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Project Eugene: 1949 5 window
This build started years ago in my head. I have been a Jeep guy for years- this is our current family rig. It's sort of a 1949 Willys. Although the windshield is a 3b, the cowl and hood are from a 2a, the grill is an MB, and the tail gate is a repro. Everything else I fabbed. Rear axle is from a dodge, front is from a Ford, Chevy 4.3 V6 from an S10, and a TH350 with a manual valvebody.
It gets around. http://http://img.photobucket.com/al...pst9hdlex9.jpg http://img.photobucket.com/albums/06...pslqhkqub7.jpg http://img.photobucket.com/albums/06...psg8l4eosp.jpg Wifey loves to drive it too. http://img.photobucket.com/albums/06...psj1z0ey3l.jpg I built that rig in a standard 2 stall garage at my old house, and covered EVERYTHING in grinding dust and welding slag. So, wifey said no more major projects until I have a dedicated space to build in. That required a new house, so eventually we moved and originally the contractor that was flipping our house was going to build the shop for us as part of the deal- well, he backed out 2 weeks away from closing, so then it became a waiting game of when rates were right that we could take out the money to build it ourselves. Here's the house prior to getting started. http://img.photobucket.com/albums/06...psvh7n63xp.jpg Staked out shop corners http://img.photobucket.com/albums/06...psp604nbm9.jpg Cut down the trees and dug a BIG hole. http://img.photobucket.com/albums/06...psbdx9tdpy.jpg I had the excavating and concrete/ block work hired out. Did everything else myself with some friends that were very generous with their time. http://img.photobucket.com/albums/06...psxczmdard.jpg http://img.photobucket.com/albums/06...pslbwiriha.jpg http://img.photobucket.com/albums/06...psbpdl6v7c.jpg http://img.photobucket.com/albums/06...psvkf2gz4o.jpg Then momma had to have landscaping http://img.photobucket.com/albums/06...psmf9gyj0i.jpg The kids "helped" quite a bit actually. My daughter is pretty good with a roofing nailer. http://img.photobucket.com/albums/06...psgfzrqvin.jpg http://img.photobucket.com/albums/06...psieoszo4t.jpg Then we moved in. http://img.photobucket.com/albums/06...psjmrdxol8.jpg http://img.photobucket.com/albums/06...psit2tccji.jpg http://img.photobucket.com/albums/06...psr7pvimwb.jpg http://img.photobucket.com/albums/06...psprgo5q5i.jpg That all brings us up to date as of about 3 weeks ago. I hung the heater last week and will run the gas line this weekend- Now the grass is growing, and it's finally time to get started on a new project. When I was 18, my father committed suicide. There were a lot of things we didn't get to do together, and I have always wished we could have built something as a father/ son project. Well, the shop was phase one of my plan to do that with my kids- which was the natural lead into phase 2. This is Eugene. My dad's name was Robert Eugene Sutherland, so it's a fitting tribute to him and the legacy we are continuing despite his absence. The goal being to teach the kids to turn wrenches, cut metal and weld, and see a project through from start to finish. Eugene is a 49 5 window that needs a lotta work, but the price was right- so it followed me home 2 days after getting final sign off on my building permit for the shop. LOL http://img.photobucket.com/albums/06...psonqash4l.jpg http://img.photobucket.com/albums/06...pssuzptuao.jpg http://img.photobucket.com/albums/06...psdh4jdmk6.jpg http://img.photobucket.com/albums/06...psehrxytux.jpg The cab is in decent shape, along with the doors, front fenders, hood, grill, and bed sides. But I spend the rest of this years budget on patch panels for everything, so that will be what we work on for the winter. The plan is an S10 frame, bags, cut the 3600 to a 3100 (I know, I know) and an LS drivetrain. Nothing fancy, just solid sheet metal and a lot of love. I will be asking LOTS of questions when I can't find answers on this wealth of knowledge site. I have never been too proud to ask questions or act like I know all the answers- cuz I sure dont. FIRST QUESTION: Any particular order I should start putting the patch panels in? I am replacing the floor, kick panels, firewall, rockers, and lower cowl. My assumption is I should start at the floor and work my way up and out, but I'm open to ideas. GAME ON |
Re: Project Eugene: 1949 5 window
:welcome2:
Shop looks great!!! Since you're looking to do a S10 frame swap, make sure to review these great tips. Skymangs S10 Swap How To sticky http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=632686 I'm sure you've reviewed over and over, but its good to point it out. Second, based upon all the S10 builds, you may want to get your hand on a frame first and get all the work done on it first. That will help you determine the work that will be needed on getting panels done. Again welcome on congratz on the build! |
Re: Project Eugene: 1949 5 window
Welcome to the group, look forward to your build...Jim
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Re: Project Eugene: 1949 5 window
Thanks guys- I appreciate the welcome. I have read Skymangs thread at least 300 times already, but it was good to read it again! Haha.
