Re: What Did You Do With Your Truck Today ?
 

it should still be good after all it's only 50 years old.:uhmk:

Re: What Did You Do With Your Truck Today ?
 

:waah:working on some rear suspension dimensions and clearances on old autocad. it's raining and I can't get in the shop.

Re: What Did You Do With Your Truck Today ?
 

Working on a T5 install for my 55 2nd series and keeping the 235.
I had to slightly contour the upper passenger side case and drill all 4 mounting holes out to 1/2 inch. I am using a spacer so I won`t have to trim the input shaft or retainer.
http://i765.photobucket.com/albums/x...2/DSCF4580.jpg

Cut both the stock shifter and factory and will weld them together to keep the factory look.
http://i765.photobucket.com/albums/x...2/DSCF4582.jpg

http://i765.photobucket.com/albums/x...2/DSCF4581.jpg

http://i765.photobucket.com/albums/x...2/DSCF4583.jpg

Here is where it all goes.
http://i765.photobucket.com/albums/x...2/DSCF4584.jpg

The shifter will sit back approximately 6 inches from it`s original position which brings it closer to the seat. I will also need to fill the hole in the cover and cut out a new one.

Re: What Did You Do With Your Truck Today ?
 

Went to the local metal supply house and bought the needed 2X4 square tubing for the frame of the flatbed. Hope to have that finished this coming weekend.
Added new chrome outside mirrors and new chrome trim rings on the new wheels.

Re: What Did You Do With Your Truck Today ?
 

Spent the day welding up the hood seam.

Re: What Did You Do With Your Truck Today ?
 

[QUOTE=hb32;4946131]Working on a T5 install for my 55 2nd series and keeping the 235.
I had to slightly contour the upper passenger side case and drill all 4 mounting holes out to 1/2 inch. I am using a spacer so I won`t have to trim the input shaft or retainer.
http://i765.photobucket.com/albums/x...2/DSCF4580.jpg

hb, I noticed you solved the problem of actually getting the upper bolt on the pax side into the hole with a grinder! I had to do some similar stuff as well on my T5. One thing I found that helped tremendously in the actual install was to use a allen head bolt instead of a hex head because it's darn near impossible to get a wrench around that hex head half inch bolt. Here's a quick pic. I still had to grind the bolt head circumference a little to get it into the hole (i.e. just like you had to grind the case a little - either way works). But once in the install process, the allen head bolt saved the day because you can easily get an allen wrench on it.

Another thing I ran into (never realized that on these old trucks the lower 2 trans mount bolts actually were installed from fwd to aft, i.e. pointing aft and the lower holes are not tapped in the bell - they are actually tapped in the trans, duh...) - but when I installed my astro van pressure plate - I noticed it was significantly thicker than the original (which is ok because the kit's release bearing is proportionately thinner also, so it all comes out in the wash) - but the end result was there was no way I could insert the bolts pointing backwards because when it's all together, the pressure plate is in the way. But it was ok, I just reversed it so the nut is now inside the bell hsg. Doesn't really matter since the T5 is not tapped like our old truck trans's are and you have to use a bolt/nut arrangement, which I see you already have. but just wanted to comment becasue I didn't discover that I couldn't get a bolt in from the front side of the bell due to a thicker pressure plate than my original until I actually was into the install and all greasy already - had to get up and make my 87th trip to the local hardware store for a new bolt...

Re: What Did You Do With Your Truck Today ?
 

Engine and trans in permanently.
completed the cooling system.
driveshaft in.
Threaded the alternator holes in the sepentine belt brackets to use an S-10 alternator. started started sorting out the wiring snakes.
hooked up the throttle
made the hydroboost pressure line from the pump. Gotta take it to a hose shop to have a high pressure rubber hose section installed in it and the rubber o ring fitting flared on the end.
fabricated a blank off plate for the A/C compressor to keep it clean.
Installed the heater shut-off valve and slid the original heater cable into the cab.
I found an original defrost outlet for a cheap heater that will allow me to use the deluxe heater control with the cheap heater and clear the defrost ducts.
Now I have to integrate the cheap heater with the A/C. The defrost outlet goes left and back instead of just "up".
Found a switch that will mount on the heater control valve that will shut off the heater fan and energize the A/C fan and still use the same fan switch on the deluxe heater control for both heater and A/C. Made a little bracket to hold it. THe heater control cable will move the switch at the same time shutting off the heater water valve.

blasted the upper and lower grille sheetmetal and primed them and painted the outer bumper supports.

