Re: My version of the s10 swap
 

Thanks for being interested in it!

Well today was a good day, but a long day and a lot of work! Spent much of the morning with the frame suspended vertical from the backhoe as I tapped on it with a 2 lb hammer and screwdrivers trying to get the dirt out of the frame. I knew there was dirt in the frame, I didn't know how much was in there. Seems as if when this frame was under the s10 it must have spent 200k of it's 220k miles on gravel roads. What makes it more difficult, is that there are two braces inside each framerail which keep the dirt from easily moving out of the frame. The driver's side I ended up cutting an access hole so I could accelerate the process, I'll have to fix that later.

Shortly before noon I was to the point of being ready to sandblast. Next time I think I'll hire it done.

http://i869.photobucket.com/albums/a...3338974077.jpg

http://i869.photobucket.com/albums/a...3339070230.jpg

After my helpers got the frame flipped over, they went to lunch and I continued to blast.

http://i869.photobucket.com/albums/a...3339263583.jpg

http://i869.photobucket.com/albums/a...3339357676.jpg

Re: My version of the s10 swap
 

Next up was to cover up that fresh bare metal. **Today was the first time I've sprayed non-buzz bomb finish on a vehicle.** This past December I bought a DeVilbiss Startingline 2 spray gun kit and pulled it out of the box today. As someone who'd never used a spray gun before, I can say that it worked pretty well for me. I had some friends come over and set me up by showing me how to adjust the fan and the amount of fluid that was coming out of the gun. I then proceeded to spray on a good coat of SPI epoxy primer. Started out with lots of runs, then kinda figured it out and got better from there.

Here's my Quality Control guy looking for spots that I missed:

http://i869.photobucket.com/albums/a...3339447300.jpg

http://i869.photobucket.com/albums/a...3339669472.jpg

We then followed that up with a couple coats of Eastwood Chassis Black. Semi-gloss black paint is a little hard to put over semi-gloss black epoxy primer, but I'm confident I got most of it covered.

http://i869.photobucket.com/albums/a...3339737035.jpg

http://i869.photobucket.com/albums/a...3339862188.jpg

And there we have it, a freshened-up frame for my truck. I was a little nervous about painting for the first time, but with guidance from some veterans it wasn't too bad at all. Definitely something I'll be able to repeat at home. 90% of the spraying on the frame was done by me. I was also unsure about the side-draft spray booth you see in the pictures, but my dad did not want the black overspray mixing with the black diesel smoke on the walls and ceiling of his shop... and I don't think I ended up with too much dirt in the paint. Not that it matters too much, as this truck is destined to be a driver. I dropped one of the upper control arms on the ground while the primer was fresh and dad asked if I wanted some thinner to wipe it off and start over. My reply was nope, just a rag to wipe off the dirt and spray a little more epoxy over it. No need to get too carried away!

Now the truck will rest while I get another project finished up and out of my garage, then it will be moved home and start the re-assembly process. Next up on the list are installing the 5.3 and narrowing a 9" for the rear. Should be fun!

Re: My version of the s10 swap
 

Frame looks real good....Jim

Re: My version of the s10 swap
 

I like the barrel support!

Re: My version of the s10 swap
 

BlueJeep, frame looks great. It is great when you can get it blasted instead of all that wire wheeling. Paint looks great.


Shannon

Re: My version of the s10 swap
 

Nice update.

Re: My version of the s10 swap
 

Nice fender,whats he charge to do a whole truck like that.Looks like you can clear coat his metal work!!!!

Re: My version of the s10 swap
 

Thanks!

You've got to use what you've got! Dad also didn't want overspray on the tractors, so he wouldn't let me hang the frame from the loaders. ;)

Thanks! It's good to have something finished and ready to start re-assembly.

Thanks!

Ron doesn't do customer work anymore. He only does videos and workshops now. He does advise that when he's done it'll only need a coat of high build primer and then paint. Definitely a good teacher, and very patient with his students no matter how dumb the questions are...

Re: My version of the s10 swap
 

Asking questions is the smart way to learn,hopefully Ron can past his talent and skills to those who he is teaching.Its a loss art except for the few who chose to learn it,you can pick it up a little working in a body shop but the bulk of the work is just bolting on new panels.You actually have to be lucky to find a job at a hot rod shop that actually builds cars and trucks.

