1949 Chevy 3100 Build Thread

[lv2tri2]

Really like where this project is headed.

[SKT]

Originally Posted by lv2tri2

Really like where this project is headed.

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Having followed his Chopper builds on another forum, this truck build will surely deliver endless attention to detail and no expenses spared.

The 'Living Room' CFL is amazing!

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[Flysocal]

Thanks SKT. I finished my CFL sportster and tried to update the forum but it's down. It rides really nice and came out better than expected. Now that's it's done and I put a few miles on it and worked out a couple bugs, I can focus on the truck.

Today I welded in a weatherstrip Channel around the door, tacked up some boxing plates and welded over the battery access. I'm not sure where the battery is going yet but I know it's not going there! Getting ready to mock up my rear end.

Question for the guys that have done it before: is 116 wheel base correct? I remember guys saying 115 (bringing the rear forward 1") looks better in the rear fender. I'm not gonna order my bed from mar-k for another month or so. I would like to get started on the rear suspension without the bed.

Also here is a pic of my water pump. The outlet is very close to the radiator fan. I wonder if a radiator shop can change out the pipe? I suppose it's pressed in?

[iowaboynca]

so what's that radiator/fan combo? It looks good.

[Flysocal]

Originally Posted by iowaboynca

so what's that radiator/fan combo? It looks good.

Bought off eBay the seller handle is dissrad. http://m.ebay.com/itm/1947-1954-CHEV...257Ciid%253A10

[iowaboynca]

Thanks for the reply! I'm getting close to that stage on my build and i'll give them a look.

[solidaxel]

For the rear wheels when using a large tire I have always moved my axle to the rear 1 1/2",

[e015475]

You need the later Trailblazer waterpump. It looks like this-

[Flysocal]

Yep looks like the trailblazer water pump would have been the right choice. I'm gonna try and make this work. I cut a couple inches off it and should have enough room now. Got new joints in the mail today and steering is better. Starting to mock up front suspension.

[51Chevy3100]

Coming along nicely!

[Flysocal]

Worked on the rear suspension today. Scott's hotrods 4 bar with panhard. Spent a good bit of time getting the rear axle position at 116" wheelbase. It's a Moser 9" housing. Shocks are set at 10 degrees. Pinion angle is set 2 degrees up on the housing and 2 down on the engine. Everything looks good so far my only concern is the shock crossmember is 2.5" from housing and shock travel is 3" so I'm gonna have to modify the crossmember somehow. Everything is tacked into place for now.

[Flysocal]

[Advanced Design]

Nice work getting the rear dialed in and positioned. Kinda like juggling? Or did it go pretty smooth?

[Flysocal]

Originally Posted by Advanced Design

Nice work getting the rear dialed in and positioned. Kinda like juggling? Or did it go pretty smooth?

Once I welded my axle in place everything went smooth. Not so much prior to that

[solidaxel]

Does 116" wheel base put the rear tire in the center of the wheel opening?
We ended up using a 15" rear shock and moving the shock mount up higher to get more travel in the rear axle

[Flysocal]

Originally Posted by solidaxel

Does 116" wheel base put the rear tire in the center of the wheel opening?
We ended up using a 15" rear shock and moving the shock mount up higher to get more travel in the rear axle

With my no limit tank in place there isn't any more room to bring the axle back any further than 116.5". I wanted some space between the coilover and tank so I settled on exactly 116" and will hope for the best. Where that puts the wheel I have no idea. I don't have a bed yet so can't mock it up. As far as the shocks they are 300lbs and have 3" of compression. Thats what Scotts hotrods sold me as part of my kit. Sure doesn't seem like much travel in the rear for a daily driver but I have not idea.

[Possmguts]

Boy... you've been getting a lot done since I last checked. Looking good! I only wonder about having the 2 U-joints in that steering shaft... Is that gonna work right?

[joedoh]

Originally Posted by Possmguts

I only wonder about having the 2 U-joints in that steering shaft... Is that gonna work right?

I count three, there is one under the motor mount.

[youngrodder]

Looks good..I just finished mocking up my steering. I too used 3 universal joints. Mine moves smoothly but I was concerned with the angle but mine looks very close to yours.

Marc

[Flysocal]

Originally Posted by youngrodder

Looks good..I just finished mocking up my steering. I too used 3 universal joints. Mine moves smoothly but I was concerned with the angle but mine looks very close to yours.

Marc

You got a build thread going? Would be cool to see what you got goin on

[Flysocal]

Three joints one is a vibration reducer. I built this according to borgeson guidelines with a support so nothing binds. It's smooth as silk no problems.

[Flysocal]

Switched gears a bit today. I love the utility I get out of my 08 ranger. This truck will replace the Ranger as my daily driver so I'm trying to keep it simple and driver friendly. Little things like a modern gas door is one of those simple details. Cut from a 99 blazer I grafted it into my fender. I wasn't happy to cut a hole in a perfectly good OEM fender but it's all good.

[Flysocal]

All done

[Flysocal]

Got the rear suspension crossmember figured out. I used a transmission crossmember and welded shock bungs in place. It has much better clearance. Also got drive shaft loop tacked in place.

[Flysocal]

I decided to go with a new engine and tranny. Got this 5.3 from summit a few days ago. It just doesn't make sense to run a junkyard motor/tranny since everything else will be new. Got a great deal just a bit more than the going rate for a rebuild.