S10 Swap how to

[skymangs]

Originally Posted by mikec4193

Oh my gosh...

I have to commend all you guys for all the detail you are putting forth on this thread. I have attempted two of these swaps one with 1961 Willys cab and the other with a 1954 Chevy cab...I got them both about 2/3 to 1.2 done and I bailed on them...I just could NOT gather my head around all the little details that make them all one working piece in the end...

I am doing more of a stock (1952/53 farm truck) one now as there is way less head scratching and tape measure chasing with a stock one...it is basically take off the old part bolt on the new part...lots of check writing but way more simple overall than doing these chassis swaps...way less stressful for sure...

You guys are awesome by taking us through all the little details that make these things a reality...

Thank you again for all the pictures and commentary too...

MikeC

Thanks Mike. Just trying to share techniques.

[Strodder]

That's what this Forum is all about.

[tre5]

So, I've read a lot of the s10 swap threads and I have a few questions that I'm guessing Skymangs or someone else can answer.
1. In this thread there are two different heights of body mounts. I also read in this thread that if you use the version 2 mounts, when you do the bed a piece of 1-1/2" square tubing can be set under the lip on the inside edge of the bed as a bed cross member. I saw in another thread that the cross member was placed on the top side of the lip... so is that where that would go using the version1 mounts?
2. What are the benefits to mounting the cab higher or lower? Looks like either way the trans tunnel needs modification, so why not go with the lowest center of gravity possible?
3. So everyone is reusing the S10 factory isolators? What about the radiator support? It looks like most are just trimming down the stock support and welding some brackets to it that bolt straight through the top of the s10 frame. No isolators up there? How's that work... with the cab floating on isolators, bolted to the front sheet metal, then no isolators attaching the front part of the sheet metal to the frame? Seems as though that would be an issue???

I'm hoping to start on mine soon. I've had the truck for almost two years and I'm starting to get going on it.
Thanks in advance!

[skymangs]

Originally Posted by tre5

So, I've read a lot of the s10 swap threads and I have a few questions that I'm guessing Skymangs or someone else can answer.
1. In this thread there are two different heights of body mounts. I also read in this thread that if you use the version 2 mounts, when you do the bed a piece of 1-1/2" square tubing can be set under the lip on the inside edge of the bed as a bed cross member. I saw in another thread that the cross member was placed on the top side of the lip... so is that where that would go using the version1 mounts?
2. What are the benefits to mounting the cab higher or lower? Looks like either way the trans tunnel needs modification, so why not go with the lowest center of gravity possible?
3. So everyone is reusing the S10 factory isolators? What about the radiator support? It looks like most are just trimming down the stock support and welding some brackets to it that bolt straight through the top of the s10 frame. No isolators up there? How's that work... with the cab floating on isolators, bolted to the front sheet metal, then no isolators attaching the front part of the sheet metal to the frame? Seems as though that would be an issue???

I'm hoping to start on mine soon. I've had the truck for almost two years and I'm starting to get going on it.
Thanks in advance!

The version 1 stands will require spacers between the cross sill and frame. There are schematics early in yhis thread on that. Version 2's have the cross sill directly on the frame. If the cross sill was welded above the rails, then that individual must have mounted his cab even lower.

The reason for mounting the cab closer to the frame is to lower the ride height without modifying the springs. Still rides nice even lowered.

The S10 isolator design doesn't allow the cab to move, just provides shock cushion. I've been driving several that way for more than 2 years with no issues. The reason that the core supports were isolated was to protect the hard mounted radiator. Since I float mount the radiators, there are no issues.

Hope that helps.

[tre5]

Thanks.
I thought version 2 sat the cab higher than version 1...
I believe you did the one with the cross members on top of the lips?
http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...=642010&page=4
post 92 shows what I am referring to.
I am going for a low ride height, so I'm confused on which ones to go with. The ones with the shorter measurement are version 1, right?
Another random question... With the s10 frame, I plan to swap to a 12 bolt that I will narrow to fit the tires inside the bedside fenders. Is there room between the fender and the frame rail for a 10". I'm ok with cutting into the bedside and tubbing that. I'll be doing a 4 link on coilovers so I'm not worried about the 12 bolt lining up with the leafs.

[T Hilde]

I happened to be in town today buying an antenna for my AD, the owner of this came in after I did. My buddy Mark did the chassis swap on it 10 years ago or more. An S10 4X4 with the 4.3 V6 purposely set up to look stock. Another buddy, Eddie, did body work and paint. The dude uses it, to pull the boat, take cans to recycle, work, etc.........

[burger]

T Hilde,

I like what your buddy did with that truck! It is very utilitarian and purposeful looking. Do you have any more pictures?


