Re: My version of the s10 swap
 

I mis-spoke. It's 19x22.

Re: My version of the s10 swap
 

That seat really don't look bad at all in there.

Re: My version of the s10 swap
 

No, other than the fact that it's blue! ;)

Re: My version of the s10 swap
 

I was going to try and use my stock seat, but buying a used bench with seat belts would be ahead of the game.

Re: My version of the s10 swap
 

It's much thinner than the stock seat, and allows more room for me in the cab. Also, it's wider which was a plus for me since I'm going to strap two car seats next to me for my 2 year old twin helpers!

Re: My version of the s10 swap
 

OK, it's been quite a while since I've updated my build thread, but with good reason. I've had the truck driving for 3 weeks now. I finished it just in time to catch the last 2 days of GoodGuys Des Moines, here's proof:

http://i869.photobucket.com/albums/a...0/P7170004.jpg

I still have a LOT of things to do, but at least for now it's driveable. I'm chasing down a gremlin somewhere with my 4L60E that's keeping me from driving it more, but that'll come.

It runs and drives excellent. I ended up putting 2" drop spindles on the front and the rear is stock s10 suspension. I'm still running 235/75R15 tires which is bigger than most people run I think, but they were free so what can you do...

http://i869.photobucket.com/albums/a...0/P7170003.jpg

http://i869.photobucket.com/albums/a...0/P7170006.jpg

Re: My version of the s10 swap
 

After I get the transmission figured out, one of the next things I NEED to get figured out are gauges. I really like the OEM look, so I'm probably going to get the New Vintage ones. Not having a temp gauge already bit me once...

Here's the current interior:
http://i869.photobucket.com/albums/a...0/P7170005.jpg

And the engine compartment:
http://i869.photobucket.com/albums/a...0/P7170007.jpg

The steering shaft fought me, and almost kept me from going to GoodGuys. I learned the rag joint won't take ANY misalignment and the factory upper joint was just out of it's operating angle, because I could steer it pushing the truck around but it had a couple of "hard spots" that I couldn't have once it was a driver. Good thing Speedway Motors is 1 day shipping for me, new Sweet U-joints top and bottom and the stock 95 s10 female DD shaft, and a new piece of male DD shaft and I'm up and running with smooth steering.

http://i869.photobucket.com/albums/a...0/P7170008.jpg

http://i869.photobucket.com/albums/a...0/P7170009.jpg

Re: My version of the s10 swap
 

So now for my question, is anyone an expert on 4L60E's? Mine shifts into all 4 forward gears nice and smooth when it's cold, but when the truck warms up...and only sometimes....I lose 3rd and 4th gear. When I shut it off, let it sit for a few minutes (like running into a store), and start it back up my 3rd and 4th gears are magically back...for a while. I have no error codes logged in the ECM, I have no slipping in the transmission. My fluid is at the proper level and is not burnt. When I lose 3rd and 4th, it's always when I slow down for a stop and go to accelerate again, I never just lose them while driving in those gears. What it does is just stays in second gear and pulls more RPM's, it doesn't ever slip. Manually shifting through the gears does nothing for me at this point.

Any ideas? Any transmission geniuses out there?

Re: My version of the s10 swap
 

Sorry no help here, but I just wanted to say its coming along nicely

Re: My version of the s10 swap
 

thanks for all the info whating to start on one. that,s a nice truck

Re: My version of the s10 swap
 

I have a question for you. :-) You used the cheapie universal radiator and a 19k lb. gvw B&M tranny cooler. Is that adequate to keep your tranny cool? I'm considering going the same route. Will that cool as much as a radiator built for an auto tranny? Thanks in advance! Nik

I was planning on ordering these, but I am trying to figure out if they will work well for me.

Jegs radiator:
http://www.jegs.com/i/JEGS/555/52005/10002/-1

Flex-a-lite tranny cooler:
http://www.jegs.com/i/Flex-a-lite/400/3826/10002/-1

Re: My version of the s10 swap
 

Transmission is shifting fine now, must have had some things sticking from sitting for 6+ years. I'll use a bottle of Trans X and then change the fluid in a couple months.