Re: My version of the s10 swap
 

Back at it once again! I finished up my other commitments, so I'm now able to start picking away at the "to-do's" left on the truck. Good thing I have a long list to keep me from getting bored. ;)

I've got the bed in my garage now, the plan is to get it roughed in to the point where all it'll need is some filler and primer, and then bring the truck back home and start putting it together. Today, both before and after taking the kids to the pool I was able to get some garage time in. It was a much appreciated father's day present from my wife. So I turned on some Cross Canadian Ragweed...loud...and got to work.

First up was welding up some cracks that had been earned over 60ish years of using the bed. I drilled the ends of the cracks, vee'd them out and welded them up with the TIG. Next up was fixing the stake pockets. Yeah I could have saved like 5+ hours of work and just ordered new ones from Mar-K, but I'm still learning this stuff. I figured it would also provide me some good practice with the TIG, which until now I haven't forced myself to use enough to get good with it.

http://i869.photobucket.com/albums/a...-32-17_973.jpg

The original design of how the rear cross sill allows anything that goes down the stake pocket hole to collect on top of it, and to rust out the pocket. My re-design of this, while it's still not finalized, will not have this problem.

http://i869.photobucket.com/albums/a...-22-08_325.jpg

http://i869.photobucket.com/albums/a...-17-00_757.jpg

I plan to beat on the bedsides a while longer, and then break out my shrinking disc and see what I can do towards getting them straighter. I really don't care how straight the bedsides end up being because of my intended use of the truck. But, since I have a new shrinking disc and no experience using it...this is how I'll learn.

http://i869.photobucket.com/albums/a...-16-34_149.jpg

http://i869.photobucket.com/albums/a...-16-50_860.jpg

Re: My version of the s10 swap
 

It's just because I'm still a TIG newbie, but I'm amazed at how little weld bead I have to grind down. Taking some advice from a metal master, I've stopped using 1/16" filler and I'm now spooling out .035" MIG wire to use as filler. This is really fun!

Before grinding anything:
http://i869.photobucket.com/albums/a...-48-52_657.jpg

http://i869.photobucket.com/albums/a...-17-15_897.jpg

I'm also very happy with my new (to me) Beverly shear. I can hold a scribed line very close and it has dramatically cut down my sanding-to-fit time with roloc discs.

Re: My version of the s10 swap
 

Smaller mig wire is the only way to go then it comes to the thin stuff when using the tig. Nice miller syncrowave 250. Wanna trade for a 200?

Re: My version of the s10 swap
 

Amazing metal work. Keep at it.

Re: My version of the s10 swap
 

how's the AC handling the weather?

Re: My version of the s10 swap
 

It is probably undersized for the garage, but it does take the edge off in there and makes it comfortable enough to work in, even when it's 100+ outside. It never gets cold, but that's OK.

I've been sidetracked...again...a couple of times. My dad had his Chevelle down here for Goodguys around the 4th, and I decided to help him out and had him leave it so I could finish up the Vintage A/C install. I finished it and it's heading back to his garage for some other little tweaks. I also put new gauges and a new gauge panel, and used a Classic Enterprises SkyDrive GPS speedo sending unit. Pretty cool product.

Now I'm back working on another side project, but hope to have that done and gone in a couple weeks so I can finally get back to the truck. Should be cooler though when I do get back at it....

Collecting more parts and tools though. Now I have some shiny new Martin hammers and dollies!

Re: My version of the s10 swap
 

Back to work on the truck. Not too much progress to report yet, but I'm hoping to. Pressed out the old bushings and ball joints from the control arms and bead blasted the lowers. Ordered MOOG bushings from Rockauto cheaper than the local parts store wanted for their house brand. Once those show up I'll paint the control arms and they'll be ready to go back on the frame. Trying to decide if I should put the stock coil springs back in or go dropped springs. Anyone know if 2" drop s10 coils will kill my nice ride?

http://i869.photobucket.com/albums/a...-57-55_518.jpg

http://i869.photobucket.com/albums/a...-03-38_292.jpg

Re: My version of the s10 swap
 

A little bit more done on the bed. Welded up the front stake pockets from where I'd shortened the bed, I'll cut them back out in the new location in a little while. More practice with the TIG, and cutting 16ga is really slick with the Beverly shear.

http://i869.photobucket.com/albums/a...d/DSCN1821.jpg

I've also filled in the rear corners where the original sill went across. I'll have to get a new sill made, but want to get a little closer and have a better idea of what I want before I do that. Also spent some time DA-ing the bedsides, so I can get out the shrink disc next and figure out how to use it to smooth them out a bit.

