49 Chevy on a 2000 ZR2 low buck build

[49ZR2]

After shortening the box, I finally got to work on shortening the running boards and the trim piece's. Here's a couple of pics. Welding the running boards seemed pretty straight forward. But the trim pieces - lets just say they were challenging and will need a little more work.

[49ZR2]

Took the truck out so I could stand back and see what the running boards looked like. Thought I would share.

[OKGMC4]

Looks good all the way from Oklahoma! Really like this build. Always liked the ZR2 but the AD looks better on that chassis, and there aren't enough 4x4 AD trucks out there. Don't forget to post more as it comes!

[CAL 58 GMC]

Looks Good!

[nickp51chevy]

That is a nice picture. I did the same thing, shortening the bed and running boards. The splash aprons were kinda a pain in the butt. Looks good.

[49ZR2]

Nickp51, I've gone through your build before and never noticed that you shortened your bed and running boards. It looks like you did a great job. When I removed my first stake pocket it looked like swiss cheeze!

[53GMC]

Im jealous...but starting to pick up speed on mine so ill be coming along shortly! yours is the exact same color i want mine to be....that old navy blue .....Awesome work...im gettin my cab mounts based off your model as we speak thanks again for your help....looks great!

[nickp51chevy]

Thanks, but I wouldn't say great job I think I did alright though. Mine was swiss cheesy also. I really didn't like drilling out the bed angles, that was a pain. I want to build a 4x4 some time and I want to use a blazer frame. That would make for a real short bed.

[49ZR2]

Hey guys, it's been awhile since I've posted. Not much to tell, busy time of year for me. No real progress.

I did get to meet with a local AD guy, Pat aka: 2ndGenRR - over new years weekend and see his projects. 3 to be exact. One he's building for a buddy a 48 as I recall, a truck he and his dad rebuilt when he was a kid, sold it and recently bought it back, and a burb. He's got his hands full. He's pretty modest but he has a lot to offer. I forgot to mention the other AD he built and sold. I think he's forgotten more about these trucks than I know. He's working on the 48 right now and should start a build thread. PM him guys

I hung around probably for about 2 hours just talking & looking, it was about 20F and no heater in the barn! Before I left he pointed to a heater that he had taken out of the 48 and said it was his contribution to my low buck build. What a way to start the new year! A new heater for the 49 and a new friend!
Thanks again Pat

[britnjc]

I dont think I have replied to your thread yet, but your s10 swap is great. I love the way it is turning out. My 50 gmc is in process of being finished on an s10, but I went with the lowered street rod look. But yours is very nice. I would love to have one done like yours also. NICE WORK

[2ndGenRR]

Originally Posted by 49ZR2

Hey guys, it's been awhile since I've posted. Not much to tell, busy time of year for me. No real progress.

I did get to meet with a local AD guy, Pat aka: 2ndGenRR - over new years weekend and see his projects. 3 to be exact. One he's building for a buddy a 48 as I recall, a truck he and his dad rebuilt when he was a kid, sold it and recently bought it back, and a burb. He's got his hands full. He's pretty modest but he has a lot to offer. I forgot to mention the other AD he built and sold. I think he's forgotten more about these trucks than I know. He's working on the 48 right now and should start a build thread. PM him guys

I hung around probably for about 2 hours just talking & looking, it was about 20F and no heater in the barn! Before I left he pointed to a heater that he had taken out of the 48 and said it was his contribution to my low buck build. What a way to start the new year! A new heater for the 49 and a new friend!
Thanks again Pat

Stop it, I'm blushing! Thanks for the props Gary and I would start a build thread, but does everybody really need to see another S10 swap? Seems to be pretty well covered by guys with a lot more skill than me. Anyway, I'm very happy to contribute to your very cool project...it inspires me to put the '52 1-ton panel on a 4x4 chassis!

