1947 Chevy Truck Hotrod
 

Been looking at info on the site for a long time now. Tons of good information here. Thought I would try to contribute some now!

Picked up 2 47 Chevy pickup's for $1500 at the beginning of the year, have some pictures located some where on my computer.

My plan is to use the stock frame and axles with a 5.3 engine and 700r4 transmission.

More to follow.........

Re: 1947 Chevy Truck Hotrod
 

Getting the engine set in place.

http://i1296.photobucket.com/albums/...ps8ee79946.jpg

Re: 1947 Chevy Truck Hotrod
 

Stock exhaust manifolds would not work. Was told that C-5 corvette manifolds would fit, so I found some on Ebay. Not much clearance (about 1/2 inch on each side) but they do fit.

http://i1296.photobucket.com/albums/...psdbffd747.jpg

http://i1296.photobucket.com/albums/...psdf95d6d0.jpg

Re: 1947 Chevy Truck Hotrod
 

Custom exhaust. The front part is also from a C5 corvette that I modified to fit. The back is from my 96 Chevy truck that I had custom build, and put the stock exhaust back on when I sold it. The picture shows the driver side a little off, but that got fixed.

http://i1296.photobucket.com/albums/...ps69a29f87.jpg

Re: 1947 Chevy Truck Hotrod
 

Making the frame look good!

http://i1296.photobucket.com/albums/...ps2b73d71f.jpg

http://i1296.photobucket.com/albums/...psdc477ca9.jpg

Re: 1947 Chevy Truck Hotrod
 

Welcome to the site, looks like a nice start.

Shawn

Re: 1947 Chevy Truck Hotrod
 

Thanks, Should have some more updates this weekend. Hopefully I get the rest of the frame coated this weekend and start putting all the pieces back on.

Re: 1947 Chevy Truck Hotrod
 

Nice truck. I think you'll really like the 5.3. What are your plans for the fuel tank?
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Re: 1947 Chevy Truck Hotrod
 

The fuel tank will be going under the bed, not too keen on having 20 gallons of gas in the cab with me. I am looking at using a 73-81 GMC/Chevy Suburban Blazer 31 Gallon Fuel Tank or a mustang style flat top tank. I would like to put it under the front part of the bed and have the filler come out on the drivers side box. However it will depend on how much clearance my exhaust will allow. I would like to have a spare tire holder under the back of the box like the newer trucks today. Should know in a few weeks if time allows and the wife/ 5 month old kid will let me work on the truck.

Re: 1947 Chevy Truck Hotrod
 

Update:
Got done coating most of the frame and the rearend. Still need the U-bolts, but held in place by c-clamps for now. Also got running board and cab mounts back on the frame and the exhaust in place. Here are some pictures.

http://i1296.photobucket.com/albums/...psbea944fc.jpg

http://i1296.photobucket.com/albums/...psb3284324.jpg

Next I will be sanding, priming, painting and installing the running boards.

Re: 1947 Chevy Truck Hotrod
 

I am looking forward to this build.

So you are going to use the original straight axle in front? If so I assume a disk brake upgrade is coming to help slow it back down but are you planning anything for the steering? Maybe a stabilizer? I drive my AD and I have to herd it down the road at 50mph and the steering gets scary. I can't imagine that at 75mph.

Thanks for you tips in my LS swap thread. I am going with the same motor/tranny set up so I'll be asking you lots of questions. :)

Re: 1947 Chevy Truck Hotrod
 

Going to stick with the straight axle, yes plan on doing disc brakes. However there are not many kits out there for 8 lugs, so I plan on copying the system from my 2006 GMC 2500HD and making it work. As for the steering I was thinking about using a rack and pinion kit, there are a couple out there, and I am told the help with the bump steer quite a bit.

Looking forward to watching your build as well, hopefully we can give each other pointers.

Re: 1947 Chevy Truck Hotrod
 

Rack and pinion steering will not work on a solid axle. It will cause more bump steer because the axle and tie rod will never travel on the same plain. You may want to look into a steering box from a 73-87 4x4 truck that mounts on the outside of the frame rail. Another option would be a jeep steering box bit would require the use of a boxing plate as it mounts to the inside of the frame.

