My New TF build project NIGHTMARE

[Wbrown]

Well sold my 6 year 71 c-10 project,so moving on to my 55 3100 short bed. This is a running driving rig straight 6 and 3 speed very very little rust and yes I have the bed and emblems . Doors open and close perfectly, Windows work perfectly, I can't believe how lucky I got. What do you guys think I should do? Sub frame swap, Mustang II, build a chassi ,or s10 frame swap. I already had a motor and trans built for it 391 stroker ,and 350 trans, got all the lights working even gauge lights. My buddies keep saying put the bed on and drive ito, but Im not much into stock or original.

[Daze57]

wbrown
imo i say take your time and decide where you really wanna go with this project .
there are soooooo many ideas out ther and plenty of forum help --- if your budget allows -- go for the susp, you really like ...bagged or not --either way ;it looks like you are off to a good start ,, keep us posted !!! good luck

[lynx5653]

s10 is way to narrow.

[Wbrown]

Yeah I'm usually pretty patient, but since my last one took so long figure I better speed this one up. I have the money for an IFS from tci already, just haven't decided if that's the route to take. Got really lucky tonight these hail storms today produced large egg sized hail got down to pea size right before it hit us.

[Nut Case]

"W" The battery tie down and steering wheel cover are stellar..
Drive it a while, look at some threads that have done a host of different suspensions.
I have done a MII, 52 F1, the son in laws, 55 F100 welder series my son, both worked out very well. my 57 GMC is going to get 93 C-5 both front and rear. Never never measure to much. mostly you make yours. this is th fun part out and making it flow..Best of luck Enjoy Nut Case

[Kim57]

Looks like a great truck to start with.
As others have said there are ton of ways you can go with the suspension and they all have pluses and minuses to them.
Figure out what you want and go from there.
Kim

[Advanced Design]

Another alternative is to buy a complete chassis from No Limit, Fat Man, Art Morrison etc. While it might seem expensive, total up all the parts you need for IFS and a good rear set up, crossmembers, boxing plates, plus the time and tools needed and it could get close in price. Plus save a ton of time. Just a thought for your analysis.

[Wbrown]

Appreciate the input guys, I was looking at the M-II fronts today at pates swap meet. They just look sweet and install seems so easy. Haven't pulled the trigger yet, but I did buy new back glass rubber new door seals and passenger floor board cab mounts section. Also looked at new windshield wipers motor and some headlight bezels. I'll let yall know tomorrow what all I get. Is anyone else at PATES this weekend?

[Wbrown]

Just got home from Texas motor Speedway it was a good weekend. Lots of awesome rigs, and parts man if only I had about 40grand extra. Anyways got some pics of the rusty area to be cut out to make room for the new floor section.

[Kim57]

New parts re always nice.
Kim

[Wbrown]

Well got started on the floorboards my advice go slow and recheck your measurements. Also watch for your floor bracing and fender mounts, I cut mine out in four sections to make it easier to see what I was doing. Should be welded out tomorrow, I got some goodies from the machine shop today I'll post pics later. Vroom Vroom!!!!

[Wbrown]

Had to post up these awesome seat belts, not something you see everyday. I guess the previous owner was worried about getting a ticket.

[dug224]

Geez. Having just installed my seat belts, knowing there is a chance they won't work strucuturally even though they are welded in, there is no question as to how these would have perform. Enjoying the build. dug

[Kim57]

That's pretty weird.
Kim

[Wbrown]

Well floor is about done, crawling underneath let me see this little jewel on bottom of the passenger door... Lucky me ! Oh well I'll get a patch on order soon as I can and do some more work .

[Kim57]

Ive seen worse.
Seems you have the skills to fix what ever comes your way.
Kim

[Wbrown]

Thanks Kim, I just faked it till I made it. BTW you have an awesome build going I don't know how you keep rolling my last burnt me out so many times, I can't even count them all.

[Wbrown]

Here's those goodies I was talking about. My new Slayer 750 from quick fuel. KRC race pump for all your power steering needs. Street fire HEI distributor and that 391 stroker motor all eagle internals built vortec heads ported all you can get out of them. Has been ran on the stand to break in cam. I can't wait to get to the install.

[Kim57]

New shiny parts are always cool.
Kim

[Wbrown]

Been a slow couple days changed plugs, new valve cover gasket, and like I told my friends paint is like a new pair of shoes. You can look all day but until you try them on you don't know if you like em, I'm kinda digging it I think flat clear will look good over it.

[Kim57]

Nice color.
Kim

[Wbrown]

Well been kinda slow with all these oklahoma storms, but started tearing the front down this is for the idiots like me who start stuff in the dark. I was busting the nuts and bolts loose on the radiator , and I was fighting the ones on the inside on the frame core support. After busted and bloody hands I decided to wait until day time, we'll they are double nutted , I'm sure most of you know this but since it's my first 55 I didn't, just thought I would throw it out there even if it helps one person I think it's worth posting...

[Dan in Pasadena]

Originally Posted by Wbrown

Well been kinda slow with all these oklahoma storms, but started tearing the front down this is for the idiots like me who start stuff in the dark. I was busting the nuts and bolts loose on the radiator , and I was fighting the ones on the inside on the frame core support. After busted and bloody hands I decided to wait until day time, we'll they are double nutted , I'm sure most of you know this but since it's my first 55 I didn't, just thought I would throw it out there even if it helps one person I think it's worth posting...

Nearly every bolt I took off my '55 broke due to 6 decades of rust when I tore it down for paint. I had the bloody knuckles too.

I like the color and I think flat will look good but I admit I like shiny shiny paint! lol.

[Wbrown]

Here's the bolt

[Wbrown]

I'll post these in stages this is the headlight removal. Easiest to remove gauge cluster which is straight forward reach inside and feel head light switch housing. There is a button on top pull headlight switch knob out like you are turning on lights, then unscrew the bezel on out side I had to tap mine around with a flat tip to get it started but unscrewed easily. Hope this helps someone out.