49' 3600 to S10 Build

[a5Ben]

I guess its time to start an official place to document my build.

First a little about the truck. I have been waiting for my chance to buy this truck for around 10 years. It has sat behind a cousin of my wife's house since the early nineties when the son of the original owner passed away. When the grandson of the original owner passed away the executor of his estate told me that he was instructed to give me the fist right of refusal. Of course I took it!

This is what it looked like the day I "drug" it home.






So far I have collected a few parts to start work on getting the truck back on the road:

SBC350
700R4


S10 Ext Cab Rolling Chassis


S10 Master
S10 Brake Bracket
TA Posi Rear End


After weighing all of the options and laying out rough costs I decided to go the S10 route instead of keeping the original 3/4ton chassis and running gear. This will give me an updated suspension with new brakes and power steering. The chassis under this truck is in EXCELLENT condition and I actually already have a local buyer for it when I remove the body. He's building a 50' dually.....

I'll be working on this project with my 9 year old son and hope to have it on the road this winter.

[a5Ben]

Here's my son learning to weld by building the new cab mounts for the S10 swap.






Next up: Pulling the body off of the old frame... Fun stuff

[53GMC]

wow! looks like you got some good help in the shop! and that truck looks great! what made you want to do the swap to it?

[britnjc]

I want to see more pics of the car in your garage......:P

[a5Ben]

53, Like I said I weighed all the options side by side comparing costs etc and decided that I would be happier in the end with the S10 chassis. It's not all about resale value, although I think that the ruck will be more desirable to someone like me who wants to drive it everyday!

I have the little Bugeye in the background for the "good" weather. Thats the only time it gets driven... Only has 450 miles on it and it was completed in 2007.


Ben

[a5Ben]

Spent 6 hours or so today stripping down the 3600. I got everything off except the cab. It's unbolted and ready to come off the next good day that I get.

Here are a few pics, nothing real interesting........

[a5Ben]

No big updates here. I was able to get ahold of a Camaro rear end yesterday for $50 delivered. Hope to get the cab moved over soon so I can start installing mounts.

[a5Ben]

Got the cab off today and sitting close to the right spot. I think I might wind up using the stock rear cab mounts even though I made up the new ones. They just seem so simple and just work.

Here are a few pics:







Ben

[53GMC]

Loving this build!! keep up the good work!

[1952ssr]

OOOOOOOOOOOO yea. Lookin' good.

[WIDESIDE72]

Keep up the good work!