51 3100 build help

[a12]

Hey Gang,

My name is Dave and I'm a new member here. I am going to be starting in on a 51' 3100 for a customer and have a few questions for you guys. The truck is all original right now, down to the stovebolt and one piece rear axle. He wants me to do an S-10 frame swap, but I'd like to see about just doing some nice upgrades on the truck as it sits now to keep it on it's original chassis. Mainly, I'd like to see the price difference between the two and even if some things are even plausible to do. I see they make power brake upgrades, but what about power steering? Are there some different boxes like the 605 and such that will bolt in with some mods?

I'm finishing up my 56 Nomad and once that's done I'll be into this truck around the first of the year. Thanks men!! (and women)

Hasta la Pasta

[reid601]

Your best bet will be running a Mustang II IFS imo. You can pick your lug patterns, optional power or manual rack, drop spindals, etc.... If the frame is in good shape I'd just keep and and do the following... Just my 2 cents. Good luck with whatever you pick man!

[gag1025]

The original Chevy frame is much stronger than either the S10 or Mustang II. My '53 Chevy truck has the original frame and I am glad I kept it this way. My next steps are to add 4 Wheel Power Disc Brakes, Rack & Pinion Steering and Vintage Air system. I am in the process of relocating the gas tank to under the bed as well as install bucket seats from a 2005 Chevy Silverado and a 9" console I bought (I think it was made for a Jeep).

[Rude Dude]

Not to be rude are we talking suspensions or frames here? Mustang II's use orginal frames

Originally Posted by gag1025

The original Chevy frame is much stronger than either the S10 or Mustang II. My '53 Chevy truck has the original frame and I am glad I kept it this way. My next steps are to add 4 Wheel Power Disc Brakes, Rack & Pinion Steering and Vintage Air system. I am in the process of relocating the gas tank to under the bed as well as install bucket seats from a 2005 Chevy Silverado and a 9" console I bought (I think it was made for a Jeep).

[Rude Dude]

If you are doing it for a customer give him what he wants, price wise when you add new chassis parts versus frame swap, they will both come out even when factor your labor cost. A friend is having a Mustang II welded in Phoenix Az and was quoted $1500 to $1900 from different shops.

Originally Posted by a12

Hey Gang,

My name is Dave and I'm a new member here. I am going to be starting in on a 51' 3100 for a customer and have a few questions for you guys. The truck is all original right now, down to the stovebolt and one piece rear axle. He wants me to do an S-10 frame swap, but I'd like to see about just doing some nice upgrades on the truck as it sits now to keep it on it's original chassis. Mainly, I'd like to see the price difference between the two and even if some things are even plausible to do. I see they make power brake upgrades, but what about power steering? Are there some different boxes like the 605 and such that will bolt in with some mods?

I'm finishing up my 56 Nomad and once that's done I'll be into this truck around the first of the year. Thanks men!! (and women)

Hasta la Pasta

[solidaxel]

Welcome from So Arizona.

Labor on a S-10 change over will be high for the owner, good for you but might be un happy customer!
Take a look at the different IFS kits on the market, and factor in the FINISHED cost for all the parts and pieces dowto the wheels and tires.
If the truck is going to be used and driven daily with A/C you will want Power Rack and Pinion.
The least labor on a install was the Scotts Hot Rod IFS as everything is already attached to the crossmember and included in his "kit"

[1952ssr]

My '52 is a S10 swap and I too weighed out all options except Scott's kit cause I didn't know about it. But, I still think I would have done it like I did. To find a 83-93 S10 for 500 or under to me is the way to go. You already have all the componates you need to have an ungraded chassis front to back and the S10's mounting brackets can be cut off and reused. With the MII sure everything is new but it's over 1,000 dollars (which could be spent on the powertrain), Scott's is a great kit for the price but then you have to buy all the a-arms, coils, spindles, brakes and lines. Then you still have to find a rearend. Labor is gonna be an expense no matter which route is choosen.

[a12]

Thanks guys for the suggestions. We're going back and forth on a few things, and I'm trying to reach his budget (or should I say, come down to it). There's several roads I can take on this I guess, and the reality of it all is he says it's supposed to be a daily ride for his wife, but when it's all said and done it'll just be used on nice days to go to Lowe's and such. Once I start adding parts to make it a daily driver and show him what that stuff costs (in addition to his suggested S-10 swap), plans change and change fast. People don't seem to realize parts cost money and it's not cheap to retrofit things no matter how many times the instructions say, "Will bolt in, no modification required." So I'm trying to give him some options I know he'd want for his wife and other stuff he can upgrade later. Right now I'm looking at upgrading the brakes, adding power steering, converting it to a 350/350, adding a Classic Update 12V harness and a Raingear wiper system. AC, PW, and all that other stuff can be done later. The body needs a lot of work too, and paint of course, so right there with rust repair and paint, we're over $10K. It adds up fast!

What other good sources are out there for suspension kits, power steering kits, motor mount swaps? I have LMC and Eckler's catalogs. Any other good parts houses out there you guys recommend?

Thanks guys. Cheers

[gag1025]

The Truck Shop (www.truckandcarshop.com) is a great source for parts. I am lucky that there is a parts store Dave's Truck Parts in Claremont, NC (828)695-8144) that specializes in '47-'98 Chevy/GMC trucks. He has everything the others have and can get anything I see in another catalog. Plus he is cheaper than nthe others and if I go pick them up he is a lot cheaper. He has several classic Chevy trucks. I am going up next week and will take some pictures of one of his finished trucks that is a show truck. It is for sale but I would be afraid to drive it and that is not what I want. I want a great looking truck that I can drive from time to time and take to shows. If I win great but if I don't win that will be great as well. My sole purpose in spending the money to restore this '53 Chevy 3100 is so that I can enjoy it. I can find no joy in letting my truck sit in a garage and only come out for shows. Life is too short. I had rather enjoy it than win a trophy. I wish they had seperate classes for drivers and non drivers and check the mileage at each show to make sure they are what they claim to be.

[gag1025]

Fatman Fabrications is another good source if you need a frame.

http://fatmanfab.com/
http://fatmanfab.com/34_59_GM_PU.php

[handyhands]

gag1025 where is Dave's truck parts ?

[gag1025]

Handyhands

Dave's Truck Parts is in Claremont, NC (828)695-8144) and specializes in '47-'98 Chevy/GMC trucks. He has everything the others have and can get anything I see in another catalog. Plus he is cheaper than the others and if I go pick them up he is a lot cheaper. Claremont is off I-40 between Statesville and Hickory. About an hour from you. BTW what classic vehicle(s) do you have? Do you ever go to the Drive Ins in Reidsville? I have never been but plan on going when I get my '53 Chevy truck back together. I did take it to the Graham Car show. My plans this spring are to take it to several even though I am not finished with it. Gibsonville has one as well as there is one at Holly Hill Mall in Burlington. I took my bike last spring ('79 Triumph Bonneville). The proceeds go to Hospice. great event for a great organization. I would like to see pictures of you vehicles. My email address is gag1025@yahoo.com. I live off HW 61 between Reidsville and Gibsonville.