1953 chevy 1/2 tom 3100 build

[52chevyrat]

I just got this truck a couple months ago and i have got big plans for it. So far i have stripped everything off it and started setting up the suspension that i want. Which i didnt know much about the old solid axle front suspension, this being the oldest vehicle i have ever owned. But after a lot of research and asking you guys a bunch of questions i decided on a 4-link in the rear and split wishbones on a 37 axle in found in the woods(free). I plan on using a 1978 4 bolt main 355 from the camaro i had in high school. It had a 400 turbo but i have got to have a manual so i cant decide between a nv3500 or a T5. Ive got i lightweight gm 10 bolt 7.5" rear end. Im really just making the rest of it up as i go because this the biggest build i have every undertook.

 

[bob w]

Good luck with the project. Plenty of help at RRR if you have questions along the way.

 

[Bonehead]

Ought to be a fun project. The teardown looks like it went well.

 

[Dqracer]

gonna be a good project,, I like yer grille..

 

[52chevyrat]

If by went well you mean there is crap everywhere and all there is left of the truck is a frame then ya it did.
These old trucks have probly a couple hundred rivits in the frame that hold everything together and it took me a week of gridding cutting and hamming just to get all the rivits out that i needed to.

 

[52chevyrat]

grill

Its a 35 or 36 international i think. It looks a lot like a 32 ford but way cheaper.

 

[52chevyrat]

update

well guys its been a while since i updated my build thread, so here it is.

 

[52chevyrat]

Most of the time i have put into it has been modifiying the the stock frame. The only thing i used out of it are the two rails, i made all new crossmembers boxed the rails and Z'ed the rear 16". I am building my 4-link now and have measured everything about 40 times. I hope it drives straight down the road. If anyone sees a problem with what i am doing let me know so i can fix it before it too late.
Thanks for the help
Jason

 

[Thunder1]

looks to me as if your doing one hell of a good job!

Keep us posted!

Thunder1

 

[50Ford]

Looks great so far. i cant wait to follow your progress.

 

[rockb1]

It looks like your makin some progress

 

[Coffinmaker]

My 2 cents...

Ok..first...Run with the cinder blocks on it..they look cool...and high tech. Second..I am just kidding ya...looks good so far.Listen to me talk...LMAO..Like I know what its like to build something...DAMN I am good at tearing it apart though..!!

 

[52chevyrat]

I thought you guys might like the cinder blocks. Its kind of a budget frame jig.
No but really i have to just use what i've got laying around. Thanks for the support.
Jason

 

[52chevyrat]

So if got the frame done minus the tranny crosmember and i think i turned out okay for my first one.
but i tired to make a list of everything i needed and quit after about a page so ive got a long ways to go.

 

[52chevyrat]

well i started choping the top and this was my first one and its a good thing i had done so much research on it because nothing wants to line up. now ive got the back tached in place and i think it looks ok but its not perfect.

 

[Gearhead10]

I haven't seen many pickups that body style ratted out like that.I Like It! Like the frame too. Like the way you used the rear control arms in the rear and fabbed the factory frame into the rear section. Keep us posted on your progress.

 

[ratty46pickup]

Lookin` real good! Can hardly wait to see more of this build.

 

[tiny1]

Its looking great i love the chop. I Know you will have a blast when you get it on the road.