Oh No It Was An Accident! REALLY!

[imjeff]

Congrats! Definitely get a trailer with brakes! I'm from Wyoming and have made that trip. It's what used to be called the high plains. Pinedale is over 7000 feet in elevation and it's not the highest point! When you drop off the state into Utah it's like you're driving straight down hill forever! Very beautiful country so try to take a couple days and enjoy it! The wind blows like crazy through there, too, so don't plan on averaging high mph. Again, it's beautiful, but like a beautiful woman, she'll gut you like a hog if you don't respect her. Last time I went through there the wind was blowing snow across I-80 about 700 miles an hour, my power steering was out, it was white out conditions except for the black smoke I was putting out from the altitude and I think it was uphill both ways! This is a much nicer time of year! I'm envious of both your truck and your trip! Good luck!

[CaliforniaDaddy]

Originally Posted by imjeff

Congrats! Definitely get a trailer with brakes! I'm from Wyoming and have made that trip. It's what used to be called the high plains. Pinedale is over 7000 feet in elevation and it's not the highest point! When you drop off the state into Utah it's like you're driving straight down hill forever! Very beautiful country so try to take a couple days and enjoy it! The wind blows like crazy through there, too, so don't plan on averaging high mph. Again, it's beautiful, but like a beautiful woman, she'll gut you like a hog if you don't respect her. Last time I went through there the wind was blowing snow across I-80 about 700 miles an hour, my power steering was out, it was white out conditions except for the black smoke I was putting out from the altitude and I think it was uphill both ways! This is a much nicer time of year! I'm envious of both your truck and your trip! Good luck!

OMG..man I think I just peed a little. That sounds scary as hell!!

[bubba1955]

Call around to several vehicle transport companies. Had my '72 Vette brought from Phoenix to Portland Oregon for $600. And they're insured to the hilt.

[MidLifer]

First of all, screaming deal. Especially if you got a title.

Secondly, I'm with bubba - look into getting it shipped. The two issues are that it is inop and probably the brakes don't work, and those extra parts will need to be lashed down or a trucker won't take them. Some guys don't touch inops (cars that don't run) no matter what, others just add a hundy or two to the price. But when you calculate your time and the wear and tear on your vehicle making the trip, you're almost always better off shipping if you can.

www.transportreviews.com is a great site to find shippers and brokers. Don't bother with the big guys like DAS and Alpine, they won't touch this and they are too expensive. Look for a small broker. If you want a recommendation, I use Henry Metzger (www.hjmshipping.com), he loves a challenge. He got an inop shipped from nowhere Oregon to me in NJ last year.

Nice score!

Jim

[bubba1955]

MidLifer is correct. My Vette didn't have the eng. or trans. in it when shipped. Cost an extra $100, bringing the total to $600. Was still the cheapest and easiest way to get it there.

[Highsider]

I know a car hauler in So Cal with a 25-ft enclosed trailer.
He hauls vintage Porsche cars, so you have to tell him the OA height.
He could carry it all inside.

PM for his 714 phone number.

[CaliforniaDaddy]

I can get my hands on an LS swap from a a buddy of of a 2004 Chevy Tahoe,
5.3L engine 4l60E 2wd trans, ECU, full wire harness for $800.00 I pull. Would this be good candidate for the 50?

[MidLifer]

That's a good price if the mileage isn't too high. Some of the SUVs came with aluminum blocks, while the pickups had iron blocks with aluminum heads. Some guys say the iron blocks are better but I have no experience, I've just been researching a LS swap for my 71. It would make your truc into a nice DD if you are up for the wiring and plumbing required to do a LS swap.

The LS engines were built for a 400K mile lifecycle. My neighbor's 02 burb has almost 300K and just started to make lifter noise but otherwise has served him well with zero engine trouble.

[CaliforniaDaddy]

Originally Posted by MidLifer

That's a good price if the mileage isn't too high. Some of the SUVs came with aluminum blocks, while the pickups had iron blocks with aluminum heads. Some guys say the iron blocks are better but I have no experience, I've just been researching a LS swap for my 71. It would make your truc into a nice DD if you are up for the wiring and plumbing required to do a LS swap.

The LS engines were built for a 400K mile lifecycle. My neighbor's 02 burb has almost 300K and just started to make lifter noise but otherwise has served him well with zero engine trouble.

would I be able to use the matching 4L60E trans as well you think?
Im trying to figure out what would be best. using my frame and swapping in the LS, or doing the full S10 swap. Or slapping in a standard 350SBC. From the pictures I got from the seller, looks like someone put a V8 black in it already. I wonder if the transmission that's in the truck is a 3 speed or 4 speed.

