Re: 51 Chev on a S10 frame, named Dale
 

Hey Guys,

I am not happy with my clutch master cylinder, so why I am waiting for some parts, I decided to make some hood prop rods. (idea from Orange Peel, thanks)


I used 2 holes that were already in the front hood brace.

Each rod is about 24 inches long, just long enough to fit under the hood.

Re: 51 Chev on a S10 frame, named Dale
 

Your truck is looking SOOOO good! I'm a big fan of the moons and trim rings.

Nice job on the hood props too, but won't you miss the metallic screeching of the stock springs resonating through the whole hood and the adrenaline rush of knowing that it could fall on your head at any moment? :lol:

Re: 51 Chev on a S10 frame, named Dale
 

Prop rods look good. :metal:

Re: 51 Chev on a S10 frame, named Dale
 

I like the prop rods. Do you have the before and after picture of the hood?

Re: 51 Chev on a S10 frame, named Dale
 

Looking good!! I really thought that bed was stock until I saw the wood widths being all mixed up. Nice truck :)

Re: 51 Chev on a S10 frame, named Dale
 

Thanks Guys, I am having a lot of fun with this truck. Still need to finish off the rear end with a bumper or a roll pan or both, maybe some reverse lights, tag holder with a light...???... but that will be a winter project.

MPC - my wife insisted on the Moons with the red 'Chevrolet' letters....... I am a fan of a 5 spoke wheel, but these are growing on me...... maybe change the wheel color from black ????? and yes, that sound of the hood springs is a "special" one. ha ha

Ol Blue - Thanks

8man - not sure what you mean by 'before' pic, but the back of the hood sat up about 1/2 - 3/4 inch off the cowl, with no springs it sits tight on the new seal.


Gigamanx - the planks were rough cut at 11.5 inches, it would have been easier to just place 4 of them in the bed and be done with it, but I wanted the variation of the widths. I did put the full width (11.5 in) over the gas tank in case I need to get at it.

Re: 51 Chev on a S10 frame, named Dale
 

Looking good. Love the stance. Congrats on getting her back on the road... I’m jealous :lol:

Re: 51 Chev on a S10 frame, named Dale
 

I was never happy with my clutch master being located under the dash, so I decided to mount the clutch master on the firewall, where it belongs.

Well, that started a chain reaction of expenses. First, I needed to buy a small, 7 inch, brake booster to create space on the firewall (the S10 booster is almost 12 inch diameter)

Then , I purchased the American Power Train adapter plate to allow the push rod to go 'directly' into the master.

Then, thinking I could reuse the S10 Brake master, but No, the flange on the S10 master would not fit inside the hole of the new 7 inch booster, so I had to buy a new Brake Master.

Now, after logging several miles on the new set up, it is great. Clutch pressure is OK, wife thinks it is a little stiff, but it does not keep her from driving it, and the feel of the brakes is good too.

Also found some rear view mirrors at Speedway. I think they look good, but the passenger side does not adjust to be functional. I guess this where form trumps function..... and there is great visibility in a 5 window anyways.

The neighbours love the truck and want to decorate it for Christmas..... not sure exactly what that means ???


Still lots to do, but enjoying the process.

Re: 51 Chev on a S10 frame, named Dale
 

Ok, time to work on the rear bumper. I plan to make a roll pan, but thought I would start with a bumper. I had a front bumper with the chrome peeling, but it is too curved for the rear, so I decided to be creative. (some would say cheap)

First I straightened it by lowering a loaded snowmobile trailer onto it.

then I cut the ends off and reshaped the ends

then I used some 1.5 inch flat rod and made some bumper brackets

then I used the old pieces of frame that I cut off the rear to make some brackets to attach to the frame

and gave them a quick coat of paint

Re: 51 Chev on a S10 frame, named Dale
 

and I had to cut out a notch for the tag.

I still plan to add a roll pan, but here it is for now.

Re: 51 Chev on a S10 frame, named Dale
 

That turned out great! Looks good

Re: 51 Chev on a S10 frame, named Dale
 

Thanks Brad.

the roll pan will hide the brackets and make things look better, I hope.

It is a Patina truck, so it looks fine for what I need.

Re: 51 Chev on a S10 frame, named Dale
 

Nice work, looks good.

Re: 51 Chev on a S10 frame, named Dale
 

Lookks good Sir....nice work...

Re: 51 Chev on a S10 frame, named Dale
 

In my humble opinion, I'm not sure you need a roll pan. That bumper looks great and fits the bill.

Re: 51 Chev on a S10 frame, named Dale
 

Thanks Guys,

Ol Blue, I think it looks OK without a roll pan too, but after seeing all the great metal fab work from all the people on this website, it has inspired me to give it a try, afterall, winter is coming.

Here is another pic of it, and it looks like the rear bumper sticks out too far, I am hoping the roll pan will change that

Re: 51 Chev on a S10 frame, named Dale
 

Man that thing really freed up space! I struggled to get around the S10 booster as well.

Re: 51 Chev on a S10 frame, named Dale
 

Well, since winter is here. I say go for it!! I'm here to watch. :metal:

Re: 51 Chev on a S10 frame, named Dale
 

I was trying to be 'thrifty' and use as much from the S10 as possible, but I learned that the 7 inch booster with matching master is well worth the money. (if you are going with a manual trans)

Re: 51 Chev on a S10 frame, named Dale
 

I will keep you posted, but please be kind as I am nowhere near the talent you see here.

Here's another pic I just took

Re: 51 Chev on a S10 frame, named Dale
 

Ya never know until you try. You may surprise yourself....:metal:

Re: 51 Chev on a S10 frame, named Dale
 

outstanding!

Re: 51 Chev on a S10 frame, named Dale
 

Merry Christmas Everyone, and I wish you all a Happy 2021

Santa is almost ready to go...........

Re: 51 Chev on a S10 frame, named Dale
 

I think the rear bumper looks good. I wouldnt do a roll pan. If you are worried about it pull it in another inch or so before the tailgate. Here is a picture of mine. Also love the Christmas theme.

Re: 51 Chev on a S10 frame, named Dale
 

Thanks, your truck looks great.


We got a White Christmas this morning