51 Chevy Half Ton Build
 

I thought I should start a build thread even though I've owned this truck for over 20 years. I did most of the chassis work years ago, but have recently updated the rear end with the 4-link w/coil overs. I 've been working the past few months on the body work. Learning as I go with the guidance from a neighbor whom used to work in a body shop 30+ years ago. It's great that he's just talking me through the process. He's letting me do the work as I like to do everything myself.

Re: 51 Chevy Half Ton Build
 

Progress

Re: 51 Chevy Half Ton Build
 

Progress

Re: 51 Chevy Half Ton Build
 

Additional Progress

Re: 51 Chevy Half Ton Build
 

Additional Cab body work

Re: 51 Chevy Half Ton Build
 

Sanding all day and a third coat of primer.
Trailer fenders cut down for inner fender/mini tubs.

Re: 51 Chevy Half Ton Build
 

good lookin body work -! keep us up on you progress

love the cab dolly wheels !

Re: 51 Chevy Half Ton Build
 

Random Progress pics

Re: 51 Chevy Half Ton Build
 

That thing is looking awesome. Build threads like these really make me want to strip my truck down and re-do the whole thing.

James

Re: 51 Chevy Half Ton Build
 

Very nice work, keep us updated...Jim

Re: 51 Chevy Half Ton Build
 

Last nights Progress

Re: 51 Chevy Half Ton Build
 

I located the mount holes and cut cables for the shaved door solenoid kit. first coat of filler on the gauge pod.

Re: 51 Chevy Half Ton Build
 

Very nice work! I can appreciate all the photos as I'm just starting my own project similar to yours. I have a 1950 GMC that I'm doing a frame swap on using a Chevy S10 frame. Keep the pictures and the comments coming please.

Re: 51 Chevy Half Ton Build
 

Here are a couple pics of the old truck before the chopping of the top. I also added another rung on the bottom of the grill and blended the front fenders for a lower look up front.

Re: 51 Chevy Half Ton Build
 

Floor pan and trans tunnel work.

Re: 51 Chevy Half Ton Build
 

I worked on several body parts and the cab this weekend. Here are some pictures of the progression of the metal and body work on the hood.

Here’s the hood after wet sanding the primer with 400 grit paper.
Covered in a thin coat of water.

Re: 51 Chevy Half Ton Build
 

Here are a few pictures of the progress so far. I have most of the truck painted now, the drive line is in and ready for fluids. I am going to start the new wiring this evening. I plan on either trading my seats or dying them black. I would prefer to find someone willing to trade for black 3rd row seats from a newer Tahoe.

Re: 51 Chevy Half Ton Build
 

Looks good...Jim

Re: 51 Chevy Half Ton Build
 

Just a couple more pics. I'm still at it and plan on being on the road this spring.

Frank

Re: 51 Chevy Half Ton Build
 

Great looking truck! And for the pictures.....I think it fair to say we all love pictures.....keep them coming and keep up the stellar work!

Re: 51 Chevy Half Ton Build
 

Looks good. Cruising this spring for sure.

Re: 51 Chevy Half Ton Build
 

Sometimes you have to go back before you can move forward. In my case I've been re-working the firewall and floor to get much needed cab space. I'm still making progress even if it's only a few hours here and there through-out the week.

Re: 51 Chevy Half Ton Build
 

What is the width on the 3rd row seat? I really like the looks of the black cloth ones, but I thought they were too narrow. Yours looks like a great fit

Re: 51 Chevy Half Ton Build
 

Nice work. I'm dig'n the cab caddy you made out of bicycle wheels, I could use somthing like that about now.

Re: 51 Chevy Half Ton Build
 

How much is your cab chopped. Truck looks good.

Re: 51 Chevy Half Ton Build
 

I would have to get back to you on the overall width of the seat. The seat would work fine for a smaller person than myself. It is a bit narrow for the cab and didn't quite fit to my liking so, I am going back to the original seat. It just works better for me.
Thanks for the compliments.

Frank

Re: 51 Chevy Half Ton Build
 

It's a 4" chop. I've been told that a 3" chop is easier to blend, so I thought I might as well make it harder on myself with a 4" chop. :m6:
Truthfully I love these trucks stock, chopped, channeled, rusted out, beautifully restored, wild or mild customs, it doesn't matter they're all awesome.
I will be back at mine:metal: tonight

Re: 51 Chevy Half Ton Build
 

Okay, here's where I'm at now. I'm ready for my new glass (front and rear for now) but, I've been searching the area with little to no success.

Anyone know a GOOD glass guy in the Chicago (south) area?

I would like to try to install them myself, but I'm not apposed to letting an experienced glass guy do the job. I hope to find someone this week as I am ready for the windshield and rear window now.

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

-Frank

Re: 51 Chevy Half Ton Build
 

Just an update on my build.
I ended up doing the glass myself. My neighbor worked with me installing the glass. It's finally on the road (licensed and insured) after 22 years!! I'm currently working on the running boards. I have had it at 2 cruise nights and plan to be at another one 2-night. It just feels GREAT to be driving it!!

-Frank

Re: 51 Chevy Half Ton Build
 

One more...

Re: 51 Chevy Half Ton Build
 

Way to go. Looks good! Did you cut the glass yourself?

Re: 51 Chevy Half Ton Build
 

Thanks-I had Moore Glass in Joliet cut it for me with my templates.

-Frank

Re: 51 Chevy Half Ton Build
 

Here's one from last night's cruise night in Frankfort.

Re: 51 Chevy Half Ton Build
 

Note to self; NEVER buy another part from American Classic Truck Parts!!
They've sold me and who knows how many others a POS brake assembly. This piece of junk fit poorly under the dash, the proportioning valve leaked from day one, the check valve blow apart after a small back fire and the master cylinder/cover is leaking causing brake fluid to spray everywhere!!! I've had to buy a new prop valve and now it looks like I will be replacing the rest of this junk. What a waste of money and time, not to mention the damage it's done to my truck. I couldn't imagine if I actually had an expensive paint job and had this happen. I was told that they no longer use that manufacturer because they didn't know how to make the parts corrector and had received many complaints, but they will not replace mine knowing they sold me a POS. This just sucks.

Re: 51 Chevy Half Ton Build
 

That really sux to see. I would hope that a company would stand behind what they sell. I know this sounds petty, but I would report them to the BBB. It's a shame that a company that big wouldn't do anything to even attempt to repair the situation.

James

Re: 51 Chevy Half Ton Build
 

Yes it does. The issue is that I bought the part/assembly in 2012 while building the truck. After a couple years of metal fabrication, body, paint and assembly I finally had a chance to fill the braking system to test it. A 90 day warranty isn't worth much when your building a vehicle. It doesn't happen over-night folks. I wonder how many other folks purchased this junk and got burned like me?

Re: 51 Chevy Half Ton Build
 

Haven't posted in while so I thought I would catch ya'll up.
I drove my truck all summer and into fall of 2015. We put around 900 miles in it, hitting the local cruise nights.

Re: 51 Chevy Half Ton Build
 

I had some health issues that set me back last year but also has given me a new perspective on life in general. I ended up tearing my truck down to the bare chassis as I wasn't happy with the MII front end or the twisted frame.

Re: 51 Chevy Half Ton Build
 

Here are a few pics of the process of building my own chassis.

Re: 51 Chevy Half Ton Build
 

A few more photos