I am planning on using EZ Swaps stock body height kit, since he told me that his kit puts the running boards and bottoms of the fenders level with the bottom of the frame rail. So, my assumption is that I dont want to do a body drop since I want it to lay frame. He also accommodates for the LS motor with his engine mounts. Anything else I need to know about this kit? Why do you recommend starting with the frame? Since I am using the kit dont I want the stock holes to line up? |
Re: Project Eugene: 1949 5 window
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Would hate to have you have to trim up some panels that you patched because doing that takes up that valuable resource...time. of course these are just my thoughts...I don't know your time frame /budget/ donor availability, so my thoughts are worth a grain of salt. Hopefully some of the S10 frame swap maestros will chime in. |
Re: Project Eugene: 1949 5 window
Welcome Hulk64! That is a great shop you built and a very cool Jeep.
There was a really good thread on here about floor and I think rocker replacement too. Will see if I can find it for you. |
Re: Project Eugene: 1949 5 window
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Re: Project Eugene: 1949 5 window
man I love red trucks. everything I find is green. I did see an original maroon one today.
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Re: Project Eugene: 1949 5 window
Well, I made some progress- not a ton, but enough to merit a post at least...
Shop has heat, insulation, and a big screen TV now. http://img.photobucket.com/albums/06...psmjr21wgs.jpg http://img.photobucket.com/albums/06...psg9x2dqbw.jpg First truck focused project was rebuilding the bedsides. I tried patching only the holes- and I didn't quite go slow enough (And forgot to change to .023 wire, and didn't move frequently enough, and was trying to go fast, etc.) and warped the snot out of the first one. Ouch. http://img.photobucket.com/albums/06...psqla5ujen.jpg At first I super pissed, but I regrouped and cut the spot welds on the stake pockets and chopped the top angle and rolled edge off length wise and bought a 4x8 sheet of 16 gauge to start over on the bottoms with right sized wire, and a more patient mindset. I also cut them down from 3600 length to 3100 length- so I relocated the stake pockets at the same time. http://img.photobucket.com/albums/06...psnp1rgm5p.jpg Much less warped> LOL http://img.photobucket.com/albums/06...pssxmhcdkm.jpg Honestly, the best part was getting my son involved. Here, he didn't want to go put his boots on so this was his solution to no sparks in his socks. Loving getting his hands dirty. http://img.photobucket.com/albums/06...psd7a7g2qz.jpg http://img.photobucket.com/albums/06...ps7ws6kkec.jpg Finished product. The good news is that all the cool patina on the top rail is still under there and this primer is close to the stock color, so when I run through the new paint it will still come through as patina, but all the metal will be solid. http://img.photobucket.com/albums/06...psayuhkgjz.jpg I test fit the doors and the gaps are pretty good, so I got to bracing the cab last weekend so I could roll it on its back and start chopping out the rot. http://img.photobucket.com/albums/06...psmkojxdeu.jpg http://img.photobucket.com/albums/06...psisidzfsm.jpg So now that it's braced I started cutting out the yuck. Passenger side rocker is first. After putting it in and taking it out to trim about 265 times, it's pretty close to being ready to get welded in. http://img.photobucket.com/albums/06...psyxht8ly5.jpg The other good news is I found some really solid rear fenders and a long bed S10 frame that I have being held for the winter until I am ready for it in the spring. So I am stoked to have most of the parts located (And paid for) for phase one. Which brings me to my first question: How do I get this bracket out nicely? I have a new hinge pocket panel- but I need this bracket to bolt the hinge to and it is welded in there in 7-8 spots. Do I just cut them all out? Or can I get a replacement for this somewhere? Everything around it was junk and rotten so I just cut the whole thing out to work on. Figured I would ask before I start hacking. http://img.photobucket.com/albums/06...ps2crucbm0.jpg Thanks for the help fellas! |
Re: Project Eugene: 1949 5 window
sounds a lot like my build except im not using the swap kit. good looking shop man. ive got to replace the floor in mine aw well but I think im going to wait until I get my motor and trans in place first so I don't run into any issues with the trans tunnel. Ill follow along though for sure good luck with it man
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Re: Project Eugene: 1949 5 window
I got some of the panels put in, most of them are even straight!
