1950 3600/S-10-LS swap
 

I am just finishing, or at least trying to finish a 1972 K5 Blazer. There are a few odd and end things left to do but it is close. I also have a 1969 SWB 4WD truck that is waiting to be painted. And with all that said, I went out and got a 1950 3600.

The funniest part is that this body style never did anything for me. Simply not appealing. Then one day I was in our neighboring town and an older gentleman came bee-bopping down the boulevard on a '52 and for whatever reason, it caught my eye. I followed him for several miles and from there I simply had to have one.

And here we go.

I will post some of the stuff I bought, and sort of stock piled to have it when I am ready. From there I will start showing some work here and there.

Scott

Re: 1950 3600/S-10-LS swap
 

This the 1950 3600 I drug home a few months ago. It has no motor and no transmission but has a clean VA title.

It has a front end out from under a AMC Pacer, around 1976 or so I am told, with a GM 10-bolt rear end.

The AMC Pacer looks like a pretty good install but from the transmission mount back, it leaves a lot to be desired. The inside looks like a mid 80's Camaro bucket seats with a center console and gear shift from a mid-80's Cutlass. The wiring harness looks like a split between the 1950 harness, the Camaro and Cutlass and maybe two extension cords.

One thing the person who did the work was not afraid of welding rods and had an endless supply of 1" angle. Everything is fabbed with 1" angle with a ton of rod added at every joint.

ASs I started to take it apart I found I had a 1950 3600 uni-body truck. The running boards are welded to the front and rear fenders. And they were welded as if it was structural support. The bed is welded together vs. being bolted together.

The floors are in pretty good shape and may have been replaced at some point. The cab is in really good shape with the exception of the cab corners. I have a lot of spray foam and a lot of filler and there may be a little of the cab corner buried between the two.

For what it is, and no more than I paid, I still got the warm fuzzies about starting the project. For me, the warm fuzzies are the most important.

Scott

Re: 1950 3600/S-10-LS swap
 

I did some swapping and trading and ended up with this truck. The motor was knocking but the transmission shifted well. After junking the truck at $10.50/100 I don't have anything in the transmission.

Re: 1950 3600/S-10-LS swap
 

My wife is in commercial real estate and one of their properties is rented/leased by a guy that parts/scraps cars. He buys them from auctions and the most of the parts are shipped to the middle east. This is a 2001 Tahoe with a 5.3 which will be my LS swap.

When the guy skipped on the rent I bought this from the property owner for $100. I sold the front diff and the transmission so I am sort of ahead on the budget. LOL

Re: 1950 3600/S-10-LS swap
 

I bought this 1985 long bed S-10. I felt like I paid a bit much but it was what I needed, plus it was only a handful of miles from the house. It had a blown head gasket. A friend of mine had an even more ragged S-10 and wanted it to drive back and forth to work.

It won't have much impact on the build but it was a part of the process.

Re: 1950 3600/S-10-LS swap
 

This wound up at one of the commercial properties my wife manages with a body that was taken apart/disassembled.

When I saw it posted I called, left a message and drove to the warehouse only to see the new owner loading up the entire lot.

I ended up buying the frame back from him a few weeks later when I was leaning toward going back with a stock type frame.

I thought something that old in really good shape would carry some value. For whatever reason, they do not. It is a 49 GMC with a helper spring package in the back. I have no need for it but I can't bring myself to scrap it.

Re: 1950 3600/S-10-LS swap
 

This is the day I made my wife extremely happy by dragging up one more piece of crap. I purposely leave them in the front yard for a day or so just to hear her ask why I stopped there and why it has yet to be moved.

Sort of tempting fate. LOL

Scott

Re: 1950 3600/S-10-LS swap
 

perfect start! that square body s10 will save a lot of time in extra parts!!

Re: 1950 3600/S-10-LS swap
 

It would have but I sold it to a buddy of mine. He then changed his mind after I had bought another. I need to get pics of the second one I bought.

I was in a LS swap conversation and the young guy on active duty wanted it for a project. I sold it to him for a few dollars less than I paid. We shook hands and I thanked him for his service. Maybe lost a dollar or two, but gave a leg up to a young man in the military.

Part of the warm fuzzies I guess.

I will try to find the plate I bought from you and will post a pic of the finished mounts I made Saturday.