Re: What Did You Do With Your Truck Today ?
 

Thanks and had thought of using a internal wrenching bolt but had the grade 8`s from another project at hand. When I got the trans, I pullled 2 on the same day, one had torx drive bolts, which I suspect was the fix from GM which won`t work in our case as they are metric, and the other was missing that bolt. I ground down a 3/4 wrench for clearance and appears to have solved that issue. Found out on removal about the lower bolts and will install with the nut on the trans side so should have no issues with the clearance.
I hope to have it all back together shortly and then need to find a drive shaft.
What did you use?

Re: What Did You Do With Your Truck Today ?
 

Did some welding on the camaro subframe for my 57 today...soon the body can be mounted!!

Re: What Did You Do With Your Truck Today ?
 

finnaly hunted down the %^*& tabs for the firewall after 2 days of tearing through my parts storage and cleaning up looking for them:waah:
media blasted them and a few other parts and PORing them tonight... on the bright side the shop is clean now:lol:

Re: What Did You Do With Your Truck Today ?
 

Did the front hub tapered roller bearing conversion.

Re: What Did You Do With Your Truck Today ?
 

Made a templet and cut out my first kickpanel for the drivers side. Had to use a cutting wheel as the air cutter broke the blade on contact with the sheet metal. It won't cut 18 ga. like the said it would.... Big suprise HF tools. At any rate came out pretty good, work on the floor panel tonight. Thinking of making it in one piece instaead of two. Since I need to go up the fire wall about 10" or so. any thoughts?

Re: What Did You Do With Your Truck Today ?
 

I do bodywork for a living and I bring in parts from my project (51 Chevy 1/2 ton) to work on during lunch break, after work etc...Finished the bodywork and priming of one of the fenders!! I fixed the worst one first, so hopefully the next 3 won't seem so bad...

Re: What Did You Do With Your Truck Today ?
 

I had all my extra trim pieces for sale such as 2-1/2 sets of SS windshield trim, SS door trim inside & out, 3 sets of headliner bows, lower fender repair patches, front valance, etc...all kinds of small stuff. All used parts.
One guy is picking it ALL up and paying me what I was asking, $560, no haggling. I would have taken $3-400 but I like his style.
Woo Hoo, here comes my new MIG welder!

Re: What Did You Do With Your Truck Today ?
 

Well for the last couple days I've been adapting the bed wood from a 50 panel truck that my buddy doesn't want. I'm hoping to finish my bed today. He's doing a full on resto. 15yr project:lol:

Re: What Did You Do With Your Truck Today ?
 

This last weekend we installed a plywood bed floor and a hinged bed cover. Its not fancy but its clean and I am happy with it. I left the gas cap slightly elevated for now because I think I will put a rubber mat over the wood.

https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-X...-21-40_952.jpg

https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-u...-22-55_970.jpg

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-c...-25-09_679.jpg

Re: What Did You Do With Your Truck Today ?
 

Scotty B, I like your truck. How did you make the bed cover? And also, how is your truck lowered? Static, bags, or what's happening?

Re: What Did You Do With Your Truck Today ?
 

I bought the cover from Craftec. It was easy to assembly and install. The frame is C notched and sits on TCI leaf springs with 4" lowering blocks.

You can see more here: ScottB 51Chevy Build Pics

Re: What Did You Do With Your Truck Today ?
 

Looked through all your photos and I have to say I thought the truck looked pretty good before you did anything! Now it just looks better. A couple more questions if you don't mind:

The Mustang tank has a collet or ring type mount for the sender (MOst old Ford tanks do so I assume its the same) but the Chevy sender has the five bolt holes to mount it so how'd you get these two to "marry up"? Can you post a close up photo? Are the TCI rear springs "lowering springs"? If so, how many inches and then you added a lowering block also? Any issues with hitting, rubbing, anything? How is the front lowered, I saw no pic's.

