'53 3100

[robertsjm711]

Well guess it is time to create a build thread for my '53. I purchased a 1953 3100 last fall and have been wrenching on it ever since. It came with a S10 frame and some 283 engine parts and an old cast powerglide. After some debate and research I decided to go with a 5.3l and a Muncie M20. I tried to get it as low as I could without compromising drivability and sheet metal. It has an older passenger car 12 bolt rear with 2.73 gears that I do intend to change. I took some pictures along the way and will post them in this thread.

I know I have a lot of things to work out and build, but that is the "fun" part. and suggestions, resources or if you see something funky please don't hesitate to mention it. I'm here to learn and maybe help someone else.

Note: sorry about the random up-side-down pics, I haven't found a solution that works yet.

[robertsjm711]

Parts and pieces
August 20, 2016

[robertsjm711]

Cab placement
September 24, 2016

[robertsjm711]

Junk yard shopping, All American Classics, Vancouver, Wa
October 14, 2016

[robertsjm711]

Preliminary radiator placement measuring
October 30, 2016

[robertsjm711]

Preliminary sheet metal placement
October 30, 2016

[robertsjm711]

Grill cleanup (and surprise layered paint)
January 2, 2017

[robertsjm711]

Interior and tailgate install
Jan 2, 2017

[robertsjm711]

Do not use spray foam as a sealer.
March 17-20

[robertsjm711]

Rims & tires! First time truck was mobile, no engine/trans so it sits a little high
June 5, 2017

[robertsjm711]

Misc interior & bed/ rear end
June 5, 2017

[robertsjm711]

2002(?) 5.3l w/ Muncie M20

[robertsjm711]

Engine placement and with headers
July 16/22, 2017

[mongocanfly]

nice work

[gigamanx]

Originally Posted by robertsjm711

Engine placement and with headers
July 16/22, 2017

What headers and engine mounts did you use? Looks like the same engine I'm putting in mine. I have a 5.3L TBI from 1996. Converting it back to carbureted. Sheet metal looks good! Lots of work ahead still

[MIKESAD50]

Looking good

[oldman3]

Looks good, I'll tag along...Jim

[robertsjm711]

I used some S10 swap headers by Racing Innovation Supply. Not bad for $175 shipped.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/1982-04-Chev...72.m2749.l2649

As for motor mounts I made them. The ones mounted to the frame are common SBC mounts, think I got them from Rockauto. I had originally planned on a 283 so I had bought some S10 swap mounts, but the holes are different on the LS engine. I used them as a template, bought some 3/8 plate steel from my local salvage yard and went to town.

I will mention I have the engine lower than other builds I have seen, I really wanted to reduce or eliminate the hump on the floorboard. I also have the cab mounted pretty low so I had some room to adjust there, too. I do have an issue with my oil pan sitting too low (~3-4" below front cross member) but I plan on changing pans and making a skid plate. I also had to take into consideration the inclination angle and I have it to about 3-5 degrees, should be more to the 3 degrees when I get radiator, coolant, front clip, etc. mounted.

[gigamanx]

great! Thanks for the info. I happen to be on that part of my build right now

[OutlawDrifter]

Cool project, dig the 4-speed Muncie.

[robertsjm711]

Worked on some wiring last couple weeks. I am beginning to understand why harnesses are so expensive...

[robertsjm711]

Radiator mount.


August 2017

[NorCalGal]

Man you're moving right along. If I moved as fast as you I'd had 4 trucks done by now. looks good I'm in

[gigamanx]

That's a novel idea. I like it! Seems like a bit less work than some of the other core support brackets

[robertsjm711]

Thanks, I work from home and take regular "go work on the truck" breaks.
I want to keep things as simple as possible - less to go wrong and so far it seems less expensive...