1948 Chevy project

[J48chevy]

Thanks. Going to do the bear claw install as well. Right now the plans are to use the 700r4 auto trans with it. Still a lot of time to decide as my build is going slow but then again I am in no hurry.

[99 to Life]

hey guys, don't wanna hijack you here. but I feel your pain on the doors. I can't even tell you how much work goes into those, its alot. anyway. I did up a prototype bolt on kit. I'm going to have these made in bulk eventually. It uses a large bear claw. I was able to get the inner door handles to work on opening and for the outside its just a pull handle (handle is stationary). The system uses an actuator in the door to pop open the latch. Similar to shaved handles, but you actually have a handle. There is a video on my build on page 27 post #674, and pics on #671. build page is in my signature the 49'

Something to think about. I'v seen guys use 52-55 door handles and put a momentary switch in the button, so it looks stock, but when you press the button it activates the actuator and pops the lock open.

as for inner and outter door skins. I made both on my last project. The outter can def be a pain. you'd need a slip roll or something to shape the metal. I see outter skins for like $30 a piece, thought about tryin them out to save a little time. The inner skin is really easy to make. It is nice to have the door all cut up so you can actually get in there and coat the inside of it.

[J48chevy]

Thanks. I will check that out on your page.

[J48chevy]

I was able to get the cab floor done and put chassis saver on floor and bottom. Also made a seat frame and mocked up my seats. Making slow progress. Hoping to get my LS motor installed in the next 2-3 weeks.

[J48chevy]

Floor pic

[Dan in Pasadena]

Haven't been back to your thread in awhile. Looks like you're really making progress. I've still not welded in my IFS as my project took a turn and is now a frame off and the cab and doors are in the bodyshop.

What are your seats from? They're very nice looking as is. Do you plan to keep or remove the headrests? Any details on how they mount?

[J48chevy]

Thanks. Seats are out of a 2008 impala ss. I am not sure if I will keep head rests or not. As for seat mounting, I had to fabricate a frame to bolt to seat then floor. I have the drivers side done now need to do one for other seat. Good thing is seats have all power options and heat which I will hook up.

[J48chevy]

A few steps forward. Fitting the LS. Think I am going to like it.

[J48chevy]

One more pic.

[J48chevy]

Well as I have said many times, it's a slow build. Haha. Here are a few pics from some body work. Hoping to have cab wrapped up in a few weeks and get it back on the chassis.

[oldman3]

Looks great...Jim

[youngrodder]

The body work looks great.

Marc

[99 to Life]

mighty clean.

[cwii]

J48,
I like where this is heading and it is looking good.I am in the early stages of a similar build with a 47 long bed,LS3,TR6060, and a had a question about your wheel base. in a previous post you mentioned 129 in; did that center the tire in the rear well? mine is at 127 but I do not have a bed as of yet to mock up .
Maybe some day I will learn how to attach pix and a post couple of my own.
Thanks, Chuck

[J48chevy]

cwii,
Cannot wait to see some pics from yours. Mine is a really slow build as it is my first. Learning as I go and asking lots of questions. Anyhow my wheel base is due to me moving the rear end back so my rear wheels are centered in the wheel well. These truck all have the rear tire set to the front of the wheel well and I liked the center better. Especially since I am running bigger tires. Right now I have 18's but am concidering 20's also.

[JSavoie]

This project was very interesting. What happened in the last 6 months please?

[J48chevy]

Not much as it might be the slowest build ever. Haha. Just not much time. I will post a few pics as the body is getting ready to go back on and I will start running electrical and doing interior.

[lower50's]

Slow is better than stopped.

[J48chevy]

👍🏼

[joedoh]

Originally Posted by lower50's

Slow is better than stopped.

agreed! just dont slow down for decades

looking good!

[J48chevy]

Made some more progress today on the wheel tubs. I used trailer finders and cut them down. 3" wide gives me plenty of clearance. Now I am trying to decide wood floor or a steel one that I can get Rhino lined the same color as the truck. I really like the wood bed look but worried about maintaining it since I want to use this truck to haul things. Still have plenty of time to decide.

[northern 49]

Originally Posted by J48chevy

Not much as it might be the slowest build ever. Haha. Just not much time. I will post a few pics as the body is getting ready to go back on and I will start running electrical and doing interior.

Nice build! I hear ya about "the slowest build ever" thats how I feel about mine! There just never seems to be enough time for these things, I have three kids all in sports,work and home renovations but I always try to do something on my truck if I find even an hour or so. A little progress is better than no progress.

[99 to Life]

no need to rush quality work. hahhah I think many of us have been in your shoes. My first two projects, I'd get anxiety if I missed a weekend to work on them. My current project (smoothest going one yet) I'v taken months off and then I start getting like, ok its time to put aside all my other issues and get back on this thing. You'll get there.

[Chevy83]

Nice build, looking good. Where did u find those bed sides at? I need some for mine also.

[99 to Life]

looks great