51 Shorty
 

Greetings - I have been lurking for a few years after I decided an early Chevy or GMC would be my next project. After a few years search, I finally found close to what I was after. It’s a 51 Chevy. and I’ve had it about a month now. I’ve read thru lots of builds / projects from Skymangs, Joedoe, wife’s 48, project fargolet, and several others that I am not thinking of right now. It seems like several of you folks are way above and beyond my capabilities in the fabrication department, but you also offer great suggestions/ideas on how to do things.
At the moment, I have no plans on a S10 swap as my existing frame appears to be OK. Lots of decisions…..
Anyway, here’s my 51 Shorty. Pictures are from the day that I went to look at it. This guy even delivered it to my house for me. Can’t wait to get started.

Re: 51 Shorty
 

That looks like a pretty solid truck to start with. And it even has the fancy window package!

Post lots of pics!

Re: 51 Shorty
 

I’ll be watching!

Re: 51 Shorty
 

REALLY nice start!

if you spray the primer with easy off (the original in the yellow can) you might see more of the original color!

Re: 51 Shorty
 

and with a tailgate and rear bumper, nice. (front bumpers are much easier to find)

I'm in for this build

Re: 51 Shorty
 

I'll follow along, look forward to your build...Jim

Re: 51 Shorty
 

Thanks guys. I put up some interior shots when I get home this weekend. My last project took me 12 years (74 Formula 400), hopefully this will move along a little faster!
Are most parts suppliers selling the same stuff? I found Speedway and LMC truck so far.

Re: 51 Shorty
 

Welcome!

I've used LMC, Eckler's, Filling Station, Chevs of the 40's, eBay and others for parts. Depends on what you want. I got a very nice glove box lid and some stainless trim on eBay, LMC has some pretty nice blow up diagrams for parts, if you can work your way through their site to find stuff. There are some good videos on parts and pieces.

Get the windshield gaskets from Precision, I think. Having a senior moment, so I'm sure someone will correct me if that's not right. Some other suppliers sell some that are a little too hard.

Anyway, looking forward to the build.

Re: 51 Shorty
 

any pics of your Formula?

Here is my Tempest.

Re: 51 Shorty
 

Good looking Pontiac!

Here’s mine.

Re: 51 Shorty
 

Does that really work? My 52 had been resprayed a long long time ago before I bought it, and the original Armour Yellow is showing underneath. Would love to get it to shine.

Dan- I dont mean to take your thread off the rails. I will be following your build waiting to see how it turns out.

Re: 51 Shorty
 

Nice Formula,

enjoy your truck build

Re: 51 Shorty
 

Managed to break my hand a couple weeks ago so it might be a while before I get to tear into the truck. Gives me time for research I suppose.
So let’s start here - In the threads that I have read thru, I have not spotted where this radio was mounted. This dude is heavy! My scale shows 15 lbs. Where does it go? No holes in dash for it.

Re: 51 Shorty
 

Solved - Radio was laying on the seat, so I assumed it was part of the truck. Here’s what I found.

982455 Oldsmobile
United Motors Service (Delco)
DATA
FORUM
PICTURES
COLLECTIONS
Country
United States of America (USA)
Manufacturer / Brand
United Motors Service (Delco)
Year
1948
Category
Car Radio, perhaps also + sound player/recorder
Radiomuseum.org ID
64333
alternative name: Delco Radio Corp. (Appliance) || Delco-Remy Division, General Motors Corp. || United Motors Service Delco General Motors
Brand: Chieftain || Delco

Re: 51 Shorty
 

That is for an Oldsmobile.