Re: 1947 Chevy Truck Hotrod
 

Had a fairly productive weekend.

Got the running boards back on the frame, need to be touched up with some paint, or might get them line-x coated.

http://i1296.photobucket.com/albums/...s726d1763.jpeg

http://i1296.photobucket.com/albums/...sd3abe0a3.jpeg

Installed the transmission cross-member.

http://i1296.photobucket.com/albums/...s7fcaed8b.jpeg

Installed the engine cross-member and put the engine in.

http://i1296.photobucket.com/albums/...s5631beee.jpeg

http://i1296.photobucket.com/albums/...s7ffedd21.jpeg

Exhaust manifolds installed.

http://i1296.photobucket.com/albums/...s79c38189.jpeg

http://i1296.photobucket.com/albums/...s5f7b7430.jpeg

Pictures of the exhaust installed and motor in the frame.

http://i1296.photobucket.com/albums/...s4e25d6d6.jpeg

http://i1296.photobucket.com/albums/...s618475c0.jpeg

Note: The drive shaft is not installed. It will need to be shortened 1.5 inches before I can install it.

Re: 1947 Chevy Truck Hotrod
 

Got the front suspension mostly installed this weekend.
Still need to make mounts for the sway bar, and install the all the steering parts. The stock 5.3 oil pan fits perfect, does not hang below the cross member at all. Also got my 4L60E installed that I picked up for $350.
More pics to follow.

http://i1296.photobucket.com/albums/...psc9ed7515.jpg

http://i1296.photobucket.com/albums/...ps475c9a27.jpg

http://i1296.photobucket.com/albums/...psdb391ffc.jpg

Re: 1947 Chevy Truck Hotrod
 

Looking good. I see you decided to use 73-87 front suspension.

Re: 1947 Chevy Truck Hotrod
 

Looking good. I almost used the C10 front suspension but decided to do an S10 chassis swap instead. I noticed you used washers for spacers between the IFS and the frame. It might be just fine, but down the road it wouldn't be to bad to put a couple of plates of steel in there just to give them more contact surface. Did you use all grade 8 Bolts and stuff? Not picking your work apart at all man it looks great, just want it to be as safe as possible. I actually cut my C10 IFS in half and took out and inch, welded it back together. Bolted it in. It was ok, but I decided I would want something to sit a little lower.

http://i668.photobucket.com/albums/v...7/100_1535.jpg

http://i668.photobucket.com/albums/v...7/100_1538.jpg

Before sliding it completely together. I welded 3/16 plate inside, and planned on plating the outside to before I went with the S10 chassis swap.

http://i668.photobucket.com/albums/v...7/100_1542.jpg

http://i668.photobucket.com/albums/v...7/100_1553.jpg

http://i668.photobucket.com/albums/v...7/100_1557.jpg

http://i668.photobucket.com/albums/v...7/100_1560.jpg

I ended up selling it for scrap nobody was interested in it.

Re: 1947 Chevy Truck Hotrod
 

Ghetto its from a 77 3/4 ton. I wanted to use the 8 lug setup because the po put a eaton ho52 rear axle in it, and I got some sweet American Racing rims for free from my brother. I was thinking about using the stock front end on it, but could not find a bearing conversion for 8 lug hubs, and wanted something to handle better on road trips.

AV8er, thanks for the info and pictures. I am just using washers and stock bolts that I pulled of the 77 for now. Eventually I will put some steel plates it and all grade 8 hardware. Next I will have to figure out where to mount the steering parts and hopefully start on the cab next month.
Any and all info in appreciated!

Re: 1947 Chevy Truck Hotrod
 

Ya as of now it looks like this is the only option for ifs with 6 or 8 lug rotors. Porterbuild street rods is currently designing a bolt in ifs for these trucks right now though.