Put about 100 miles on the truck Sunday to pick up my latest craigslist purchase. The road trip reminded me of several things I need to do:

1. I do need gauges. Right now, when my electric fan turns on I know it's at 195* and I put gas in it when I get nervous about how far I've gone;).

2. I need to make a transmission tunnel. My right leg gets good and warm with the hot air blowing up on it. I had been working on version 1.0 of the tunnel, but it's not aesthetically pleasing to me so it's time for version 1.1.

Here's the purchase:
http://i869.photobucket.com/albums/a...n/DSCN0241.jpg

http://i869.photobucket.com/albums/a...n/DSCN0244.jpg

http://i869.photobucket.com/albums/a...DSCN0242-1.jpg

I think it's about as perfect of a fit as I could have hoped for:
http://i869.photobucket.com/albums/a...n/DSCN0243.jpg

Now I can actually keep some things in the truck. Before, I had been worried to put things behind the seat because the cab corners need to be replaced, so anything that rolled toward the sides would be gone. It needs a quick coat of flat black paint to "tone" down the bright white, but that'll come.

Re: My version of the s10 swap
 

Looking good, nice build. I'm in the debate stage of doing an S-10 swap or MII. I think I need to just drive it stock some more which always puts a big grin on my face.

Re: My version of the s10 swap
 

Finally it's getting a little cooler at nights, which brings additional motivation to get something done on the truck. I got this filler panel from Infanti on the board here, it is a prototype filler for 49-54 gas holes in the cab. Here's his website: www.infantimachine.com

Gerry had asked that I install the filler and provide him with my feedback on fit and finish of the panel. He's got it dialed in, because the filler didn't need any additional fitting by me... all I did was clean the area, index it so that the contour matched my cab, and proceed to tack, tack, tack. Here's the pictures:

http://i869.photobucket.com/albums/a...n/DSCN0245.jpg

http://i869.photobucket.com/albums/a...n/DSCN0246.jpg

http://i869.photobucket.com/albums/a...n/DSCN0247.jpg

http://i869.photobucket.com/albums/a...n/DSCN0249.jpg

http://i869.photobucket.com/albums/a...n/DSCN0248.jpg

http://i869.photobucket.com/albums/a...n/DSCN0251.jpg

http://i869.photobucket.com/albums/a...n/DSCN0252.jpg

I'm very happy with the fit and finish of the filler, and I'd say it's a great product that's ready for market.

Re: My version of the s10 swap
 

excellent work! hoping to do a similar swap for my canopy just gotta get somethin that will fit the wheelbase....

Re: My version of the s10 swap
 

This may be a dumb question, but do the brake lights run through the wiring harness in the ABS system you deleted? If so, how did you wire up brake lights? I've been contemplating my brake situation and it looks like you did exactly what I want to do, I just am not sure how to do it. Any instruction would be helpful.

Re: My version of the s10 swap
 

Excellent work and great info on your project. Do you know when an dif that filler patch for the gas hole will be available?

Re: My version of the s10 swap
 

Nope, ABS has nothing to do with brake lights. There is a separate computer and some leads going to the ECM that have to be cut or removed...I removed them entirely and de-pinned the connectors. I used all the existing wiring going back to the taillights themselves, and used the s10 brake switch on the pedal, just re-mounted it up higher so it isn't visible. The brake switch on the pedal is what controls the on/off of the brake lights.

For the gas filler panel, you'll want to contact Infanti directly.

Re: My version of the s10 swap
 

Thanks for the quick response. I may have a few more questions for you in the future though, so heads up.

Re: My version of the s10 swap
 

Some more updates. I'd been driving it around thus far without a front bumper, mainly because it was going to take some re-engineering of the brackets and that was a bigger project than I had time for. I finally made time for it. I had to re-build the front bumper brackets because the "rise" in the original ones was too much for the curve of my frame and the swaybar. I made some new center brackets out of 3/8 x 2" strap, and haven't made kickers out to the outer bolt holes yet because I ran out of steel. Those will be much easier. I wanted to get the bumper as close as possible first, then add some adjustability to get it just perfect.

