1950 Chevy 3600 - Bumper Punchin'

[IvelDesigns]

By request, I'm starting a new build thread before I have the truck in my hands

I will be picking up a 1950 Chevy truck in about 3 weeks and have a pretty aggressive plan and timeline for it.

Basically what I was able to find (with the help of Bob 68327) is a nearly rust free and complete '50 Chevy truck. I haven't looked inside the cab yet, but the outer sheet metal is 100% there. There are a few dents, but nothing major or unrepairable. Since there is no outer rust, I fully expect to find the floor boards rotted. I mean, it's Iowa damn it... there has to be rust somewhere...

Anyways, the plan... Mustang II setup up front running RE7's and 2" drop spindles. The rear will get a wishbone setup also running RE7's. I'm planning for two compressors, a 5 gal tank, and 8 valves. Probably going to stick with 1/4" line as 3/8" is faster than i want it to be. The goal is for the running boards to be level, and less than 1" off the ground when aired out. Also being able to drive in a straight line when aired out is a must. My kids will be in this, so it has to be safe.

I have a 350 4-bolt that is getting sent off to the shop for a good cleaning, crack check and short block build. Not doing anything crazy with it. just a good running, clean looking engine. the engine bay will be highly chromed out and painted.

Inside the cab is going to pretty much remain as is. I'll need to get the seat re-done, but i'm thinking something simple like a grey/black tweed. It also needs new glass all around.

The body, other than banging out a few of the dents to a semi smooth state, will remain as is. I'm a little concerned with the bare metal rusting, so i may possibly consider painting the truck in the fall a flat black. But this summer it's staying as is for sure. I will also be on the look out for a good pin-striper.

wheels and tires: Wide whites all around on black 15" steelies with baby moons.

So yeah, that's the plan. The timeline is to have this back on the road in time for the Midwest Meet the weekend after Memorial Day. If i cannot meet that timeline, it WILL be on the road in time for the Des Moines Good Guys show.

And now for the pics:

[Bob 68327]

Sweet !!! Can't wait . Glad I could help !! Bob

[LuckyHenriksen]

Hottt.... I can't wait for progress. What trans you goin to run?

[IvelDesigns]

well, i was thinking about a 4 speed. but i'll probably stick with an automatic. Either way, the shifter is going to be made from chain (like a big motorcycle chain of some sort) and will be about eye level. I'm tossing around ideas for what to use as the actual handle though. A buddy threw out the idea of using an old, non functional pistol, but i'm sure there's a law against that somewhere....

[lurch115]

Originally Posted by IvelDesigns

well, i was thinking about a 4 speed. but i'll probably stick with an automatic. Either way, the shifter is going to be made from chain (like a big motorcycle chain of some sort) and will be about eye level. I'm tossing around ideas for what to use as the actual handle though. A buddy threw out the idea of using an old, non functional pistol, but i'm sure there's a law against that somewhere....

lol nice to see you could be original! lol anyways, looks like a pretty solid truck from what i can see.

[thirdstreettito]

Sweet new ride!

[LuckyHenriksen]

Cool pistol idea... I have seen it before, and I think it would be legal as long as you had the barrel welded shut.

[LockDoc]

-
Oh Oh, Looks like some midnight oil is going to be burned..... Lookin' good Levi. That will make a sweet ride. If you need any pieces, check with me....

LockDoc

[kyull67]

My friend Jill is a good pinstriper. Her father actually owns his own pinstriping and lettering shop and does that full time. He is somewhere in Iowa so if you are interested I could find out exactly where and what his business is called.

[jeffspower]

That will make a sweet ride! can't wait to see ya rollin in it

[70C10Toejam]

Looking good. Heard you was selling the bumper puncher, and I see why. Cant wait to see it rollin' round here.

[72BlckButy]

Levi, I can't wait to see how this thing turns out but I had better see it at the All Truck Nat's. I remember seeing that truck posted in another thread.... ahem Bob... and thought it would make one heck of a sweet ride. The plans sound awesome so get your son out there and get to work!

Best of luck with the project!

[Bob 68327]

I never broke any rules I didn't post it for sale In friendly conversation Levi asked if I knew where he could find one I said UMMMM Yup ! Bob

[72BlckButy]

Originally Posted by Bob 68327

I never broke any rules I didn't post it for sale In friendly conversation Levi asked if I knew where he could find one I said UMMMM Yup ! Bob

Don't worry I wasn't calling you out... just wanted to state that I remember a few other members that were interested but distance was the main issue. I'm glad to see Levi end up with it because he will build it right. I can't wait to see how it turns out.

[Dieselwrencher]

Nice find Levi! Have you had any luck getting the red truck sold? This project is going to cause you some major drowsy mornings at work for sure! LOL

[IvelDesigns]

thanks for the comments guys. I'm actually going to keep the red truck and keep driving the wheels off it. Now when the family and I head to a show, I'll be driving one, and jackie will be driving the other. She's pretty partial to the '69 and gave me the green light to keep it and get a new project.

I plan to get the bed finished up on this spring/summer on the 69. planning to get some raw steel diamond plate for the whole bed, then getting it rhino lined red.

I plan to do all of the work on the '50 at my house here in waukee instead of my parents place. That should help give me the time to get it done. That and i have a friend who is helping me out too.

Kyle, i will definitely be in touch regarding your pin striping friend.

[bad68bowtie]

Bumper punchin'...I like that...


Now if the day would ever come when mine will be doing that .

[thirdstreettito]

Make sure to paint it red and put moons on it. Then park next to the 69!

[VA72C10]

Glad to hear you're keeping the 69 and will get to enjoy it. Will be watching this build... After I finish my 70, I will next build a blazer...then sometime in the future a 49/50 GMC. My best man at my wedding has a 49 GMC that I drool over every time I see it.

[72BlckButy]

Levi, I can't remember.... did you notch your frame/bed on the '69? I've seen several members that have actually retained the original floor and just "raised" it to cover the notch.

[IvelDesigns]

in the 69 i just notched the frame with a bolt in setup. There's a thread over in the suspension forum where a guy had a good idea for just cutting a trap door in the floor over the pumpkin. That way it's flush, then when it airs out, the door pops open on its own.

regarding the 50, it looks like i'll be bringing it home the weekend of the 28th. can't wait!

[vk_chevy]

that looks like a nice pickup,
good luck and keep us posted.

[Bob 68327]

Originally Posted by IvelDesigns

in the 69 i just notched the frame with a bolt in setup. There's a thread over in the suspension forum where a guy had a good idea for just cutting a trap door in the floor over the pumpkin. That way it's flush, then when it airs out, the door pops open on its own.

regarding the 50, it looks like i'll be bringing it home the weekend of the 28th. can't wait!

The 28th huh I will have to make sure I'm available I'm ready when you are to get started !!! Bob

[Puropedo]

Great find, I actually wanted that truck, but just like Nate mentioned, distance was an issue. Im glad it is ending up in here (67-72chevytrucks) love what u are planning to do with it, I have similar plans (if I ever get one)
but the wheel tire choice for mine would be 22's rear and 20's front, Im pretty
sure u will do a great job with it!

[VA72C10]

I'm glad you're gonna run it with the patina at least for a while...that 50's got some sweet patina. If you could figure out a way to do a flat or satin clear to keep it from rusting more, and run the baby moons and maybe add a chrome grille to the front, that thing would absolutely ROCK...(not that it doesn't already...especially at the price on the window)