Best Year Model to hotrod up?? - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

gotmud · 01-09-2004, 11:17 AM

Any opinions on the best year to start a hotrod project on? Any year from say 40s - early 70s? Tomorrow I hope to crank my 68 and put it back on the road as a daily driver but would like to persue a frame off hotrodding of a truck that will eventually be a daily driver for me and then my son.
My son wants a vehicle that is totally different from anyone elses in the school and also a head turner. Likewise to me the truck will prevent him somewhat of having 8 passengers all yelling for him to turn left......
Any ideas? year engine combos, cheaper is better here also....but looks and the engine sound would be most important to him Im sure...
Thanks in advance

2wdBlazer · 01-09-2004, 11:50 AM

70-72 2wd Blazer / Jimmy. Different and very light compared to most trucks especially when top-less..

*Randy70C-10* · 01-09-2004, 12:12 PM

Chevy powered 1956 Ford F-100. They are the absolute sweetest looking truck ever built (next to the '70 Chevy stepside)

*Randy70C-10* · 01-09-2004, 12:19 PM

Here's one...

**COBALT** · 01-09-2004, 12:28 PM

I personally think you can "hotrod" anything that will take a Chevy block and a solid TH400. Short box 1/2 tons are super popular for this, but hell with it. I'm going to do it to a 3/4 ton longbed 'cause I feel like it.

Have fun.

cdowns · 01-09-2004, 12:34 PM

one of the most outrageous pickups ever produced and that makes a KILLER hotrod is a hudson bigboy from the late 40's and are still available at affordable price

WHYBYNU · 01-09-2004, 01:42 PM

I think it is hard to beat a 55-56 chevy. They look good with custom paint and lots of billet or primer and wide whites. Add a big block and a blower or a small block w/ 3 two barrels. They scream hotrod.

Here is pic of a"56' from a local rod run.

JOHN

WHYBYNU · 01-09-2004, 01:43 PM

Forgot I can't post pics...

bigvinnie · 01-09-2004, 05:41 PM

el caminos (66/67 are my favorites) are kinda unique, and repro parts are available....

ROAD DOG · 01-09-2004, 08:17 PM

I've seen a 63 two door, convertible Impala with a 406 c.i. smallblock with a 6-71 blower sticking out of the hood. Slicks tubed out. custom paint. It was bad ass.

It was so stand out because all those years 61-66 impala's are dropped, chopped, Lowriders. Witch is cool but with the added muscle

Ackattack · 01-09-2004, 09:01 PM

how about this pickup that was in hot rod magazine
37 Ford with a 520 HP V6!!1

gotmud · 01-09-2004, 09:11 PM

Thats more on the line of what my son wants I think. What are problems with doing a 30s or 40s?

*Randy70C-10* · 01-09-2004, 09:39 PM

That 37 is sweet!

**Palf70Step** · 01-09-2004, 09:46 PM

I agree with Randy. 56 era F100 with modern power (chevy of course) is one of the sweetest rod rides (Of course 70 Chevy steps rule!

)

If you really got thebuck....39/40 ford pickup would be my second choice...Of course Mouse powered...Maybe with an itty bitty blower!!!!

PanelDeland · 01-09-2004, 10:32 PM

Here's my take on it.Though there are quite a few of them around, I would look at building a 49-55 first series Chevy/GMC with a short wheelbase and a wooden flatbed.The initial cost should be reasonable the smallblock (or bigblock)will fit easily.Repo parts are plentiful.A Mushtang front suspension and disc brakes will make it handle.The flatbed could be handbuilt by you for less$$$ than a pickup bed.A cab and frame should be fairly cheap to start and it will give him a great starter ride without breaking the bank.
Another plus would be that only 3 people would fit max so the 8 yelling turn left wouldn't be an issue.There should also be more room in the 49-55 cab than an earlier one.You could have the truck up and running fairly reasonably and all the running gear would swap to any other year and make earlier model truck quite readily should you want to.
Just a thought,since I have seen many youngsters rag out their first ride(not saying your son would but it happens quite often).

**FRENCHBLUE72** · 01-09-2004, 10:35 PM

53-56 ford pick-up would be my chioce..

