New Project 1955 1st series 5 window 3100 S10 frame swap - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

**WIDESIDE72** · 09-22-2010, 10:33 AM

My folks and I made a road trip to Midlothian, Tx to check out our latest project, and what the heck, since we drove all that way and had the trailer, made a low ball offer. Suprisingly, the P.O. bit. here are a few pics. It needs cab corners and floor boards. The original drivetrain (engine # is on title) including open driveline is intact. too bad it is going on an S10 reg cab LWB frame with a 1994 Caprice LT1/ 4L60E. I already picked up an S10 4x4 rear axle with 4.10 gears.

**WIDESIDE72** · 09-22-2010, 10:35 AM

We stopped twice at Willie's (Nelson) Place in Carl's Corner Tx. On the way for lunch (excellent Chicken fried Steak), and on the way back for some of Willie's famous biodiesel fuel. The first one is of dad checking the ratchet strap to be sure the hood didn't blow up at 70 mph.

a5Ben · 09-22-2010, 10:37 AM

Subscribed!

Im a sucker for S10 swap threads.

**WIDESIDE72** · 09-22-2010, 10:56 AM

I have seen better, but I have definitely seen worse... The P.O. said he gave $2k for it a little over a year ago. That seems a little high. we got it for half that.

**WIDESIDE72** · 09-22-2010, 11:02 AM

I picked up a nice tailgate at the Central Texas Swap meet at the Travis Co. Expo center last weekend. I have a 55.5 big window, but have a good gate for it. I didn't have an immediate need for it, but the price was right. That is the way my projects usually work. I buy the parts, then find the truck to use them on.

Photos later.

**WIDESIDE72** · 09-22-2010, 11:04 AM

Anyone interested in a really heavy custom rear bumper for a 47-55? It will be up for sale soon, along with an original 55 1st series rolling chassis.

**WIDESIDE72** · 09-22-2010, 11:19 AM

S10 donor. Sheetmetal is for sale. It is all listed on the 73-87 parts forum.

**WIDESIDE72** · 09-29-2010, 11:21 AM

My brother has a rebuilt LT1/ 4L60E out of a 1994 Caprice 9C1 that was totalled when a guy pulled out in front of him. Their insurance co. paid for it and he bought it back for $500. Photos of the donor drivetrain to follow soon. We have been looking for something to do with the drivetrain out of the car when I came across the S10 on the local C-List.

Dan Bowles · 10-03-2010, 02:41 PM

Cool. Nice truck. We bought just the cab and doors for my son's '54 out of TX for $500 so $1000 for the whole truck is great. Just that you all are a long drive from here!

xpickup · 10-03-2010, 03:37 PM

Wideside72, The whole swap is not too bad. The most difficult part will be the grill and radiator support. It will be notchville. The 54- early 55 grill is a whole lot deeper than the 53 back grill. Had to build a new radiator support. I'm using a 22" wide radiator from Summit and there is not much room. I should have some pictures the end of the week.

**WIDESIDE72** · 10-03-2010, 04:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by xpickup

Wideside72, The whole swap is not too bad. The most difficult part will be the grill and radiator support. It will be notchville. The 54- early 55 grill is a whole lot deeper than the 53 back grill. Had to build a new radiator support. I'm using a 22" wide radiator from Summit and there is not much room. I should have some pictures the end of the week.

I wonder what the details are on this radiator support from Classic parts?

http://www.classicparts.com/1954-55-...ctinfo/78-511/

xpickup · 10-03-2010, 08:21 PM

Wideside72, That is probably for a stock chassis and not an S10. Too much money to cut all up and still might not fit.

**WIDESIDE72** · 10-03-2010, 09:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by xpickup

Wideside72, That is probably for a stock chassis and not an S10. Too much money to cut all up and still might not fit.

They don't give any explanation, just call it a "street rod" rad support. I am a long way from being to that point anyway.

**WIDESIDE72** · 10-03-2010, 09:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by xpickup

The 54- early 55 grill is a whole lot deeper than the 53 back grill.

Is that a good thing, or bad thing?

xpickup · 10-03-2010, 09:50 PM

WIDESIDE72. Kinda bad because a lot more trimming. I have a 1948 panel with a Malibu chassis ( which has same susp. as S10, just the frame is wider) and didn't have to cut the grill at all.

Dan Bowles · 10-04-2010, 03:59 PM

Rather than post it all up here, take a look at my build thread on our '54. http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/s...d.php?t=137385

Basically, I kicked the bottom of the rad out about 6" to clear the steering box but had to trim the air dam part of the bottom grille panel to fit around the radiator. Check out page 7, posts 128-140 for more clairification.

