47-55.1 Starting a 52 Chevy 3100 Project.

[28TudorAZ]

Originally Posted by joedoh

nice start! that s10has a blazer headlight swap, thats the best looking front end in my opinion. not that you are keeping it.


I tell everyone, mounting the body, especially with all the plans for mounts that exist, is the easiest part. its the rest, the wiring and the brakes and the pedals and the engine and the trans and the driveshaft and the fuel tank and the fuel lines and the seat and the column... thats where you will spend the time. gird your loins! we are here to help!

We felt bad tearing apart of perfectly good truck. Well not really. My dad really liked the smooth ride of it though. I probably could have winged it with the fabrication but why when someone has done all the hard work of measuring it for you. I read through your thread on your truck. Looking really good. I like how you did the paint. Gives me some ideas. I planned on doing the interior really nice as well. I probably will be on the same timeline as you. Your at 8 months and almost done. You have some major metal working skills by the way. I luckily will not have to do so much since we are not retaining the 4.3 and my dad wants to go carbureted 350/700R4. I was leaning towards LS. He doesn't like all the electronic stuff. We still have some time though and I might be able to get it done cheaper with the LS stuff since we would only need a motor and convince him but probably not. I am fine with either way.


Hopefully this weekend we can get the S10 stripped to the frame and get the 52 cab off the old frame. Anyone know any reason to retain any of the body brackets and running boards brackets off the old frame? Or is it better to just make new ones?

[8man]

Great start, you are way ahead if there are no rust outs to cut out and replace. Have fun with the build.

[MARTINSR]

But before you start, ask yourself what are your expectations on driving this truck. What will you be using it for? If it's daily driver down the freeway at 70, do the frame "swap." If it's towing a boat through the mountains, do the frame "swap."

But if this is going to be a Sunday cruiser or a local driver around city streets and hitting the freeway every once in a while REALLY think about that frame "Swap."

I say "swap" because all a frame swap does is swap the money, time, and work from one frame to another. The stock frame under your truck will do everything you need in the Sunday cruiser or local driver I mention. There are front crossmember kits if you want an IRS that is MUCH easier than stuffing that S-10 frame under there.
Or depending on how much you will drive it, a V8 stuffed in there or a hot six with the stock suspension would work just fine too.

Just tossing it out there, you deserve to have the truck you want, if that's a late model frame so you can do things I mention like flying down the freeway everday, go for it. But I have seen WAY too many of these trucks be sold undone because the frame "swap" is a bunch of work and people were under the impression it's a weekend project.

Just something to think about.

Brian

[MARTINSR]

And guys please don't attack me for my last post. We ALL should give advice like this for anything someone wants to do like a top chop or sandblasting sheetmetal and all the things that can ruin stuff for someone.

I just tossed an idea out to think about it, that's all. To some people the S-10 frame is the perfect solution, I am just tossing it out there so he makes sure it IS what he is after.

Brian

[joedoh]

Originally Posted by 28TudorAZ

Your at 8 months and almost done. You have some major metal working skills by the way... Anyone know any reason to retain any of the body brackets and running boards brackets off the old frame? Or is it better to just make new ones?

hey thanks. I would have been done but rust and other OT projects always seem to bite the calendar.

I reuse the running board mounts (cut them down and weld them to the frame) but other guys have made really sharp and functional mounts from tube. one thing about reusing is you will have a hard time putting the third one on, it is right at the front leaf perch. I build a hanger from strap to the fender/running board attachment and it works great.

I have done a few, check out my user profile for the photo galleries of the others.

Originally Posted by MARTINSR

I am just tossing it out there so he makes sure it IS what he is after.

Originally Posted by 28TudorAZ

I read everything on the s10 swap and that is the route we are going.

it seemed pretty clear. it was the third sentence in his very first post.

[28TudorAZ]

Originally Posted by MARTINSR

But I have seen WAY too many of these trucks be sold undone because the frame "swap" is a bunch of work and people were under the impression it's a weekend project.
Brian

I was reading through old post and saw this. I had to laugh.....I am sure its true with many projects. How is your truck coming along?

[28TudorAZ]

So my latest project (69 scout) is about to leave my garage for the summer since its so hot and the 52 Chevy is coming back for the A/C install, receiver hitch install, clear coat and bed wood. Updates should be coming soon.

[joedoh]

wow thats a beaut! and congrats!

[28TudorAZ]

Originally Posted by joedoh

wow thats a beaut! and congrats!

Thanks!!! Waiting on parts. I am thinking its going to get an LS swap next winter after I get all the suspension and wiring bugs worked out. I haven't seen any pictures of your new project. Would love to see it. I feel like every one you do it gets better and better.