Introduction of sorts......

[GhostTown]

Hello.

I've been posting over on the H.A.M.B. boards a bit, and recently found these forums so I thought I'd sign up and introduce myself.

I'm presently doing my best to put together a '50 Chevy. It's been a crazy ordeal from the very beginning, but I'm finally beginning to get somewhere. I've been researching my butt off and have really begun to figure out how to go about doing things the right way, I think. The truck is thankfully no longer under my immediate care, as I've found a professional to do all of the heavy fabricating and fixing from here forward. I'm still quite involved though, and I'm learning a lot.

Below is a pic of how my truck presently sits. It has a '79 F-bird clip, triangulated 4 bar, 10 bolt posi with discs, shockwave air ride, and 350 SBC with a 5 speed.

There is a way to go with it yet, but it will be on the road in full paint, trim and interior this summer, or fall at the latest after 5 years.




I'd love to go through a bit of a Q and A session with some guys who know what the hell they are doing.

[waybad]

nice build,, keep at it!

[GhostTown]

Thanks.

I'm curious what anyone might think of the transmission in this truck. I haven't seen anyone else have a tranny from another full size truck. Maybe I'm wrong though.

The tranny and engine you see in this frame, came from the truck in the background. It's a hydraulic clutched five speed. Is this crazy? I've seen no other trucks with such a set up.

[waybad]

I saw on the hamb about the s10 5sp swap and did it on my truck(55 2nd)
not like yours, I had a 92 with the same trans,, don't let it run low on fluid

[GhostTown]

Thanks for the tip.

I must have posted this on the wrong board. If so, I apologize.

[RootBeer 6117]

Welcome, it looks like you are in the right place,sometimes we are a little slow but there are a lot of folks that like to help on here. Post your questions someone should be able to help.
Nothings crazy or we are all crazy,Id got for it and post a lot of pictures on how you make it work.
Joe

[solidaxel]

.............. WELCOME !!

The only problem I could see is the gear shift clearing the seat and the top of the transmission clearing the firewall, other than that run what you have !

[LEEVON]

Welcome! I've been watching your build on the HAMB now I can keep track of it easier! I like your rear suspension version 3, looks good.

[pgf545]

Welcome!!! Post as many questions as you want. I am doing a 52...take a look at my build thread and if you see anything that piques your interest let me know.

Bernie

[GhostTown]

Thank you for all the welcomes.

Below is an image of how the rear end turned out. The tanks (two 2 gallon tanks) and two compressors are going to be installed on each side of the drive line. We're (the guy who took over the build for me and I) talking about running a two piece drive line. I've never seen it done on anyone elses truck, but it's what he has in his '61 Impala and says it would be the best way for me to go without cutting a tunnel in the cab.

[ratrodmiller]

How many gallans is that gas tank? Whats it go in?

[GhostTown]

Originally Posted by ratrodmiller

How many gallans is that gas tank? Whats it go in?

It's a 19 gallon rear mount tank for a '73-'79 Ford truck.

I bought it through LMC.

http://www.lmctruck.com/icatalog/fc/full.aspx?Page=39

[cap n crunch]

GhostTown could you post the dimensions on that tank?

[GhostTown]

I would be more than happy to, except that right now the truck isn't in my possession. I might be able to get measurements on Monday, and I'll post them then.

In the mean time, here is another angle of it. It sits between the stock frame rails very nicely.

[bwilli2]

Are you going to run the filler neck out the bedside or up through the bed floor?

[GhostTown]

I haven't tackled that plan yet. We're going to raise the bed floor three inches first, and then I'll see what works best from there. It will most likely be something in the bed floor, with a small flush mounted door.

[VA72C10]

Awesome build! Keep us up to speed! As I mentioned in the paint plans, I think your plans for this are AWESOME!

[bobinbc]

Welcome to the board! Looks like you have it nearly done. I think that trans will be fine, I've considered using the same but they want a small fortune for them around here, I picked up my rebuilt 700r4 cheap ($300).

[GhostTown]

Turns out the tranny is a 1996 GM NV3500. Syncromesh tranny that doesn't have any reliability issues that I've found yet, but isn't the easiest to repair if there are problems.

[ratty 46]

Nice start to a very kewl project. I dig the stick factor too.

I'm scribed.

Ratty 46

[panelrodder81]

Welcome. I use to live in Nampa and still own a home there that I rent out. It seemed that there were always nice cars/trucks running around town but I almost never saw anyone on the boards!

Nice truck/project you've got and good luck with the rest.

[GhostTown]

Originally Posted by cap n crunch

GhostTown could you post the dimensions on that tank?

Length: 2'3"
Width: 2'10" 3/4
Depth: about 1 foot. I can't do better than that until it's out of the frame again.

[GhostTown]

Originally Posted by panelrodder81

Welcome. I use to live in Nampa and still own a home there that I rent out. It seemed that there were always nice cars/trucks running around town but I almost never saw anyone on the boards!

Nice truck/project you've got and good luck with the rest.

Thanks!

You're right, there isn't a lot of bagged ANYTHING around here.

[GhostTown]

I feel funny updating this thread and the one on the H.A.M.B. too.

Mods, feel free to move this to a build forum somewhere if need be. Sorry for the misplacement.

A little update and some more pics of the chassis. They removed all of the sheet metal and engine then pressure washed everything in prep for sand blasting. The two piece drive line idea has been scrapped (thankfully) and have decided to remove the last factory cross member and build a new stronger notched one, along with completely boxing in the rest of the frame. This will make more room for the dual air tanks as well.



A 350 from a '96 GMC that is going to get the "mini rod" treatment. Vortec heads, Air Gap manifold, 600 cfm carb, mild Lunati cam, etc. Clean and simple. (EDIT: if this is the first time you've read this thread, the engine ended up being a 305 after we tore it down. One of those "DOH!" moments, if you know what I mean. Be sure to write down the casting numbers and research everything BEFORE you hand over the cash!)



Motor mounts will be brand new, along with all new F-Bird bushings. The front Shockwaves are still in the box. There was no need to dirty those up.



It's against the bushes cuz they had to get another car through this spot shortly after this was taken.

[Kabwe]

Everything is looking good, keep posting those pics.