52 pickup 77 frame 454bbc
 

So I picked up this truck in New Mexico back in 2001 after deciding on doing a frame up restoration for the first time. I don't have much experience but I try to learn pretty quickly. I stripped down the bare frame and primered it before I realized that I didn't want to use it. I picked up a cheap 77 C10 donor truck with a great running suspension that my 454 would bolt right up to. It's been 12 yrs now, working on it off and on, more off than on. I still have a long ways to go.

Re: 52 pickup 77 frame 454bbc
 

Here is the 77 donor that I got from a great friend. Kind've wished I kept it to restore at some point.

Re: 52 pickup 77 frame 454bbc
 

I sandblasted all the sheet metal and placed it on the 77 frame.

Re: 52 pickup 77 frame 454bbc
 

Looks like a good start.

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Before I sandblasted.

Re: 52 pickup 77 frame 454bbc
 

The 454 I got from a friend.

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Right after I had it rebuilt in 2004.

Re: 52 pickup 77 frame 454bbc
 

Painted it Chevrolet blue.

Re: 52 pickup 77 frame 454bbc
 

Looks good, and like the Chevy blue

Re: 52 pickup 77 frame 454bbc
 

(April '09) Sandblasted the bottom of the cab and found some the typical rust spots.

Re: 52 pickup 77 frame 454bbc
 

(April '09) Sprayed some primer on the bare metal on the bottom of the cab for the time being. Even though its been 4yrs now.

Re: 52 pickup 77 frame 454bbc
 

(Apr '09) Sandblasted and primered the 77 frame where the cab lies.

Re: 52 pickup 77 frame 454bbc
 

(Nov. '11) I started to rebuild the front suspension of the '77 frame. Here are some before pics.

Re: 52 pickup 77 frame 454bbc
 

Sandblasted and painted

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More suspension work.

Re: 52 pickup 77 frame 454bbc
 

Subscribed. Nice build.

Re: 52 pickup 77 frame 454bbc
 

How do the factory mounts from the 77 line up with the body?

Re: 52 pickup 77 frame 454bbc
 

Thanks Av8tr33337.

I liked to know if I could be doing something better or doing something wrong.

Primed67, the front cab mounts line up perfectly, but I have the cab sitting on the frame, so I plan on bolting it directly to it. The rest of mounts, I will have to make. Unless someone knows a vendor making 52 to 77 mounts? I'm aware of the S10 conversions kits, but I'm sure they won't work, unless I cut them up.

Re: 52 pickup 77 frame 454bbc
 

Where you able to use the power steering from the 77? Thanks!

Re: 52 pickup 77 frame 454bbc
 

Primed67, I haven't tried to mock up the steering yet.

Re: 52 pickup 77 frame 454bbc
 

Looks like a great project.
I also have a big block that was built in my early 20's and now I'm 46. Car is in the waiting mode.
Interesting build, you've got my attention.

Re: 52 pickup 77 frame 454bbc
 

Bomp, thanks! I hope I can weld the metal at least half as good as you can. Yeah can't wait to fire that 454!!

Re: 52 pickup 77 frame 454bbc
 

Painting and putting on the motor mounts and installed the engine.

Re: 52 pickup 77 frame 454bbc
 

My new rims waiting for some rubber.

Re: 52 pickup 77 frame 454bbc
 

Starting to cut out the drivers side rusty/bad cab sheet metal.

Re: 52 pickup 77 frame 454bbc
 

Got new patch panels to fix all the rusty areas.

Re: 52 pickup 77 frame 454bbc
 

Cutting out pieces and protecting the good metal.

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Got the garage all insulated and heated. Oh and yes have to be able to watch basketball and football while I'm working.

Re: 52 pickup 77 frame 454bbc
 

My current garage fridge

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More cutting, didn't like the rust that was covering the inside of the cowl panel.
Screwing the panels down until I weld them in place.

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Well?

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Been awhile, bumping this back up!!

Interested to see what, if anything has happened with the big block install and the build in general.

You still around???

Re: 52 pickup 77 frame 454bbc
 

says his last activity was 06/2014. So i wouldnt count on it.

Re: 52 pickup 77 frame 454bbc
 

Yeah, I seen that, but figured it was worth a shot.

Would be nice to know if he finished it or what??

Re: 52 pickup 77 frame 454bbc
 

I'm back, and so is this project. I'll continue to post! Glad to see interest.

Re: 52 pickup 77 frame 454bbc
 

EXCELLET!!!

Welcome back, looking forward to seeing what happens!!

Re: 52 pickup 77 frame 454bbc
 

Wow can’t believe that’s the last time I posted(12-30-2013). A few life changing events have happened since then. Got married, bought a new(old) house, and we had a baby boy (now almost 2yrs old). I now have a new garage twice the size of my old one dedicated to just my truck! Going to rewire and insulate it this Winter and turn on my propane heater. Since we just got some snow up here.
So I have done a few things on the truck since 2013, but not much.

Stripped/sandblasted/painted the rear of the chassis, installed 2" drop shackles. Put the rims on the truck just for a teaser. Found a bench seat on the side of the road, it fits as a mock up. Pictures to follow.

Re: 52 pickup 77 frame 454bbc
 

Here are some pictures from yesterday's post.

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More pics...

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A few more pictures, including my son working on the dash.

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