My 1951 chevy project

[flatbed51]

This is the start of my truck project. It is a 1951 Chevy 3/4 ton flatbed. It was last registered in 1971. The truck has not ever been altered, But that is about to end. I am planning on leaving it as a flatbed (at least for now) and see how it turns out looking. I can always put a regular bed on it later if I don't like. Gonna update supension, drivetrain, and other things.

My first build/project since 1989. So good to be back at it!

[Spackle100]

Nice! Welcome to the forum! What are your plans for it?

[flatbed51]

My plans are to put the truck on a S10 frame. I am up in the air about the bed, flatbed or shortbox bed. My immediate plans are to do work on the sheetmetal, since I have yet to find a suitable S10 donor truck.

[bjcaldwe]

Welcome from okc.

[pgf545]

We bought a complete bed kit from Mar-K, I haven't even taken it out of the box yet because of all the other work that I am doing but have been told they are very nice. Might be a solution.


Here is their web site

http://www.mar-k.com/

Bernie

[flatbed51]

Thanks for the info on Mar K

[flatbed51]

Started taking the truck apart and got the cab on my dolly to start working on it first, since I have not decided on frame swap. I am starting to lean towards a g- body front frame swap, since I have a really nice running 83 cutlass four door donor located cheap. Any input on one of these swaps would be greatly appreciated.

[99 to Life]

only found the rear width for the cutlass, didn't look extremely long for the front end width, not sure if you already know it or not. Perhaps you do, that is why you are interested in the car. Would be interesting to see this one.

81-87
Olds Cutlass
58 ½"

[Clay54]

Originally Posted by flatbed51

Started taking the truck apart and got the cab on my dolly to start working on it first, since I have not decided on frame swap. I am starting to lean towards a g- body front frame swap, since I have a really nice running 83 cutlass four door donor located cheap. Any input on one of these swaps would be greatly appreciated.

Did you build the dolly? Would like to have some details. Thanks, Clay

[flatbed51]

Clay I did build the cab dolly, got the specs from www.ad-engineering.com/MiscStuff.html Plans called for vertical legs to be 24 inches, but I made mine 15. The cab is so easy to move on this dolly. I only wish the casters would lock down. Don

[Groyd]

Welcome from OKC.
Posted via Mobile Device

[flatbed51]

Well I have finally decided on using the flatbed that came on my truck, after I came across a picture of one that I like. The first picture is my truck as I got it.

The second picture is one I stumbled across on a web search.

Still up in the air on frame, S10, Camaro(which I have), or g-body clip.

The third picture is a 1941 Oldsmobile that a freind of mine gave me. Straight eight with hydramatic.

[OrrieG]

I think with the flat bed you would want to consider a rear end configuration you can show off like a four link or corvette setup. The olds is nice, I have always thought a straight 8 in a small roadster would be cool.

[flatbed51]

Thanks OrrieG, Wow I was having the same thoughts today about rear end set up.

[flatbed51]

Looking for feedback

Well I have to make my next big purchase, and like everything else I do, I research and ask for opinions. After using my Lincoln 225 arc welder for thirty years, I have decided it just won't cut it and must make
Has anyone used an Eastwood 135? The price on it so tempting, $399.00 for welder,auto darkening helmet, and weld cart.

[62ChevyII]

Hey 51, here's a great thread using a G-body clip:

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=320546

I think the track width is better on those than the S-10s which are kinda narrow and the Camaro clips are a tad too wide unless it's a 1st gen.

Nice truck, good luck!

[flatbed51]

Hey 62ChevyII,
I have looked over the g-body clip thread several times and think it would be a good choice.Only problem is locating a g-body frame around here because it seems the dirt track boys go through them pretty fast. I first thought I was gonna do a S10 frame swap, but I don't want to since I am gonna use my flatbed. Might widen a S10 clip like Luckin Fou did on the 47 panel
Oh well patience and research will pay off in due time. Meanwhile I have plenty to keep me busy.
Checked out your build on killbillet, nice work.
Thanks for your input.

[GhostTown]

Is there something wrong with the frame on your truck? If not, then I would simply box it up and put an IFS of your choice up front and a four link of your choice in the rear.

My roller is pretty much finished up now, and it has a camaro/firebird clip up front. I don't see where there is any width issue at all. The entire front end has been completely installed on it too. The reason I would go to an IFS if I could do it over again is because I love the clean, simple look of them. The full length straight frame rails are just more attractive to me than the curvaceous, modern looking clips patched onto the vintage frame.

Just thought I'd add my opinion, since I've been in your shoes.

[flatbed51]

Originally Posted by GhostTown

Is there something wrong with the frame on your truck? If not, then I would simply box it up and put an IFS of your choice up front and a four link of your choice in the rear.

My roller is pretty much finished up now, and it has a camaro/firebird clip up front. I don't see where there is any width issue at all. The entire front end has been completely installed on it too. The reason I would go to an IFS if I could do it over again is because I love the clean, simple look of them. The full length straight frame rails are just more attractive to me than the curvaceous, modern looking clips patched onto the vintage frame.

Just thought I'd add my opinion, since I've been in your shoes.

GhostTown
The front will most likely wind up being the Camaro clip, so I can spend what money I have to play with on the rear end set up, which will be very visible with the flatbed. I want to do a C4 Corvette set up, or four link. I had a Camaro clip that we installed on my 57 truck a few years back, and was plenty satisfied with it.

I like the gas tank you have going into your truck. It is not one I had considered. I was going to use a 70 Nova tank, but now am considering the tank you have. This is what is cool about this site, We get to share ideas,and pictures of installs with each other.

[GhostTown]

Originally Posted by flatbed51

This is what is cool about this site, We get to share ideas,and pictures of installs with each other.

Agreed.

I'm diggin' your flatbed idea too. Should be pretty sweet looking.

[flatbed51]

Originally Posted by GhostTown

Agreed.

I'm diggin' your flatbed idea too. Should be pretty sweet looking.

Thanks GhostTown,
Hope it turns out to suit me, if not I can always put a regular bed on it. Just thought I might do something that is a little different. And I don't have to buy bed parts for it. We'll see how it goes.

[RockTonka]

Originally Posted by flatbed51

Looking for feedback

Well I have to make my next big purchase, and like everything else I do, I research and ask for opinions. After using my Lincoln 225 arc welder for thirty years, I have decided it just won't cut it and must make
Has anyone used an Eastwood 135? The price on it so tempting, $399.00 for welder,auto darkening helmet, and weld cart.

Trucks gonna look good with a vette rear under a flat bed (that's my vote at least!)

On the welders...you get what you pay for. If this is gonna be the last welder you want to purchase...get a better one. For 115V input, I'd recommend a Lincoln PM140C...but if you step up to a 230V input (put more in, get more out) I'd look at the PM180C. You'll like the extra output on heavier weldments (bumpers, frames, etc).

[GhostTown]

Originally Posted by flatbed51

The second picture is one I stumbled across on a web search.

Here is the build thread for that truck: LINK

[flatbed51]

Well my suspension quest has now been answered. A buddy of mine brought me a 1980 chevy malibu, so it looks like I will be grafting the front clip onto my truck. Hope there is more of the malibu I can use like rear end, master cylinder and brake pedal, gas tank, motor and transmission, steering column, as well many other things. I feel like I am starting to finally go forward.
As a bonus I wind up with three much needed good tires to put onto my trailer.

[flatbed51]

Not much progress has happened on my truck. Been busy putting lights in shop, and spending money on tools. I forgot how many of my best freinds tools I used in the past. Got frames stripped off and just about ready to start putting clip on.