Re: 49 ls1
 

Got some work done on the dash tonight. Got the new Pro-Line vents and AC control panel from Vintage installed.

Re: 49 ls1
 

I had to get a little creative with the AC controls. I wound up cutting out the ashtray support, and building some framing behind it. I think it turned out kind of nice though.

Re: 49 ls1
 

I also welded in the delete panel on the other side of the radio, and slapped a little bit of dyna-hair over it. Next I have bear claw latches and one more cab corner to install.

Re: 49 ls1
 

Looking good Chris...Jim

Re: 49 ls1
 

looks cool, nice and subtle.

Re: 49 ls1
 

Thanks guys. I want it not to look too custom, just at second glance. That is the idea anyway.

Re: 49 ls1
 

Got some work done on the 49 today (waiting on parts for a customer car). Dashboard is all welded in.

Re: 49 ls1
 

I also installed my new large bear claw latches, and worked on door gaps. Got them fitting pretty good, need some tweaking on the forward edges still.

Re: 49 ls1
 

More pics.

Re: 49 ls1
 

Great work fixing those gaps. That looks like a crazy amount of work.

Re: 49 ls1
 

Thanks Josh. Those damned doors never fit right. Always finding the happy medium, then fixing the frame to match.

Re: 49 ls1
 

Taking shape Chris, nice job...Jim

Re: 49 ls1
 

Looking good sarge. Great job on the doors.

Re: 49 ls1
 

thanks 48Chev, and Jim

Here's some pics of the dash with some accessories mocked up. Starting to take shape!

Re: 49 ls1
 

Finally got that drivers side corner in today. Did a bunch of door gap fitting, and some smoothing on the back wall of the cab.

Re: 49 ls1
 

Chris, looking good...Jim

Re: 49 ls1
 

I don't know why my replacement cab corners never fit the damned door frame. The gap always gets too wide at the bottom. Wound up slicing it, and adding a slim wedge of 18ga. to get the door gap correct on the bottom.

Re: 49 ls1
 

Just seems that's the way with replacement panels, one was OK on drivers side, but pass side was crazy off...Jim

Re: 49 ls1
 

Thanks Jim. Yeah it's kinda hit-n-miss with the replacement panels. My passenger side lower cowl fit great, but the drivers was all out of whack.

Re: 49 ls1
 

Great job on the rust repair. Looking killer, love what you did with the dash too.

Re: 49 ls1
 

looking good sarge, just noticed the dash, which came out great. on the side where it meets with the door, you filling that area in?

Re: 49 ls1
 

I got my cab corners from Classic Industries, and they didn't seem to fit too bad...but door gaps being how they are on these trucks I figured on having to modify them from the get go.

One thing I did notice is that the new cab corners were noticeably thicker than the originals I cut out, and not because of rust. I think that there is so much shape there that the original metal is thinner due to the original stamping. Since the smaller repair pieces are not as large, they do not undergo as much stretching to get to their final shape.

Looking good!

Re: 49 ls1
 

Thanks guys.

Yes, planning on capping the ends of the dash, and the ends of the door pieces. Just haven't gotten that far yet.

I am sure that those doors and jambs just never fit right. I don't think it mattered that much to farmers in 1949... :lol:

I know how much you guys love rust repair, so if you are interested, here's a link to the 67 Chevelle I'm working on now. Total rustbucket. Doing Trunk floor, all braces, taillight panel, outer wheel houses, and both rear quarter skins...
https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?...9234413&type=3

Re: 49 ls1
 

Hey Chris, now that's alot of rust repair, nice job...Jim

Re: 49 ls1
 

Thanks Jim... The 67 is on it's way home tomorrow, finally some time to devote the '49! I have a buddy of mine coming in from Colorado Springs on Sunday for two weeks to try and fast-track the truck to a more presentable (maybe even running) state.

Todays progress. Got the front edge door gap where I want it. Added about 3/16" of metal, and cut the cowl so I could ding it down flush with the door. More pics on that tomorrow. I also cut my 49 doors to install '54 door handles.