Here's the pics:
http://i869.photobucket.com/albums/a...n/DSCN0319.jpg

http://i869.photobucket.com/albums/a...n/DSCN0318.jpg

http://i869.photobucket.com/albums/a...n/DSCN0317.jpg

http://i869.photobucket.com/albums/a...n/DSCN0316.jpg

Re: My version of the s10 swap
 

I also have grown really tired of the glasspack and turn-down that was in the s10 when I got it. I kept it initially because it was free and it was there, but after driving a couple hundred miles this way I decided to change it. It was loud, and it resonated under the bed with the turn-down, and it made the axle tube hot on the side where it dumped.

So, I ordered up the cheapest muffler Summit had along with a couple 2.5" U-bends and two sticks of 2.5" tubing, and got to work. I re-used all the original s10 exhaust hangars and relocated the back one to the side of the frame rather than under it. I wanted the exhaust to be tucked up so I can lower it more in the future if I decide to, and I wanted it to dump out behind the right rear tire under the fender where it would be barely visible. I'm pretty happy with how it turned out, and I'm very happy with how much quieter the inside of the cab is now.

The Y-pipe back just behind the oxygen sensor is the OEM s10 pipe, from there back it's my creation:

http://i869.photobucket.com/albums/a...n/DSCN0308.jpg

http://i869.photobucket.com/albums/a...n/DSCN0307.jpg

http://i869.photobucket.com/albums/a...n/DSCN0309.jpg

http://i869.photobucket.com/albums/a...n/DSCN0310.jpg

http://i869.photobucket.com/albums/a...n/DSCN0305.jpg

http://i869.photobucket.com/albums/a...n/DSCN0304.jpg

http://i869.photobucket.com/albums/a...n/DSCN0303.jpg

And walla, here's what I had envisioned from the start:

http://i869.photobucket.com/albums/a...n/DSCN0302.jpg

It's all basic aluminized tubing which I scuffed and painted with engine paint so the welds won't rust.

One of the next projects is finishing up this:

http://i869.photobucket.com/albums/a...n/DSCN0313.jpg

Re: My version of the s10 swap
 

looks even better in person :chevy:

Re: My version of the s10 swap
 

NICE BUILD!!! I am usually on the 67-72 forums, but yesterday I picked up a LWB S10 roller for $400 and this weekend I am going to look at a 55 1st series 5 window, so I will be in this forum more often.

Re: My version of the s10 swap
 

Well I FINALLY decided which gauges I wanted to go with. I've been driving it around for three months now with no gauges, so it's about time I did something about it. It was a tough decision, but I like the route I went.

Here's the old which will soon come out:
http://i869.photobucket.com/albums/a...n/DSCN0373.jpg

And the new (note the turn signal indicators, hi-beam indicator, and check engine light):
http://i869.photobucket.com/albums/a...n/DSCN0370.jpg

And the window quad...this was what sold me on the New Vintage Woodward series gauges:
http://i869.photobucket.com/albums/a...n/DSCN0372.jpg

I love the old school look and the domed glass lenses. I probably would have ordered the black ones, but my wife said the beige looked better so here we are.

I also picked up this from a guy I met at a local show. It's a little scratched and scuffed, and the 2nd and 4th bars are dented and I'm in the process of trying to straighten them:
http://i869.photobucket.com/albums/a...n/DSCN0374.jpg

Re: My version of the s10 swap
 

nice work!!

Re: My version of the s10 swap
 

Chris,good job on your project.It's coming along nicely.Thanks again for testing my prototype gas hole filler panel.Great pictures by the way.
Merry Christmas and have a Happy New Year, Gerry

Re: My version of the s10 swap
 

Thanks Gerry!

