnyzqnpyt.jpg

picked up the de-arched leafs, went 3.5 to counter the larger tire I always run on the rear. Last time I de-arched 1" and used 3" blocks, this time I figure do it all with spring.
http://i103.photobucket.com/albums/m...psuj0qpuvm.jpg

picked up the seats while I was on that side of town. Look ok, not at all like we talked about in the beginning. I was pretty upset when I picked them up, I have calmed down a bit.
http://i103.photobucket.com/albums/m...psvmkv4pdw.jpg

edit: after dinner I got to decide between welding or assembly, I chose assembly. there is $350 in new parts in this photo!
http://i103.photobucket.com/albums/m...psshoo34gd.jpg

Re: 1941 project fenix
 

nothing worse than feeling like your vision wasn't achieved, and you had to pay for it. Its amazing how much money can be in one photo! well keep up the good work.

Re: 1941 project fenix
 

well its not over yet.

I didnt get any time to work on the truck till today, my adopted son (not really, he is 23 and I would adopt him if he would let me though) got an 1800 dollar quote on some front end work on his daily, we did it in the driveway for $270 in parts!

but I did get a little done today. got the rest of the front end put together and back on the ground.
http://i103.photobucket.com/albums/m...psmqplf3zx.jpg

for anyone interested, I recommend these MOOG end links very highly. the method of assembly is superior to the stock type and even the energy suspension type, the bottom nut has a long thread and you assemble it from the top to the bottom. you can almost tighten it up with one wrench!
http://i103.photobucket.com/albums/m...psszcughj6.jpg

I had to stop "paying it forward" (stealing parts from the next donor in line) so today I hit a bunch of hardware stores to get the shock speed nuts and various bolts and nuts. then I pulled the gas tank and rear axle
http://i103.photobucket.com/albums/m...pslzx3uvju.jpg
http://i103.photobucket.com/albums/m...pseyebaj48.jpg

the gas tank looks like complete trash and I bet the pump is plugged or ruined from sucking that trash through. luckily though, craigslist to the rescue! $30, recent pump replacement, totalled truck. woot!
http://i103.photobucket.com/albums/m...ps1iu92t5m.jpg

I did a bunch of wire brushing on the frame, and cut off the axle u bolts as the last thing tonight.
http://i103.photobucket.com/albums/m...psr4eoi2jo.jpg

Re: 1941 project fenix
 

killin it. I'd be so far behind in life without CL. the founder should make as much as the FB doosh.

Re: 1941 project fenix
 

got a lot done. rebuilt the front mounts 1 3/4" further back. thought about reusing the original mounts (which I had already rebuilt once a couple pages ago) and just cut new ones.
http://i103.photobucket.com/albums/m...pskp0uos8f.jpg

the dimensions I ended up with were
29 1/2" between front mounts center to center
36 1/2" between rear mounts center to center
rear mounts 3" off the frame
front mounts 2 3/4" off the frame
front mount 8 3/4" behind the oval hole on the top of the s10 frame, measured slightly diagonally from the edge of the hole to the center of the mount.
center of front mount to center of rear mount 46 1/2" measured slightly diagonally.

I also measured from the frame split to the center of the rear mounts, as a sanity check but I forgot that measurement. I did measure from the front shock stud to the center of the front mount and got 25 1/2" on both sides.. I think. now that I say it out loud... haha, I am doubting it.

I think the next one I do I may raise the body an inch, that extra inch is just making for all kinds of work. I dunno, let me see what it looks like on the wheels with the body on. maybe I will figure out a better way to carve up the frame. doing another 41 immediately after this.

also got the core support mount started. made the ears on the frame to hold the bushings and the core support mount that bolts to the bushings.
http://i103.photobucket.com/albums/m...ps6g6xjnev.jpg

tomorrow during nap time I think I will get the frame painted and the axle put back in on the drop springs.