Project '33

[skymangs]

So now that progress is starting to happen (albeit slowly), I am officially starting the build thread on my friend Chris's 33 Chevrolet 1.5 ton truck.

He originally found this truck in Iowa, beautiful Patina, very complete, zero rust. Engine appears to be the 196? seized... Trans is seized as well. He originally came to me to install a freshly rebuilt 216 in it that he had bought on CL.

[skymangs]

Being a novice car guy who just really liked the look of this '33, I had to explain to him that the truck would not really be very roadworthy with mechanical brakes. So after much discussion of what he wanted, and my refusal to completely rat rod this beautiful piece of history, we came to a compromise on the final look/mechanics of it.

This truck will retain a 6, will keep that original dually look, keep wearing that beautiful paint, and other than an 8 inch drop, look the part of a '33 Chevy truck, while gaining the newer 216, a granny 4 speed with an open driveshaft, hydraulic brakes, and a few other necessities.

Attached is the 216 installed. We also scored a granny gear 4 speed from a 1965 2 ton farm truck with a driveline brake (the brake lever looks pretty much exactly like the original).

[skymangs]

Next to address was the wheelbase. He didn't want something so long that he couldn't park it in his garage. We settled on removing 16" to make it a more manageable 135" wb.

[skymangs]

Here's the rest of the fitment and weld. Tomorrow I'll cut some fishplates for the inside of the frame rails to stiffen everything up. Chris is really pleased with the new wheelbase!

[skymangs]

So, in order to make this thing a little safer on the road, we're going to convert it to axles that have hydraulic brakes. In addition I'll be fabbing up an dual reservoir below-floor brake system (to keep the firewall clean). The axles we scored are off a 50 GMC 1 ton dually. These sweet ass artillery wheels with the faded green paint will fill the bill for shoes. The original wheels are 20's, these are 18's, and should give us some more clearance to squeeze in that 8" drop that's planned for her.

[hopped up]

great call on not letting him ruin it and make it a rat rod!!! great truck. id think about using a full pressure 235? something to consider. 216s splash oiling system leavea alot to be desired
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[skymangs]

Hopped up... I totally hear you on the 235. He already had the engine, and it can always be converted later. I'm just glad he came around to my point of view on keeping that sheet metal CLEAN!

[Pop's C-10]

i love tha fact you useing old style wheels on it..

[fluffyfreak]

Diggin the new rims! Sub'd

[skymangs]

Thanks all. Today we'll slide that new rear end under it. Then see about flipping the front axle above the springs. Eventually he's going to get a 4" drop axle for a 50 Chev truck, which we'll adapt to his for a total of 8" drop.

[skymangs]

Today's progress... New 1 ton rear end in. For now we just removed the overload springs and kept it under the axle.

Need to work on flipping the front axle next week, and order the 4" drop axle. Then we'll C-notch and flip the rear.

I think it looks pretty good short, with the 18 inch wheels! There is some talk of removing the centers (since they are riveted), and welding them into an 18x12" steel hoop to run "super singles" in the rear. Not sure on that yet, but we do have a couple of extra wheels to play with

[JRANGER]

should be another sweet build

[oldman3]

Hey Chris, just caught up with this build. Your doing a great job. Is Mike helping with this, or you on your own...Jim

[skymangs]

Thanks all. Just trying to help a friend. Oldman3, you planning on going to the all truck Nats 6-8 Sept? Looks like a bunch of the Springfield crew will be there.

Michael and Alex are busy with School and Football, this has been a mostly weekday build so far. Hopefully I'll get them in the shop whenever I get a weekend to work!

[oldman3]

Chris, not sure about the truck nats, wife is in for rehab on a broken leg, may be there for several weeks, will let you know if I can later...Jim

[hopped up]

Gonna run fenders all around? Hope so! Or gonna keep the stake bed?
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[skymangs]

I hope she recovers quickly Jim. Our prayers.

[skymangs]

Owner hasn't decided yet of rear fenders. He's leaning towards a modified flatbed with custom fenders (not sure what to call them, but the ones that hug the tires like Semi's have). We were looking at trailer fenders to modify the other day.

[skymangs]

Sorry it's been awhile, our schedules don't mesh too well.

So fenders have been decided on. The owner just bought a 31 sedan to rat rod. Since he's not gonna use fenders, they will be donated to this truck. I picked up a $100 long bed from a 50'ish Chevy last week, and he was pining for it. So long story short, we narrowed the bed 4 inches and threw it on. It will now get modified fenders and flared running boards on the back half.

[hopped up]

hell yeah!!! i like it with an actual bed and fenders!!! too bad the model A will get the rr treatment. i think you can talk him outta that too. and build a good ol hot rod outta it
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[skymangs]

Ha, ha... the 31 is a Chevy Sedan. 3 spares and a spotlight so we think it was a police car. There isn't really enough left of it to do much more than Rat Rod. It'll be a helluva fun project though!

[Low Elco]

I didn't know there was a thread on this! Too cool! Say hi to the Kid for me!

[skymangs]

Will do Brother. New 49 has begun as well, no thread yet though.

[Hart_Rod]

Cool.

[skymangs]

Today We modified a 51 Chevy pickup brake pedal assembly to run hydraulic brakes under the floor of the 33. Here's some pics