I'm Charlie,I'm Badass,I'm building a '53 Work Truck

[CharlieSheen]

Hey,I hope I can get some good help on this forum.My upcoming project is a '53 GMC cab and nose going on a 2006 c-3500 chassis.Simple,right?

I have been getting some great info at the Stovebolt forum.It looks like the guys on this forum may be geared toward a bit more fabrication,like I have planned.I plan to build an every day work truck to be my daily driver and mule for a construction business,basically old-style look on a modern chassis and drive train.I have a ton of questions,as I get started here.Thanks!

[kcsa75]

Welcome. You're among friends here, but....

[CharlieSheen]

I will get a picture up this weekend to give you a little taste.I'm trying to gather as much info as possible for putting the '53 on a heavy chassis.12,000 lb. gross vehicle weight,this is no S-10 swap.I'm also talking about blasting everything clean once fabrication and fitting is complete,and having the truck with a showroom appearance...then take it to work,real everyday work.

[franken]

For one, I'm glad you're not trying to mate an S10 and what a 1-ton? There are lots of posts moving S10 chassis to AD bodies. It doesn't do justice to the original truck.

BTW, I'm working on an NV4500, 2.6 range box, and NP205 combo.

[CharlieSheen]

Originally Posted by franken

For one, I'm glad you're not trying to mate an S10 and what a 1-ton? There are lots of posts moving S10 chassis to AD bodies. It doesn't do justice to the original truck.

BTW, I'm working on an NV4500, 2.6 range box, and NP205 combo.

That's pretty cool.
I'm going with 2WD.I've had 4wd in several trucks and just can't justify the work,expense,maintenance and lowering of fuel mileage for myself,knowing it may be actually put to use a couple times a year.I'm building a big hunk of iron and probably will fabricate for a decent winch built into the front bumper.

I want to mate the '53 to my daily driver,a 2006 Chevy 3500.It's the wheelbase I want,has a 6.0 engine with 4L80e,4.10s and disc all around.It's got IFS and handles better than any truck I have driven,of similar size.

With the AD metal,the biggest thing for me is the width issue.I have to have the tires inside the fenders,no compromise.Even with the 2-ton wide fenders I have,I still will need another 2-3 inches per side.

[CharlieSheen]

I have some interesting photos of the ride home which was an interesting story in itself.I will post when I get home on computer...I thought I still had them on the phone.

I'll start a few threads on the direction I am going with this project.Being that the body is over here,and the chassis/drive train is on a working vehicle,makes me want to do as much planning as possible,because I don't have everything together in a shop to dry-fit all the pieces.

[CharlieSheen]

Here are some photos of the way home with the '53 GMC.

[1ATony]

Welcome to the site.

Tony