Newbie here, 54 - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

ClassicDreamer · 09-06-2009, 07:11 PM

Hello all, I just picked up a 54 chevy pickup sitting on a 88 s10 chassis complete with 4.3 motor and disks. The truck is currently at a hod rod shop in LI NY where is it getting a body drop. Having him build custom mounts and repositioning the body to bring it down as low as possible. Dont plan to go too crazy with this truck.
So far I am noticing that it needs, both running boards, rear drivers fender, F&R bumpers, and some pieces of glass. I bought the truck because the body is SOLID! no rot at all. Hard to find that in NY.
Plans are to smooth and clean up the body while keeping it pretty much stock with the smoothing. Plan to paint it one of the metallic hot rod flatz colors. Smoothies 15x8 and 15x10's color matched.
Engine. not sure yet. keep the 4.3, its carbed. I would like to turbo it, for the main reason I love boost or Get a 350 in their instead? Please help with this deicision. I am very new to the american motors world, please excuse the ignorance.
Always had a love for old trucks, cars, bikes... etc..
So here is one shot of her:

63 & 64 Bowties · 09-06-2009, 08:06 PM

Welcome to the board. Looks like you've got a truck with a lot of the work already done. Congratulations. Nice truck, and always nice to have another 47-59 guy on board.

ClassicDreamer · 09-06-2009, 08:16 PM

thank you bill. I was looking for a truck I could finish and drive by next year. I am very anxious to drive the truck already and I just got it.

When I was 17 my grandfather came across a 1954 chevy panel completely retored from AZ, just needed the seat upholstered for $7k (14 years ago), and my father said no. Been waiting since to get my hands on my first of many to come classics.

'71, I live in Queens, not far from Long Island. I am not looking to go nuts with the boost. like to get about 3-400. Thought about going small block TT and then the wife told me she could not wait to drive the truck. big hp + wife = disaster

I know this is not a american item, but here is my '77 cb750f that kept me busy last winter completely rebuilding, flat black with 14k gold leafing.

Very excited, what advise can be lent? I read just about everyones build on here and I am in awe!

Daniel U · 09-07-2009, 11:25 AM

Nice looking '54. My '54 is sitting in my garage until I have the funds to finish it. Until then, I live vicariously through you all. Keep us posted with a bunch of pics!

71'tahoe · 09-06-2009, 08:11 PM

Welcome to the board!! Where you origanally from? I have a few cousins that live on Long Island!

As far as the engine choice. Its all the matter of your budget. If you want some real serious boost..then go with a v-8 turbo set up. 4.3 in your truck with a turbo(like the GMC cyclones/typhoons) will feel a little sluggish since your truck is a little heavy.

54 Panel · 09-07-2009, 11:10 PM

Great to have a solid truck. Grill looks straight so rechrome should go easy. Like to see pics of progress.

c10addict · 09-08-2009, 10:17 AM

looks like a great start!! Subscribed!

ClassicDreamer · 09-09-2009, 08:46 AM

this is the most recent camera pic from the shop. The truck is being worked on by a Guy named Larry out in Bellmore LI. Does unbelieveable work!
Truck was lowered and body mounted.
Crooked b/c of 2 different rim/wheel combos. Passenger side is old truck rim drivers side is a corvette sawblade rim.

Thank you guys!

72BlckButy · 09-09-2009, 08:53 AM

Looks like a great project, be sure to keep us posted with your progress.

Glad to have you aboard!

71'tahoe · 09-09-2009, 09:37 AM

I know what ya mean about the wife!

Your Cafe' bike is awsome...I really recomeend you to go check out BOBBERTALK.COM I go by GT MOTORSPORTS over there and there are several guys building bobbers,cafe',rigids,and more they would love your bike.We are a cool group of guys who love building out of the box(jap,bsa,triumph) bikes. No attiudes over there..

ClassicDreamer · 09-09-2009, 09:53 AM

hey 71 I am on bobbertalk too, I use cafe2be for my name. Also on SOHC4.net same name. I will see you on the site.
The bike has changed a bit too. Changed the front fender. position of the bars, chopped about 2" off the headlight ears, 2" drop on the front end.

71'tahoe · 09-09-2009, 01:04 PM

You ever post pics of your truck on there(bobbertalk) I know joel,juan,and a few others would love to see it!

ClassicDreamer · 09-09-2009, 01:20 PM

I will post a pic on the bobber forum today. Great advise.

ClassicDreamer · 09-10-2009, 06:54 PM

sept 10, 09 updates, body was dropped.

Daniel U · 09-10-2009, 11:45 PM

If you're going to keep those '54 gauges, be prepared to pay$$. Mine were super expensive to rebuild from 6v-12v and from gear drive to electric. Check out my build thread for details.