I typically do not do anything in any kind of sensible order. I was looking for a hitch plate at the barn and had thrown some 4X4 hitches in the scrap pile. I forgot all about the hitch plate I was after as the rain storm blew up rather quickly.

Most everything I planned to do was outside so once 'trapped' in the shop I built the mounts.

I will try to post pics of the S-10 donor. Also I am trying to surgically remove the running boards without completely ruining them. Hopefully I can save both of them with the body saw.

Pics to follow.

Scott

Re: 1950 3600/S-10-LS swap
 

so you mean you sold the ls driveline or you sold the s10 stuff?

Re: 1950 3600/S-10-LS swap
 

i find the best way to remove the running boards when the square hardware is stuck, is to plunge cut with a cut off wheel in a battery powered grinder (a plug in will have to much torque and is much more dangerous) straight up from the bottom through the middle of the bolt, cutting the square nut in half. then you just split the nut with a screwdriver and the boards lift off, you can then take out the fastener (1/4-20 carriage bolt) and replace it easily.

Re: 1950 3600/S-10-LS swap
 

i sold the 85 S-10 in the picture.

S

Re: 1950 3600/S-10-LS swap
 

What few bolts/nuts were there came out just fine.

My running boards are welded to the fenders in the front and the back.

The bed has a few bolts here and there but it is welded together as well.

The rear fenders are sort of rough and I will more than likely replace them. One day next week I am going to make the cuts to free the front clip and the back fenders.

I am hoping to save the running boards by cutting the welds and the maybe grinding them back to shape.

Whoever did the work on this truck must have had issues with nuts and bolts and just used welding rods. LOL

S

Re: 1950 3600/S-10-LS swap
 

I think except for a few minor odds and ends the Blazer is now a driver. I have been sporting it around most of the weekend. And since I am not the smartest guy around as soon as this one is a driver I can dive into the 1950 3600.

I am not a mechanic nor am I a body guy but me, this forum and YouTube got the Blazer put together.

I am going the same route with the 3600.

Scott

Re: 1950 3600/S-10-LS swap
 

I sold the entire truck. A young kid in the military offered more than I paid for it. He showed up to pick it up with wife and two kids in tow. It was a two to make one deal for his daily driver.

I flashed back to being young, in the military and remembered the financial tough times I had way back when. I cut his offer nearly in half to what I paid for the truck.

Either I am sucker for the military service or that kid is one hell of a card player. Saw me coming. LOL

Scott

Re: 1950 3600/S-10-LS swap
 

Rule of thumb.

Never paint a Chevrolet truck with Ford Tangier Orange paint.

The orange paint makes the fan relays quit, the water pump leak, the rear axle seal leak, and the fuel pump stop working.

But back to the 1950 project.

There was post in the past with Mr48 and Joedoh I think about the very high percentage of people not finishing projects, biting off more than they can chew, etc.

I can remember specifically saying that is not me.

And now it has been several months since I touched the 1950 project. Sometimes life just simply gets in the way.

Today I start back and try to get into the minority of the 'finished/driveable' projects club.

Scott

Re: 1950 3600/S-10-LS swap
 

Scott, don't let it get you down, just keep plugging away. Took me six years to do mine, and at times I would go 6 months and do every little, life does get in the way....Jim

Re: 1950 3600/S-10-LS swap
 

do one thing at a time if you start to feel overwhelmed with the amount of work left to do. if you get stuck on where to start post up some pics of what you have and we can get you started again with a small list of things to do first.

Re: 1950 3600/S-10-LS swap
 

I need to change the title as the LS route has been scrapped. I had a 69 SWB 4WD and a friend of mine just had to have it. It had a 383 that I had a fair amount of money tied up in and it was driving the price up on the deal. Short story long I have the 383 that needs nothing vs. a LS motor that needs to be built. I doubt I could ever sell the 383 for what I have in it or maybe not even get close so it is going in the 1950.

It took just about a year to gather parts, get things together and today it made it into the building to come off the chassis. The front end was rather nicely done with a AMC Pacer front end the back end leaves a lot to be desired.

So starting tomorrow morning.........

Re: 1950 3600/S-10-LS swap
 

I pulled the bed off yesterday. I will get some pics. It was close to a 1/2 day for two people to remove the bed. I have to give a shout out to either the previous owner or the person who put this truck together. I deeply apologize for all the hurtful things I said yesterday. LOL

This person built what has to be one of the only uni-body 1950 model 3600 trucks on the planet.

