51 Chevy 1/2 ton, My S10 swap

[Atommik]

I was a little disapointed that the motor and trans install only lowered the frame about 3/4 of an inch. My s10 frame was originally a 4.3 liter truck so I guess the springs were set up to hold the weight. My 327 must not weigh much more than the original motor tran set-up. Unless the added weight of engine accessories and front sheet metal lower it another inch or more, it looks like I'll need some drop spindles!

[99 to Life]

looking good, yeah a v8 wouldn't weigh much more than a 4.3 and and inline 6 with bell housing was a tank. a 2/3" drop spindles or springs even, would really make this look proper IMO.

[Atommik]

Well, today I put the order in for all of the steel I will need to build my box from scratch. I'll be using the original fenders, but everything else I will fabricate. It will have the basic stock look, with a few custom touches. Thanks xpickup for the inspiration. The materials will be ready to pick up in one week!! I'm really looking forward to this next phase of the build!!

[xpickup]

Atommik, No problem. Glad to help.

Shannon

[Atommik]

Spent a good deal of time today trying to figure out the PS pump mount. The pump would hit on the ps gear of the s10- frame. I tried several different positions and even considered trying to figure out a remote electric pump, but was finally able to get it to work. I moved the pump up slightly and in closer to the crank pulleys and was able to make it fit. I still need to make one supporting bracket off the back side and have a new high pressure line made. I'll also need a new ps belt about 4 inches shorter than the original.

Just to have a little extra clearance, could I remove the "rag joint" form the end of the steering gear and just put a swivel joint in there? That would give me an extra 1/2 clearance.

[gregw98]

I am going to be using a 1997 Buick Park Avenue Power Steering Pump. Much smaller and you can mount it high on the engine. I was using one like it on my P/S Vega. I'll try to post a pic later,


http://www.partsgeek.com/catalog/199...ring_pump.html

[99 to Life]

I didn't have any clearance issues. Wonder if you mounted your engine up a bit more than me. I think a ujoint would definitely be the way to go.

[Coach529]

Looks like an awesome build. Definately jealous of your work space!!

[Atommik]

Yes, I am very lucky the bosses at work are letting me keep it there and letting me work on it evenings and Saturdays...However where it is parked is where they store some of the new car inventory and they are expecting many more new cars to be delivered in January. I'm trying to get far enough along to be able to paint it before I have to move it out and bring it home. Then I'll do most of the put together at home in my limited space. Hopefully I'll have it legally drivable by spring/early summer, so I can drive it to work and work on it there!!

I'm watching craigslist for some s10 swap headers...

[99 to Life]

yeah I like your plan, drive it to work to work on it. CL never fails. But worst comes to worst, those headers are cheap and you can just get a new set.

[Dirty Doug]

There are no real speed shops left that I know of. TNT closed its doors a few months ago. I can check with my friend Curt at Creative Metalworks to see if he keeps one in stock, or my buddy Bob at C&F Racecars . That's where I got the last one I used. Otherwise I get them off of E-Bay . I'll see Curt tonight and I can ask him. He's just in Blaine , not far from you .
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[Atommik]

Thanks DD

[Atommik]

I got my steel to start building the box. They fabricated the side panels wrong!! The correct ones will be here Friday. Everything else looks good. Started working on the front box panel today after work...pics tomorrow!!

[Atommik]

Here's a few pics of the front panel of the box going together. I've been measuring the original box (whats left of it) and sketching out my plans, so it's exciting to see it finally coming together!!

The correctly fabbed side panels should be delivered tomorrow, so I'll be starting on those Saturday.

[oldman3]

Looking good...Jim

[99 to Life]

cant wait to see all that together.

[Atommik]

I started on the box sides today...

[Atommik]

Also started on the stake pockets for the sides...only got 2 stake pockets cut out. I should have time to finish the other 2 this week.

[nikwho]

Originally Posted by Atommik

I started on the box sides today...

Hey Atommik, do you recall what angle the box sides were bent to? Are there any sites that reference all of the specs and measurements for these beds? I think I'm going to go the route that you did. Looks great!
Nik

[Atommik]

I measured my original bed before I scrapped it and I believe the angle was 50 degrees. But since I was building everything from scratch, I had the sheet metal bent to 45 degrees, just to make it easier to remember and easier for the sheet metal shop. I have it written down in a notebook, but I can't find it. I'm sure if you post on the message board asking for the angle and other dimensions, someone will have the info. Thanks for the kind words on my build!

[Atommik]

Just got back from 2 weeks in Houston for Mercedes Benz aluminum welding certification. Had 5 different types of welds to make with various types of aluminum. Some die cast aluminum and some "chill" cast. All had to be done in the overhead position. I think the toughest one was a 14" long butt weld on 2mm plate, (overhead). All of the welds had to be perfect. They will be sent out for visual and destructive testing, and I'll get the results in 2-3 weeks.
The pics are of some of the welds that would not be sent in for testing...not good enough!
This was by far the most technical, and difficult training I've gone through for my career as an autobody technician. I'm sure it will help my steel welding skills improve also!

[mknittle]

looks great.

[cleanshaven84]

Looking good!

[Chevette]

Lookin' good, Atommik. Is that 18G? I really like the way you fabbed the tailgate.

[Atommik]

Thanks all, for the comments!

The sheet metal is 16 gauge, including the tubing. The rectangle tubing for the stake pockets is 14 gauge. That is the thinnest wall material they had in that size (2X4).

Chevette, the first panel I made is actually the front of the box. The tailgate will be similar construction, but smooth on both sides.