1948 chevy pickup question - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

lazymorris · 07-27-2011, 01:39 PM

Hi gang, i'm new to the forum. i have an original '48 pickup. I want to put the body on a 1990 SWB chevy pickup. will it work witout much problems? just curious
chris

wigadore · 07-27-2011, 01:55 PM

I would say you should do some good reading of others posts and builds here on this site for ideas...but in my experience building my 49 this is not the chassis you want to use for an easy project. If you really want to do a swap go for a s10 chassis.
Posted via Mobile Device

mknittle · 07-27-2011, 03:44 PM

i think a 1990 would be way toooo wide.

Lextech · 07-27-2011, 03:51 PM

X2 Way too wide. For a chassis swap the S10 seems to be the way to go. With an aftermarket front crossmember install---All of the sheetmetal will bolt to its stock location and is much easier than a chassis swap.

Jeff

solidaxel · 07-27-2011, 04:03 PM

Maybe the engine and transmission but not the chassis

lazymorris · 07-27-2011, 04:33 PM

Thanks for the info. I just have this 1990 pickup that is very solid. So would it be easier on me and my pocketbook to put the motor and trans in my '48? then up grade suspension, etc. I can't put a lot into this project right now, but i do want to get started and be able to drive asap.
chris

solidaxel · 07-27-2011, 05:01 PM

Most major projects of this nature require a few items, one being a lot of time and you know the other item, $$$$$
Do as others have suggested, research your options, and save LOTS of lunch money.
Just for comparisons Jon at Scotts Hot rod has listed the ultimate foundation for one of these trucks (with the exception it is a long bed) and you have the engine and transmission you could just R&R the cab,bed and dog house and be up and running with a long lasting truck.

wildearp · 07-28-2011, 11:21 PM

Why not go with a TCI mustang II and a 4 link rear? This can easily be done on a disassembled truck in a weekend. I have done it twice. Note in photo, front bracket of rear 4 link is installed backwards due to ****ty, incorrect instructions, lacking any diagrams or photos from TCI.

**mr48chev** · 07-28-2011, 11:32 PM

If the 48 frame is good and straight and not rusted out or messed up I would use it. Along with an aftermarket Mustang II style crossmember and suspension of your choice. That can range from the Welder Series weld it up yourself crossmember, the totally bolt on units that cost a bit more but require very little skill through Scott (a fellow forum member) world class front ends.

If the 48 frame is junk for one reason or another such as being rusted out, bent or suffering from a real bad hack job then $$$ wise I would go for an S-10 swap using a standard cab longbed two wheel drive frame.

If the 80 C10 is a really solid and presentable truck I'd probably sell it and use the money to finance building the 48 and a new engine and trans. If the engine is worth more than the rest of the truck then use the engine and trans and sell off the truck minus engine.

07-27-2011, 01:39 PM	#1
lazymorris Registered User Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: OKLA Posts: 2	1948 chevy pickup question Hi gang, i'm new to the forum. i have an original '48 pickup. I want to put the body on a 1990 SWB chevy pickup. will it work witout much problems? just curious chris

07-27-2011, 01:55 PM	#2
wigadore Registered User Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Alberta, Canada Posts: 75	Re: 1948 chevy pickup question I would say you should do some good reading of others posts and builds here on this site for ideas...but in my experience building my 49 this is not the chassis you want to use for an easy project. If you really want to do a swap go for a s10 chassis. Posted via Mobile Device __________________ 1949 GMC Pickup A lack of planning on your part... ...does not constitute and emergency on mine.