I've been watching all of the treads with the Mustang radiators but haven't seen one with a part number. I just cut the rad support off at about 18" down and built 1 x 2" tubing mounts with feet on them to go into the original rad support uprights. I have plenty of room and I think I could get away with one of the Summit or Mustang aluminum rads next time (I've got 4 or 5 more of these trucks, 2 are '54s).

Dan Bowles · 10-04-2010, 04:03 PM

OK, one cross post: This was BEFORE I figured out I needed the 1 x 2" inside of the original rad support so it got moved in a bit. You can see what I did to kick out the radiator though. Even some of the trimming of the back of the grille. And where we cut the frame off...

**WIDESIDE72** · 02-01-2011, 03:21 PM

Yesterday was such a nice day out, especially January. It was at least in the upper 70's, if not lower 80s'! (I was in a t shirt and sweating!) I decided to pull the body off the S10 donor truck so that I can start fabbing up brackets.

**WIDESIDE72** · 02-01-2011, 03:26 PM

Since the S10 cab isn't too heavy, I figured I would be safe with the landscape timber through the window openings. I also ran a come along from the bucket down to the body seam in the trans tunnel to keep it level. I pulled everything by myself, and didn't break ANYTHING!!!

**WIDESIDE72** · 02-01-2011, 03:33 PM

The single most time consuming part of the whole removal was geting the emergency brake cable loose without breaking anything. I am going to try and use the S10 e brake foot bracket in the truck, so I took my time. I used an old trick of using a small hose clamp to collapse the one way end on the e brake cable where it snaps into the bracket. Works every time. If anything, I usually have to loosen the clamp as I tend to tighten them up too much and the cable won't slide out once the retainer is compressed.

Now I need to start on power washing the chassis and plan to get some help removing the 55 sheetmetal, as it is heavier and I am more concerned about screwing things up on it, since it is going to be what I keep!

Weather update: SNOW FLURRIES (!) Temps in the 30s, hard freeze down into the teens (!) tonight. ONLY IN CENTRAL TEXAS!!! 60 degree temp change overnight!

RootBeer 6117 · 02-01-2011, 08:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by WIDESIDE72

Weather update: SNOW FLURRIES (!) Temps in the 30s, hard freeze down into the teens (!) tonight. ONLY IN CENTRAL TEXAS!!! 60 degree temp change overnight!

Trade ya! we are getting hammered in central MO right now,18" of snow 3 degrees 40 mile an hour wind gust.

**WIDESIDE72** · 02-02-2011, 11:34 AM

I know it could be worse weather wise, I just think the temperature drop was crazy!

**WIDESIDE72** · 02-06-2011, 01:25 AM

Low of 15 degrees (before wind chill) the other night at work at the airport. BRRRRR! Pulled an all nighter. Luckily I am an electrician and not a plumber, as they were still working on water leaks today, and we had a couple more from after they left where pipes had finally thawed.

**WIDESIDE72** · 02-06-2011, 01:26 AM

If it's not too cold, I plan to power wash the S10 chassis and possibly start pulling the LT1/ 4L60E out of the Caprice.

**WIDESIDE72** · 02-06-2011, 12:34 PM

Dropped the coin on the E-Z Chassis Swaps kit. Basically because I don't have the time to do all of the trial and error fitting, not to mention all of the lifting, etc with no help, as I have odd days off when no one is around to help, not to mention if I can keep it "rolling" the wife stays happy (er) and the risk of my losing interest is lower (slightly).

09-22-2010, 10:33 AM	#1
WIDESIDE72 Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Cedar Park, Texas Posts: 7,494	New Project 1955 1st series 5 window 3100 S10 frame swap My folks and I made a road trip to Midlothian, Tx to check out our latest project, and what the heck, since we drove all that way and had the trailer, made a low ball offer. Suprisingly, the P.O. bit. here are a few pics. It needs cab corners and floor boards. The original drivetrain (engine # is on title) including open driveline is intact. too bad it is going on an S10 reg cab LWB frame with a 1994 Caprice LT1/ 4L60E. I already picked up an S10 4x4 rear axle with 4.10 gears. Attached Images

09-22-2010, 10:35 AM	#2
WIDESIDE72 Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Cedar Park, Texas Posts: 7,494	Re: New Project 1955 1st series 5 window 3100 S10 frame swap We stopped twice at Willie's (Nelson) Place in Carl's Corner Tx. On the way for lunch (excellent Chicken fried Steak), and on the way back for some of Willie's famous biodiesel fuel. The first one is of dad checking the ratchet strap to be sure the hood didn't blow up at 70 mph. Last edited by WIDESIDE72; 09-22-2010 at 10:48 AM.

