51' 3100 build in PA New to Site
 

Hi, been visiting this site for a while. New to building any vehicle. Learning alot about 47-54 specific chevy trucks. Love em, and also 60's c-10's. I am from Pittsburgh, will be working on this in Erie PA where I have access to all the essentials for customizing. Also going to do a 53' and will bag that. But the 51' is my baby in the making. I am a picture freak too. Keeping this looking vintage on the outside but under the hood, fenders, frame, inside etc will be crisp. Going to put this on an s-10 frame, lower it and use a 350 with manual trans.
Hope to meet some cool people on here, seems like I will.

Re: 51' 3100 build in PA New to Site
 

looks like a nice place to work on the truck, and also looks like a great project. keep the pics coming.
i dig the winter pics, it makes you want to hold up in that garage, fire up the wood stove and get grinding!....lol

welcome!

Re: 51' 3100 build in PA New to Site
 

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Re: 51' 3100 build in PA New to Site
 

Thanks guys. Yes the winter is a must. I feel it not only resembles how much harder it is to deal with finding and getting an oldie but also what we have to deal with on the east coast. It is so hard to find good oldies that lived thier lives here because of this very weather. It is kind of ironic I think, it is the heart of winter and this ol' beast is hybernating just waiting to be build and steet seeking again. This truck was built in Kansas City in August 51 my goal is to have it on the road before then but having a christening for it in August 2010. I got original license plates for the years of all the trucks I want, so those will accompany themselves on the front and also some original never used PA inspection stickers that I am displaying inside the cab for the year of each truck.

I have some cool ideas on some custom stuff I am gonna do. But never the less, I want this to look it's age. I am not a big fan of new paint jobs. Also the original guages are a must. OG steering wheel. My pockets are short, but I will make the best of it. I been fortunate to find really good deals on on this stuff. I will post all the other parts from when I first started with this. Such as a slew of 48' parts that I got on black friday this year, that is where this all started. Going from the ground up. That will be the 53'. This was pretty much complete and in good shape, so I had to jump on it. Also I want all the metal to be original, no aftermarket stuff, I think that is just too easy (and expensive). I love to hunt for stuff, find it and go get it, it makes it that much more satisfying.

Anyway speaking of that. This day was so crazy. This is my friends place where the build will take place. This driveway is loooonnnnggg and curvy, I started the day, getting stuck at the bottom of it, (s-10 2wd) so we had to push the dolly up the hill and all around the curves (I had zero traction on my shoes). This is my friend Fye in the picture. But after that everything went good. Then we got back and had to snowblow and shovel (pitch black) about 2-3ft deep of snow and wide enough to get this truck through at about 40 yards in length. It was a PIA getting it in the barn, but here she sits.

stay tuned, sorry for the long typing. I will post pics at night and have a story in the mornings.

Re: 51' 3100 build in PA New to Site
 

That truck looks solid ! nice find

Re: 51' 3100 build in PA New to Site
 

Thanks, yeah the truck is solid which was a huge selling point for me. I am so anxious to get this going and to be street seeking. I am also going to do one from scratch but I will do this first since it is in better shape. I really am digging the 51' since it has vent windows and pull down door handles, it's the only model that has that. I got this for 1200 bucks. Up in NY came with extra rear fenders too, but no guages, kinda bumbed on that but still overall so happy with it.

Re: 51' 3100 build in PA New to Site
 

Welcome to the board. We'll be watching your progress. Plenty of S-10 swaps either done or going on here.

tiny2085, where have you been? Two posts in almost 6 years? Military?

Re: 51' 3100 build in PA New to Site
 

Welcome to the site, great people, great information, and knowledge what else can you ask for.

Re: 51' 3100 build in PA New to Site
 

Welcome, can't wait to see progress!

Re: 51' 3100 build in PA New to Site
 

So here is the frame I should be getting soon, weather has been an issue. Not
sure of the year but this is a single cab long bed frame. Getting a real good deal on it, minus that telephone pole.

Here is an engine and cradle I picked up. This is 350 fully carb and yes the
valve covers are on it. Just been hunting for the essentials and have had some
luck with a brand new dist HEI, a used carb, maybe some donor manifolds just to get it running (not sure about the steering and manifolds quite yet) got water pump, should be getting starter next week. Building an engine stand and degreasing it this weekend, going to paint it up nice and crome it up with the rest. So next weekend I am hoping to get it running.

