My Custom 51 Find and Future build! - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

glowins10 · 12-29-2010, 06:46 PM

My sister found this truck in the garage of a house she was looking at buying and gave me a call! Knowing I am already neck deep in my 47 chevy truck build, I decided to go look at it anyway. After looking at it I decided i couldnt pass up making an offer on it. Well a couple of days later they called and accepted my offer (which was really low). I was extremely excited! I picked it up last night, so here are some pics once i got it home!
Its a 51 Chevy with alot of custom work done!

It has been chopped 2 1/2 to 3", custom made fiberglass hood, custom grill, 70s or 80s style door handles, custom bed with molded rear fenders, and custom made rear bumper just to name a few.

Now I need everyones opinion on what I should do to the truck!
I plan to do something with the grill, Maybe a different insert. I am also thinking a flat paint, chrome smoothie wheels with wide white walls, and lower the front end a little.

53 292 · 12-29-2010, 09:12 PM

Looks like they sectioned a good chunk out of it to haha. I can see in in navy blue suede paint if you wanna do the flat paint. Or something real metallic like they did in the 60's! It would look sweet with some chrome steelies on wide whites. And for the grille, maybe do something with the kind of grilles they had in the 60's. You know like the ones that came on caddys to match those tail lights haha. Oh and this headlights may look cool frenched
Posted via Mobile Device

*itstheshu* · 12-29-2010, 09:58 PM

what kind of suspension?

solidaxel · 12-29-2010, 10:46 PM

Now I need everyones opinion on what I should do to the truck!

Sell it to me for $100.00 more than you paid for it !!!

52 Rat · 12-29-2010, 11:35 PM

I appears to be a GMC looking at the fenders and grill; just at first glance.

grape48 · 12-29-2010, 11:44 PM

Great find! Flat paint? What's wrong with grape...uh I mean purple, just a wash & wax....and ride...

glowins10 · 12-30-2010, 12:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 53 292

Looks like they sectioned a good chunk out of it to haha. I can see in in navy blue suede paint if you wanna do the flat paint. Or something real metallic like they did in the 60's! It would look sweet with some chrome steelies on wide whites. And for the grille, maybe do something with the kind of grilles they had in the 60's. You know like the ones that came on caddys to match those tail lights haha. Oh and this headlights may look cool frenched
Posted via Mobile Device

The guy that had it before me did section it. I was thinking about a metalic flat orange. Once I get it cleaned up im am going to post it over in the photoshop section and see what anyone can come up with for a grill! I had already planned on the frenched headlights too! I dont care for the bug eyed look on this one..

Quote:

Originally Posted by itstheshu

what kind of suspension?

I am not sure on the suspension yet, havent got to get it up on a lift and thoroughly look it over.. It does have rack and pinoin up front, but still has leafs in the rear..

Quote:

Originally Posted by solidaxel

Now I need everyones opinion on what I should do to the truck!

Sell it to me for $100.00 more than you paid for it !!!

It would still be a steal if i sold it for twice what i gave for it.... IMO

Quote:

Originally Posted by 52 Rat

I appears to be a GMC looking at the fenders and grill; just at first glance.

It does appear to be a gmc! however, I have pictures from the guy showing him making the grille. Also the turn signals in the fenders are molded into the fenders a bit (you can't tell from the pictures)

Quote:

Originally Posted by grape48

Great find! Flat paint? What's wrong with grape...uh I mean purple, just a wash & wax....and ride...

I do plan to wash and wax.. and ride... Till I get my '47 finished.. I dont know how the multi tone grape will look all cleaned up. haha

grape48 · 12-30-2010, 12:17 AM

Any pic's for the 47?

**mr48chev** · 12-30-2010, 12:55 AM

The grill might work if you refined the surround and made it look like belonged on the truck rather then looking like picture frame around the grill.
That's a good looking truck that can be a great looking truck with a bit of refinement.

I'd sure like to see photos of the section job in progress if there are any available.

glowins10 · 12-30-2010, 01:00 AM

Grape48, Here is a pic I just took of my '47.. It is actually the first I have posted of it.. I am in the process of taking it apart from the mock up.

sorry about the picture quality

glowins10 · 12-30-2010, 01:11 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mr48chev

The grill might work if you refined the surround and made it look like belonged on the truck rather then looking like picture frame around the grill.
That's a good looking truck that can be a great looking truck with a bit of refinement.

I'd sure like to see photos of the section job in progress if there are any available.