Re: 49 ls1
 

Bought some stainless steel momentary switches to operate my power Bear Claw latches.

I also got the rear wall of the cab ready for primer. More to come!

Re: 49 ls1
 

Looking real good there Chris...Jim

Re: 49 ls1
 

I like your push button for the bear claw, I'm sure alot of guys are at an xroad with those. I ran into a debacle with my 51' turndown handles. Costs were just higher than I wanted to buy the springs to use with the bearclaws, or else the handle would be stationary, on top of everything else. So I just made this keyless cylinder door locking device for anyone not wanting bear claws and want to do away with the stock locking system. Anyway are you gonna have locking claws and just run a remote for the locking? I'm def running bear claws on my 49' but wanna keep the turndown handles, so I'll have to cross that bridge again.

Nice when everything comes together in primer.

Re: 49 ls1
 

Give us more info on the push button. I kinda like the push button handle as opposed to the turn down like I have on my 51.

Re: 49 ls1
 

Nice job on the dash!

Re: 49 ls1
 

Jim: thanks, she's starting to come together

99: I am running locking large bear claws. I intend to have power locks, power latches, power windows, and remote start. If I don't have locks, any old fool would be able to just come push the button and open the truck. :) I think my latches and install plates came to just about $60. I'll be adding the solenoids later.

Re: 49 ls1
 

I've never seen anyone install pushbutton handles on 1 piece glass doors, just wanted to see if I could change it up a bit. I like to do things a little different than most!

Farmer Sid: The pushbuttons were on Ebay, 19mm thread, waterproof, stainless. Just search for momentary switch, they will pop up. I figured it was worth $4 a pop to give them a try. I just like the look of handles, with the cool of electric pops.

Cal58GMC: Thank you, I've been enjoying this build (maybe a little too much!) :)

Re: 49 ls1
 

The buttons are also available with an led ring. I have mine setup so that the alarm/remote start system illuminates the buttons when the truck is unlocked and when the key is turned off. The keyless entry enables and disables the button function. Works great. I like the one piece glass. Keep up the good work.

Re: 49 ls1
 

That looks cool chev3600... I saw the LED rings, but chose stainless instead. Love that smooth but almost stock look.

Re: 49 ls1
 

Today I removed everything from the frame, box, driveline, and cab in preparation for chassis paint. Tomorrow my buddy gets here, and we'll go to town on it. A few things left to finish up on the chassis, then it'll be ready for some color.

Today I built some rear cab mounts (49 cab was a center mount, and I hate them). I have urethane isolator bushings that will go between the cab and these short stands.

I also finished boxing the frame under the cab. Tomorrow I'll deal with shock mounts, and a few other little things.

Re: 49 ls1
 

Amazing work buddy. Love the door handle mod.

Re: 49 ls1
 

Moving along and looking good...Jim

Re: 49 ls1
 

Thanks stockish and Jim. Been trying to get this thing a little farther along before I have to deploy. Tomorrow's the big decision day, Dr what's his name from Fort Leonard Wood is going to decide whether I am medically fit for deployment or not.

Todays progress...

I want to use the stock 5.3L AC pump, but I had some clearance issues with the crossmember. So I cut out the offending area, and welded in a piece of curved 1/8" steel. Gives me clearance for the stock AC bracket and compressor. I also finished boxing in the forward portions of the frame.

Next is shock mounts and getting the rear disk brackets mocked up and welded in prior to chassis paint.

I just ordered Riddler series 695 17x8 wheels, with 255/45R 17 and 225/45R 17 shoes. I wanted to go 17x8 steelies, but I just couldn't justify $220/wheel and $65/dog-dish cap. Someday I'll have money to just throw around, but not quite yet!

I also just received my new ball joints and bushings, along with some other miscellaneous parts. Should see a lot of progress in the next few weeks.

Re: 49 ls1
 

Nice work! And nice wheels!

Re: 49 ls1
 

If anyone on here is shopping for a good deal on aftermarket wheels, I got these for $572 including shipping (and lug nuts/center-caps) from wheelsforless.com They have a pretty nice selection of our "old school muscle" wheels, and great prices.