Before: (Drivers side for reference) http://img.photobucket.com/albums/06...pstn1fjsbu.jpg http://img.photobucket.com/albums/06...psfptfhaaa.jpg Had some gaps to sort out http://img.photobucket.com/albums/06...psldwworfe.jpg Turned out alright http://img.photobucket.com/albums/06...psg5kolvjp.jpg http://img.photobucket.com/albums/06...pssoqz55u6.jpg http://img.photobucket.com/albums/06...psoherhawu.jpg Starting to fab lower floor pieces http://img.photobucket.com/albums/06...pso9ooefqa.jpg |
Re: Project Eugene: 1949 5 window
Awesome shop......and props to you for starting a project with your kids!!
Subscribed!! |
Re: Project Eugene: 1949 5 window
I got the driver's side wrapped last week, turned out pretty well.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/06...pssmslmyup.jpg So then we had an ugly firewall and Flintstones worthy floor to deal with. http://img.photobucket.com/albums/06...psoyhn6ok0.jpg http://img.photobucket.com/albums/06...pse1c6vjxd.jpg Time to fire up the grinder. http://img.photobucket.com/albums/06...psf81pqnys.jpg http://img.photobucket.com/albums/06...psz7uyfhdw.jpg It will take me a little bit to fab up the kick panels, but next up is this little beauty/ floors and taller trans tunnel. http://img.photobucket.com/albums/06...psovoqxjks.jpg |
Re: Project Eugene: 1949 5 window
Really nice work Hulk. Did you fab the firewall?
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Re: Project Eugene: 1949 5 window
Thanks AD!
I didn't fab it- it's from Absolute Sheet Metal in AZ. It's a really nice piece, looking forward to putting it in! |
Re: Project Eugene: 1949 5 window
HULK64, guys don't normally show their bottoms, cab bottoms that is, but in post #13 above, 4th picture down you have. At the bottom of the picture showing the back end of the cab floor, there are channels on each side to mount cab shackles. I was of the impression these shackles were on cabs 51-54 and possibly 55.1 and not on cabs 50 and earlier. My question is do you know if these channels are on all AD cabs even when the cab has a center mount on the back? My cab is 54 and has these channels but I know nothing about earlier cabs.
Love your shop. Clay |
Re: Project Eugene: 1949 5 window
Clay- are you talking about the floor supports that tie into the rockers that the cab mounts bolt through? I would assume all cabs would have these, as you would want a supported structure to bolt the cab to the frame. Or are you referring to something else and I am not understanding?
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Re: Project Eugene: 1949 5 window
We are talking about the same. If your cab is 49 than that cab did not use the shackles in this location. And yes, if you are building cab stands they will need to connect in this location.
I have just verified from another source that these "c" channels are in face on all AD cabs. This is something I was not aware. Thanks for your response and please accept my apology for the bother. Clay |
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Re: Project Eugene: 1949 5 window
I pulled (Read: Bent) the inner edge of the fender support outwards along the edge since I didn't want to just pull the cowl sheet metal in towards the support and bend/ warp it. I got most of it to pull close enough to get spot welds on it with the exception of one that ended up with about a 1/4" gap between the fender bolt hole.