ClassicDreamer · 09-11-2009, 07:50 AM

hey daniel, I really like the look of the gauge. I have a electrician friend. Going to ask him about it. How much did you spend if you dont mind me asking?

Daniel U · 09-11-2009, 07:01 PM

I went through all my reciepts, but couldn't find that one. I know it was more than $1,000. Most guys will use the 47-53 gauge with the bezel trim kit.

ClassicDreamer · 09-11-2009, 07:49 PM

holy sh1t! I will be looking for another gauge. Thank you!

Daniel U · 09-11-2009, 08:02 PM

I'm not saying your buddy couldn't convert them for less.

ClassicDreamer · 09-21-2009, 03:23 PM

Just ordered a bunch of stuff today from LMC. new rear fenders, running boards, aprons, tailgate, chains, passenger floor pan. Can't wait to see it come together.
Colors will be Audi Nimbus Grey for the body and satin black for the fenders and running board.

ClassicDreamer · 09-21-2009, 03:26 PM

what years used NO VENT windows. Will the glass with no vent windows fit into the 54?

Daniel U · 09-21-2009, 05:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ClassicDreamer

what years used NO VENT windows. Will the glass with no vent windows fit into the 54?

My doors were rotten on the lower skin, so I started with the older style doors. You can gut the doors and buy the older style guts, but it might be easier to find donor doors with everything ready to go. I'm using the older style door handles as well instead of the push button ones.

ClassicDreamer · 09-22-2009, 08:25 AM

Great advise. Now where to find a set of solid 49/50 doors close to NY? Plan to shave the door handles anyway.

ClassicDreamer · 10-02-2009, 08:15 PM

Here is the update as of today. Body panels went on for a quick mock up still need some aligning. The chassis is a long bed s10 so the rear wheels sit a bit further back, Will run exhaust tips out infront of the rear wheels.

ClassicDreamer · 10-25-2009, 08:41 PM

well its been a while since an update. so here she is now. Still have about 20 hours or so of fab work:

09-06-2009, 07:11 PM	#1
ClassicDreamer Registered User Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: NY NY Posts: 123	Newbie here, 54 Hello all, I just picked up a 54 chevy pickup sitting on a 88 s10 chassis complete with 4.3 motor and disks. The truck is currently at a hod rod shop in LI NY where is it getting a body drop. Having him build custom mounts and repositioning the body to bring it down as low as possible. Dont plan to go too crazy with this truck. So far I am noticing that it needs, both running boards, rear drivers fender, F&R bumpers, and some pieces of glass. I bought the truck because the body is SOLID! no rot at all. Hard to find that in NY. Plans are to smooth and clean up the body while keeping it pretty much stock with the smoothing. Plan to paint it one of the metallic hot rod flatz colors. Smoothies 15x8 and 15x10's color matched. Engine. not sure yet. keep the 4.3, its carbed. I would like to turbo it, for the main reason I love boost or Get a 350 in their instead? Please help with this deicision. I am very new to the american motors world, please excuse the ignorance. Always had a love for old trucks, cars, bikes... etc.. So here is one shot of her:

09-06-2009, 08:06 PM	#2
63 & 64 Bowties and a few others Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Blue Ridge Mountains of VA Posts: 5,638	Re: Newbie here, 54 Welcome to the board. Looks like you've got a truck with a lot of the work already done. Congratulations. Nice truck, and always nice to have another 47-59 guy on board. __________________ Bill US Army Vet -193rd Infantry BlueRidgeMuscleCars.com “The greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged by the way its animals are treated” Gandhi

09-06-2009, 08:16 PM	#3
ClassicDreamer Registered User Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: NY NY Posts: 123	Re: Newbie here, 54 thank you bill. I was looking for a truck I could finish and drive by next year. I am very anxious to drive the truck already and I just got it. When I was 17 my grandfather came across a 1954 chevy panel completely retored from AZ, just needed the seat upholstered for $7k (14 years ago), and my father said no. Been waiting since to get my hands on my first of many to come classics. '71, I live in Queens, not far from Long Island. I am not looking to go nuts with the boost. like to get about 3-400. Thought about going small block TT and then the wife told me she could not wait to drive the truck. big hp + wife = disaster I know this is not a american item, but here is my '77 cb750f that kept me busy last winter completely rebuilding, flat black with 14k gold leafing. Very excited, what advise can be lent? I read just about everyones build on here and I am in awe! Last edited by ClassicDreamer; 09-06-2009 at 08:19 PM.