I have thought about putting a stock chevy grill on it and getting a new hood. However, I like that the grill is different. I know what you mean about the boxy surround. I think with a little imagination and work i can make it work with a nice insert. I am trying to get some opinions on it before i make up my mind.. Thanks for your .02! Any other suggestions would be great!

Sorry i do no have any pics of the section job.. I wish I did to add to the collection of in progress photos

**mr48chev** · 12-30-2010, 01:33 AM

A stock grill always looks good and would look good but I think you might have to remove the bottom bar to get it to fit.

You might be able to take some 1-1/2 inch exhaust tubing that was sliced in half to make the surround if you could find some 90 degree elbows with a tight radius for the corners and match the shape of the bottom edge of the hood.

I'll agree that that hood doesn't flow very well with that indent in the front of it where it should slope down smoothly.

This truck Belongs to one of the Guys on the HAMB who has a shop in the Portland Oregon area. His hood is cut to give a bit of slope to it so the curve in front doesn't stick out so prominently.

MrTucker · 12-30-2010, 01:15 PM

so what did you pay for it???

allengator · 12-30-2010, 01:28 PM

That thing SCREAMS "80's custom" !!

oldblue72c10 · 12-30-2010, 01:36 PM

I say leave as is its to cool, Its a 80's hot rod, what kind of drivetrain does it have? If it doesnt have one i say Straight 6 all built up, trust me they can look sweet, with headers and a 4 barrel carb.

OrrieG · 12-30-2010, 01:42 PM

I'm with the keep it original retro crowd. These are the ones I always gravitate to at the show and shines, something subtle and different. What is the drive train and interior like. Please tell me its a vintage button or tuck and roll!!!

justplainray · 12-30-2010, 01:45 PM

....sister found this truck in the garage of a house she was looking at buying......they called and accepted my offer (which was really low).....

PO deceased??? Widow saleing off property???
If so....let us observe a moment of silence for those who have gone before.

And that's a great find.

glowins10 · 12-30-2010, 06:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by allengator

That thing SCREAMS "80's custom" !!

Yeah, it is definately an 80s custom.. Check out the 80s interior!

Quote:

Originally Posted by oldblue72c10

I say leave as is its to cool, Its a 80's hot rod, what kind of drivetrain does it have? If it doesnt have one i say Straight 6 all built up, trust me they can look sweet, with headers and a 4 barrel carb.

Maybe someone on here can help me with the drivetrain question!! Its an olds engine (thats about all I know foresure). Maybe someone can tell me a little more about the engine and trans from these pictures.

this is the best pic I could get of the trans.. I haven't been able to get a cast number off of either one

Quote:

Originally Posted by OrrieG

I'm with the keep it original retro crowd. These are the ones I always gravitate to at the show and shines, something subtle and different. What is the drive train and interior like. Please tell me its a vintage button or tuck and roll!!!

Check out the interior and drivetrain!! ^^^^

Quote:

Originally Posted by justplainray

PO deceased??? Widow saleing off property???
If so....let us observe a moment of silence for those who have gone before.

And that's a great find.

The owner was recently put in an assisted living home. His son knew I would keep him updated on the truck, which was important to his father.

justplainray · 12-30-2010, 07:00 PM

I'm glad to hear the old gentleman is still with us.
The engine looks like an Oldsmobile, no idea of the displacement.
Tranny is either a turbo 350 or turbo 400.
If the trans oil pan is square-ish...its a turbo 350
and if it looks like the state of Illinois then its a turbo 400
Again, Great find.

grape48 · 12-30-2010, 10:42 PM

The 47 is looking good, please keep us posted with the progress.

RCbowtie69 · 01-17-2011, 09:04 PM

it be nice with some up dated parts.its been customize all ready, maybe wheels, paint & some interior work. Keep on Truckin''

glowins10 · 01-26-2011, 06:28 PM

I finally got some time last night to work on the the 51. To my surprise it started right up!
When I was looking over the front end I noticed a slightly worn ball joint. I am planning on replacing it. However, I have no idea what type of front end this is out of. Can anyone help?

Also, does anyone know what this rear end is? I couldn't find any casting info on it.

oldschool53_BBC · 01-26-2011, 07:31 PM

very nice!!!!!!!!!!

**WIDESIDE72** · 01-29-2011, 10:53 PM

Cool!

glowins10 · 02-07-2011, 07:34 PM

I have been trying to find out what front suspension this truck has under it and have not had any luck! Maybe someone here can help me out? There are pictures in my previous post. Also, here is another that might help.

