51 Chevy 1/2 ton, My S10 swap

[T Hilde]

Looks sharp!

[Atommik]

I painted and installed a lower grille filler to finish off the front. I still may put a bumper on someday.

Also got the rear window installed, and door weather strips. A lot less noise in the cab now. I was going to install the passenger side glass, but the regulator was junk. New one on the way! I also ordered new wiper arms and blades.

[99 to Life]

looking good.

[Atommik]

I've been trying to decide how I wanted to proceed with the bed floor. I had some left over prefinished oak flooring from our kitchen floor, but didn't like that look. Then I considered using the "plastic" deck material. But I decided I wanted a little more traditional look, but at a lower cost. So I used oak veneer plywood, then attached polished aluminum strips to complete the look. The front edge tucks under a polished aluminum angle and the back edge is secure with a couple of deck screws. Since I built my own box, I don't have the normal cross members, so using a store bought flooring kit and strips would have required some modification. Also, with my battery located under the bed floor, I can remove the 2 rear screws in the floor and slide the whole thing rearward for access to the battery. As I work on this project I realize I'm not driving it as much as I thought I would, and I definitely do all I can to avoid bad weather, so I think the plywood should last quite a while.

[iowaboynca]

Shiny! Looks awesome

[chincha805]

were you able to use only 1 4x8 sheet of oak plywood. i want to do the same but the factory bed width is wider than 48" and will have to use two sheets of plywood.

[Atommik]

I added a 1X2 oak board (1 1/2X 3/4) along the edge with wood glue and screws, to bring the full width to 49 1/2 inches. You can see that it's there but it doesn't jump out at you.

[Atommik]

Finally started working on my door trim panels. I am having some clearance issues with the inside handle mechanism. Modifications will happen soon. Here's some pics of the trim panel and speaker box in kick panel.

[Cautrell05]

Nice build. Is that an 80s Chevy van column?

[Atommik]

Originally Posted by Cautrell05

Nice build. Is that an 80s Chevy van column?

Not exactly sure what the column is from. I got it from a friend who found it in the trunk of a project car he bought. I do think it's mid 80's.

[Atommik]

Progress report. Exterior is finished! Still a few interior items to wrap up and a few things under the hood.

I entered a calendar contest for "LKQ Parts". The least I will get is a free t shirt.

[iowaboynca]

Good Luck!

[99 to Life]

nice work, yeah I feel you on the clearance issue. I think I'm having that and or need to open up the hole where the door handle is with the panel. I think there is too much tension there, makes the handle have too much drag on it. Might have to bend the door mech in a little.

[oldman3]

Here's hoping they pick your sweet ride...Jim

[Atommik]

Voting is open for the LKQ 2016 calendar contest. Vote for my truck please if you think it's worthy!. Thanks! My truck is on page 17.

https://a.pgtb.me/CPMQrc

[99 to Life]

voted

[Kodiaks53]

Atommik, I have the same steering column in my 53 and it came from a 89 Chevy van. Got it from a buddy who owns a wrecking yard.
Just re-read your entire build thread. Found a couple of things that will help me out. I'm using the sending unit in the S-10 tank, I'm also using the gas gauge out of a 79 Chevy pickup. I hope the 79 is a 90 ohm unit.

[Atommik]

So with winter here, all I really can do is look at my truck and plan the next upgrade/ change/ do over. You get the idea. I decided to let my artistic side step up and add some artwork to my build. I took off the Cadillac air cleaner and added some flames. I figured it was small enuf that it wouldn't be too involved and big enough to be interesting. Also if I didn't like how it turned out I could just keep my hood shut at shows!
I've laid out flames before, and even painted some very simple flames on a friends dirt bike gas tank before, but these were a little more involved.

I used the materials we have at work for collision repair refinishing (water bourn color and urethane clear). I also did not have an air brush but did use a Sata Mini-jet paint gun. The pictures of the finished project turned out a little dark so the colors don't show up very well. Overall I'm happy with how it turned out.

[oldman3]

Nice job...Jim

[Atommik]

It's been a while since I've posted. I finally took a little time to get some small projects done. Installed seatbelts, summit racing kit. Nice fit and function. Re-upholstered the headliner with some lighter weight fabric. The other stuff was starting to get loose. And I finally got the power steering hooked up. I wish I hadn't waited 3 years to do it!

[Atommik]

Here's a few pics.

[Driver_WT]

Originally Posted by Atommik

Here's a few pics.

Very nice build and a great looking truck. How did you mount the pivot bolt for the shoulder seat belt?

[Atommik]

For the pivot mount, I got a 3/16 steel plate about 3"X3", curved it slightly to match the curve of the inner cab corner panel. Drilled a hole in the center for the seat belt bolt, welded a nut on the back side of the plate. I also drilled a 1/4 hole and ran a tap through it. Then when I fished the plate down thru the opening in the inner panel( from the top) I ran a machine screw into the smaller tapped hole to hold the plate in place and keep it from spinning, while I installed the seat belt pivot bolt. It is not be as strong as a modern day seat belt mount, but it's better than only a lap belt (or no belts at all).

[99 to Life]

nice, 3point belts are a must imo.

[52ratrod]

Thanks so much for posting everything. Such an awesome build and very informative. Can you give a run down on your rad support and what you did to finish it?