Not sure if that was the right way or not, the advice I got was, "Pull it til it fits," so if you have another way of doing it, I am all ears! |
Re: Project Eugene: 1949 5 window
Looking good! Welcome to the site.
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Re: Project Eugene: 1949 5 window
Nice project.
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Re: Project Eugene: 1949 5 window
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Richard |
Re: Project Eugene: 1949 5 window
I see that. The inner support has been far and away the biggest pain so far. I started to fit in my kick panels yesterday and holy buckets- they are WAY off. I am going to have to beat the life out of them to get them in shape.
The way I figure it- as long as the cowl piece is straight and lines up with the A pillar so the fenders are straight, it doesn't really matter whether the inner support is flawless- since it's just a support. (Yet another reason this won't be a SEMA truck- just a solid rig that looks pretty good) :lol: |
Re: Project Eugene: 1949 5 window
3 Attachment(s)
that brace piece was so poorly fitting, I scrapped the whole factory method.
Remember, the outer curve needs to match your fender's curve. I made my brace removable, for paint, and for running wiring if necessary. |
Re: Project Eugene: 1949 5 window
That's a really cool idea, and some awesome fab!
I got my edges to line up so no moisture will get behind it. Once I get the inner fender well to line up I will seal that edge up as well. I will pull down a fender and make sure they line up. |
Re: Project Eugene: 1949 5 window
I took this entire week off so I have gotten after it!
Got the kick panels done first. http://img.photobucket.com/albums/06...psbzd3lh4n.jpg http://img.photobucket.com/albums/06...pszvr0rzbk.jpg Then the Absolute Sheet Metal firewall went in next http://img.photobucket.com/albums/06...psomqcz1tf.jpg Had some gaps to take care of based on what to get cut out from rot. It's shocking how long this kind of stuff takes. About 4 hours into filling both sides, and no one will ever see them! http://img.photobucket.com/albums/06...psj6qe2ix5.jpg http://img.photobucket.com/albums/06...pswssfgcn8.jpg http://img.photobucket.com/albums/06...psp5otw0e0.jpg The toe boards and floor was next. Instead of spot welding and seam sealing everything, I stitched all the edges and finish welded everything. I feel better about the seal and structural integrity of everything. http://img.photobucket.com/albums/06...psu0rvbxbu.jpg I also wire whipped the dash and got it in primer. http://img.photobucket.com/albums/06...psu6thapg1.jpg Then everything got etching and base primer. Feels REALLY good to have gotten to this point... http://img.photobucket.com/albums/06...ps3kyk8pg7.jpg http://img.photobucket.com/albums/06...psuprep4uc.jpg http://img.photobucket.com/albums/06...psntzotuvk.jpg http://img.photobucket.com/albums/06...pszd9qab9e.jpg The passenger door is original to the truck. It went back in perfect. http://img.photobucket.com/albums/06...psdmme7mmd.jpg The drivers door is a replacement. Since I put the lower cowl and hinge pocket back to their original spot, this door doesn't quite fit. Crap. Luckily, I am well acquainted with my grinder, and I would rather be taking off than adding on! http://img.photobucket.com/albums/06...psqgnw8zv1.jpg http://img.photobucket.com/albums/06...psnds1bkva.jpg http://img.photobucket.com/albums/06...psd02cp0wl.jpg I will get after the door tomorrow and then will start on the cab corners. Then we start on fenders! Sigh... |
Re: Project Eugene: 1949 5 window
Very nice work on the replacement parts, looks great...Jim
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Re: Project Eugene: 1949 5 window
You made good progress with your time off. Looks great.
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Re: Project Eugene: 1949 5 window
Just a bit of progress today, one side done. Hoping to get the other side done and the door shaved to fit before I have to go back to work on Monday...we'll see!
Before: http://img.photobucket.com/albums/06...psjgcdnm1x.jpg During: http://img.photobucket.com/albums/06...pscrz7vkal.jpg After, all blended and happy: http://img.photobucket.com/albums/06...pslz9sn1ww.jpg |
Re: Project Eugene: 1949 5 window
Looks great, nice job...Jim
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Re: Project Eugene: 1949 5 window
Great job on the floor and firewall!