I am trying to figure out what kind of ball joints I need and I would also like to lower it about 1-2 inchs.

12-29-2010, 06:46 PM	#1
glowins10 Registered User Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Newton, IL Posts: 38	My Custom 51 Find and Future build! My sister found this truck in the garage of a house she was looking at buying and gave me a call! Knowing I am already neck deep in my 47 chevy truck build, I decided to go look at it anyway. After looking at it I decided i couldnt pass up making an offer on it. Well a couple of days later they called and accepted my offer (which was really low). I was extremely excited! I picked it up last night, so here are some pics once i got it home! Its a 51 Chevy with alot of custom work done! It has been chopped 2 1/2 to 3", custom made fiberglass hood, custom grill, 70s or 80s style door handles, custom bed with molded rear fenders, and custom made rear bumper just to name a few. Now I need everyones opinion on what I should do to the truck! I plan to do something with the grill, Maybe a different insert. I am also thinking a flat paint, chrome smoothie wheels with wide white walls, and lower the front end a little. Last edited by glowins10; 12-30-2010 at 08:20 PM. Reason: resize photos

12-29-2010, 09:12 PM	#2
53 292 Registered User Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: Salinas Ca Posts: 104	Re: My Custom 51 Find and Future build! Looks like they sectioned a good chunk out of it to haha. I can see in in navy blue suede paint if you wanna do the flat paint. Or something real metallic like they did in the 60's! It would look sweet with some chrome steelies on wide whites. And for the grille, maybe do something with the kind of grilles they had in the 60's. You know like the ones that came on caddys to match those tail lights haha. Oh and this headlights may look cool frenched Posted via Mobile Device

12-29-2010, 09:58 PM	#3
itstheshu Account Suspended Join Date: May 2010 Location: san antonio texas Posts: 166	Re: My Custom 51 Find and Future build! what kind of suspension?

12-29-2010, 10:46 PM	#4
solidaxel Registered User Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: Cactus Patch So. Az Posts: 4,749	Re: My Custom 51 Find and Future build! Now I need everyones opinion on what I should do to the truck! Sell it to me for $100.00 more than you paid for it !!! __________________ 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

12-29-2010, 11:35 PM	#5
52 Rat Registered User Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: Asheville, NC Posts: 291	Re: My Custom 51 Find and Future build! I appears to be a GMC looking at the fenders and grill; just at first glance. __________________ My build project http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...=1#post4158671

12-29-2010, 11:44 PM	#6
grape48 Registered User Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: Hernando MS Posts: 42	Re: My Custom 51 Find and Future build! Great find! Flat paint? What's wrong with grape...uh I mean purple, just a wash & wax....and ride...

12-30-2010, 12:17 AM	#8
grape48 Registered User Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: Hernando MS Posts: 42	Re: My Custom 51 Find and Future build! Any pic's for the 47?

12-30-2010, 12:55 AM	#9
mr48chev Registered User Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Toppenish, WA Posts: 15,721	Re: My Custom 51 Find and Future build! The grill might work if you refined the surround and made it look like belonged on the truck rather then looking like picture frame around the grill. That's a good looking truck that can be a great looking truck with a bit of refinement. I'd sure like to see photos of the section job in progress if there are any available.

12-30-2010, 01:00 AM	#10
glowins10 Registered User Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Newton, IL Posts: 38	Re: My Custom 51 Find and Future build! Grape48, Here is a pic I just took of my '47.. It is actually the first I have posted of it.. I am in the process of taking it apart from the mock up. sorry about the picture quality Last edited by glowins10; 12-30-2010 at 08:21 PM. Reason: resize photo

12-30-2010, 01:33 AM	#12
mr48chev Registered User Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Toppenish, WA Posts: 15,721	Re: My Custom 51 Find and Future build! A stock grill always looks good and would look good but I think you might have to remove the bottom bar to get it to fit. You might be able to take some 1-1/2 inch exhaust tubing that was sliced in half to make the surround if you could find some 90 degree elbows with a tight radius for the corners and match the shape of the bottom edge of the hood. I'll agree that that hood doesn't flow very well with that indent in the front of it where it should slope down smoothly. This truck Belongs to one of the Guys on the HAMB who has a shop in the Portland Oregon area. His hood is cut to give a bit of slope to it so the curve in front doesn't stick out so prominently. Last edited by mr48chev; 12-30-2010 at 01:47 AM.