MOTHERTRUCKERS · 01-10-2004, 12:26 AM

We are doing a 41 gmc for a customer but my favorites are 33-41 hudson and willys pickups with BIG BLOWN MOTORS or BIG HILBORN INJECTED MOTORS. Studes a close 3rd.

dinnut · 01-10-2004, 12:44 AM

lol
how about an old school fire truck?
http://www.cars-on-line.com/57gmc11259.html

this this would be cool as hell with a big ass blower sticking out of the hood or just hiding under the hood. and he would be different. problem would be parallel parking.....

but even a firetruck like this one

would be cool... just a thought!
but back in reality...
how about a dodge 440 powered 51 ford?

a dodge powered ford would be cool!

walker · 01-10-2004, 12:59 AM

Problem with the thirties cars is that now theyare getting too spendy to buy/rebuild. Forties aren't too bad yet but they just don't do it for me like a duece five window. 55-56 cars are still reasonable but hard to touch a '57 anything anymore. I also like the 64-66 chevy pick ups, as well as my '67, and they are dirt cheap right now.

69_hafton · 01-10-2004, 11:40 AM

I'm kinda partial to 69-70 stepsides too.

But if there aren't may 67-72 chevies where you live, I think they're a good choice. Parts are readily available at this point, and you've got room for alot of engine.

If you want rare, look for a 53-56 mercury pickup. That would be sweet, but it would be hard to cut it up for a hot rod, at least if I had it.

01-09-2004, 11:17 AM	#1
gotmud Registered User Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: Cumming, Ga Posts: 234	Best Year Model to hotrod up?? Any opinions on the best year to start a hotrod project on? Any year from say 40s - early 70s? Tomorrow I hope to crank my 68 and put it back on the road as a daily driver but would like to persue a frame off hotrodding of a truck that will eventually be a daily driver for me and then my son. My son wants a vehicle that is totally different from anyone elses in the school and also a head turner. Likewise to me the truck will prevent him somewhat of having 8 passengers all yelling for him to turn left...... Any ideas? year engine combos, cheaper is better here also....but looks and the engine sound would be most important to him Im sure... Thanks in advance __________________ Glenn Cumming, Ga (68 C/10 Fleetside LWB 307 (64 C/10 Fleetside Shorty Custom 350, with 73 donor parts aplenty) (2001 Porsche Boxster S - 168 MPH of fun) (2005 Chevy Avalanche Z71 1500)

01-09-2004, 11:50 AM	#2
2wdBlazer The Blazer King Join Date: Sep 2000 Location: Valrico, Fl (Tampa) Posts: 1,213	70-72 2wd Blazer / Jimmy. Different and very light compared to most trucks especially when top-less.. __________________ 72 2wd Blazer. Its the superbichinest, megacoolinest, superflowinest.

01-09-2004, 12:28 PM	#5
COBALT Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2001 Location: Seattle, WA, USA Posts: 5,817	I personally think you can "hotrod" anything that will take a Chevy block and a solid TH400. Short box 1/2 tons are super popular for this, but hell with it. I'm going to do it to a 3/4 ton longbed 'cause I feel like it. Have fun. __________________ '69 3/4 ton C20 2wd-350ci/TH400 '69 3/4 ton Custom 20 2wd-350ci/4sp Manual '99 2wd 5.7 Chevy Tahoe Seattle, WA.

01-09-2004, 12:34 PM	#6
cdowns Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: daytonabeach Posts: 22,956	one of the most outrageous pickups ever produced and that makes a KILLER hotrod is a hudson bigboy from the late 40's and are still available at affordable price __________________ 71c-10 350/2004r/4:11 lowered3/4 longbed/dead by hurricane MEANING OF DEATH::::: SOMEBODY ELSE GETS YOUR STUFF DONT BELIEVE EVERYTHING YOU THINK TAKE MY ADVISE;I DON'T USE IT ANYWAY

