1981 Chevrolet C50 Pick-up Conversion

[UPNADM]

Well the weather is great up here in Ontario. Got the big door open in the shop, this is a little weird, ha but I am not complaining. I didn't get much done over the weekend, but back at it for the week.

I am just about ready to get this truck in primer. I am just in the process of straightening out some dents.

Here are some photos...

[UPNADM]

I got the hydraulic pump and tank pulled off the truck now. Planning on building a dump trailer with the box.

[UPNADM]

Got a few more things blasted up and ready for paint from the engine compartment.

Also got the gas tank pulled off to sand up and paint high gloss black.

[matchstick321]

Likin' it so far!

[UPNADM]

The truck is officially ready for primer, everything is sanded, straightened etc.

I am planning on priming the truck on Saturday.

In the mean time I wanted to see what I was up against for shortening the truck. I am planning on moving the differential and springs and hangers forward.

So with that in mind, I have to cut rivets..... The other night I got out my CH air hammer, and nothing... ha.

I ended up cutting a rivet head off with a torch... and thought I could push it out... no luck.

I ended up buying a CP and man, what a difference. It cut the rivet heads off like sheet metal, and poped those pins out like a 12 guage. It took about a half an hour to zip off a shackle. I am impressed.

[UPNADM]

I plan to get my frame shortened up within the week. The weather is getting nice here and I am ready to drive this truck.

The new hammer will put me a head of schedule now. I have a mag drill lined up to drill the new holes and will cut the tail of the frame off.

[chevy427big block]

nice shop man

[UPNADM]

Originally Posted by chevy427big block

nice shop man

Thanks... It sold me on the property, wife liked that it had a dishwasher, win win for both of us...ha!

[madcow75]

LMFAO a dish washer and a killer shop. Okay who wins. She is a keeper.

[UPNADM]

Slow start to the weekend, but got some accomplished this afternoon.

Got the truck out in the driveway, washed it down with hot water, soap and degreaser. Brought it back in, wiped it, tacked it and primed it.

Feel like I am making some progress now... The interior and jambs are ready for primer, hopefully tomorrow night.

[hopelessredneck]

so i may have missed an earlier post but what are the plans for behind the cab a normal box or a work box??

[UPNADM]

Originally Posted by hopelessredneck

so i may have missed an earlier post but what are the plans for behind the cab a normal box or a work box??

I will be shortening the wheelbase to fit a dually box.

[East End K5]

looks great man! Anyway to relocate the fuel tank like the traditional squares? I may have missed a thread if you already said....I may have to do a C50 conversion in the future....I LOVE how the truck sits and the stance of the truck with a dually bed on it.....one tough truck!

[UPNADM]

Originally Posted by East End K5

looks great man! Anyway to relocate the fuel tank like the traditional squares? I may have missed a thread if you already said....I may have to do a C50 conversion in the future....I LOVE how the truck sits and the stance of the truck with a dually bed on it.....one tough truck!

Anything is possible, and there is enough room, however I think I will likely keep the stock setup for now.

[UPNADM]

Late night tonight, but got the inside of the cab in primer. I primed the roof, I am hoping that a regular headliner will fit, I cant remember... I wanted to have back up in case it did not. As previously mentioned, I plan to paint the interior the same as the exterior. Not sure about dash/door panels/seat and trim color yet. Thinking either black or saddle. Either will go with the yellow.

Now ready for the fun stuff... shortening! I hope to have the rivets cut and differential brought forward by the weekend, and have my box sitting in mock position.

Then prep the box, and get it all together for paint...

[JRANGER]

dayum!!! hey jealousy

[JRANGER]

Your really painting the whole thing yellow?

[UPNADM]

Originally Posted by JRANGER

Your really painting the whole thing yellow?

Ha... Yes sir, love bright colors. I usually paint my trucks blue. Thought I would step outside the box.

Yellow body, black undercarriage. Black fuel tank, black drivers step. Yellow wheels, black hubs and spike lugs.

That is what I envision.

[JRANGER]

sounds nice but too much yellow...Black wheels would be better but you do what you do man...Im sure it will be nice

[UPNADM]

Originally Posted by JRANGER

sounds nice but too much yellow...Black wheels would be better but you do what you do man...Im sure it will be nice

I should mention that my business colors are yellow and black. I plan on doing some subtle advertising with this machine.

Not a 100% on the yellow wheels, lots to do before that... ha.

[JRANGER]

well good job so far....

[colgad]

My 72 C50 Project
Was a 218" wheel base box truck, with 4 drive shalf's.
Rebuilding the brakes was a real pain.
Working on the body now, paint maybe next week.

[East End K5]

i wish there was a way to get those tires and rims on a K30....i love how high it looks with factory wheels.

[colgad]

Originally Posted by East End K5

i wish there was a way to get those tires and rims on a K30....i love how high it looks with factory wheels.

Thanks for the comments!
The rear end is a two speed and the high side is a 6.30, I need to replace the trans with a 5 speed overdrive or an auto/w/od to get over 50 mph. Not real sure which way to go. It does look cool but running around town is another thing.

[UPNADM]

Originally Posted by colgad

My 72 C50 Project
Was a 218" wheel base box truck, with 4 drive shalf's.
Rebuilding the brakes was a real pain.
Working on the body now, paint maybe next week.

Nice ride, I cannot wait to get the box mounted and get a real life feel for how it will look.