12-30-2010, 01:15 PM	#13
MrTucker Registered User Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Denver, CO Posts: 455	Re: My Custom 51 Find and Future build! so what did you pay for it??? __________________ 1953 GMC 1/2 ton long bed Original 228 I6 with a Hydramatic Auto Tranny Project Pack Rat - http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s....php?p=3374649

12-30-2010, 01:28 PM	#14
allengator Registered User Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: Burleson, Texas Posts: 596	Re: My Custom 51 Find and Future build! That thing SCREAMS "80's custom" !! __________________ Allengator Outta the Blue (my band - available for hire in the DFW area!) 1980 Chevy SWB Pickup (build thread) 1951 Chevy Sedan Delivery 2004 Chevy Tahoe Z71 2011 Harley Davidson Street Glide 2018 Silverado Z71 Crew Cab

12-30-2010, 01:36 PM	#15
oldblue72c10 LIGHT' EM UP!!!!!!!!!! Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Collinsville Oklahoma Posts: 243	Re: My Custom 51 Find and Future build! I say leave as is its to cool, Its a 80's hot rod, what kind of drivetrain does it have? If it doesnt have one i say Straight 6 all built up, trust me they can look sweet, with headers and a 4 barrel carb. __________________ BONDO IS YOUR FRIEND WOULD YOU EVER USE YOUR FRIEND 1972 custom 10 longbed current 360 building a racing 355

12-30-2010, 01:42 PM	#16
OrrieG Registered User Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Idaho Posts: 8,800	Re: My Custom 51 Find and Future build! I'm with the keep it original retro crowd. These are the ones I always gravitate to at the show and shines, something subtle and different. What is the drive train and interior like. Please tell me its a vintage button or tuck and roll!!! __________________ 1959 Chevy Short Fleetside w/ 74 4WD drive train (current project) OrrieG Build Thread 1964 Chevelle Malibu w/ 355-350TH (daily driver) Helpful AD and TF Manual Site Old Car Manual Project

12-30-2010, 01:45 PM	#17
justplainray Registered User Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Ansonia, CT Posts: 91	whats the back story????? ....sister found this truck in the garage of a house she was looking at buying......they called and accepted my offer (which was really low)..... PO deceased??? Widow saleing off property??? If so....let us observe a moment of silence for those who have gone before. And that's a great find.



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12-30-2010, 07:00 PM	#19
justplainray Registered User Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Ansonia, CT Posts: 91	Re: My Custom 51 Find and Future build! I'm glad to hear the old gentleman is still with us. The engine looks like an Oldsmobile, no idea of the displacement. Tranny is either a turbo 350 or turbo 400. If the trans oil pan is square-ish...its a turbo 350 and if it looks like the state of Illinois then its a turbo 400 Again, Great find.

12-30-2010, 10:42 PM	#20
grape48 Registered User Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: Hernando MS Posts: 42	Re: My Custom 51 Find and Future build! The 47 is looking good, please keep us posted with the progress.

01-17-2011, 09:04 PM	#21
RCbowtie69 Registered User Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: Thomasville, NC Posts: 1,877	Re: My Custom 51 Find and Future build! it be nice with some up dated parts.its been customize all ready, maybe wheels, paint & some interior work. Keep on Truckin''

01-26-2011, 06:28 PM	#22
glowins10 Registered User Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Newton, IL Posts: 38	Re: My Custom 51 Find and Future build! I finally got some time last night to work on the the 51. To my surprise it started right up! When I was looking over the front end I noticed a slightly worn ball joint. I am planning on replacing it. However, I have no idea what type of front end this is out of. Can anyone help? Also, does anyone know what this rear end is? I couldn't find any casting info on it.

01-26-2011, 07:31 PM	#23
oldschool53_BBC Registered User Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: Orlando FL Posts: 36	Re: My Custom 51 Find and Future build! very nice!!!!!!!!!! __________________ 1953 BBC 3100 427 T-400 12 Bolt Al

01-29-2011, 10:53 PM	#24
WIDESIDE72 Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Cedar Park, Texas Posts: 7,500	Re: My Custom 51 Find and Future build! Cool!

02-07-2011, 07:34 PM	#25
glowins10 Registered User Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Newton, IL Posts: 38	Re: My Custom 51 Find and Future build! I have been trying to find out what front suspension this truck has under it and have not had any luck! Maybe someone here can help me out? There are pictures in my previous post. Also, here is another that might help. I am trying to figure out what kind of ball joints I need and I would also like to lower it about 1-2 inchs.

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