[49ZR2]

Here's a few pics of my progress. I've been beating the bondo out of the sheet metal where I find it. Also working on the wiring and making the gauges fit. I bought a EZ wiring harness. The harness quality is good, the only thing they seem to lack is support. After buying the harness I had a few questions it took 2 days to speak to a (the) tech. Very defensive guy, I'm thinking I just asked a question because your instructions suck and you don't have any FAQ's online. Oh well I've finally gotten through it by trial and error. Next up painting with Hot Rod Flatz.

[Clay54]

49ZR2, I started reading your thread and was excited when I saw in post #1 pic 5 where the stock S10 radiator was mocked inside your 49 fenders. Then in post #18, 1st and 2nd pics looks like some other radiator and then in post #37 2nd pic is clearly not S10. What made you change your mind and what radiator are you using? Thanks

[49ZR2]

Clay, the stock radiator was just to big. This is the radiator I used.
Summit SUM-381324 - Summit® Aluminum Racing Radiators

With trans cooler
• Radiator, Universal, Aluminum, Dual Row, Crossflow, 22 in. Wide, 19 in. High, 2.25 in. Thick

Hope this helps.

[Clay54]

Thanks for your quick response. Good looking truck. Clay

[OrrieG]

Concerning EZ wire, you must have hit him on a bad day. I've called twice and the owner answered the phone both times, I think he is basically a one man operation at this time. Both times we talked about 15 minutes, first was to ask questions about the manual, second was about some accessories I'm going to have. No attitude or defensiveness when I talked to him. He said to call back when I get into it if I have any other questions or problems.

[nickp51chevy]

Any updates on your project?

[49ZR2]

Well it's been a great summer. I've been driving the 49 every chance I get. Starting to get a little cold now, especially since I haven't got the glass in the doors yet. I'm looking forward to working on lots of little things this winter.
The grandkids love it. Here's a few of the latest pics.

[nickp51chevy]

I was wondering what happened to you. it's still a good looking rig. Glass is cheep, at least here, shouldn't take much to get that done. Keep us updated.

[49ZR2]

Thanks Nick, I've got the glass I just need the short piece of track inside the drivers door that goes over the latch assembly. Once I track one of them down I'll get to work on it.
Let's see the list is long
Get wiper motors working again
Figure out how to use the stock e brake assembly with the s-10 e brakes
Front and rear fender braces attached
Door seals
Replace windshield seals
Replace almost all the seals
Get the hood adjusted better
Adjust drivers door (waiting until I install the new seals)
Trailer hitch
Find an unusual horn
Finish the gas filler
Build a new bed
Hookup the heater & heater hose and figure out some controls
Add a pasenger side mirror
Find sunvisors & headliner

So that's my short list

[BlueJeep]

Lookin' good!

I've been driving mine as much as I can during the nice weather too, drove it today in fact.

What did you end up doing for the gas tank, did you use the s10 one? I don't see a filler, so just wondering.

[49ZR2]

Thaks Blue,
The gas tank filler tube location was one of the things that I just could not decide earlier this year, so until I could make up my mind I left the origional in place and used the s10 filler. I cut a hole in the bottom of a 5 gal bucket and screwed it to the bed. Out of sight out of mind. I went to car events almost every week and no one ever asked.
My future plan for the gas filler is to use the origional 49 location and run a filler hose behind the seat and through the floor of the cab back to the stock s-10 tank.

Here's another one for you. I couldn't decide how I wanted my transmission hump. So I took the s-10 heavy duty steering colum support modified it and tacked in in place so it didn't rattle all summer. I've had a lot of compliments on it and may keep it.

[53GMC]

I love your build man...great work....glad to see the kids loving the ride too!

[dnights]

Great looking truck. I do have two questions for you. What did you use for reference points when mounting the cab and how do you access the spare tire.

[nickp51chevy]

Great idea with the gas tank filler neck. Have you seen my build thread? I build a "tool box" to hide the gas tank, but I think it would also work to hide just the neck also. I also like the license plates on the floor board. I would do that but I have to many holes and not enough support.