Re: 1947 Chevy Truck Hotrod
 

Made some progress tonight. Swapped out my 700r4 transmission shell for a 4L60E and installed a transmission cooler that I pulled from a 2000 Yukon Denali for $17.
http://i1296.photobucket.com/albums/...s0d702b9d.jpeg

http://i1296.photobucket.com/albums/...s58dac22a.jpeg

Found a upper radiator hose that fit, its and extra I had for my 78 Toyota pickup the lower hose.

http://i1296.photobucket.com/albums/...s09230281.jpeg


Also modified the thermostat housing so I could rotate it about 90 degrees counter clockwise.

http://i1296.photobucket.com/albums/...s0feda5e2.jpeg

http://i1296.photobucket.com/albums/...s404224a1.jpeg


Also made a block off plate the the EGR hole in the intake. Took the old one and cut the pipe off, took a think piece of rubber I had and epoxied it in.

http://i1296.photobucket.com/albums/...sbbe7ff10.jpeg

Re: 1947 Chevy Truck Hotrod
 

That looks great. I like the air cleaner. I want one like that. Where did you get it and how much did it run you?

Re: 1947 Chevy Truck Hotrod
 

It is a Spectre filter, you can get them from most autopart stores. I found this one in a box of stuff that I have, don't remember where, when or how much I paid for it. I won't bealbe to run it in that position anyway, it rubs on the top idler pully. Just have it there for now to keep crap out of the intake. Plans are to put my MAF in there somewhere, get a 90 degree elbow to the passenger side then the Air cleaner.

Re: 1947 Chevy Truck Hotrod
 

Thanks. I like the look of the air filters that come right off the throttle body like that but I only see people using the elbow and straight section set up on the ls motors.

Re: 1947 Chevy Truck Hotrod
 

:metal:It is ALIVE!!! :metal: Here is a link to a short video of it running.
At first I could not keep it running, then I remembered I was still on a stock tune. So I rebuild the OBDII port then copied the tune from the ECM deleted the vats and some emissions crap, put the new tune in and she fired right up!

Once I get the drive shaft, fuel tank and lines installed I can finally start on body work. Not sure if I should do the box or cab first.

Re: 1947 Chevy Truck Hotrod
 

That is awesome. Did you program the computer yourself? Was the software expensive?

Re: 1947 Chevy Truck Hotrod
 

Awesome video. You have got way more knowledge than I do on the engine stuff. It won't be long now and you will be driving it around!

Re: 1947 Chevy Truck Hotrod
 

Root,
Yes I did the mods myself, however I just did some simple stuff like turn off vats, egr, rear o2 sensors, and a few other things. I use EFI Live, it cost me $800 a few years ago.

Bartman,
Thanks. Should have some more pictures in a few days, had to modify my exhaust system again for the fuel tank. But I think it looks better now.

Re: 1947 Chevy Truck Hotrod
 

Got the fuel tank installed. The tank if out of an 89 Blazer with TBI and holds 31 gallons. Had to reconfigure my exhaust again, but I think it looks better now also put a set of flow-masters in that I had sitting on the shelf in the garage. Here are some pictures of the install.

http://i1296.photobucket.com/albums/...ps882c7bbc.jpg

http://i1296.photobucket.com/albums/...ps2d1eef87.jpg

http://i1296.photobucket.com/albums/...psbeaec984.jpg

http://i1296.photobucket.com/albums/...ps6ee7328a.jpg

Re: 1947 Chevy Truck Hotrod
 

Made some more progress. Got the steering installed, took some measurements from a truck just like the donor and got every thing pretty close but will find out how I did once I am able to drive it. Here are some more pictures.
http://i1296.photobucket.com/albums/...psc62b5d56.jpg
http://i1296.photobucket.com/albums/...psc812b58d.jpg

Stock 5.3 oil pan looks like it belongs there from the factory.
http://i1296.photobucket.com/albums/...ps261d1701.jpg


My intake not sure if I will leave it like that, but for now it works.
http://i1296.photobucket.com/albums/...psad9ef410.jpg
http://i1296.photobucket.com/albums/...ps91c93d7d.jpg

Radiator fan, it looks small but is actually good size and it will move some air quite nicely! I wanted a bigger one but have very little room to work with.
http://i1296.photobucket.com/albums/...ps91c93d7d.jpg
http://i1296.photobucket.com/albums/...ps188a82ea.jpg


Finally getting started on the cab. It has the typical rusty spots. The previous owner attempted to repair the rear drivers corner poorly, and made a custom dash for it and hacked the old one to hell, so i will make my own custom one that looks nice. I plan on using this Dakota Digital Universal setup.
http://i1296.photobucket.com/albums/...ps752cb026.jpg
http://i1296.photobucket.com/albums/...psd6b10c19.jpg
http://i1296.photobucket.com/albums/...ps636d206a.jpg

The steering wheel and column I am going to use.
http://i1296.photobucket.com/albums/...psdf884947.jpg

Re: 1947 Chevy Truck Hotrod
 

I like what you have done with the motor and suspension. Its coming along nicely.