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Re: Project Eugene: 1949 5 window
More progress this weekend.
Filled the cab corner gaps with some hand fabbed pieces. Before: http://img.photobucket.com/albums/06...pswdnbxxy7.jpg After: http://img.photobucket.com/albums/06...psn5ru3so5.jpg Filled the filler neck hole: http://img.photobucket.com/albums/06...psubxran4b.jpg All gone: http://img.photobucket.com/albums/06...pssh3zyh9x.jpg Body worked the cab corners while I was at it. Far from perfect, and I was trying hard not to use any filler, but they do look better. http://img.photobucket.com/albums/06...psstzztsbi.jpg Body worked the upper cowl. I was gonna try and use lead, but I got skerred. Drivers: http://img.photobucket.com/albums/06...pshgnfm0bs.jpg Passenger: http://img.photobucket.com/albums/06...psc7nirfmm.jpg Even got motivated enough to start working on the door gaps. Before: http://img.photobucket.com/albums/06...psnds1bkva.jpg After: http://img.photobucket.com/albums/06...pscjctt4mp.jpg Got new bear claw latches for the doors since my old latches are welded to the skins right now, looking forward to getting those in and not having to worry about my doors opening at speed... |
Re: Project Eugene: 1949 5 window
Really nice job on the door gap!
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Re: Project Eugene: 1949 5 window
Outstanding work! I've been on the fence about going with a new firewall and forward floor just like yours. Any input to sway my decision either way? No repairs needed (besides a crap ton of hole filling) just like how it cleans things up. How many hours do you have into the firewall?
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Re: Project Eugene: 1949 5 window
Thanks guys! Feeling good to get some real progress done on the sheet metal. My son is looking forward to me finishing this nit-picky welding done so we can start putting stuff together.
Honestly, the firewall was probably the easiest part of the install. My floors were the worst part of my cab, hardly anything left, so they HAD to be done. The firewall was more of a, "Well, since I am going to have everything else torn apart, I might as well!" so... The Absolute sheet metal firewall and floor kit was very well built. Probably could have built it myself, but it saved me a bunch of time, so I am happy I bought it. I have maybe 2 hours into just the firewall alone. The floors took a LOT more time to get right. |
Re: Project Eugene: 1949 5 window
Alright, time for some seat opinions.
I found a rear bench seat out of a 2000s extended cab silverado. It fits inside the B pillars perfect, and doesnt rub the doors when they close. The ONLY downside is that it is a little narrow front to back. For reference: http://img.photobucket.com/albums/06...psaqutied6.png Me sitting in it #selfie #crocs http://img.photobucket.com/albums/06...pst21wekdu.png http://img.photobucket.com/albums/06...psvywepdfj.png So the question is, will I have any issues with it being this narrow? The ONLY thing I would be gaining would be more seat under my legs. It has a little bolster on the sides so you do kind of "sit down" into the seat (Which also locates me to the left of where the steering column would come out so I need to move it. Dammit) and it is really comfy. The only time I can recall being uncomfortable in the pack of a silverado was because of the lack or leg room. So, give me some opinions. And in the meantime, enjoy the first family pic of all of us crammed in there, including the dog. http://img.photobucket.com/albums/06...pshzzwg9ky.jpg |
Re: Project Eugene: 1949 5 window
I think on a road trip is where you'd notice the difference. Your legs (or your passenger's legs) wouldn't have as much to support them. I think the reason you don't notice it in the extended cab is because you can't extend your legs if you wanted to.
I used the 88-98 Chevy fullsize bench and in the rear-most position (the one that it'll always be in when I drive) it does not rub the doors, clears by about 3/4" per side. If I slide it forward, it will rub the doors. http://i869.photobucket.com/albums/a...psqbldqxqz.jpg http://i869.photobucket.com/albums/a...psjwjt0ds8.jpg |
Re: Project Eugene: 1949 5 window
That's part of my debate- I dont know that we will ever road trip this truck. MAYBE up to Duluth, which is a few hours- but that is absolutely the longest we would be in it. Other than that, it will be cruising to locations within an hour of home.
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