09-22-2010, 10:37 AM	#3
a5Ben Registered User Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: Anderson, SC Posts: 84	Re: New Project 1955 1st series 5 window 3100 S10 frame swap Subscribed! Im a sucker for S10 swap threads.

09-22-2010, 10:56 AM	#4
WIDESIDE72 Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Cedar Park, Texas Posts: 7,494	Re: New Project 1955 1st series 5 window 3100 S10 frame swap I have seen better, but I have definitely seen worse... The P.O. said he gave $2k for it a little over a year ago. That seems a little high. we got it for half that. Attached Images

09-22-2010, 11:02 AM	#5
WIDESIDE72 Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Cedar Park, Texas Posts: 7,494	Re: New Project 1955 1st series 5 window 3100 S10 frame swap I picked up a nice tailgate at the Central Texas Swap meet at the Travis Co. Expo center last weekend. I have a 55.5 big window, but have a good gate for it. I didn't have an immediate need for it, but the price was right. That is the way my projects usually work. I buy the parts, then find the truck to use them on. Photos later.

09-22-2010, 11:04 AM	#6
WIDESIDE72 Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Cedar Park, Texas Posts: 7,494	Re: New Project 1955 1st series 5 window 3100 S10 frame swap Anyone interested in a really heavy custom rear bumper for a 47-55? It will be up for sale soon, along with an original 55 1st series rolling chassis. Last edited by WIDESIDE72; 09-22-2010 at 11:05 AM.

09-22-2010, 11:19 AM	#7
WIDESIDE72 Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Cedar Park, Texas Posts: 7,494	Re: New Project 1955 1st series 5 window 3100 S10 frame swap S10 donor. Sheetmetal is for sale. It is all listed on the 73-87 parts forum. Attached Images

09-29-2010, 11:21 AM	#8
WIDESIDE72 Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Cedar Park, Texas Posts: 7,494	Re: New Project 1955 1st series 5 window 3100 S10 frame swap My brother has a rebuilt LT1/ 4L60E out of a 1994 Caprice 9C1 that was totalled when a guy pulled out in front of him. Their insurance co. paid for it and he bought it back for $500. Photos of the donor drivetrain to follow soon. We have been looking for something to do with the drivetrain out of the car when I came across the S10 on the local C-List. Last edited by WIDESIDE72; 02-22-2011 at 02:59 PM.

10-03-2010, 02:41 PM	#9
Dan Bowles AD Addict Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Blissfield, MI Posts: 822	Re: New Project 1955 1st series 5 window 3100 S10 frame swap Cool. Nice truck. We bought just the cab and doors for my son's '54 out of TX for $500 so $1000 for the whole truck is great. Just that you all are a long drive from here!

10-03-2010, 03:37 PM	#10
xpickup Registered User Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: York, Pa. Posts: 1,386	Re: New Project 1955 1st series 5 window 3100 S10 frame swap Wideside72, The whole swap is not too bad. The most difficult part will be the grill and radiator support. It will be notchville. The 54- early 55 grill is a whole lot deeper than the 53 back grill. Had to build a new radiator support. I'm using a 22" wide radiator from Summit and there is not much room. I should have some pictures the end of the week.

10-03-2010, 08:21 PM	#12
xpickup Registered User Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: York, Pa. Posts: 1,386	Re: New Project 1955 1st series 5 window 3100 S10 frame swap Wideside72, That is probably for a stock chassis and not an S10. Too much money to cut all up and still might not fit.

10-03-2010, 09:50 PM	#15
xpickup Registered User Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: York, Pa. Posts: 1,386	Re: New Project 1955 1st series 5 window 3100 S10 frame swap WIDESIDE72. Kinda bad because a lot more trimming. I have a 1948 panel with a Malibu chassis ( which has same susp. as S10, just the frame is wider) and didn't have to cut the grill at all.