01-09-2004, 01:42 PM	#7
WHYBYNU WHYBYNU when old will do Join Date: Feb 2002 Location: Hot Springs, AR. Posts: 643	I think it is hard to beat a 55-56 chevy. They look good with custom paint and lots of billet or primer and wide whites. Add a big block and a blower or a small block w/ 3 two barrels. They scream hotrod. Here is pic of a"56' from a local rod run. JOHN __________________ 71 Cheyenne super 2 tone green and white ZZ6 - Th350 4/6 drop 20x8.5 / 20x10 Billet Specialties

01-09-2004, 12:12 PM	#3
Randy70C-10 Account Suspended Join Date: Mar 2001 Location: Virginia Beach, Va. U.S.A. Posts: 15,320	Chevy powered 1956 Ford F-100. They are the absolute sweetest looking truck ever built (next to the '70 Chevy stepside)

01-09-2004, 12:19 PM	#4
Randy70C-10 Account Suspended Join Date: Mar 2001 Location: Virginia Beach, Va. U.S.A. Posts: 15,320	Here's one...

01-09-2004, 01:43 PM	#8
WHYBYNU WHYBYNU when old will do Join Date: Feb 2002 Location: Hot Springs, AR. Posts: 643	Forgot I can't post pics... __________________ 71 Cheyenne super 2 tone green and white ZZ6 - Th350 4/6 drop 20x8.5 / 20x10 Billet Specialties

01-09-2004, 05:41 PM	#9
bigvinnie Registered User Join Date: Aug 2001 Location: escondido, ca 92026 Posts: 1,222	el caminos (66/67 are my favorites) are kinda unique, and repro parts are available.... __________________ '72 short step, 350, 700R4, tilt, ps, pdb, a/c, lowered coils, etc., other work in progress... San Diego, CA 72 Stepside Project

01-09-2004, 08:17 PM	#10
ROAD DOG Top of the foodchain Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: 3.5 miles from Mile Hi Stadium Posts: 127	I've seen a 63 two door, convertible Impala with a 406 c.i. smallblock with a 6-71 blower sticking out of the hood. Slicks tubed out. custom paint. It was bad ass. It was so stand out because all those years 61-66 impala's are dropped, chopped, Lowriders. Witch is cool but with the added muscle __________________ 1970 K-10 4x4 1975 Jeep CJ-5 4x4 1990 Jeep XJ 4x4 Smell the Magic!

01-09-2004, 09:01 PM	#11
Ackattack Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: Valley Center KS Posts: 3,525	how about this pickup that was in hot rod magazine 37 Ford with a 520 HP V6!!1 __________________ Project Bruiser: 68 Pro-Touring C-10 5.3L / 4L60E Project Ironhide: 97 GMC Crew Cab 4x4 Cummins SOLD: '69 GMC 1/2T SWB TBI'd: Project No Buck Assembly Manual Index Sign up Thread!!! Factory Service Manual Index

01-09-2004, 09:11 PM	#12
gotmud Registered User Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: Cumming, Ga Posts: 234	Thats more on the line of what my son wants I think. What are problems with doing a 30s or 40s? __________________ Glenn Cumming, Ga (68 C/10 Fleetside LWB 307 (64 C/10 Fleetside Shorty Custom 350, with 73 donor parts aplenty) (2001 Porsche Boxster S - 168 MPH of fun) (2005 Chevy Avalanche Z71 1500)

01-09-2004, 09:39 PM	#13
Randy70C-10 Account Suspended Join Date: Mar 2001 Location: Virginia Beach, Va. U.S.A. Posts: 15,320	That 37 is sweet!

01-09-2004, 09:46 PM	#14
Palf70Step State of Confusion! Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Gulfport, MS USA Posts: 46,761	I agree with Randy. 56 era F100 with modern power (chevy of course) is one of the sweetest rod rides (Of course 70 Chevy steps rule! ) If you really got thebuck....39/40 ford pickup would be my second choice...Of course Mouse powered...Maybe with an itty bitty blower!!!! __________________ Bill 1970 Chevy Custom/10 LWB Fleetside 2010 Toyota Tacoma PreRunner SR5 Double Cab - DD Member of Louisiana Classic Truck Club (LCTC) Bill's Gallery Life isn't tied with a bow, but it's still a gift. Live simply. Love generously. Care deeply. Speak kindly. Leave the rest to God!

