49 ls1

[skymangs]

So I've been prodded to start a build thread on my newest acquisition. 49 3600 Chevy 5 window. I was given this truck when I was 11 years old, and until the last year or so have been steadily pimping the parts off of it for other projects. However, last time I was home, it didn't look near as far gone as I had remembered (or maybe every joker on craigslist seems to think that their rusty farm truck that has been sitting in a field for 30 years is worth $2500). So I decided to drag it home and see what could be done with it.

Sorry, no before pics.

[skymangs]

I started with a half ton frame that already had a 71 Camaro stub on it. I found it at auction for $200. After taking careful measurements I decided it was done pretty decently (I'll be adding some gussets and fish plates just for GP) and would make a good platform for my new shop rig. Heres some pics.

[skymangs]

I've been wrestling with direction for this project. I've picked up a 5.3L from a wrecked 2005 Suburban, and a 4L80E 2wd trans from a 2000 truck. I'm leaning towards "Hot Rod Flatz" firemist Fathom Green, mild bodywork, air bags, custom built radius arm independent rear suspension, 17x8 steelie wheels with 55 chevy pickup dog-dishes, 55 Chevy pickup dashboard, and maybe a few other items. Here's the color, interior will be 2 tone, green and beige.

I also picked up a 55 truck dash from Jim Carter here in KC, figured to play with that a little bit and see if I couldn't get it to look ok in there.

[skymangs]

So I wound up cutting the ends of the 55 dash off, then integrating them into the doors, so that when you close them the dash becomes wrap around. I think it looks kinda trick, but there's a helluva lot of metalwork left to do!

[skymangs]

So here's my 5.3L... 98,000 miles, gave $350 for it. It's a 2005 drive by wire, which I am converting to a 2001 PCM and drive by cable setup. Looked kind of nasty when I picked it up, but turned out to be in real nice shape inside! Final pics are all buttoned up with LS6 cam and fresh paint.

[skymangs]

Next on the list was a better radiator option. I wound up ordering a 19x22 double pass crossflow radiator from Speedway (for like $110!) with pass side inlet and outlet (perfect for an LS motor). I bought a junk core support to cut up from Jim Carters, and got to work. I needed to get the radiator high enough to clear the Camaro power steering box, while giving myself enough room for efan setup in front of the motor.

[Robert Andrew]

Originally Posted by skymangs

So I wound up cutting the ends of the 55 dash off, then integrating them into the doors, so that when you close them the dash becomes wrap around. I think it looks kinda trick, but there's a helluva lot of metalwork left to do!

I bought a 59 pickup dash for my 51 today, because I was impressed with your adaptation, and I have a few questions. I love the AD pickups, but the dash doesn't really appeal to me, and I love the 55-59 dash, especially with the ends wrapped onto the doors.

It appears that you have welded the wrap around ends to the door panel, which then makes the window surround trim impossible to remove. How did you engineer that so the window surround can be removed?

Are you eliminating the rubber weather stripping that seals the inside of the door to the door jamb?

Thanks,

[skymangs]

Originally Posted by Robert Andrew

I bought a 59 pickup dash for my 51 today, because I was impressed with your adaptation, and I have a few questions. I love the AD pickups, but the dash doesn't really appeal to me, and I love the 55-59 dash, especially with the ends wrapped onto the doors.

It appears that you have welded the wrap around ends to the door panel, which then makes the window surround trim impossible to remove. How did you engineer that so the window surround can be removed?

Are you eliminating the rubber weather stripping that seals the inside of the door to the door jamb?

Thanks,

i welded the dash ends directly to the window trim, there is one sheet metal screw in the bottom half attaching it to the actual door. for exactly that reason. be advised this mod is not for the faint of heart, it's a whole lot of work but man does it look cool when finished.

[Wyattdog2]

Originally Posted by skymangs

So I wound up cutting the ends of the 55 dash off, then integrating them into the doors, so that when you close them the dash becomes wrap around. I think it looks kinda trick, but there's a helluva lot of metalwork left to do!