10-04-2010, 03:59 PM	#16
Dan Bowles AD Addict Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Blissfield, MI Posts: 822	Re: New Project 1955 1st series 5 window 3100 S10 frame swap Rather than post it all up here, take a look at my build thread on our '54. http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/s...d.php?t=137385 Basically, I kicked the bottom of the rad out about 6" to clear the steering box but had to trim the air dam part of the bottom grille panel to fit around the radiator. Check out page 7, posts 128-140 for more clairification. I've been watching all of the treads with the Mustang radiators but haven't seen one with a part number. I just cut the rad support off at about 18" down and built 1 x 2" tubing mounts with feet on them to go into the original rad support uprights. I have plenty of room and I think I could get away with one of the Summit or Mustang aluminum rads next time (I've got 4 or 5 more of these trucks, 2 are '54s). Last edited by Dan Bowles; 10-04-2010 at 04:02 PM.

10-04-2010, 04:03 PM	#17
Dan Bowles AD Addict Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Blissfield, MI Posts: 822	Re: New Project 1955 1st series 5 window 3100 S10 frame swap OK, one cross post: This was BEFORE I figured out I needed the 1 x 2" inside of the original rad support so it got moved in a bit. You can see what I did to kick out the radiator though. Even some of the trimming of the back of the grille. And where we cut the frame off... Last edited by Dan Bowles; 10-04-2010 at 04:07 PM.

02-01-2011, 03:21 PM	#18
WIDESIDE72 Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Cedar Park, Texas Posts: 7,494	Re: New Project 1955 1st series 5 window 3100 S10 frame swap Yesterday was such a nice day out, especially January. It was at least in the upper 70's, if not lower 80s'! (I was in a t shirt and sweating!) I decided to pull the body off the S10 donor truck so that I can start fabbing up brackets. Attached Images



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02-01-2011, 03:26 PM	#19
WIDESIDE72 Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Cedar Park, Texas Posts: 7,494	Re: New Project 1955 1st series 5 window 3100 S10 frame swap Since the S10 cab isn't too heavy, I figured I would be safe with the landscape timber through the window openings. I also ran a come along from the bucket down to the body seam in the trans tunnel to keep it level. I pulled everything by myself, and didn't break ANYTHING!!! Attached Images

02-01-2011, 03:33 PM	#20
WIDESIDE72 Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Cedar Park, Texas Posts: 7,494	Re: New Project 1955 1st series 5 window 3100 S10 frame swap The single most time consuming part of the whole removal was geting the emergency brake cable loose without breaking anything. I am going to try and use the S10 e brake foot bracket in the truck, so I took my time. I used an old trick of using a small hose clamp to collapse the one way end on the e brake cable where it snaps into the bracket. Works every time. If anything, I usually have to loosen the clamp as I tend to tighten them up too much and the cable won't slide out once the retainer is compressed. Now I need to start on power washing the chassis and plan to get some help removing the 55 sheetmetal, as it is heavier and I am more concerned about screwing things up on it, since it is going to be what I keep! Weather update: SNOW FLURRIES (!) Temps in the 30s, hard freeze down into the teens (!) tonight. ONLY IN CENTRAL TEXAS!!! 60 degree temp change overnight! Attached Images Last edited by WIDESIDE72; 02-01-2011 at 06:32 PM.

02-02-2011, 11:34 AM	#22
WIDESIDE72 Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Cedar Park, Texas Posts: 7,494	Re: New Project 1955 1st series 5 window 3100 S10 frame swap I know it could be worse weather wise, I just think the temperature drop was crazy!

02-06-2011, 01:25 AM	#23
WIDESIDE72 Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Cedar Park, Texas Posts: 7,494	Re: New Project 1955 1st series 5 window 3100 S10 frame swap Low of 15 degrees (before wind chill) the other night at work at the airport. BRRRRR! Pulled an all nighter. Luckily I am an electrician and not a plumber, as they were still working on water leaks today, and we had a couple more from after they left where pipes had finally thawed.

02-06-2011, 01:26 AM	#24
WIDESIDE72 Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Cedar Park, Texas Posts: 7,494	Re: New Project 1955 1st series 5 window 3100 S10 frame swap If it's not too cold, I plan to power wash the S10 chassis and possibly start pulling the LT1/ 4L60E out of the Caprice.

02-06-2011, 12:34 PM	#25
WIDESIDE72 Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Cedar Park, Texas Posts: 7,494	Re: New Project 1955 1st series 5 window 3100 S10 frame swap Dropped the coin on the E-Z Chassis Swaps kit. Basically because I don't have the time to do all of the trial and error fitting, not to mention all of the lifting, etc with no help, as I have odd days off when no one is around to help, not to mention if I can keep it "rolling" the wife stays happy (er) and the risk of my losing interest is lower (slightly). Last edited by WIDESIDE72; 02-06-2011 at 12:35 PM.

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