09-07-2009, 11:25 AM	#4
Daniel U Registered User Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Central Coast, CA. Posts: 1,202	Re: Newbie here, 54 Nice looking '54. My '54 is sitting in my garage until I have the funds to finish it. Until then, I live vicariously through you all. Keep us posted with a bunch of pics! __________________ Mom's 1954 (TBI 5.7/700R4/14 bolt 4:10) 5 Chevrolet window 3/4 ton long bed Pick up build thread ->http://www.67-72chevytrucks.com/vboa...d.php?t=228674 My 1954 (TPI 5.7/700R4/10 bolt 3:73) Chevrolet 5 window 1/2 ton short bed Pick up build thread->http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...3&goto=newpost 1960 (400/T350/?) Apache 10 short/fleet side-big window 1973 (TPI 5.7/700R4/14 bolt 4:10 w DANA 60 front) Chevrolet Cheyenne 4X4 2013 (Vortec 5.3/6-speed 6L90 automatic) Sierra LT CREW CAB Doing my part to warm the globe

09-06-2009, 08:11 PM	#5
71'tahoe Registered User Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: lynchburg ohio Posts: 736	Re: Newbie here, 54 Welcome to the board!! Where you origanally from? I have a few cousins that live on Long Island! As far as the engine choice. Its all the matter of your budget. If you want some real serious boost..then go with a v-8 turbo set up. 4.3 in your truck with a turbo(like the GMC cyclones/typhoons) will feel a little sluggish since your truck is a little heavy.

09-07-2009, 11:10 PM	#6
54 Panel Registered User Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Sunland, CA Posts: 1	Re: Newbie here, 54 Great to have a solid truck. Grill looks straight so rechrome should go easy. Like to see pics of progress.

09-08-2009, 10:17 AM	#7
c10addict Registered User Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: pittsburgh pa Posts: 1,970	Re: Newbie here, 54 looks like a great start!! Subscribed! __________________ 68 C10 Shorty TPI,Bagged, and all the good stuff. Classic trucks feature June 06, On the cover of Jegs Christmas Catalog 08 67 C10 Shorty Shop truck project Bagged and Z'd under destruction and getting nowhere fast. 64 C10 Shop Truck/Daily driver, Bagged, Dropmember, SOLD!!!! Gone but not forgotten.. 54 GMC under the knife getting a S10 chassis swap and bagged. See my build thread... 07 GMC Sierra 5/7 drop, 22's and 24's Air ride on my mind.. http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=339340 See pics of my trucks in my profile

09-09-2009, 08:46 AM	#8
ClassicDreamer Registered User Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: NY NY Posts: 123	Re: Newbie here, 54 this is the most recent camera pic from the shop. The truck is being worked on by a Guy named Larry out in Bellmore LI. Does unbelieveable work! Truck was lowered and body mounted. Crooked b/c of 2 different rim/wheel combos. Passenger side is old truck rim drivers side is a corvette sawblade rim. Thank you guys!

09-09-2009, 08:53 AM	#9
72BlckButy Tot Roddin' Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Mid-MO Posts: 24,461	Re: Newbie here, 54 Looks like a great project, be sure to keep us posted with your progress. Glad to have you aboard! __________________ -Nate 1969 CST SWB - Project Blank Slate (4.5/6" ECE Static Drop, 6-lug disc brake upgrade (manual), Billet Specialties Vintec 20x8.5 255/40 (F) 20x10 295/40 (R), 250 I-6) 1960 AMF Skylark - Tot Roddin' (Lowered with custom frame; soon to include custom push bar and interior) 2008 Silverado CrewCab 1LT (5.3L, 3:73, 4x4, LT1, Z-71, Towing Package)

09-09-2009, 09:37 AM	#10
71'tahoe Registered User Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: lynchburg ohio Posts: 736	Re: Newbie here, 54 I know what ya mean about the wife! Your Cafe' bike is awsome...I really recomeend you to go check out BOBBERTALK.COM I go by GT MOTORSPORTS over there and there are several guys building bobbers,cafe',rigids,and more they would love your bike.We are a cool group of guys who love building out of the box(jap,bsa,triumph) bikes. No attiudes over there..

09-09-2009, 09:53 AM	#11
ClassicDreamer Registered User Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: NY NY Posts: 123	Re: Newbie here, 54 hey 71 I am on bobbertalk too, I use cafe2be for my name. Also on SOHC4.net same name. I will see you on the site. The bike has changed a bit too. Changed the front fender. position of the bars, chopped about 2" off the headlight ears, 2" drop on the front end.

09-09-2009, 01:04 PM	#12
71'tahoe Registered User Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: lynchburg ohio Posts: 736	Re: Newbie here, 54 You ever post pics of your truck on there(bobbertalk) I know joel,juan,and a few others would love to see it!

09-09-2009, 01:20 PM	#13
ClassicDreamer Registered User Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: NY NY Posts: 123	Re: Newbie here, 54 I will post a pic on the bobber forum today. Great advise.

09-10-2009, 06:54 PM	#14
ClassicDreamer Registered User Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: NY NY Posts: 123	Re: Newbie here, 54 sept 10, 09 updates, body was dropped.

