1950 3/4 ton short box

[Hermes]

So I've decided to start a build thread on my 1950 3/4 ton truck. A few years ago a neighbor offered me a steal of a deal on the truck that he had sitting in this barn. Overall the truck was pretty solid. A previous owner had put a set of bucket seats in, that didn't really fit, and their was some dings and dents that need some attention.

Here are a few pics after I brought it home...





After sitting for many years while I decided what I wanted to do with this project, last fall I finally started the build. My a goal to build something that drives and handles well, while retaining some of the original visual aspects, with the plan to have everything completed by October 2016.

I've sent the cab off to friend who does body work. While my father and myself started on the frame. Since I had a short box from a 1/2 ton parts truck a in great condition and I prefer the look of the shorter box, we needed to shorten the frame.




I wanted to improve the handling of the truck so I decided to ditch the solid axle and go with a Heidts Mustang II. The kit was great - easy to install and everything came together pretty smoothly.



Finally over the winter I was able to get the frame sandblasted, primed, painted and the Mustang II setup is completed.



More to come!

[J48chevy]

Nice looking truck and great start to your build. Look forward to seeing progress.

[oldman3]

Ready to watch you getting in done...Jim

[SalvagedSouls]

I'll tag along - subscribed.

[Hermes]

As promised a few additional updates....

For the rear axle I had been debating spending the money and putting in a new 4 link. In the end I decided to run with the original leaf spring setup. I ordered a CPP Rear End Conversion Kit. I had a rear axle that the axle code shows coming from a late 60's early 70's Camaro or Nova. I'm thinking I might need to take out a couple of the leafs - to drop the height a little. I will need to see how it sits. I'm also considering doing the shackle flip - but think it might give me more of a drop then what I really want....
(Sorry for the bad angle photos)




Last weekend I installed the new 20GAL fuel cell. I needed to move the rear cross member back to make room - but there is plenty of space. I was mostly concerned about the clearance from the ground- but I'm happy with how it seems to fits.


I also picked up a Power Brake setup kit - I did a test fit to make sure it clears the transmission cross-member mount. Looks like everything will clear. My plans for the coming weekend is to run the new fuel and brake lines!

[Hermes]

Progress has moving along about as fast as I expected....wished I lived closer to where I'm building my truck (it's about a 3hr drive). But I'm making it work.

Over the past weekend I was able to get the brakes lines run, and bleed. I decided to purchase a complete master cylinder and booster kit. Decided to keep the drums for the rear, and added a little fun with a line lock kit.

The master cylinder/booster kit bolted right in using holes already in the stock frame. For the proportioning valve we opted to mount it to frame rail. For the brake lines picked up a 25' spool of NiCopp line along with some additional pre flared pieces.




For the center rear brake hose, we grabbed a piece of left over aluminium and fabbed up a nice center mount. I have a friend who works at a local parts store, so I was able to just go in the back and pick out one that looked long enough, certainly helps when trying to fab something together.



Couple other updates.... mounted the battery drop down box. Used the orginal location of the old battery. Installed without issue, and drops down with ease.



And finally I was also able to pickup the cab from the guy who is doing all my body work. It's been carefully wrapped in shrink wrap. Haven't had a chance to unwrap it yet. I feel like a kid at Christmas, waiting to unwrap my presents! I opted to go with SEM Hot Rod Black.From photos I've seen of other builds, it has the color and look I'm going for.



The plan this weekend is to set the engine/trans in place. Maybe even set the cab onto the frame.

[Hermes]

Over the weekend I set the 350 into place. It's starting to resemble a vehicle again.

I do have a question -- does anyone have recommendations for exhaust headers/manifolds? I currently have a set of stock Ram Horn manifolds and steering shaft will be pretty difficult to route from the Mustang II to the firewall. I was looking at ordering a set of H8065 Patriot Headers - after I read a post here that said they provided enough clearance for the steering shaft. Anyone have suggestions?

[Hermes]

I went ahead and ordered the H8065 Patriot Headers - and I couldn't be happier with fit. They provided plenty of clearance for the steering shaft. Next up mount the cab on the frame and figure out to the steering.

[dug224]

3 hour drive to the build!!! That's dedication. Great build. dug

[HUSSEY]

Great work, looking forward to seeing it come together.

[mongocanfly]

Dug said exactly what I was thinking when I read 3hr drive...looks good..

[Hermes]

Originally Posted by dug224

3 hour drive to the build!!! That's dedication. Great build. dug

Thanks everyone! Yes - the 3hr drive is pain - that basically limits my ability to work on it during the week. I would love to be closer - but I don't have a fraction of the skills or tools Dad has.

But I try to make the trip at least every other weekend and spend all weekend while I'm in town working on it. Luckily my dad is willing to do some of smaller task while I'm not around, and I take advantage during the week to find/order parts.

[Coach529]

Originally Posted by Hermes

I went ahead and ordered the H8065 Patriot Headers - and I couldn't be happier with fit. They provided plenty of clearance for the steering shaft. Next up mount the cab on the frame and figure out to the steering.

Attachment 1544881

Attachment 1544882

Those headers look like they fit great.

[Hermes]

So it's been awhile since I last posted, but I've still been keeping busy on the build, although didn't get to work on it much during the month of July do to other commitments. But it's all starting to come together!

Was able to get the cab secured to the frame. Everything lined up and fit well. I did need to trim out a little around the transmission hump to get the cab to sit on the frame rails. Also got a sheet of Aluminum cut and mounted to firewall. Radiator in place with upper and lower hoses installed.


Did some metal work and filled in some of the "holes" in the floor, and then I applied POR15 to the interior areas of the cab that was still a little crusty, mostly under the seat and where the tank sat. Seam sealed all the weld joints, then applied some of their top-coat primer to the interior surfaces.



Then gave the entire interior a nice coating of Sound and Heat versions of LizardSkin.


Last weekend ordered a new steering shaft and did the mock up of the steering. Next up I'm going to need to build a bracket to hold the heim joint, and I also need to decide what color for the interior. Leaning toward a gloss black or deep flat red. I'm also leaning toward mounting the fuse panel and all the electrical stuff under the seat area. Anyone have any opinions on that route, something similar to this... I'd like to hear if anyone has pro/con's.

[Zoomin]

The only con to that is having to pull the seat to replace fuses, which if you have my luck will happen at the worst possible time and place. Other than that, it sure offers a lot of room.

Good looking truck!