When I first bought it I noticed the running boards were welded to both the front and back fenders. I am not sure why because they are still bolted to their supports. As I started to look for bolts to take apart/unbolt remove the bed there were none. Maybe the only bolts left are holding the fenders to the side panels.

The filler panels are welded to the running boards as well as to the side rails and to the rear fenders. The best part is that it was not just tack welds. They filled what would be normal gaps with weld.

But so it goes. As the day went on, I was just hoping to find at least one place where a bolt and nut was used.

Then there is the rear frame and the rear end install. I have done some stuff and seen some stuff, and even rode in that stuff.....but this stuff I doubt anyone would take the chance. Pics to follow.

A part of the journey I suppose.

Scott

Re: 1950 3600/S-10-LS swap
 

The end of the running board was welded to the fender. It took what felt like forever to cut thru the weld and save the running board. And this is the spring hanger in the back. I like the idea of whatever is lying around can be used but this might be a stretch.

Scott

Re: 1950 3600/S-10-LS swap
 

I am not sure if there should be a Hall of Fame for "that guy" or maybe a Hall of Fame for people "like me who seem to buy from that guy". Just not sure.

This 1950 has some rather unique challenges. The previous builder did not own a drill nor any bolts and nuts. Straight welding rods on everything. The truck is a uni-body as the running boards were welded to the fenders front and back.

I'm getting ready to pull the cab off and noticed a shiny scratch on the edge of the floor board. Upon further review the patch panel on the passenger side floor board is aluminum flashing for roofing type work. It was glued in with gasket sealer/Perma-Tex.

I like creative but this truck has stretched creative out a little bit. LOL

Scott

Re: 1950 3600/S-10-LS swap
 

that just shows the previous owner was running a tight budget.
seen lots of stuff like that over the years. good thing he wasn't a roofer or you may have found tar and straw. a boat guy wouldda used fiberglass, a wood guy wouldda built a new floor outta wood. maybe your guy was a evestrough guy, is there a downspout under the truck? haha
keep pluggin away and soon you will see exactly what you have to work with. the good thing is most common rust spots have patch panels made, it's just money, right?

Re: 1950 3600/S-10-LS swap
 

Yep. Just money. LOL

I am actually surprised that the cab is in really good shape all things considered. The aluminum flashing on covered a small bad area just where the floor turns up to the firewall on the passenger side. The worst part on either floor pan is that they welded the body bolt to the floor pan. I am not sure why other than maybe it was a one man job and the weld took the place of the second guy holding a wrench. LOL

The driver's side is in really good shape. Maybe no repairs.

I pulled the gas tank and it is practically brand new. There is a spot under the gas tank strap/bracket.

Both cab corners are shot. They are back filled with spray foam so there will some clean up and see what that area is like.

The front fenders are fair except for the part I hacked up getting the running board cut off.

No more than I paid I am pretty happy with it.

Pics to follow.

Scott

Re: 1950 3600/S-10-LS swap
 

The frame that came out from under the truck had a '76 AMC Pacer front end welded in with a rack and pinion.

The back clip is a real hack job. The 10 bolt may be OK but that is about it.

The green frame is a 49 GMC with a helper spring type set up, maybe the towing package for the day.

More pics to come.

Scott

Re: 1950 3600/S-10-LS swap
 

At least I'm not the only one "like me who seems to buy from that guy ". Good luck with the build I will be watching. I don't blame you for trying to help young people when they are trying, I do it all the time. Rob

Re: 1950 3600/S-10-LS swap
 

Off tomorrow and I plan to pull the chassis back in the shop and start some fitment.

I hacked the floor up pretty good getting the body bolts out. I have to figure out how to patch it.

Easy enough from the laptop. LOL

S

Re: 1950 3600/S-10-LS swap
 

I got the cab and bed off the frame. It was as much work as I have ever had to do to get them separated from one another and then off the chassis. The '50 model chassis is not as bad rust wise as I thought. it has the AMC Pacer front end but a hack job for the rear. The S-10 frame is now in the shop. The 383 stroker motor is setting in the corner waiting patiently.

Now that I have the three biggest 'working parts' all in one spot I can start the process of making this a truck again.

