Lookingto start a project '47-'53

[nikwho]

I am looking for a '47-'53 chevy pickup project to build for my wife. It will be a short bed. I want to put it on an S-10 frame. I did the Camaro IFS graft on my '59 and don't want to go down that road with this project. So, I want to get started on the frame while im looking for the body. What year and wheel base S-10 will make the best donor? Do I want a pickup or will an S-10 blazer frame work too? I figure that I can make a lot of progress on the frame and LS-something power plant/tranny/suspension etc. while im looking for the right body to start with. Since its just my wifes cruiser, I may just go with a 5.3L. I want it to be reliable and easily go from 7000 ft ASL down to sea level without any problems. Thanks for the help, guys!
Nik

[cleanshaven84]

From the research I have found a regular cab long wheel base S10 is the best donor. I am using a regular cab short bed for my '49 and will have to move my rearend back a few inches. You can also use an extended cab S10 but you will have to shorten the frame roughly 5". People I have seen use the ext cab frame shorten it under the cab. Like I said, this is all just research I have done and haven't actually done this swap myself. And one last thing, I think if you can find an '82-93 model, it is alot easier to used the pedal assembly and brake booster if you plan to use them. Hope this helps ya out a little and good luck with the build.

[mr48chev]

As Cleanshaven84 mentioned the chassis of choice is from the standard cab longbed S10.
The big problem with two wheel drive S10 chassis is that the tread width is several inches narrower than a stock AD truck and the wheels sit way in in the wheel wells unless you run fairly thick spacers or pretty deep reverse wheels.

One of our members was kind enough to share his drawings and instructions for making the brackets to mount the cab and bed with us but I didn't find the thread with a quick search. Someone most likely has it bookmarked and it will save you a lot of hours of fussing with things if you use his patterns.

If the frame you have under the truck now (if it has one) is in good shape I'm not a fan of swapping frames and would rather see a guy put a crossmember kit under it while keeping the stock frame intact. That saves hours of getting body parts to fit and figuring out how to make brake and clutch pedals work. I've done the subframe thing before and my truck was subframed in my avatar photo but there are better ways to get independent front ends under these trucks now.

[OrrieG]

I agree with MR48chev, just get an IFS kit for your existing frame. The AD trucks are notorius for being difficult to get the bodywork to align even on the stock frame. With your 59 you obviously have the skills, alot of them are bolt in kits. You also get rid of the track width problems and engine to firewall issues.

[solidaxel]

After building a few of these AD I find it much easier to square and level 2wo axles than to fit a hood, two fenders, a grille, and while you are up there fit and level the front bumper.

That process will take place sometime AFTER you have the cab mounted in the EXACT location. With that completed you can now hang the TWO doors.

It is sure nice when your wife's truck doors open and close, and stays closed, for her trip to the "store of choice"

Level and plumb them NEW axles, I am liking Justin's kits for ease and performance, and the right width rear axle, I would look into a Exploder, Width, gear ratio & cost.

I am sure the S-10 folks will help me out !!