1981 Chevrolet C50 Pick-up Conversion

[MadManAndrew]

Originally Posted by kustomrust82

I would be kool to cut out the rear window an put a full window

I disagree with you and everyone else that is saying that, and I can tell you it wouldn't happen even if UPNADM agreed. After reading back through this entire thread yesterday (I'm getting really into the idea of a medium duty project) I realised UPNADM doesn't weld! And to be honest I was stunned. You do amazing work man, absolutely beautiful, but you're bolting together things that need to be welded, and welding is not hard! A welder is only a couple hundred bucks, and it only took me a couple hours to get my bead acceptable. That back part of the frame REALLY needs to be welded in, the bed frame would look so much better seam welded, and that carrier bearing adapter too! Anyway, back to the window, I personally think the small window just makes it even more unique.
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[superduty_59]

Originally Posted by MadManAndrew

Anyway, back to the window, I personally think the small window just makes it even more unique.
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I agree. Even if I liked the big window better I would still keep the small window. You just don't see them everyday anymore. Besides UPNADM said it would take away his speaker locations up in the corner. These cabs are still a bit different from the standard pick up cabs.

[UPNADM]

Originally Posted by MadManAndrew

I disagree with you and everyone else that is saying that, and I can tell you it wouldn't happen even if UPNADM agreed. After reading back through this entire thread yesterday (I'm getting really into the idea of a medium duty project) I realised UPNADM doesn't weld! And to be honest I was stunned. You do amazing work man, absolutely beautiful, but you're bolting together things that need to be welded, and welding is not hard! A welder is only a couple hundred bucks, and it only took me a couple hours to get my bead acceptable. That back part of the frame REALLY needs to be welded in, the bed frame would look so much better seam welded, and that carrier bearing adapter too! Anyway, back to the window, I personally think the small window just makes it even more unique.
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MadManAndrew thanks for the compliments.

As for the welding... your right I don't weld. This is the only class I never took in high school. I really wished I had. However, all my other friends (and two close cousins) took welding. They now work for large companies who build compactors, stackers etc.

I can always get them to do any of my welding I need (Usually requires a few pints in the cooler).

With all that in mind, my cousin did weld my subframe to my frame in addition to me bolting it. It is stitched in tight now.

I still have to do the carrier, but I did not want to do that until I really get a feel on just how I have my pinion angle and driveshaft geometry.

As for the back window debate it will be staying with me... I need to get my speakers up there... lol.

So thanks for the kind words and thanks for getting me motivated.

All the best to everyone in the new year.

[JRANGER]

damn...what are you sanding with? That is bare metal right?

[UPNADM]

Originally Posted by JRANGER

damn...what are you sanding with? That is bare metal right?

The paint is so old and dull, I decided to take it down to bare metal.

I have been using paint stripper, followed by scraper/angle grinder with wire wheel, then paper to ideal smoothness.

[splehigh]

Are you using any kind of rust preventer on the spots of surface rust?

[UPNADM]

Its been a few days since I have posted. Its been a busy few weeks. None the less I have been doing some work on the truck.

[UPNADM]

Got the interior out and ready prep the inside of cab. The inside will be the same color as the exterior.

I need to finish prepping the outside of the cab. Primer is on order, it was on back order.

[JRANGER]

nice

[Devillusion]

sweet build

[madcow75]

Are you using paint stripper on the body/paint?

[UPNADM]

Originally Posted by madcow75

Are you using paint stripper on the body/paint?

I am using a paint stripper on most of the metal. I started trying to sand it out, but years on the paint and multiple layers of dead paint had me opting to use paint stripper.

It can be messy, but it has worked to loosen up the paint. I usually put a heavy coat on then use a scraper. Or I have used my angle grinder with a wire wheel. I knock off most of the paint then hit it with my orbital and smooth everything out.

Once done I cover the metal with a self etching primer.

I worked on getting the roof stripped tonight. I will be glad when this process is over, and have the minor dents smoothed out and the cab is in primer.

Here is a picture of my half stripped roof. Had enough for the night, will get the rest tomorrow.

[UPNADM]

The transmission dilemma has been solved........................................ Stick with what I had! Ha.

I feel I could spend a lot of time and money to get all of this working. If anything positive about the situation, I will be able to sandblast the original bell housing and degrease and and paint the gear box.

Hopefully I can resell this... ha.

[72GMCK-2500]

This is an awesome build!

[JRANGER]

showoff! lol keep it up

[chevy427big block]

sweet truck man is it a 427? not sure if it was already said

[UPNADM]

Originally Posted by chevy427big block

sweet truck man is it a 427? not sure if it was already said

Thanks, its actually a 350 with a four speed. This is a 3 ton truck. My understanding is that the 5 tons had either the 366, 427 or Detroit Diesel engines with 2 speed rears.

As per my previous posts, I have since found out that the 366 and I am presuming the 427, however never presume (LOL), have different bellhousings, larger clutches and input shafts for converting to a 5 speed.

[chevy427big block]

Originally Posted by UPNADM

Thanks, its actually a 350 with a four speed. This is a 3 ton truck. My understanding is that the 5 tons had either the 366, 427 or Detroit Diesel engines with 2 speed rears.

As per my previous posts, I have since found out that the 366 and I am presuming the 427, however never presume (LOL), have different bellhousings, larger clutches and input shafts for converting to a 5 speed.

did not know that i just assumed anything over 30 came with a big block haha and i know what you mean by the bellhousing its huge mine had an allison tranny behind it when i got it

[54blackhornet]

I am looking at a 50 this weekend, low miles 350. missing the radiator ? will a 3/4 or 1 ton work ? Good tires, no rust good glass, but no bed ! What would you do ? Thanks for any suggestions....jack

[UPNADM]

Originally Posted by 54blackhornet

I am looking at a 50 this weekend, low miles 350. missing the radiator ? will a 3/4 or 1 ton work ? Good tires, no rust good glass, but no bed ! What would you do ? Thanks for any suggestions....jack

Good afternoon Jack, I do not think a rad from a 3/4 ton or 1 ton would be a direct fit, but certainly could be modified to fit. The header width would roughly be the same from the C50 to a 3/4 or 1 ton.

I believe the C50 rad would be a little longer and taller.

I will measure the rad that I took out of my truck when I get home and post the dimensions.

Giver on the purchase.

[Darkrider]

Just rereading this thread and noticed that the truck is powered by a 350. Is it just a standard SBC 350 like we see in the smaller trucks? I have a line on an older C50 that i can hopefully get my hands on and one of the ideas i had for it was to swap out the two barrel intake for a 4 barrel intake and run a throttle body fuel injection set up.

[hopelessredneck]

I think youe should chop the rear window out and put in a full sized slider

[UPNADM]

Originally Posted by hopelessredneck

I think youe should chop the rear window out and put in a full sized slider

Thought about that, but I do not think it would jive on the inside of the cab without some fab work....

I would have to get rid of my factory speaker holes (see photo... ha)

[UPNADM]

Originally Posted by hopelessredneck

I think youe should chop the rear window out and put in a full sized slider

Thought about that, but I do not think it would jive on the inside of the cab without some fab work....

I would have to get rid of my factory speaker holes (see photo... ha)

[greguw]

Great looking build so far ... !