Re: What Did You Do With Your Truck Today ?
 

DITTO..... inquiring minds need to know :agree:

Re: What Did You Do With Your Truck Today ?
 

PureC4, I did a little research on the TCI website and it says their rear spring kit gives 4" of drop. That means with his 4" blocks he's got a static drop of 8"!! I'm wondering how close the top of his differential comes to hitting his bed floor? Looks like his floor is raised the thickness of a 2x4 (1-1/2") or more, so maybe its not an issue for him. BUT, how is his front dropped by at least 8" or more?

Inquiring minds (nosy-a$$ guys on this website) want to know!

Re: What Did You Do With Your Truck Today ?
 

I used the Mustang tank ring for fuel pickup only. I took the float off of it. For the gas gauge I use the stock chevy sender. By crazy luck the Mustang tank already had a circular rib in it on the top of the tank in one corner (see pic below). I used a hole saw to drill the tank then used the stock chevy rubber gasket and self tapping screws to mount it. I measured the depth of the mustang tank and bent the stock chevy sender arm in an 'S' shape by wrapping in half way around a large deep well socket in different directions until the float arm was shortened to the correct swing distance to match the mustang tank.

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-H...0/CIMG4700.JPG

I believe the TCI springs are lowering but yes I then added 4" blocks. There has been no rubbing or hitting at all. The fenders are 2" wider than stock and those 295/45/20 tires have a really stiff sidewall since they are for heavy SUVs. One thing to note is I have a 54 bed mounted on a 51 frame so the frame has the humps in it where it goes over the rear end. Between the factory humps and the C notch kit there was plenty of clearance. My only complaint about the springs is that they move the rear back some but not far enough to center the wheel in the opening so I have some 1/2" thick, 1" offset plates on it for now until I can get the springs re-drilled.

Re: What Did You Do With Your Truck Today ?
 

You are right on, I laid 2x4s on their sides across the bed side flanges then put 3/4" plywood on top of that. The 2x4s provided just enough lift to clear the '51 frame humps when using the '54 bed sides (they are taller so the bed floor is actually lower in a '54). I will see if I can take a picture of the clearance at ride height.

As for the front... Not real proud there but its all I could do for now. It has a drop straight axle with only 3 of the original leafs still in place. As you can imagine there is not a lot of suspension travel but our roads are pretty good here in Alabama. I have a stabilizer shock mounted to the tie rod so it tracks the road well when its smooth. Plan is to install a C4 front suspension on the stock frame this winter.

Re: What Did You Do With Your Truck Today ?
 

A little "igenuity-as-the-mother-of-invention, huh? VERY smart. I was about to make a wisecrack about "redneck" engineering but then I realized my Mexi-gineering (I'm latino) would have been to do it the exact same way:lol:
Personally, when I find a way to make something work like you did and then it ACTUALLY DOES work, I feel proud as a new papa!
Oh and PS: If ALL '70 Mustang tanks come with that place to install the Chevy sender that's a real good thing to know. Is yours a junkyard find tank? If so, its gotta be cheaper than all the aftermarket ones out there. I wonder if one of those would fit in my '55's frame?

Would all this be rectified with the correct year bed? Do you prefer the flat-topped '54 bed over the earlier ones or did the truck come with it? I'm a '55.2 guy so I don't know all that much about the '47-'54's but are the fenders wider because of the year bed or are you running some kind of wider aftermarket fenders? Sorry for all the questions.

Re: What Did You Do With Your Truck Today ?
 

I got the tank off of ebay for $150 shipped with fuel pickup and filler hose. Its the bigger 22 gallon tank. I can get the dimensions for you if you would like.

When I bought the truck it did already have a 54 bed but it was in bad shape. I stuck with the 54 sides when I replaced them because I couldn't find a reasonably priced cover solution for the older angled top sides and I like the look anyway. The hinged hard covers are big $. The correct bed would have the floor supports already above the frame. Call me psycho I guess because I used the older tail lights...

I went with the aftermarket wider fenders and matching running boards so I could fit the bigger tires without having to put a wheel tub in the bed. Again, that is a personal choice. The bigger fenders give the truck a muscular look too.