That dash is very cool! You said you useded a speedway universal 19 x 22 radiator? Those are 22 wide it looks like, I did not think that would fit. Did you remove the flange of the support on the inside to fit it?

[skymangs]

Originally Posted by Wyattdog2

That dash is very cool! You said you useded a speedway universal 19 x 22 radiator? Those are 22 wide it looks like, I did not think that would fit. Did you remove the flange of the support on the inside to fit it?

It is 19" wide, you’ll have to trim the backside of the core support.

[Low Elco]

Very Nice! See, this is the part of the deal I dig, the crazy roughing and modding part. Please continue!

[skymangs]

Oh I will brother. got some kinda crazy ideas with this one. We'll see how it comes together!

[Daze57]

nice work you got goin on there !!!- glad to see that machine out of the field and bein; taken care of .

[skymangs]

Thanks Daze... It just seemed like it was in better shape than all the stuff I was finding for sale! What you see is what you get though. I have no headlight stuff, no windows, a bent to hell grill, no box, no rear fenders... etc. They're out there though.

[sqrlnts]

B:tching project, I am along for the ride! Keep up the hard work!

[Daze57]

''and you will find them !!!!!!!''

[oldman3]

Chris, looking good there buddy, won't be long and you'll be running down the road...Jim

[TheBlueBomber]

I love '49s. My formerly best friend got one when we were in the 7th grade. Did a little body work to it, threw it on an s10 frame and let it sit since. Sometimes I wonder if he truly appreciates the things he has. Good looking truck, looking forward to following this build.

[alaska gasser]

Nice project and I like the dash as it is the same one I used in mine. What is your plan for the gauge cluster? I'm using a flamed one from EBAY for something different than the stock one.

[Low Elco]

Where are you guys getting these cheap LS motors? Everything I run across is 1k for a solid one!

[skymangs]

Thank you all for the interest... This will hopefully be my showcase truck.

Alaska gasser, I was planning on using the stock '55 cluster. Going for a certain look, custom, but not too much bling. I found a nice speedo converter that will allow the stock speedo to work with the VSS on the 4L80E.

Low elco, Craigslist bro... They're out there. I picked that one up from Leavenworth, KS.

I'm hoping to have this one in shape for the Midwest All Truck Nats next year... Would look cool towing my V8 Lawnmower!

[skymangs]

Finally got my core support located so I can remove the fenders for engine mockup! I'm hoping to have motor mounts built by the end of the weekend, then on to some bodywork.

[skymangs]

So I decided to mock up the 5.3 in the engine bay to see where I was at, and where I'd have to cut. I mounted it about 2 inches higher than I would have for a 350, so I can use the stock pan. Since this truck will get bagged, I don't want anything hanging below that crossmember.

Initially I had about 3.5" of clearance between the wp pulley and the rad. I'm looking for about 5". Rather than buy a different accessory drive, I decided a 2" recessed firewall was a good option. So I made some rough cuts, bolted on the trans, and blocked it in position.

[skymangs]

Once I was happy with the positioning of the motor, I started to put together some motor mounts. The last shot is with the intake in position (It kinda fits perfect in the factory 6 banger recession).

[Wyattdog2]

Originally Posted by skymangs

So I decided to mock up the 5.3 in the engine bay to see where I was at, and where I'd have to cut. I mounted it about 2 inches higher than I would have for a 350, so I can use the stock pan. Since this truck will get bagged, I don't want anything hanging below that crossmember.

Initially I had about 3.5" of clearance between the wp pulley and the rad. I'm looking for about 5". Rather than buy a different accessory drive, I decided a 2" recessed firewall was a good option. So I made some rough cuts, bolted on the trans, and blocked it in position.

what radiator did you use? I have same combo but also want dual elect fans and not finding anything that I think will fit. my firewall is not cut but the motor is very close.