49 ls1

[99 to Life]

looking good sarge, just noticed the dash, which came out great. on the side where it meets with the door, you filling that area in?

[BlueJeep]

I got my cab corners from Classic Industries, and they didn't seem to fit too bad...but door gaps being how they are on these trucks I figured on having to modify them from the get go.

One thing I did notice is that the new cab corners were noticeably thicker than the originals I cut out, and not because of rust. I think that there is so much shape there that the original metal is thinner due to the original stamping. Since the smaller repair pieces are not as large, they do not undergo as much stretching to get to their final shape.

Looking good!

[skymangs]

Thanks guys.

Yes, planning on capping the ends of the dash, and the ends of the door pieces. Just haven't gotten that far yet.

I am sure that those doors and jambs just never fit right. I don't think it mattered that much to farmers in 1949...

I know how much you guys love rust repair, so if you are interested, here's a link to the 67 Chevelle I'm working on now. Total rustbucket. Doing Trunk floor, all braces, taillight panel, outer wheel houses, and both rear quarter skins...
https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?...9234413&type=3

[oldman3]

Hey Chris, now that's alot of rust repair, nice job...Jim

[skymangs]

Thanks Jim... The 67 is on it's way home tomorrow, finally some time to devote the '49! I have a buddy of mine coming in from Colorado Springs on Sunday for two weeks to try and fast-track the truck to a more presentable (maybe even running) state.

Todays progress. Got the front edge door gap where I want it. Added about 3/16" of metal, and cut the cowl so I could ding it down flush with the door. More pics on that tomorrow. I also cut my 49 doors to install '54 door handles.

[skymangs]

Bought some stainless steel momentary switches to operate my power Bear Claw latches.

I also got the rear wall of the cab ready for primer. More to come!

[oldman3]

Looking real good there Chris...Jim

[99 to Life]

I like your push button for the bear claw, I'm sure alot of guys are at an xroad with those. I ran into a debacle with my 51' turndown handles. Costs were just higher than I wanted to buy the springs to use with the bearclaws, or else the handle would be stationary, on top of everything else. So I just made this keyless cylinder door locking device for anyone not wanting bear claws and want to do away with the stock locking system. Anyway are you gonna have locking claws and just run a remote for the locking? I'm def running bear claws on my 49' but wanna keep the turndown handles, so I'll have to cross that bridge again.

Nice when everything comes together in primer.

[FarmerSid]

Give us more info on the push button. I kinda like the push button handle as opposed to the turn down like I have on my 51.

[CAL 58 GMC]

Nice job on the dash!

[skymangs]

Jim: thanks, she's starting to come together

99: I am running locking large bear claws. I intend to have power locks, power latches, power windows, and remote start. If I don't have locks, any old fool would be able to just come push the button and open the truck. I think my latches and install plates came to just about $60. I'll be adding the solenoids later.

[skymangs]

I've never seen anyone install pushbutton handles on 1 piece glass doors, just wanted to see if I could change it up a bit. I like to do things a little different than most!

Farmer Sid: The pushbuttons were on Ebay, 19mm thread, waterproof, stainless. Just search for momentary switch, they will pop up. I figured it was worth $4 a pop to give them a try. I just like the look of handles, with the cool of electric pops.

Cal58GMC: Thank you, I've been enjoying this build (maybe a little too much!)

[chev3600]

The buttons are also available with an led ring. I have mine setup so that the alarm/remote start system illuminates the buttons when the truck is unlocked and when the key is turned off. The keyless entry enables and disables the button function. Works great. I like the one piece glass. Keep up the good work.

[skymangs]

That looks cool chev3600... I saw the LED rings, but chose stainless instead. Love that smooth but almost stock look.

[skymangs]

Today I removed everything from the frame, box, driveline, and cab in preparation for chassis paint. Tomorrow my buddy gets here, and we'll go to town on it. A few things left to finish up on the chassis, then it'll be ready for some color.

Today I built some rear cab mounts (49 cab was a center mount, and I hate them). I have urethane isolator bushings that will go between the cab and these short stands.

I also finished boxing the frame under the cab. Tomorrow I'll deal with shock mounts, and a few other little things.

[STOCKISH]

Amazing work buddy. Love the door handle mod.

[oldman3]

Moving along and looking good...Jim

[skymangs]

Thanks stockish and Jim. Been trying to get this thing a little farther along before I have to deploy. Tomorrow's the big decision day, Dr what's his name from Fort Leonard Wood is going to decide whether I am medically fit for deployment or not.

Todays progress...

I want to use the stock 5.3L AC pump, but I had some clearance issues with the crossmember. So I cut out the offending area, and welded in a piece of curved 1/8" steel. Gives me clearance for the stock AC bracket and compressor. I also finished boxing in the forward portions of the frame.

Next is shock mounts and getting the rear disk brackets mocked up and welded in prior to chassis paint.

I just ordered Riddler series 695 17x8 wheels, with 255/45R 17 and 225/45R 17 shoes. I wanted to go 17x8 steelies, but I just couldn't justify $220/wheel and $65/dog-dish cap. Someday I'll have money to just throw around, but not quite yet!

I also just received my new ball joints and bushings, along with some other miscellaneous parts. Should see a lot of progress in the next few weeks.

[Billys68SS]

Nice work! And nice wheels!

[skymangs]

If anyone on here is shopping for a good deal on aftermarket wheels, I got these for $572 including shipping (and lug nuts/center-caps) from wheelsforless.com They have a pretty nice selection of our "old school muscle" wheels, and great prices.

[skymangs]

Thanks Billy. I looked at a LOT of wheels... this one's to angular, this one's too modern, etc. These were the best compromise.

[oldman3]

Hey Chris, nice progress, hope it NO for deployment...Jim

[Billys68SS]

I understand that. I looked at A LOT of wheels before I bought. I don't like any of these modern wheels. They look like some kind of spaceship junk. I looked at the same or similar wheels you have there... They were definitely at the top of my list.
Best of luck with the deployment orders!

[skymangs]

Good news, I was pronounced medically non-deployable today... Looks like a full summer of projects and shows. I have a couple S10 frame conversions lined up already, just waiting for me to say I can do them!

[STOCKISH]

Awesome news, look forward to more projects!!!