Re: My version of the s10 swap
 

OK, for the new year here are some updates. My wife said that in order for her to ride in it, and later drive it I had to do a couple of things. First, I have to get rid of the dead mouse smell in it. To do that, I figured the whole thing needs to come down to bare metal and have some fresh chemicals sprayed on it to kill the deceased rodent smell. Next, I had to get rid of the blind spots. Now, I had grown quite fond of the 3 window cab look, but leaving it alone wouldn't gain me any experience in metalworking. Here's where I'm at as of tonight, a VERY rare 4 window cab! Over the next couple of weeks I hope to get more done as I have a date with a sandblaster on 1/15 provided it isn't snowing that weekend.

Here's where I started:
http://i869.photobucket.com/albums/a...n/DSCN0752.jpg

And taking a look to see what's behind the gutter:
http://i869.photobucket.com/albums/a...n/DSCN0753.jpg

I think I can do this, here's what I've got to work with:
http://i869.photobucket.com/albums/a...n/DSCN0754.jpg

No turning back now:
http://i869.photobucket.com/albums/a...n/DSCN0756.jpg

This should save me some welding:
http://i869.photobucket.com/albums/a...n/DSCN0763.jpg

Re: My version of the s10 swap
 

Now I can see progress:
http://i869.photobucket.com/albums/a...n/DSCN0757.jpg

Another angle:
http://i869.photobucket.com/albums/a...n/DSCN0758.jpg

After some more welding and grinding:
http://i869.photobucket.com/albums/a...n/DSCN0766.jpg

http://i869.photobucket.com/albums/a...n/DSCN0764.jpg

So there we have it, the only 4 window cab I've ever seen:
http://i869.photobucket.com/albums/a...n/DSCN0762.jpg

I need to do some re-arranging in the garage so I can start in on the other window, and I need to locate some POR 15 before I weld in the inner panel. I think this just might work! :lol:

Re: My version of the s10 swap
 

Looks very good so far! Can't wait to see how it comes out!

Re: My version of the s10 swap
 

Great job.....nice metal work on the corner glass.
keep it going.

Re: My version of the s10 swap
 

Thanks! I'm learning....

I love your Suburban. I'm thinking the interior of this truck will be newer Chevy pewter, which may be similar to the color of yours.

Re: My version of the s10 swap
 

I love those gauges. Just curious, how much extra did the indicator lights cost over the regular price?

Re: My version of the s10 swap
 

About $200 more. It was like $15 per light and the rest was an artwork charge from the company they outsource printing the faces to.

Re: My version of the s10 swap
 

Did I miss it?
Where did you get the gauges?

Re: My version of the s10 swap
 

Gauges came from New Vintage.

Re: My version of the s10 swap
 

Be very careful when putting those side windows in or maybe get a pro glass guy to do it. They are really tricky.

Re: My version of the s10 swap
 

Some more work on the cab. Last weekend a buddy came over and helped me take the box off the truck. I was then able to strip the rest of the back of the cab and get ready to cut in my other window.

http://i869.photobucket.com/albums/a...n/DSCN0775.jpg

The second one was definitely easier than the first, mainly because I had a plan. This one needed a little rust repair in the belt line, but nothing that slowed me down much.

http://i869.photobucket.com/albums/a...n/DSCN0784.jpg

http://i869.photobucket.com/albums/a...n/DSCN0785.jpg

http://i869.photobucket.com/albums/a...n/DSCN0787.jpg

And it's now officially a 5 window cab!
http://i869.photobucket.com/albums/a...n/DSCN0790.jpg

http://i869.photobucket.com/albums/a...n/DSCN0791.jpg

http://i869.photobucket.com/albums/a...n/DSCN0789.jpg

Re: My version of the s10 swap
 

Looks great.

Re: My version of the s10 swap
 

I still have to install the inside panels, but it's currently too cold in my garage for the POR 15 so that'll have to wait a bit. I have other rust repair that I can do in the mean time. My date with the sandblaster was postponed due to weather, so now I have some more time to do additional welding before the cab is blasted and epoxy primed. More to come!