Re: What Did You Do With Your Truck Today ?
 

ScottyB, I really like your choices, ESPECIALLY the older small tail lights. Kudos for keeping them. I think the wider fender & matching running boards are a great idea (tho I'd guess spendy) rather than tubbing.

Member "Chuckdriver" has a generic tank in his '57 from Tanks, Inc I'm likely to go with cause it's fairly cheap and has the advantage that I've seen how well it worked for him. Now I just need a few extra hundreds to pull it off!
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Re: What Did You Do With Your Truck Today ?
 

Managed to get the clutch assy and 5 speed bolted in.
http://i765.photobucket.com/albums/x...2/DSCF4590.jpg
http://i765.photobucket.com/albums/x...2/DSCF4589.jpg

Re: What Did You Do With Your Truck Today ?
 

I sanded, primed and installed the swap meet Fulton Visor I got for my '53 five window. Also got some 283 fender emblems from Hubbards to advertise the '62 283 I'm running. The visor has the original emblems on the braces that says
"Fulton Sunshade Company, Milwaukee Wisconsin"

Re: What Did You Do With Your Truck Today ?
 

Picked up a T-5 for 85.00 and took an hour trip in mountains to an old fashion Junk Yard and pulled thebrake and clutch pedal assembly out of an
S10 to hopefully use in the truck. Pedals, clutch cyl, master cyl, and booster, $40.00 not bad I think... Now to finish the floor and get to hanging this stuff.:lol:

Re: What Did You Do With Your Truck Today ?
 

xaircav
very cool on the visor - ya got any picts ?

Re: What Did You Do With Your Truck Today ?
 

hey hb32 ,, you need to do this for your shifter..(make it a short throw)
It works great,, did it to mine..
http://www.stovebolt.com/techtips/shifter/index.html

Re: What Did You Do With Your Truck Today ?
 

Replaced a power steering hose, still have a small leak from somewhere but the bulk of the leak was definitely from that hose.

Got the bulk of the bed wood cut to size and mocked up. I'm one 1x8x8 short so I'll have to make another run to Lowes later this week but I'm liking how it looks so far. I need to get the inner fenders widened by about 2 inches before I can mount those but I threw them on just to get an idea of what it will look like.

http://hotimg23.fotki.com/a/72_83/24...d004-vi-th.jpg

I'm going to go with a clear sealer, I really like the light wood/dark truck contrast.

Re: What Did You Do With Your Truck Today ?
 

My good friend and wiring guy Jim came over and we got all the lights and the horn working. Need a new hi-lo beam switch, which of course is an easy fix. Now all we need is the two brake drums (one front, one rear) and we'll be able to button up the brake system and take 'er down the road!

Re: What Did You Do With Your Truck Today ?
 

bought the metal to make plates to move the engine back 2 inches. made a template to mark the holes.

Re: What Did You Do With Your Truck Today ?
 

Thanks and will add it to the list of things to do. Did you use the S10 shifter handle or the stock handle?

Re: What Did You Do With Your Truck Today ?
 

Prepped grille and bumpers for priming, waiting on temps to rise. Also scratched my head about gas door location.

Re: What Did You Do With Your Truck Today ?
 

I used the bottom part after it was straitened, then I made the
upper part out of 5/8 stainless tubing(free) with a 90 at
the top. fits right in my hand even though it is almost as tall
as the dash,,, made my 2ft shifter throw become about a 10"
throw between gears.. looks funny with a tall shifter but it works great!
good luck

Re: What Did You Do With Your Truck Today ?
 

I worked on the rear suspension cross member

Re: What Did You Do With Your Truck Today ?
 

Orrie G
on your truck -what about plummin; to the rear license plate ? do one of them fold down plates like the cars had in thr late 70;a and 80;s

juss my 2 centavos

Re: What Did You Do With Your Truck Today ?
 

I was supposed to install 4 new shocks and that was it! But, one thing led to another and I ended up lowering the front of my truck by removing a few leafs. Here's a before, an after, and a side shot of the finished project.

Ride quality has not changed; still rides like a 54 year old truck and I'm good with that.:metal: