Getting started
 

Hey all, new to this board, lots of info on here!

After collecting parts for a couple of years I'm finally gonna get going on my '51 5-window. I originally planned on doing an S-10 swap with it, but then decided to go a different route and build a stock frame. Haven't decided if this is a good plan or not, but I'm gonna have fun trying. Since the frame under the '51 was no good I picked up a '48 3-window for a donor. Also grabbed a '76 GMC Camper Special to donate a 454 and Turbo 400. So the plan so far is, Mustang II front suspension, 4-link in the rear with a 10 bolt rear end out of a 70ish Camaro. I also have a 10 bolt out of a mid 70s Olds that I may use. Box the frame, build the motor to approx 500HP, go through the trans and install a shift kit. If I get that far this winter I'll be happy, if I have time I'll get started on the body.

So if anyone has any hints, tips, tricks, or ideas, let me know. The search feature isn't working right now so it's hard to look around and see if anyone else has this kind of build on the go, if you do any help you can give me would be much appreciated. I've built on vehicles before but never to this extent, any experience that you can pass on would be great.

Thanks guys, later

Re: Getting started
 

welcome and good luck this is a great board:wop:

Re: Getting started
 

Man, I love those '51's.:welcome2: Of coarse I might be bias, but they were the best year. But :agree::wop:
Looking forward to your build.

Re: Getting started
 

Welcome from the desert Southwest Arizona.
Well it sounds like you have your ducks in a roe.
I few suggestions and I am sure you have thought about them.
If the Olds rear you have is a decent gear ratio and 1" wider than Camaro you are on the right track.
The major problem I see with design is 500hp and a 10 bolt rear end, make sure you have a back up!!!!

Re: Getting started
 

Welcome, now about those photos.

You can finds the answers to a lot of questions just by searching the forum. A lot of subjects have been covered several times and even when someone answers a question they post the link to a previous thread.

Otherwise, ask away we have some great folks here with lots of experience with these trucks.

But we still want to see the photos of your project.

Re: Getting started
 

Welcome, your project sounds similar to many that are underway here. Like Mr48 said there is a wealth of knowledge. I lurked here for almost 6 months going through all the build threads getting ideas and finding shortcuts. There are many threads discussing the merits of different approachs to rebuilding these old trucks. Do a search for "FAQ thread" it will turn up a thread that has pages of links to frequently asked topics most of which will save you time and aggrevation. When all else fails ask a question and you will get answers and opinions.

Re: Getting started
 

I hear ya, currently trying to find a 12 bolt but I'm not having much luck so far.


As for pics guys, I'll post what I have, but it ain't much, cause everything is in pieces.

Re: Getting started
 

Just make sure you have all the Plans, Parts,Perserverence, and lots of CASH !!

Re: Getting started
 

Cash is always the problem.

Here's about the only 2 pics I have right now.

What's left of the donor '48
http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e1...at/Tims001.jpg

The 5 window
http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e1...at/Tims002.jpg