That cab is in really bad shape. With the amount of time and cost of replacement sheet metal you might be better off finding another cab to start with.

Re: 1947 Chevy Truck Hotrod
 

The cab is actually better than it looks in the pictures. I do have another cab on my parts truck and look about the same as this one, maybe even a little worse. I already have the hole the PO hacked out for the heater patched, and the hacked up dash pulled out so I can start working on my custom one. My plan is to just use some of the spare pieces of sheet metal that I have to patch the small stuff and buy a big piece for floor and front sides. I will need to get one patch panel for rear left, the right side is good.

Re: 1947 Chevy Truck Hotrod
 

Here is a picture of what the dash looked like when I got the truck. My plan is to keep the same basic look.
http://i1296.photobucket.com/albums/...ps00379b77.jpg

Re: 1947 Chevy Truck Hotrod
 

Slowly making progress on the cab. It's not perfect and have lots of finish work to do, but hopefully I can have the cab back on the frame sometime this weekend. For my first time doing this type of work I think it's turning out pretty good, but could be better.
http://i1296.photobucket.com/albums/...psf0a2802e.jpg

http://i1296.photobucket.com/albums/...psa5404a0e.jpg

http://i1296.photobucket.com/albums/...ps3bb8bd00.jpg

http://i1296.photobucket.com/albums/...ps5ada15e4.jpg

http://i1296.photobucket.com/albums/...ps7dd2ef73.jpg

http://i1296.photobucket.com/albums/...pse36e6b8c.jpg

Re: 1947 Chevy Truck Hotrod
 

Needed a break from working on the cab so I installed the drive shaft.
http://i1296.photobucket.com/albums/...ps05f0b0a8.jpg

http://i1296.photobucket.com/albums/...ps895ae47f.jpg

http://i1296.photobucket.com/albums/...ps80aacd93.jpg

Re: 1947 Chevy Truck Hotrod
 

Looking good. My floor patch job will be very similar to yours. Can you tell me where you got the metal and the thickens??

Re: 1947 Chevy Truck Hotrod
 

I am using 16ga sheet metal. I got it free from my uncle and have no idea where he got it. I'm heading to the local metal place out here tomorrow to see if I can get a few more pieces so I can finish the floor.

Re: 1947 Chevy Truck Hotrod
 

Setting the cab back on the frame with my cherry picker.
http://i1296.photobucket.com/albums/...ps0bc00c94.jpg

http://i1296.photobucket.com/albums/...ps70113061.jpg

http://i1296.photobucket.com/albums/...psdfc92d34.jpg

Installing the rear cab support bar.
http://i1296.photobucket.com/albums/...psab5ee8e9.jpg

Engine to firewall clearance.
http://i1296.photobucket.com/albums/...psdf026af7.jpg

I have plenty of room between the floor and transmission so I don't have to make a tranny hump.
http://i1296.photobucket.com/albums/...ps444af285.jpg

My seats, driver side still needs cleaning but ran out of cleaner, plus have to repair the spring under the cushion.

http://i1296.photobucket.com/albums/...ps0f44e77f.jpg

Re: 1947 Chevy Truck Hotrod
 

Very interesting build, nice exh work and routing. Watching for updates.

Re: 1947 Chevy Truck Hotrod
 

two questions..... your drive shaft appears to be 2" too short. Is that just the pics? Are you concerned about how much your gas tank is going to hang down below the bumper?

Re: 1947 Chevy Truck Hotrod
 

The drive shaft is only 1/2 inch short but hard to tell from the picture. I got it cut that way because the box and cab are not on the frame for the extra weight.
For the gas tank that picture makes it look lower than it is, but I have the skid plate for that tank that I will also be installing for extra protection.