Orson the 49 GMC ~ Chris C.

[skymangs]

This is a new project we’re working on. My son’s first. It’s a 49 GMC 100 longbed named Orson. it will be going on an 84 extended cab S10 chassis and be powered by a LM7 5.3/4L60E combo. It has 17” Torque Thrust IIs and huge meats in the rear. It will be getting an Astrovan 2nd row and full door panels.
Pretty solid truck to start with. The splashguards are in a box in the cab.

[skymangs]

More pictures

[skymangs]

This is the sunroof. Notice how it has flattened out the whole roofline.
Here’s how we intend to fix it. Another cab was sourced, we used a plas to remove the roof skin. And here is the patch panel.

[skymangs]

Here is the donor S10. An 84 extended cab with the venerable 2.8L Power train!

[skymangs]

Then the S10 was stripped down to the chassis.

[skymangs]

These are the wheels and tires we’ve picked for Orson. 17” Torque Thrust II's with 275/40R17 rear and 245/45R17 front. Pretty friggin' beefy!

[TravisC]

I Will be watching this thread as well,
I have a 1950 3600 and just acquired a 1996 S-15 ext Cab, my other 1991 S-10 frame was bent, so I had to get a new one.
Are you planning on leaving it a long bed?
I am curious as how you are going to address the bed.
I have read that you can swap the leaf springs around gain the extra wheelbase, I have not seen it reported if this is correct.

[joedoh]

waytogoidaho!

I wish I could start with trucks that nice haha

[skymangs]

Jim, thanks... We’re back, and I’ve got some serious catch up to do!
TravisC: yes, we’ll be leaving it a longbed. If you read my Rico F. Build http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=651164 you’ll see what I do.
Yes flipping the springs will gain you 1.25”. The second part is to remove 1.25” from the splashguards.
Thanks Joedoh

[mongocanfly]

looks like a solid truck...will be nice

[8man]

I'm in. Nice start.

[skymangs]

my son is building this one, I’m just the creative genius! Send any compliments his way!

[skymangs]

This is the bare frame ready for new ball joints and drop spindles

[skymangs]

Here’s the engine all churched up. And the header’s we chose for this build.

[twinshadows]

Nice starter truck . . . . . too bad for the 'moon roof' .
Great start , Chris . . . . . so, what do we call 'the Son ' ; he's doing good.

I'm looking - in , thanks guys

from Chino Valley, Arizona ……….. jim

[skymangs]

Dunno he’s only a PFC. My other son Michael also works for me now. I’m thinking of changing the name (at least unofficially) to Ole Sarge and Sons Customs!

[joedoh]

looking good, sarges son

[skymangs]

The ground was finally dry enough to pull Orson in the shop

[skymangs]

They started by getting the front end blown apart. They’ll move on to the cab tomorrow.

[skymangs]

The 49 getting blow apart

[skymangs]

Well in the process of installing the spindles and upper ball joints, one of the lowers and an outer tie rod end spun on us. Then both sway bar end links broke. So you’re getting new upper and lower ball joints, drop spindles, new outer tie rod ends, and end links. Parts are on order. Meanwhile we’ll be working on getting the cab on and driveline set.

[skymangs]

yup, not as fast as I’d like. But it’s their first one, so I give slack!

[8man]

Spoken like a true DAD!

[skymangs]

what can I say?

[skymangs]

The front suspension is all buttoned up. New upper/lower ball joints, outer tie rod ends, sway bar end links, and 2" drop spindles installed. The pads and rotors looked good. Just waiting on the 2” spacers to arrive (fri) and then those torque thrust His go on the front.