Pics and some occasional whining to follow. LOL

Scott

Re: 1950 3600/S-10-LS swap
 

Keep up the great work. I'm following along because I am going to ls an s10 swap also.

Re: 1950 3600/S-10-LS swap
 

I have a bunch of pictures I need to get uploaded/posted.

I cut one of the cab corners out the other day and surprisingly the inner panel was in pretty good shape with just some rusting along the edges. I'm going to take the top half of the can corner once I cut to fit and use it on the inner as the arc is about the same.

As posted (and trying not to keep crying about it) the previous owner welded everything, I mean everything. The front body bolts were welded to the floor pan and then ran a tack/bead on the threads on the body bolt.

I'm moving there next so i can fit test the cab one more time. Doing this in a smaller shop, with no lift, so I'm trying to do what I can when the truck and frame are in workable positions for the particular task.

This two chain falls, a floor jack and some personal push power is not the fastest way to do things.

But so it goes.

S

Re: 1950 3600/S-10-LS swap
 

There is a thread here on how to post pics, or pm rickysnickers for help.
I am in the same boat as you with no lift etc but one going I have that really helps in an engine lift that collapses for storage. I also have an old, hydraulically operated hospital bed that is an awesome help.

Re: 1950 3600/S-10-LS swap
 

After several months of 'life' getting in the way of a project I am back in the shop. LOL

I have finalized my plan going forward. I am going to use the original frame with the AMC Pacer front suspension. After 888 million strokes on the key board I found enough 'junk' to get to disc brakes. If you think going to the part store is hard now, try asking the kid behind the counter about a part of a 1950 Chevrolet 3600 with a 1976 AMC Pacer front suspension with modified Camaro spindles riding a 1980 Camaro 10 bolt rear end but it has 2000 S-10 disc brakes in the back. If I had patience it would be a fun thing to do. LOL

Pics to follow. I should have the chassis ready to roll back in the shop today to cut the 3600 to a 3100. From there it is like a really heavy jig-saw puzzle.

Scott

Re: 1950 3600/S-10-LS swap
 

I'm back on the 1950. I have made some progress over the last few months. Ran into a lot of issues. I tried to buy some spindles and stuff to get to disc brakes on the AMC Pacer front end. One the front end was not as solid a build as I first thought and after some grinding the weld jobs was not really all that good. The back was a real hack job. My original plan was to go with what parts I had lying around and after getting way from that, I sort of came full circle. I took a 1980 Camaro Dirt Super Street and removed the front clip and the back clip. My 1950 is now sitting on its own center section but clipped in the front and the back. I have moved on to some rust repair.

The patch panels are rather expensive for the fenders so I decided to make my own. Here is my first one and it turned out OK. Some more welding and grinding but the fit turned out rather well.

I got the cab corner in yesterday. I'm off this week and plan to have all both front fenders and both cab corners done over the next few days. Then on to some minimal floor pan work.

More pics to follow.

Scott

Re: 1950 3600/S-10-LS swap
 

My first attempt at filler panels on a firewall. I think they turned out OK.

I used measurements I found on the internet and cut the firewall for the booster. I wish I had went over another inch or so. I will end up bending the brake pedal to get it closer to center. But all in all, I think it will be OK.

Next is building or buying a firewall battery tray/box. I see them on Speedway for like $30-40 for a race car version but I have a ton of scrap steel laying in the corner. I may just build it from the scrap pile.

I heard a really good line on another guy's video that fits me perfectly.

"I'm not a welder but a guy who happens to own a welder".

Scott

Re: 1950 3600/S-10-LS swap
 

Lookin pretty good!

Re: 1950 3600/S-10-LS swap
 

I put my battery in the inner fender to try and keep the firewall clean. Just a suggestion.

Looking good so far

Re: 1950 3600/S-10-LS swap
 

That is a thought. I hadn't seen that before and it would leave the firewall a bit cleaner.

Thanks.

Scott

Re: 1950 3600/S-10-LS swap
 

make it custom, or japhands, has a cool thing on making a battery tray with all the stock looking ridges and indentations that an OEM tray would have.
or a wrecker would have a good donor, from a van or possibly a newer chevy truck that has the extra, unused, tray.
my "15 silverado has a nice tray on the driver's side that is unused from factory. easy to tie down a battery using the stock components too. you could notch the inner fender and install the tray in the bottom of the notch. nice clean look that way