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Old 08-15-2019, 05:10 AM   #1
big_dan
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53 3100 - complete rebuild and upgrade . . . .

So let's get started. I've had this truck 5 or 6 years now. It's a sweet little truck, but time to add some attitude. I'll start by bringing this thread up to date . . .

Several years back I decided to build a shop for myself to play with my toys and teach my boys a thing or two. The 53 stayed in driver status all that time, watching a few other builds happen, hauling the occasional parts and attending a few cruise ins here and there. Shop was finished (if they ever are) so a long term 65 Ford had to be finished first, so now the little 53 is front and center. When I got the truck it was a 4.3/350 turbo sitting on a full size 79-80 chassis. I lowered it a little, added a chrome grille, white walls, etc. but it still didn't have the attitude I wanted, so it began.

I found a 53 frame locally and started the project with the truck still on the road. Stripped the frame, had it blasted then stored it while I finished the shop and my 65. Finally, time to start, so here's a few pics to start getting up to date.
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Old 08-15-2019, 05:45 AM   #2
big_dan
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Re: 53 3100 - complete rebuild and upgrade . . . .

Finally, after a few years stashed and waiting, this spring we pulled the chassis out and got started. We fixed the rusted factory cross members with Speedway bolt-in parts, got everything square then made them weld-in. After that we started boxing and smoothing the frame in earnest. I think final count was 200+ holes welded up.

More to follow.....

Dan
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Old 08-15-2019, 07:39 AM   #3
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Re: 53 3100 - complete rebuild and upgrade . . . .

So while smoothing and boxing the frame, I turned down some weld nuts and welded then in at the running board bracket holes, front bumper holes and cab mounts.

More later . .

Dan
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Old 08-15-2019, 09:09 AM   #4
8man
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Re: 53 3100 - complete rebuild and upgrade . . . .

Nice truck to start with.
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1948 on a S10 Frame, small block with a carb
1954 Cab, 53 Front and Bed, 50 Doors, S10 Frame, Power TBD
Build thread: "]http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/showthread.php?t=746899&highlight=wife%27s+48[/URL]
[/URL]http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/showthread.php?t=840204
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Old 08-15-2019, 09:21 AM   #5
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Re: 53 3100 - complete rebuild and upgrade . . . .

I'll tag along for the build, nice truck...Jim
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Old 08-15-2019, 11:10 AM   #6
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Re: 53 3100 - complete rebuild and upgrade . . . .

nice start...
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Old 08-15-2019, 12:46 PM   #7
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Re: 53 3100 - complete rebuild and upgrade . . . .

Thanks, fellas. A few more smoothing and boxing the frame, checking square every so often. Rounded the frame horns, broke some plate to smooth in around the speedway crossmember as well. Almost ready for the IFS.

Dan
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Old 08-15-2019, 04:42 PM   #8
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Re: 53 3100 - complete rebuild and upgrade . . . .

Very nice looking frame and project. You think you truck has any idea that its about to get its frame pulled out from underneath it???

Marc
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Old 08-15-2019, 04:57 PM   #9
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Re: 53 3100 - complete rebuild and upgrade . . . .

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Very nice looking frame and project. You think you truck has any idea that its about to get its frame pulled out from underneath it???

Marc
No idea - but maybe . . .

More updating. Finished smoothing and boxing, mocked up crossmember for rack clearance, notched for the rack, etc.. Made some mock up bars to keep it at ride height as well.

Thanks for looking -

Dan
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Old 08-15-2019, 05:21 PM   #10
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Re: 53 3100 - complete rebuild and upgrade . . . .

Nice work on the frame, and a Falcon in the background to boot!
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1948 on a S10 Frame, small block with a carb
1954 Cab, 53 Front and Bed, 50 Doors, S10 Frame, Power TBD
Build thread: "]http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/showthread.php?t=746899&highlight=wife%27s+48[/URL]
[/URL]http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/showthread.php?t=840204
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Old 08-15-2019, 05:31 PM   #11
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Re: 53 3100 - complete rebuild and upgrade . . . .

Quote:
Originally Posted by youngrodder View Post
Very nice looking frame and project. You think you truck has any idea that its about to get its frame pulled out from underneath it???

Marc


its staring right at it!



nice start!
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Old 08-15-2019, 08:31 PM   #12
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Re: 53 3100 - complete rebuild and upgrade . . . .

Looking great..!!...after you weld those 4link brackets on be sure to check your housing for straightness...you can see how I did mine in my IH build..
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Old 08-15-2019, 11:57 PM   #13
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Re: 53 3100 - complete rebuild and upgrade . . . .

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Originally Posted by mongocanfly View Post
Looking great..!!...after you weld those 4link brackets on be sure to check your housing for straightness...you can see how I did mine in my IH build..
Absolutely. Thanks.

So at this point of the chassis work, I made the realization that starting on the 4 link and notch using jack stands and sawhorses was just wasting time. I needed a better way to fixture the chassis while I got the rear going...... So, off to the steel yard. I picked up a few 6x6 beams and misc steel and whipped up a chassis table.

