51 Chevy 1/2 ton, My S10 swap

[Atommik]

I added a 1X2 oak board (1 1/2X 3/4) along the edge with wood glue and screws, to bring the full width to 49 1/2 inches. You can see that it's there but it doesn't jump out at you.

[Atommik]

Finally started working on my door trim panels. I am having some clearance issues with the inside handle mechanism. Modifications will happen soon. Here's some pics of the trim panel and speaker box in kick panel.

[Cautrell05]

Nice build. Is that an 80s Chevy van column?

[99 to Life]

nice work, yeah I feel you on the clearance issue. I think I'm having that and or need to open up the hole where the door handle is with the panel. I think there is too much tension there, makes the handle have too much drag on it. Might have to bend the door mech in a little.

[Atommik]

Originally Posted by Cautrell05

Nice build. Is that an 80s Chevy van column?

Not exactly sure what the column is from. I got it from a friend who found it in the trunk of a project car he bought. I do think it's mid 80's.

[Atommik]

Progress report. Exterior is finished! Still a few interior items to wrap up and a few things under the hood.

I entered a calendar contest for "LKQ Parts". The least I will get is a free t shirt.

[iowaboynca]

Good Luck!

[oldman3]

Here's hoping they pick your sweet ride...Jim

[Atommik]

Voting is open for the LKQ 2016 calendar contest. Vote for my truck please if you think it's worthy!. Thanks! My truck is on page 17.

https://a.pgtb.me/CPMQrc

[99 to Life]

voted

[Kodiaks53]

Atommik, I have the same steering column in my 53 and it came from a 89 Chevy van. Got it from a buddy who owns a wrecking yard.
Just re-read your entire build thread. Found a couple of things that will help me out. I'm using the sending unit in the S-10 tank, I'm also using the gas gauge out of a 79 Chevy pickup. I hope the 79 is a 90 ohm unit.

[Atommik]

So with winter here, all I really can do is look at my truck and plan the next upgrade/ change/ do over. You get the idea. I decided to let my artistic side step up and add some artwork to my build. I took off the Cadillac air cleaner and added some flames. I figured it was small enuf that it wouldn't be too involved and big enough to be interesting. Also if I didn't like how it turned out I could just keep my hood shut at shows!
I've laid out flames before, and even painted some very simple flames on a friends dirt bike gas tank before, but these were a little more involved.

I used the materials we have at work for collision repair refinishing (water bourn color and urethane clear). I also did not have an air brush but did use a Sata Mini-jet paint gun. The pictures of the finished project turned out a little dark so the colors don't show up very well. Overall I'm happy with how it turned out.

[oldman3]

Nice job...Jim

[Atommik]

It's been a while since I've posted. I finally took a little time to get some small projects done. Installed seatbelts, summit racing kit. Nice fit and function. Re-upholstered the headliner with some lighter weight fabric. The other stuff was starting to get loose. And I finally got the power steering hooked up. I wish I hadn't waited 3 years to do it!

[Atommik]

Here's a few pics.

[99 to Life]

nice, 3point belts are a must imo.

[52ratrod]

Thanks so much for posting everything. Such an awesome build and very informative. Can you give a run down on your rad support and what you did to finish it?

[Atommik]

Wow, looking back it was 6 years ago that I did the radiator support. I bought a Champion 2 row radiator, 19x22. I trimmed of the bottom of the radiator support to fit the radiator and then welded a length angle iron across the bottom. Then I welded and angle iron "cross member" between the front frame rails and made a radiator support mount off of that using 1" square tubing. If I remember correctly, I used some 2 inch long bolts and nuts to bolt it together so I could use the bolts to "fine tune" the adjustment. I hung the front sheet metal to determine the correct height for the radiator support. Make sure you install the hood when setting the rad support height. The height of the radiator support will make a huge difference in how all the sheet metal lines up since the top panel with the hood latch, fenders and grille all basically bolt to that support. After lining it up I removed the support, sandblasted it and painted it with a satin black aerosol.

[Driver_WT]

Originally Posted by Atommik

Here's a few pics.

Very nice build and a great looking truck. How did you mount the pivot bolt for the shoulder seat belt?

[Atommik]

For the pivot mount, I got a 3/16 steel plate about 3"X3", curved it slightly to match the curve of the inner cab corner panel. Drilled a hole in the center for the seat belt bolt, welded a nut on the back side of the plate. I also drilled a 1/4 hole and ran a tap through it. Then when I fished the plate down thru the opening in the inner panel( from the top) I ran a machine screw into the smaller tapped hole to hold the plate in place and keep it from spinning, while I installed the seat belt pivot bolt. It is not be as strong as a modern day seat belt mount, but it's better than only a lap belt (or no belts at all).

[Atommik]

,.

[Driver_WT]

Originally Posted by Atommik

For the pivot mount, I got a 3/16 steel plate about 3"X3", curved it slightly to match the curve of the inner cab corner panel. Drilled a hole in the center for the seat belt bolt, welded a nut on the back side of the plate. I also drilled a 1/4 hole and ran a tap through it. Then when I fished the plate down thru the opening in the inner panel( from the top) I ran a machine screw into the smaller tapped hole to hold the plate in place and keep it from spinning, while I installed the seat belt pivot bolt. It is not be as strong as a modern day seat belt mount, but it's better than only a lap belt (or no belts at all).

Awesome. Thanks.

[JdavUGA]

Resurrecting an old thread, but was wondering how you like your fuel neck filler location?
Does the height cause any issues?

[Atommik]

I'm happy with the location. No issues. It is a little low but doesn't create any problems. I can fill it with the "lock" on the pump handle and the auto shut off works fine with no spilling out of the neck.