01-09-2004, 10:32 PM	#15
PanelDeland I am a Referee of life. Join Date: Jun 2000 Location: Greensboro N.C. Posts: 13,993	Here's my take on it.Though there are quite a few of them around, I would look at building a 49-55 first series Chevy/GMC with a short wheelbase and a wooden flatbed.The initial cost should be reasonable the smallblock (or bigblock)will fit easily.Repo parts are plentiful.A Mushtang front suspension and disc brakes will make it handle.The flatbed could be handbuilt by you for less$$$ than a pickup bed.A cab and frame should be fairly cheap to start and it will give him a great starter ride without breaking the bank. Another plus would be that only 3 people would fit max so the 8 yelling turn left wouldn't be an issue.There should also be more room in the 49-55 cab than an earlier one.You could have the truck up and running fairly reasonably and all the running gear would swap to any other year and make earlier model truck quite readily should you want to. Just a thought,since I have seen many youngsters rag out their first ride(not saying your son would but it happens quite often). __________________ The 47-present Chevrolet and GMC Truck Message Board Network,it's owners,moderators,members,and associates of any type should not be held responsible for my opinion. You can't fix stupid,not even with duct tape. "My appearance is due to the fact that "GOD" does punish you for having too much fun!" Barrett-Jackson has perfected alchemy,they make rust into gold! "You can lead a horse to water but you can't saddle a duck" "Cleverly disguised as a 'Responsible Adult' "Sometimes your Knight in shining armor is just a retard in tinfoil"



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01-09-2004, 10:35 PM	#16
FRENCHBLUE72 PROJECT 7DEUCE Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: GRANTS PASS OR Posts: 21,594	53-56 ford pick-up would be my chioce.. __________________ GO BIG GREEN GO DUCKS MEMBER #6377 72 k-5 daily driver 6'' lift 35'' 350-350-205 slowly getting rust free. Project "7DEUCE" check out my build http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=267665 Tim Powell..R.I.P EastSideLowlife..... R.I.P..

01-10-2004, 12:26 AM	#17
MOTHERTRUCKERS Registered User Join Date: Dec 1999 Location: BRADENTON FLA Posts: 3,269	We are doing a 41 gmc for a customer but my favorites are 33-41 hudson and willys pickups with BIG BLOWN MOTORS or BIG HILBORN INJECTED MOTORS. Studes a close 3rd. __________________ Rest in Peace Ed. Thanks for all the good times.

01-10-2004, 12:44 AM	#18
dinnut Registered User Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: missouri city, tx Posts: 4,486	lol how about an old school fire truck? http://www.cars-on-line.com/57gmc11259.html this this would be cool as hell with a big ass blower sticking out of the hood or just hiding under the hood. and he would be different. problem would be parallel parking..... but even a firetruck like this one would be cool... just a thought! but back in reality... how about a dodge 440 powered 51 ford? a dodge powered ford would be cool! __________________ 70 longbed 496/th400/Ford 9"

01-10-2004, 12:59 AM	#19
walker Registered User Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: north of Phx AZ about 30 miles Posts: 698	Problem with the thirties cars is that now theyare getting too spendy to buy/rebuild. Forties aren't too bad yet but they just don't do it for me like a duece five window. 55-56 cars are still reasonable but hard to touch a '57 anything anymore. I also like the 64-66 chevy pick ups, as well as my '67, and they are dirt cheap right now. __________________ Andy,Phx AZ '67 C-10 (Ahhh, done at last. Well there is that disk front end I want to put in and...) "23 C-Cab-sold '48 Ford 8N tractor(still working) '67 Scout(Now on the road) '70 MG B.-sold

01-10-2004, 11:40 AM	#20
69_hafton Sleep-Deprived Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: Tulsa, Oklahoma Posts: 445	I'm kinda partial to 69-70 stepsides too. But if there aren't may 67-72 chevies where you live, I think they're a good choice. Parts are readily available at this point, and you've got room for alot of engine. If you want rare, look for a 53-56 mercury pickup. That would be sweet, but it would be hard to cut it up for a hot rod, at least if I had it. __________________ 1971 K/10 Long Fleetside 350/350 - 6" Lift 1969 C/10 SWB 292 - Sold It

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