Maybe I'll post pics from my initial part searching. Thanks everyone and if you know off hand if I will have steering issues, let me know.

Re: 51' 3100 build in PA New to Site
 

I joined back in the day because I loved to look at trucks, and finally about 6 yrs later finally got one, and totally forgot I was a member !

Re: 51' 3100 build in PA New to Site
 

tiny, cool welcome back. Is that your 54'? I really am falling in love with those grille's. I just found a really good deal around here on the whole front end to one of those. But my money is so tight, I don't think I can jump on it. But anyway, I am glad you got a truck and that one. You don't see too many of those it seems.

I worked on my engine over the weekend, will post pics tonight. hopefully.

Re: 51' 3100 build in PA New to Site
 

Well here is an almost complete engine stand so we can try and fire up the engine next weekend maybe. I still need to get some things for it obviously. Have quite a bit lined up but still need a fly wheel and possibly alternator. Painted the engine up too.

Well it has been freezing cold so working on the truck is kind of not happening right now. But soon I should be picking up the frame, looking to mount the V-8 mounts and start working on the cab and also lowering the frame.

Does anyone have any suggestions on drop spindles and blocks for s-10's, never ran them. Are there ones to avoid? I wanna go pretty low without
baggin it, but want a decent ride.

thanks

Re: 51' 3100 build in PA New to Site
 

sport truck direct has a kit that is nice quality. I installed it on my project but have not drivin it since the install so as far as ride quality I can not comment

Re: 51' 3100 build in PA New to Site
 

britnjc-thanks for the link. Now that my memory has been jogged, I do remember reading and hearing good things about beltech, which is what I am going to go with.

I figure I'll try the 2'' spindles and 3'' blocks in the back. Get the engine on
and see where she sits, then decide if it can go lower by cuttin the coils or
removing some leafs. Again I wanna keep it low but a good ride. I am a month or two away from that maybe.

Just got some dress up stuff from Summitt, also got a high performance distributor for rock bottom price, then got a used dist, starter and wire harness (not that I will necessarily use this one) for $40. I really just need a
fly wheel and I should have just about everything to get my 350 running. Which is set to take place this weekend, most likely. I'll post some pics.

Here is a pic of a good stance. I honestly like a little more tuck in the rear than this one, but anyway the height is great I think. Also I will be keeping mine looking vintage as well.

Re: 51' 3100 build in PA New to Site
 

That looks pretty good.

I have belltech spring and flip kit for a 3/5 on my crewcab and have no complaints with the parts. My notch is a mcg, but the belltech looked sturdier.

Re: 51' 3100 build in PA New to Site
 

Feb 22nd. Ok been a little while since I posted. Just been waiting until I get engine as dressed up as I like. Well this pic is before some dress up stuff I got for it. But is it up and running and sounds good. Got an eddlebrock intake and carb. Got some nice aluminum pulleys to put on still, new water pump and some other chrome goodies.

Here is a pic of some drop spindles I picked up. Guy told me they were belltech and upon emailing for two weeks and driving almost an hour to get them, they are from bell foundry out of LA, not belltechs. Oh well, they were $125 with blocks. If anyone has any critiques on these let me know.

Should be getting the frame tomorrow and will be cleaning it and hopefully lowering it this weekend.

Also came across a good deal on a 55' 1st series 5 window cab, doors, and whole front clip. needs some work, but I really wanted a 55 1st series because they were only in production for 6 months and I do like the grilles.
I'll put pics of them up too. So now instead of the 53' which is on the back burner for now. I have the 51' which I am trying to get done asap, then I got the 55' as another project. I also have another s-10 frame lined up for that.
I also have bed, doors fenders and more for a 48' gmc.

Got plenty of more pics to post. Hopefully after this weekend I can do so.

Re: 51' 3100 build in PA New to Site
 

This looks like it's going to be a great build. I'm going keep an eye on this one.

Re: 51' 3100 build in PA New to Site
 

Cool. I'm digging the switch to the '54/55S1! I just got 2" Belltech for my son's '54. It already sits pretty low but lower isn't too bad. I'm not cutting coils or pulling leaves because I want the better ride.

Watch Craigslist, you never know what you'll find!

Re: 51' 3100 build in PA New to Site
 

dan, well I am still doing the 51' first. the 55 1st series will be another project. It needs a lot of metal work done to the cab, corners, back bottom, kick panels and right below the hood latches on the fire wall. The rear floor boards etc. So that is going to be an emense amount of work, not to mention the fenders and all that. Here is a pic of what I got, I will upload more of the actual haul. I got corner glass,door glass and gauges.

