Project Aveline (51 Truck)

[Chuckuss]

Hi guys,
Been poking around for a bit and wanted to introduce myself and my project. I have a 1951 Chevy 3 window truck that I have been working on and figured I might be able to get some solid feedback/advise on moving forward as this is my first classic rebuild (normally build racecars so the nice stuff takes a back seat to speed and functionality).

Here's the current progress (pic below) No idea why it keeps posting sideways
-powdercoated the frame
- 9 Inch rear
- Crate LS2 Motor
- Crate 4L65E trans
- Mustang II front

Next phase of To Do
-Measure and install driveshaft
-Run fuel lines (anyone know if there is a fitting I can buy to make the GM fuel rail to AN or something?
-Figure out wiring and ECU (thinking Painless unless someone here has a better idea)

Thanks for looking!

[aknovaman]

Painless harness are nothing but a pain. On multiple harnesses, We have had problems with wrong pins in connectors and sensors wired backwards. For show quality get one from current performance. Avoid the pain like the plague.

[Chuckuss]

Thanks for the 411 aknovaman! I will look into them for sure.

Other questions: What seats have you all used? I was thinking about trying to find some ABTS seats or if I can find a bench with a middle console that would be awesome.

Steering. What steering set ups have you guys used to get around the headers? DD bar to the frame or something?

Thoughts?

[aknovaman]

I plan to use 2000-ish Ford Taurus seats. They have a fold down center console and when flipped up it is a full bench seat with belts. The foam is fairly firm so they don't break down. Come I. A variety of colors. They are cheap at the local u wrench it.

[Chuckuss]

Are the belts in the seat or are you going to floor mount them?

[aknovaman]

Let me go outside and look at my kids Taurus car and I can tell you.

Oops, my wife just left with my kid so I have to wait till she gets back home. Send me a PM as a reminder to check.

[iowaboynca]

You can use the 2nd/3rd row seats out of an astro van. These are the 2nd row. Bench style w/ 3 seatbelts and the center console folds down w/ cupholders

[aknovaman]

I have owned two astro vans. The seat sides break down from sliding in and out of van. I imagine it would be just as bad climbing in our trucks unless you mount them fairly low in the cab. The Taurus seats are pretty durable plus aim very picked on longevity.

Also, I am not a fan of the gm headrests.

[Chuckuss]

I am going to be redoing the apholstry on the seat(s) anyways so not concerned about that just not really wanting to bolt the belts in. Hoping to incorporate something that already has them internally.