1953 chevy 3600 father son project
 

Hey everyone. I'm new to the forum but have read a lot of stuff from here. Everyone is very helpful and I can not wait to share progress of the truck. It will definitely be a slow process etc. But its a project that must be finished. A little info behind this build. My father has not been in the best health condition for the last 8 years. He just turned 61 and has been through a triple heart bypass surgery, strokes, & the latest within the past month an a half started dialysis three days a week. I'm 27 and finally in a somewhat comfortable position to do a project like this. I grew up racing stock cars and been around hot rods since I was baby. The past 4 years I've been 150 miles away from my mom and dad. Still living that far our project will reside at my dads garage. He isn't as mobile as he used to be but he will be able to keep his hands busy when he wants too. I hope the project brings in fresh light and something for him to look forward to. I haven't set a completion date as of yet only because of funds. My goal is to complete it and make it able to take a trip from florida to upstate new york where he wants to see his mother and fathers grave again before he passes. We don't plan on this being soon but thats not in our hands. He doesn't know this as of yet but ill break it to him soon enough. Sorry to ramble but just wanted to share my story behind this build other than the actual love of the truck. I look forward to any and all advice you folks can give me.

Jeremy Hovencamp

Re: 1953 chevy 3600 father son project
 

More pics floor board engine bay etc.

Re: 1953 chevy 3600 father son project
 

Very similar how I want to to turn out except long bed of course. Id like to put it on air bags and an s10 frame but ill have to extend the s10 frame from 123" to 125 1/4 to the long box wheelbase. Id like to keep it simple and not put a TON of money into it. Please share any ideas that are helpful. I like the old rat rod/patina look of the truck. My dad..... old school..... not so much lol we will come to agreement on something for sure but I'm more interested in setting the body on a reliable frame. Id like to also keep the vintage theme behind it and go with a 292 inline 6 but..... a mild 350 etc would be okay as well. Thats just a quick run down let me know what you think. Take care

Re: 1953 chevy 3600 father son project
 

It would be much easier to shorten the front of the box several inches, see my build for how I did just that. Is the truck coming out of Iowa?

Re: 1953 chevy 3600 father son project
 

The truck is Originally from Iowa. Im getting it from the grandson of the original owner. Its from Georgia though to answer your question. Ill have to look your build thread up. It would be much easier to that. Thanks for your interest.

Re: 1953 chevy 3600 father son project
 

Welcome to the forum!. A very heart warming back story. What better way to bond with your dad and keep his mind and hands occupied. I'll be following your build with great interest. Let me know if I can help with any thing. First of all, are you keeping it stock or doing some updated modifications.

Re: 1953 chevy 3600 father son project
 

As of right now the plan is to get it on a more modern frame. Im more less doing this to make it reliable for long trips etc. Im stuck between just lowering for now or just going ahead and doing air bag suspension. As for the drive train im leaning towards a smallblock chevy and id like to do a 5 speed but not sure yet. I cant wait to post progress. Ill be driving home this coming weekend to tear into it. Ill be posting more info on discussion with my dad on what we want to do and pics of any progress. Thanks for your interest and any advice.

Re: 1953 chevy 3600 father son project
 

Welcome to the site! Looks like you got your work cut out for you. I am also working on a similar build. Good luck!

Re: 1953 chevy 3600 father son project
 

Welcome! And I am new here as well. That's a great thing you are doing for / with you dad. I just posted with my backstory too...those are probably going to be the best memories you are going to make with the bond of father son projects. I didn't really get any physical help from my dad when building because of his age, but he was always there with ideas or suggestions. Good luck on your build! I will be following it as well.

Similar situation, I was younger and my dad was older. although I didn't get to do any long road trip, he did at least get a few rides around town in it. :metal: there may or may not have been some burn outs.

Re: 1953 chevy 3600 father son project
 

Rather than stretch the frame I would take the leaf springs off and turn them around the other direction. This will move the center bolt back far enough to get your 2 1/4 inches needed to center the axle.

Re: 1953 chevy 3600 father son project
 

Thanks 59stepside. I'm very excited to be starting it. Where in florida are you located?

Ghettoluxury when you say flip the axle you mean on the 123" s10 frame right? Thats great advice and absolutely would be the best option. thanks a lot

Re: 1953 chevy 3600 father son project
 

I'm in Tampa Clearwater area. I was just up at Gainesville airport an hour ago for a flight @ work.

You are in Gainesville right?

Re: 1953 chevy 3600 father son project
 

Ya I live in Gainesville. The truck will be located in New Smyrna Beach area which is south of Daytona Beach.

I have a question for everyone. I located a 2001 chevy s10 extended cab short bed rolling frame. Since my truck is the 125" wheelbase this is the best candidate for my body. Id like to keep the bed the 7 foot it is. I like it because its different. Anyways I can pick up the frame for 250 any opinions on what I should do? Thanks for your help!

Re: 1953 chevy 3600 father son project
 

First off go buy that frame. That is the one needed for your long bed. Just flip the springs end for end and you will be set.

Re: 1953 chevy 3600 father son project
 

Here's a well planned long bed sitting on a extended cab S10 frame.

Re: 1953 chevy 3600 father son project
 

Man its beautiful..... ill be picking up that frame this weekend then. Thanks for the advice 99 and also sharing those pics. Is there any info on that build?

Re: 1953 chevy 3600 father son project
 

Another option is to change the spring saddles on your rearend. I bought mine off EBAY for $27 and they had a 1 1/2 inch offset that moved the rearend back to where I needed it.

As mentioned, welcome and great back story! I look forward to your build.

Re: 1953 chevy 3600 father son project
 

Yay, another 3/4 ton. Welcome, I'll be watching your progress. Give our best to your dad.

Re: 1953 chevy 3600 father son project
 

Heres some pics of the truck after cleaning it out and removing the seat etc. We removed most of the wiring as well.

Re: 1953 chevy 3600 father son project
 

Here is some more pics

Re: 1953 chevy 3600 father son project
 

Heres some pics of the s10 frame along with my little brother and myself. My dad and two brothers went and picked it up this past weekend. Just to post some updates etc. Take care everyone

Re: 1953 chevy 3600 father son project
 

glad you were able to get the frame.

Re: 1953 chevy 3600 father son project
 

Im glad we were able to get it too. Time to save up for some more parts and tools. Thanks again for your advice Ghettoluxury.

Re: 1953 chevy 3600 father son project
 

Not a problem. I have always had to figure things out the hard way, so I always try to help save others from the headache.

Re: 1953 chevy 3600 father son project
 

Okay I haven't posted in a while. I've been very busy working etc. I finally got down to my hometown where the truck is and my little brother 12 yrs old pull the frontend off the truck. We managed to break multiple bolts even with pb blaster soaking them. The plan is to separate the cab from the original chassis. I'm going to load the cab and fenders up on the trailer with the s10 frame and bring them home with me. I figured if I dont do this it won't get done anytime soon.

My last trip aloud me and my little brother to get the front clip removed. Next time I'm dont there my goal is to be able to come back home with everything. I've decided I gonna go ahead and start with a static drop on the chassis and I'm more than likely just going to drop a small block 350 in it with a th350 trans. We have them just sitting in storage anyways so I figure might as well use what I have to cut back some cost to be able to get it going. I'll more than likely freshen up the 350 etc. The trans is already rebuilt.

I'll post a few pics shortly. I hope everyone is doing well.