http://i869.photobucket.com/albums/a...d/DSCN1823.jpg

http://i869.photobucket.com/albums/a...d/DSCN1824.jpg

Re: My version of the s10 swap
 

It's been a very good weekend so far. It started off with a delivery:

http://i869.photobucket.com/albums/a...p/DSCN1840.jpg

First order of business was to figure out how to get it out of the truck. Dad forked it in there on a pallet with a Bobcat, since I don't have one of those I had to use my cherry picker. Not wanting to hurt anything, I decided that I needed to make some brackets to lift with. I was able to find some scrap 3/8 plate in my steel rack and started drilling. Dad said I took significantly longer to get the engine out of the truck than it took to get it in there, go figure. :-)

http://i869.photobucket.com/albums/a...p/DSCN1860.jpg

But we got 'er out!

http://i869.photobucket.com/albums/a...p/DSCN1856.jpg

I really like wiring, so I'm looking forward to modifying the harness to work.

http://i869.photobucket.com/albums/a...p/DSCN1863.jpg

Re: My version of the s10 swap
 

And since I decided it couldn't go in dirty, it was time to do something about it. Here's 3 generations of my family, toothbrushes in hand scrubbing away. And my wife thought I was joking when I said why we needed new toothbrushes!

http://i869.photobucket.com/albums/a...p/DSCN1883.jpg

http://i869.photobucket.com/albums/a...p/DSCN1886.jpg

And at the end of the day, it's looking good in primer:

http://i869.photobucket.com/albums/a...p/DSCN1911.jpg

Even better than that is how it looks in paint:

http://i869.photobucket.com/albums/a...p/DSCN1919.jpg

http://i869.photobucket.com/albums/a...p/DSCN1922.jpg

Once I get the garage cleaned out from today's activities, I need to start cleaning and painting the accessories and putting it back together. Once I get it in the frame I'll see what I need for an oil pan and swap that out. Fun stuff!

Re: My version of the s10 swap
 

Everything looking good, those two young helpers look like that can get the job done...Jim

Re: My version of the s10 swap
 

BlueJeep, I don't know what your going to do for exhaust but I tried to put Camaro manifolds on my S10 and they didn't fit. I had to but a set of headers from Patriot-they really fit nice on my truck. Your helpers make me smile,I wish I had some help somedays.

Lookin good I like watching your build.

Re: My version of the s10 swap
 

Thanks! The boys were super excited to see it this morning because it got painted last night after bed time. One told me I painted it the wrong color, he wanted it green like the truck will be. ;)

I was hoping to use Camaro manifolds. Did you have them in an s10-bodied truck and where was the interference? My motor will be slid back 7" or so from where it would have sat in an s10 bodied truck, with the way the frame splays out and down it should help with clearance, but I'm not far enough yet to know. I'll keep those headers in mind. I bought a set of F-body manifolds off craigslist a couple years ago but for the life of me I can't figure out what I did with them....

Re: My version of the s10 swap
 

Thanks! Yes, they're getting to the age where they know where to find my tools. I saw a light last week after dark in the back yard next to the hole they've been digging. Upon further investigation it was my cordless trouble light....

Re: My version of the s10 swap
 

Yes I'm putting a 5.3 in my S10,the manifolds wouldn't clear my Aarm on passenger side and looked like the steering shaft was going to be awfull. If you can't find yours let me know I'll loan you mine to mockup. I had firewall interfence but I'm sur that won't be a problem for you,the frame need to be notched also .

I also heard the trailblazer manifolds would be a better fit but I don't have any experience in them.

Re: My version of the s10 swap
 

BlueJeep, It is great seeing that you get the little helpers in the garage too. And is great seeing the 3 generations also. I will find out where my buddy got the headers on the truck that I am working on. If I remember right they were for a S10 with a LS motor or that type. I will let you know. If you need pictures or measurements let me know. Keep up the great work.

Shannon

Re: My version of the s10 swap
 

Could you get me some pictures of the motor mounts and then the oil pan from the side? Interested in how high the motor is mounted and what he used for an oil pan, since the truck pan hangs so low. Thanks!

Re: My version of the s10 swap
 

Here's how mine sits right now,I can take better pictures tommorrow. My Truck oil pan hangs down about 1.5 inchs below crossmember. I don't know if it's going to be a problem yet as I have dropped spindles.

Re: My version of the s10 swap
 

BlueJeep, My buddy bought the stuff from S10V8.com. He bought the headers, motor mounts and the oil pan from them. I could not get a good side picture of the pan but I can this weekend. As you can see from the front it does not set lower than the front cross member. He made his own frame pieces that the mounts set on. The headers have great clearance and should be not problem hooking up the steering. Hope the pictures help and if you need any others let me know.