Just got my s-10 frame last night. I will upload pics of that as well.

Re: 51' 3100 build in PA New to Site
 

Hey 99 to Life, I'm in the Pgh area, saw this thread and have a couple questions. Sent you a PM. Looks like you have a good project started there! -Don

Re: 51' 3100 build in PA New to Site
 

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Re: 51' 3100 build in PA New to Site
 

Ok, I know I am mixing up two builds here. I am still working on the 51' truck first (the first pics in thread).

So after getting this 55.1 cab and clip, I also finally picked up my s-10 frame. I put the cab on the frame and took it up north to work on it. Well as the pics show, cab was on there and snow wasn't too bad. Let me say, don't haul a frame with bald tires, a cab on it and connected to a tow dolly. Pulling it with a 2wd s-10 in a snow storm. Well that is what I did, took 2 hours to go the distance of one. Got stuck in my grams driveway. Next day got stuck again, had to have a friend help tow me out. Finally got it into his garage and it was a snow storm again. This snow has been KILLING my project. I had to move the cab up higher on the frame the second day because the frame was swirling so bad I almost wrecked.

We torched the ice and snow off it. Some work has begun, will post them pics next week.

Re: 51' 3100 build in PA New to Site
 

MARCH 2ND.

Got another s-10 for a frame and also some other odds and ends off it.
Just picked this up today. got a tranny with it, I'll sell to get my money
back for this set up. Paid $150 for this.

Now I have two frames and a 55.1 and a 51' truck.

I need a 5 speed tranny for my 350 that will be in the 51'. An
aluminum radiator, exhaust and some odds and ends.

The 55.1needs a lot of metal work (front clip, cab) I need engine, tranny
etc for that. I want to bag that one.

Re: 51' 3100 build in PA New to Site
 

You should haul that 55.1 to my house instead and haul back a NV3500 I've got in the barn...

Re: 51' 3100 build in PA New to Site
 

55.1 cab is MINE! lol it needs a lot of work though.

Ok, question for all of you. I am going to be mocking up this weekend. I have a cab and front clip, rad support etc, but I will not have my bed and rear fenders with me. So does anyone have a good idea on how far back or forward they mounted their motor mounts if they used a 350? I have an engine block I am using for moch up purposes. From there I feel like I can place the cab, but I don't want to do all that work and realize the rear wheels won't center up with the fenders. I am using the s-10 long bed frame 118" Basically I want to get the front all lined up, but feel like I can't unless I have the bed and or specs of the rear wheel well on the bed. p.s I will be using a manual transmission, has anyone done this? If so are there any pre planning to do with that with moching up? cross member and drive shaft I assume. thanks

Re: 51' 3100 build in PA New to Site
 

I just checked out some specs on the original frame and chassis blueprints
it looks like from the back of the cab to the center of the wheels is 39" But
the wheelbase is 2" shorter than the s-10, so the s-10 rear wheels will actually
set back 2" or 1" forward for the front axle and 1" in the rear? anyway I don't think the original specs will justify this, but it is good to know. The bed is about 78" long, inside.

Re: 51' 3100 build in PA New to Site
 

If you take a look at some of the other AD S-10 build threads you will see how they adjusted the wheel base so things fit and center up. Everything starts at the front, get the front wheels centered which sets up the cab-hood-rad support. Then set the bed and adjust the rear. I think most relocate the rearend on the springs to center it in the rear fenders.

Re: 51' 3100 build in PA New to Site
 

Does anyone know the length of the running boards for the 3100? I am not with mine right now. and the ones I do have with me are cut short. If I know the length, I can set all the front and cab then cut a piece of wood to length of the running boards and I'll bring my rear fenders with me for moch ups. I'll put the wood in between the front and rear fenders so that way I can see where the back fenders would align.

The only thing I can't find on the specs are the running boards length.

any help would be great. if not I can have my friend measure them, because the 51' is in his garage.

thanks

Re: 51' 3100 build in PA New to Site
 

Well, I didn't get a chance to do any moch ups yet. Still working on frame. Got new bushings and moog ball joints, shocks etc. Still striping and painting frame. Going with chassis saver and then tractor paint over that. Will work on rear and opposite side of frame next week. I am having some stuff sandblasted.