09-10-2009, 11:45 PM	#15
Daniel U Registered User Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Central Coast, CA. Posts: 1,202	Re: Newbie here, 54 If you're going to keep those '54 gauges, be prepared to pay$$. Mine were super expensive to rebuild from 6v-12v and from gear drive to electric. Check out my build thread for details. __________________ Mom's 1954 (TBI 5.7/700R4/14 bolt 4:10) 5 Chevrolet window 3/4 ton long bed Pick up build thread ->http://www.67-72chevytrucks.com/vboa...d.php?t=228674 My 1954 (TPI 5.7/700R4/10 bolt 3:73) Chevrolet 5 window 1/2 ton short bed Pick up build thread->http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...3&goto=newpost 1960 (400/T350/?) Apache 10 short/fleet side-big window 1973 (TPI 5.7/700R4/14 bolt 4:10 w DANA 60 front) Chevrolet Cheyenne 4X4 2013 (Vortec 5.3/6-speed 6L90 automatic) Sierra LT CREW CAB Doing my part to warm the globe



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09-11-2009, 07:50 AM	#16
ClassicDreamer Registered User Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: NY NY Posts: 123	Re: Newbie here, 54 hey daniel, I really like the look of the gauge. I have a electrician friend. Going to ask him about it. How much did you spend if you dont mind me asking?

09-11-2009, 07:01 PM	#17
Daniel U Registered User Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Central Coast, CA. Posts: 1,202	Re: Newbie here, 54 I went through all my reciepts, but couldn't find that one. I know it was more than $1,000. Most guys will use the 47-53 gauge with the bezel trim kit. __________________ Mom's 1954 (TBI 5.7/700R4/14 bolt 4:10) 5 Chevrolet window 3/4 ton long bed Pick up build thread ->http://www.67-72chevytrucks.com/vboa...d.php?t=228674 My 1954 (TPI 5.7/700R4/10 bolt 3:73) Chevrolet 5 window 1/2 ton short bed Pick up build thread->http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...3&goto=newpost 1960 (400/T350/?) Apache 10 short/fleet side-big window 1973 (TPI 5.7/700R4/14 bolt 4:10 w DANA 60 front) Chevrolet Cheyenne 4X4 2013 (Vortec 5.3/6-speed 6L90 automatic) Sierra LT CREW CAB Doing my part to warm the globe

09-11-2009, 07:49 PM	#18
ClassicDreamer Registered User Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: NY NY Posts: 123	Re: Newbie here, 54 holy sh1t! I will be looking for another gauge. Thank you!

09-11-2009, 08:02 PM	#19
Daniel U Registered User Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Central Coast, CA. Posts: 1,202	Re: Newbie here, 54 I'm not saying your buddy couldn't convert them for less. __________________ Mom's 1954 (TBI 5.7/700R4/14 bolt 4:10) 5 Chevrolet window 3/4 ton long bed Pick up build thread ->http://www.67-72chevytrucks.com/vboa...d.php?t=228674 My 1954 (TPI 5.7/700R4/10 bolt 3:73) Chevrolet 5 window 1/2 ton short bed Pick up build thread->http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...3&goto=newpost 1960 (400/T350/?) Apache 10 short/fleet side-big window 1973 (TPI 5.7/700R4/14 bolt 4:10 w DANA 60 front) Chevrolet Cheyenne 4X4 2013 (Vortec 5.3/6-speed 6L90 automatic) Sierra LT CREW CAB Doing my part to warm the globe

09-21-2009, 03:23 PM	#20
ClassicDreamer Registered User Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: NY NY Posts: 123	Re: Newbie here, 54 Just ordered a bunch of stuff today from LMC. new rear fenders, running boards, aprons, tailgate, chains, passenger floor pan. Can't wait to see it come together. Colors will be Audi Nimbus Grey for the body and satin black for the fenders and running board.

09-21-2009, 03:26 PM	#21
ClassicDreamer Registered User Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: NY NY Posts: 123	Re: Newbie here, 54 what years used NO VENT windows. Will the glass with no vent windows fit into the 54?

09-22-2009, 08:25 AM	#23
ClassicDreamer Registered User Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: NY NY Posts: 123	Re: Newbie here, 54 Great advise. Now where to find a set of solid 49/50 doors close to NY? Plan to shave the door handles anyway.

10-02-2009, 08:15 PM	#24
ClassicDreamer Registered User Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: NY NY Posts: 123	Re: Newbie here, 54 Here is the update as of today. Body panels went on for a quick mock up still need some aligning. The chassis is a long bed s10 so the rear wheels sit a bit further back, Will run exhaust tips out infront of the rear wheels.

10-25-2009, 08:41 PM	#25
ClassicDreamer Registered User Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: NY NY Posts: 123	Re: Newbie here, 54 well its been a while since an update. so here she is now. Still have about 20 hours or so of fab work:

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