07-27-2011, 03:44 PM	#3
mknittle Registered User Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: Auburn ca. Posts: 2,886	Re: 1948 chevy pickup question i think a 1990 would be way toooo wide. __________________ Mark My GMC build. http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=536602

07-27-2011, 03:51 PM	#4
Lextech Registered User Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Oak Forest, Ill. Posts: 194	Re: 1948 chevy pickup question X2 Way too wide. For a chassis swap the S10 seems to be the way to go. With an aftermarket front crossmember install---All of the sheetmetal will bolt to its stock location and is much easier than a chassis swap. Jeff

07-27-2011, 04:03 PM	#5
solidaxel Registered User Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: Cactus Patch So. Az Posts: 4,749	Re: 1948 chevy pickup question Maybe the engine and transmission but not the chassis __________________ 53 TuTone Extended Cab 350 4-Spd 3:08 (SOLD) 53 Chevy Moldy pearl green ZZ-4 4L60E 9" 3:25 55 GMC 1st Black Mll (ZZ4) ZZ6 TKO 600 5 sp 3:73 62 Solidaxle Corvette Roman Red (327 340hp 4spd 3:36) C4 & C5 suspension tube chassis LS 3 4L70E 65 Corvette Coupe 327 350hp 4spd 4:11 78 Black Silverado SWB (350/350) 5.3 & 4L60E 3:42 2000 S-Type 3.0 (wife cruiser) 2003 GMC SCSB 5.3 4L60E 3:42

07-27-2011, 04:33 PM	#6
lazymorris Registered User Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: OKLA Posts: 2	Re: 1948 chevy pickup question Thanks for the info. I just have this 1990 pickup that is very solid. So would it be easier on me and my pocketbook to put the motor and trans in my '48? then up grade suspension, etc. I can't put a lot into this project right now, but i do want to get started and be able to drive asap. chris

07-27-2011, 05:01 PM	#7
solidaxel Registered User Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: Cactus Patch So. Az Posts: 4,749	Re: 1948 chevy pickup question Most major projects of this nature require a few items, one being a lot of time and you know the other item, $$$$$ Do as others have suggested, research your options, and save LOTS of lunch money. Just for comparisons Jon at Scotts Hot rod has listed the ultimate foundation for one of these trucks (with the exception it is a long bed) and you have the engine and transmission you could just R&R the cab,bed and dog house and be up and running with a long lasting truck. __________________ 53 TuTone Extended Cab 350 4-Spd 3:08 (SOLD) 53 Chevy Moldy pearl green ZZ-4 4L60E 9" 3:25 55 GMC 1st Black Mll (ZZ4) ZZ6 TKO 600 5 sp 3:73 62 Solidaxle Corvette Roman Red (327 340hp 4spd 3:36) C4 & C5 suspension tube chassis LS 3 4L70E 65 Corvette Coupe 327 350hp 4spd 4:11 78 Black Silverado SWB (350/350) 5.3 & 4L60E 3:42 2000 S-Type 3.0 (wife cruiser) 2003 GMC SCSB 5.3 4L60E 3:42

07-28-2011, 11:21 PM	#8
wildearp Registered User Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: Tucson Arizona Posts: 165	Re: 1948 chevy pickup question Why not go with a TCI mustang II and a 4 link rear? This can easily be done on a disassembled truck in a weekend. I have done it twice. Note in photo, front bracket of rear 4 link is installed backwards due to ****ty, incorrect instructions, lacking any diagrams or photos from TCI.

07-28-2011, 11:32 PM	#9
mr48chev Registered User Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Toppenish, WA Posts: 15,705	Re: 1948 chevy pickup question If the 48 frame is good and straight and not rusted out or messed up I would use it. Along with an aftermarket Mustang II style crossmember and suspension of your choice. That can range from the Welder Series weld it up yourself crossmember, the totally bolt on units that cost a bit more but require very little skill through Scott (a fellow forum member) world class front ends. If the 48 frame is junk for one reason or another such as being rusted out, bent or suffering from a real bad hack job then $$$ wise I would go for an S-10 swap using a standard cab longbed two wheel drive frame. If the 80 C10 is a really solid and presentable truck I'd probably sell it and use the money to finance building the 48 and a new engine and trans. If the engine is worth more than the rest of the truck then use the engine and trans and sell off the truck minus engine.



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