Here's the start -

Dan
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Old 08-16-2019, 12:08 AM   #14
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Smile Re: 53 3100 - complete rebuild and upgrade . . . .

We made sure it was perfectly square, of course, and added adjustable feet with lock nuts to keep us level. Once the jig was in position where we wanted it, we locked it down and set the chassis at ride height. Pretty simple; the top of the jig is "zero" based on 3 things; front and rear axle centerline based on our wheel/ tire sizes and the frame level with running boards 5" off the ground. Front wheels will be 18's, rears will be 20's, no air bags. Fairly easy to tell a simple C-notch isn't going to cut it -

More later-

Dan
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Old 08-16-2019, 09:31 AM   #15
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Re: 53 3100 - complete rebuild and upgrade . . . .

What are your shop dimensions? Plenty of room. Interesting build.
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Old 08-16-2019, 09:59 AM   #16
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Re: 53 3100 - complete rebuild and upgrade . . . .

That is too cool. Looking forward to more.
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1948 on a S10 Frame, small block with a carb
1954 Cab, 53 Front and Bed, 50 Doors, S10 Frame, Power TBD
Build thread: "]http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/showthread.php?t=746899&highlight=wife%27s+48[/URL]
[/URL]http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/showthread.php?t=840204
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Old 08-16-2019, 09:19 AM   #17
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Re: 53 3100 - complete rebuild and upgrade . . . .

Really nice set-up table...Jim
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Old 08-19-2019, 05:07 AM   #18
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Re: 53 3100 - complete rebuild and upgrade . . . .

sure its allowed dan....you can start a thread in the alt tinkering section if you want
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Old 08-19-2019, 01:03 PM   #19
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Re: 53 3100 - complete rebuild and upgrade . . . .

Outstanding! I may drop a few pics if anyone is interested.

Dan
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Old 08-19-2019, 04:09 PM   #20
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Re: 53 3100 - complete rebuild and upgrade . . . .

Quote:
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Outstanding! I may drop a few pics if anyone is interested.

Dan
Sure we are, just lets us know the thread number, or post a link, so we know where...Jim
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Old 08-19-2019, 09:08 PM   #21
big_dan
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Re: 53 3100 - complete rebuild and upgrade . . . .

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Sure we are, just lets us know the thread number, or post a link, so we know where...Jim
I'll see what I can come up with. Thoroughly impressed with this forum after just a few days on board!

Dan
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Just playing in my shop, trying to maintain my sanity and maybe finish a project here and there. . . .
My 53 3100 "rebuild" - Soon to be Scott's suspension, LS, low and mean.
https://www.67-72chevytrucks.com/vbo...d.php?t=791886
My 65 Ford project . .
https://www.67-72chevytrucks.com/vbo...d.php?t=792428
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Old 08-29-2019, 05:10 AM   #22
big_dan
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Re: 53 3100 - complete rebuild and upgrade . . . .

So lately I've been pulling a tape and deciding my exact next move on the step notch. I tend to ponder things for a little while to try to avoid rework . . .

But, as luck would have it, another project has cruised in alongside the 53 so I'll work them together - the price was RIGHT, and it'll help bring things up a level . . . . .

Dirty? Yes. But here's 5 minutes worth of work . . . A few bearings and we'll be 100%.

Dan
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Just playing in my shop, trying to maintain my sanity and maybe finish a project here and there. . . .
My 53 3100 "rebuild" - Soon to be Scott's suspension, LS, low and mean.
https://www.67-72chevytrucks.com/vbo...d.php?t=791886
My 65 Ford project . .
https://www.67-72chevytrucks.com/vbo...d.php?t=792428
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Old 08-29-2019, 05:35 AM   #23
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Re: 53 3100 - complete rebuild and upgrade . . . .

nice..!!! you got 3ph power?
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RIP Dad
RIP Jesse

1981 C30 LQ9 NV4500..http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=753598
Mongos AD- LS3 TR6060...http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...34#post8522334
Columbus..the 1957 IH 4x4...http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...63#post8082563
2023 Chevy Z71..daily driver
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Old 08-29-2019, 07:09 AM   #24
big_dan
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Re: 53 3100 - complete rebuild and upgrade . . . .

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Originally Posted by mongocanfly View Post
nice..!!! you got 3ph power?
No 3 phase here. Just electrician buds. Will most likely run it off of a VFD.

Dan
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Just playing in my shop, trying to maintain my sanity and maybe finish a project here and there. . . .
My 53 3100 "rebuild" - Soon to be Scott's suspension, LS, low and mean.
https://www.67-72chevytrucks.com/vbo...d.php?t=791886
My 65 Ford project . .
https://www.67-72chevytrucks.com/vbo...d.php?t=792428
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Old 08-31-2019, 08:51 PM   #25
duramax55
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Re: 53 3100 - complete rebuild and upgrade . . . .

hi i run my brigeport n vdf not that expensive and work great . they also give you variable speed in all gears. I would rather go through vdf than three phase .
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