So next week I am hoping to have all that done, drop spindles and blocks on.

Re: 51' 3100 build in PA New to Site
 

Got some more frame progress done. Took 2 quarts of chassis saver already, one more should finish it up. The chassis is so cold this is a PIA to spread out, even when heating it up. Next time I am for sure having the frame sandblasted and powder coated and or just sandblasted. Wire wheeling sucks.

Got a T-5 out of a 94' mustang I believe. Apparently it has a longer input shaft. Moched it up with a 350 block. Mounts right up. Won't be using that shifter though.

My question is.... The speedo is electronic, but my gauges are mechanical, is there ANY way to get the speedo to work with the mechanical gauges?

Re: 51' 3100 build in PA New to Site
 

The only way that I know to make the speedo work is a $300 device that converts the electronic signal to a mechanical output. I don't remember where they are. I would just search on the net. I'm sure you'll find something. Good luck

Re: 51' 3100 build in PA New to Site
 

Or you can make your own, i saw this thread on the HAMB
http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/s...t=cheap+wheels

Re: 51' 3100 build in PA New to Site
 

lmc trucks says the shortbed running board is 66'' long on the out side edge, hope this helps.

Re: 51' 3100 build in PA New to Site
 

Yes, 66" will help

As for the tranny conversion, I have to look more into what I really
have, because it seems as if this is an s-10 T-5 not a mustang one.
This is a newer one though, because the bell housing is connected
and I am pretty sure the input shaft is longer. But is is 14 spline
not the usual 26 as used for v8's. But the guy I got it from used
it in a 355 with no problems.

Also the tail shaft will dictate if you can just swap speedo controls,
if not, it seems like I will need a converter. elec to mech

thanks and yeah there is alot of stuff about the T-5 on the HAMB

Re: 51' 3100 build in PA New to Site
 

That isn't a T5. It is an NV3500 or NV4500 5 speed from a full size truck, not an S10 at all. It bolts right onto the 350 bolt pattern. Do you have the internal or external clutch linkage? If you have the internal, don't loose the throw out bearing! They are NOT cheap. You can tell by the fact it will have 2 hydraulic fittings on the passenger side. The mechanical linkage will look like a standard throw out arm but make sure you have a slave cylinder for it.

We used one of the mechanical types on my son's truck. It took a bit to get the linkage right but we did use S10 pedals under the dash, just had to drill a different mounting hole for the shoulder bolt.

If you look at my HAMB thread, you can see some of what we did with motor measurements and stuff. There are a few pictures that I posted on another thread here if you search my posts.

Re: 51' 3100 build in PA New to Site
 

Some more progress April 5th got front end buttoned up for now. Put new rotors, breaks, drop spindles, ball joints etc. on. Couldn't get a spring compressor to work for this, stock springs. So with the help of a header, beam and jack, somehow got these on. PIA.

Weekend before this, I took the rear end out of my FIRST ever vehicle. Yes this 89' s10 4x4 was the first vehicle I ever bought. I was 17 yrs old so that was 9 years ago. I thought it would be cool to have something from my first ever truck on my first ever build. I also got the drive shaft to work as well. As of right now everything we had on for moch up purposes looked perfect and even this 2 piece drive shaft fit with the NV3500 tranny.

I have a lot more finalization to do to the frame and front end, but wanted to get something posted. I work on this every weekend. I will eventually have specs for everything I did, and hopefully make some blue prints to.

Re: 51' 3100 build in PA New to Site
 

Don't count on your 4x4 rear end being wide enough. It will depend on your wheels but with my son's '54 we put the 4x4 rear end in to save the $200 I'd have to spend on brakes for the El Camino rear we had. I spent $200 on the rear end and then dropped to bed on only to have it hit the insides of the tires. I ended up spending another $100 on 4 2" spacers on CL (good thing since they were like $100 a pair if I ordered them!)

It may have been my tires but I wonder if I shouldn't have just gone with my Elky rear!!

Looks like you are getting there. Keep the posts coming!

Re: 51' 3100 build in PA New to Site
 

And congrats on keeping parts from your first car alive. My son has the grill and bed from my mom's '54 that she bought when I was 8 years old. I've got the frame and dash.

Re: 51' 3100 build in PA New to Site
 

Dan,

Yeah I also got 1.5" aluminum spacers, picked up for $50 on craigslist.

That is cool you got some parts from your moms vehicle from so long
ago.