Shannon

Re: My version of the s10 swap
 

Thanks for the pics! Yes, if you could get a side picture of the pan that would be great!

Re: My version of the s10 swap
 

BlueJeep, I will tomorrow. I will take a wheel off to get some pictures.

Shannon

Re: My version of the s10 swap
 

Today I spent some more time cleaning and painting parts for the motor. The goal is not super fancy, but clean and respectable. I've given my dad lots of crap over the past 5 years about all the money he spent on billet this and that on the motor of his Chevelle, so this is my chance to show him my way. :)

Before:
http://i869.photobucket.com/albums/a...-20-05_511.jpg

And after... really all I did was de-grease it, then hit the casting seams with a file really quick to knock off the sharp edges, and then clean it up in the blast cabinet. Now it's painted like the rest of the motor.
http://i869.photobucket.com/albums/a...-04-59_338.jpg

So since I needed something to do in between coats of primer and paint, I continued work on my control arms. The sway bar holes had seen a lack of maintenance, so I TIG'ed them up and drilled them back out.
http://i869.photobucket.com/albums/a...-03-54_310.jpg

http://i869.photobucket.com/albums/a...-03-55_203.jpg

I also pressed in my ball joints and bushings. I filled the void around the lower ball joints with silicone to prevent dirt from filling them up. This is something I've done on my builds for years, and keeps it from ever looking like it did when I took it apart!

http://i869.photobucket.com/albums/a...-04-33_796.jpg

And the end of the night with my helper. He was telling me to "move this" and "move that" so he could get in and sweep, so of course I did what he wanted! His brother decided he'd rather watch TV tonight.
http://i869.photobucket.com/albums/a...-05-30_357.jpg

Re: My version of the s10 swap
 

BlueJeep, looking good. Isn't it great having the little ones help. I will get your picture tonight. Things have been crazy the past couple days.

Shannon

Re: My version of the s10 swap
 

BlueJeep, Sorry for the delay. Here are some pictures. The motor and tranny are both even with the frame and front cross member. So when aired out neither are close to the ground. If you need any more let me know.

Shannon

Re: My version of the s10 swap
 

Thanks Shannon, looks about like what I need!

Indian, is this the same pan you're using in your s10?

Re: My version of the s10 swap
 

No,I'm using the stock pan from GM. It hangs down about 1 1/2 inchs below crossmember. I won't know untill I get my sheetmetal back on to see with my dropped spindles if I'm in trouble. If it is too low I'll buy the H3 pan as it's shorter. I already notched my crossmember for the original so I know I'll have clearence.

Re: My version of the s10 swap
 

I just did the same research! Looks like the H3 pan (AKA GM Muscle Car swap pan) is the one to go with, part 19212593.

I'm thinking you'll be fine on clearance. Here's a picture of the 49 on the s10 frame with stock springs, 2" drop spindles, stock s10 wheels and 235/75R15 tires on it. Plenty of clearance.

http://i869.photobucket.com/albums/a...n/DSCN0306.jpg

FYI I just also looked up the s10v8.com pan that Shannon posted pictures of, and that's the H3 pan that comes with their kit so now we know what that looks like in an s10 frame as well.

Re: My version of the s10 swap
 

BlueJeep,I found a place that has the H3 oil pan kit on sale right now for $141.15 + shipping. I can't wait to see if my truck is going to clear the truck pan. There is a set of Stainless Steel Ls1 Headers o E-bay for $199.00 at the moment too.

Re: My version of the s10 swap
 

Not much progress to report this weekend. Ordered the H3 oil pan, some misc. gaskets, a tranny filter, and some relays and other wiring stuff. Picked up a spare wiring harness and ECM tonight off craigslist, this is the one I'll start playing with and cutting up.

Also got the remaining bushings pressed into my lower control arms and started to paint them chassis black. Painted and re-installed the water pump. Cleaned the intake with my toothbrush, the plastic cleans up very nicely as compared to the aluminum parts. :)

Re: My version of the s10 swap
 

I found that too, but by the time you add the shipping it's the same price as JEGS so I ordered it there. It will ship out tomorrow!

Re: My version of the s10 swap
 

some nice pics of BlueJeeps tube work too... (on my rig)

http://www.indysworld.com/ci4wi/2012/tube-work-1.jpg


http://www.indysworld.com/ci4wi/2012/tube-work-2.jpg