[CaliforniaDaddy]

Also will the 53 chevy 5 window parts fit my 50? like doors, bumper,grill ,fenders

[solidaxel]

Originally Posted by CaliforniaDaddy

I can get my hands on an LS swap from a a buddy of of a 2004 Chevy Tahoe,
5.3L engine 4l60E 2wd trans, ECU, full wire harness for $800.00 I pull. Would this be good candidate for the 50?

That is the BEST combo out there!!
Build a good chassis and you are good for another 60 years.

[solidaxel]

Originally Posted by CaliforniaDaddy

would I be able to use the matching 4L60E trans as well you think?
Im trying to figure out what would be best. using my frame and swapping in the LS, or doing the full S10 swap. Or slapping in a standard 350SBC. From the pictures I got from the seller, looks like someone put a V8 black in it already. I wonder if the transmission that's in the truck is a 3 speed or 4 speed.

Use your chassis, this site has all the info you need just spend the next 6 mo. forming a opinion and save your lunch money!
that is the route I am going LS and 4l603 in a 46 chevy 1/2 ton

[jremig]

I do believe all part from a 53 are intercangable to your 50, i have a 52 with the nose from a 54 on her. Yes im keeping the 54 grill and such, kind of grown to like it better

[CaliforniaDaddy]

Originally Posted by solidaxel

Use your chassis, this site has all the info you need just spend the next 6 mo. forming a opinion and save your lunch money!
that is the route I am going LS and 4l603 in a 46 chevy 1/2 ton

Oh nice! so I would be able to keep my chassis! I guess from there I would need to mix and match rear end and front end parts right? I would want to have power steering and brakes with Disc up front.

[Softpatch]

this is why you don't drink and surf E-bay

that being said SCORE.!

....I have bought a couple Dime store cars on ebay some crushed some sold and one I kept

[CaliforniaDaddy]

Thanks! I'm pretty excited to go and bring her home

[CaliforniaDaddy]

Im so Bad. I haven't even got the truck home yet and I already picked up some parts from a guy off CraigsList. I think I got a decent deal. All look like good "Driver" condition. Door is solid no dents and only light surface rust.

Hope you all dont mind pictures, Im a picture guy! I love seeing pictures.

51 Passenger side door
50 From Original Grill
51 Front Bumper

[CaliforniaDaddy]

And a few more

[speesh]

Man, you are finding some good deals!
I used a transporter once, I had a Firebird with no engine, trans or interior. Sold it to a guy in New York for $400. (I only paid $50). Anyway, because I went through a broker, the driver didn't know what he was picking up- when he saw it, he said " No way that hunk of junk is going in my truck! I have polished wood floors! I haul million dollar Ferraris!". Then he went back to his truck! This was a huge 18 wheeler, think it was Horseless Carriage Transport.
Well I guess he called someone, because fifteen minutes later he was back at my door apologizing. He ended up hauling off my derelict Firebird in his high dollar transporter. Even gave me a tour of his truck. Pretty nice guy, it turned out.

[solidaxel]

Originally Posted by CaliforniaDaddy

Oh nice! so I would be able to keep my chassis! I guess from there I would need to mix and match rear end and front end parts right? I would want to have power steering and brakes with Disc up front.

Look at all the front suspension (Complete package)
vendors, weld in Vs. bolt in
70's Camaro, Buick, Monet Carlo, Pontiac, and even Ford
All the info you need is here just start reading!

[CaliforniaDaddy]

LOL thats is too funny!!!

[1project2many]

Check with towing laws in each state you are passing through. Some states do not allow dolly towing. Some states require you to stop at weigh stations any time you are pulling a trailer. Some may require trailer brakes (a great idea regardless). Check out the laws so you know what to expect.

Also, some states require a plate (temp or regular) on any vehicle with wheels on the ground. And your vehicle insurance might not cover an unregistered vehicle being towed on the road like a trailer.

I flat towed my '57 from NE to MT years ago but today I wouldn't try to get that lucky again. I've heard too many stories to believe it would work out twice.

[CaliforniaDaddy]

Originally Posted by solidaxel

That is the BEST combo out there!!
Build a good chassis and you are good for another 60 years.

Well Well Look what I pulled out yesterday. took my 5+ hrs all by my self but I got it out safe and sound.

2003 Chevy Tahoe LM7 Engine with all Accessories and the 4L60E trans + wire harness + ECU +Mass Air Flow Sensor + gas pedal + jumper wire and Throttle control box + driveshaft + Cats and 02 sensors all for $800.00 Truck has 62,337 miles on it.

[CaliforniaDaddy]

and a few more

[MidLifer]

You got a great deal on that engine/trans combo! Good luck with the build!