Ed

[T Hilde]

Originally Posted by burger

T Hilde,

I like what your buddy did with that truck! It is very utilitarian and purposeful looking. Do you have any more pictures?


Ed

That's the only one I have. If I see it around I'll get more.

[skymangs]

Tre5; yea, I may have mis-spoken. Version 1 are the shorter ones. Cross sills should go under the lip. If you want to go lower, I now have a version 3 that sets the cab 2.25" off the frame. I designed that one for Cecil. Those brackets have the cross sills above the lip. The widest I've tried to run is 9.5" wheels. While 10 may squeak by, you may have to notch the frame rail a bit.

[oossuuu754]

Most of you know that Chris was injured very badly in a shop fire a couple weeks ago. I have set up a GoFundMe campaign to help Chris (AKA SKYMANGS, Ole Sarge) and his family with medical expenses. Please share this with as many people as possible. Chris was the first to help with any questions, lets see if we can help him out here: Chris Klapp, AKA: SKYMANGS, Ole Sarge

[tre5]

Dang! This sucks to hear. I wish him a quick recovery. I'll try and make a donation to help him out soon.

[eagleuh1]

Hoping for a speedy recovery.

[oossuuu754]

I talked to Chris' wife today, and received more info or more of their beat guess until Chris can tell us. He was finishing up the 54 for Bob R (pics on his page). Working on the filler neck or the fuel door and there was a flash fire that totally consumed the inside of the shop. I will post pics later but it is bad. Chris was trapped inside the shop for a while, but at some point got out and was able to call 911 before he passed out outside.

His burns are all above the waist, mostly on his arms and around his left ear. But the good news is that several of the burns are starting to heal on their own. If he can just fight the infection they are hopeful.

By Jennifer Klapp — 9 hours ago


This week started on a good note, with Chris really responding to questions and moving his head and limbs. But things took a turn for the worst on Tuesday morning. Chris spiked a 106 temperature and it took all day to get it down to 101. So Michael and I stayed the night with Chris that night and it stayed down all night, so home we went at 5:30am on Wednesday. Wednesday was a quiet day with a temperature still hanging around but not going over 102. Thursday was a quiet day with nothing real big happening, which is okay because Tuesday was quit exciting. Through the week Chris's urine output has gotten better. So this morning when I was visiting the kidney doctor was around and told me that if he continues on this up slope that they will stop dialysis and take out the stint for the dialysis. Tomorrow he is going to have a feeding tube put into his gut to make it easier on him. Right now the feeding tube is going through the nose, so I am sure it is a bit bothersome.

Chris is slowly climbing the hill of recovery and the prayers and good vibes are greatly appreciated.

[oossuuu754]

So for those of you who have asked for some photos of Chris' shop here they are. As you can see it is basically a complete loss. Two trucks destroyed, Chris son's TF truck and a customer Bob R. Currently we are sitting at about $2500 in donations, so please lets get the word and help if we can! Donate Here!

[oossuuu754]

Jennifer posted another update

Busy week

By Jennifer Klapp — 49 minutes ago

this week has started off busy, in the aspect of Chris being rolled off to here and there and everywhere. Yesterday he went for a CT scan and today he is going to three different places, one being MRI. Right now they are putting in a filter to stop blood clots from going to the lungs. Later he is going to go down to have a drain tube or re put in to get some fluid off the lungs. Tomorrow or Thursday he is going to surgery for skin grafts on elbow and maybe hand. We meet Dr. Grossmen on VTC yesterday , a meeting about what they are going to do tomorrow or Thursday.

[oossuuu754]

Let's see if we can get this ball rolling again. We need about $1900 to get the $5000 goal. Please share this and lets help out Chris. He is making some progress but is still facing a long recovery battle. Please donate here: http://gofundme.com/c49h5mjx8

[oossuuu754]

Updated from Chris' Wife. We still need about $2k to hit the $5k goal

By Jennifer Klapp — Aug 27, 2015 10:45am


So naturally things have changed since the beginning of the week. He is no longer having the skin flap done until they can get this infection in and around his lungs resolved. So tomorrow Chris will be having surgery to have the fluid that developed on the outside of his lungs removed. Then in a couple of weeks once infection is not a worry they will do the skin flap on his elbow.

Every day he is becoming more aware of everything around him. Yesterday I got to tell him about what has happened since he has been in the hospital. How there was a time when we didn't know if he was going to make it through the night. It was a little hard and I don't know how much he understood. Probably more than I believe he understood.

Thank you for all the support and prayers that you all have been sending our direction.

[fredscarryall]

I think it would be nice to see Chris's recovery in his own thread on the 1947 to 1965 message board. Or if he has a sense of humor put him in projects and builds.because right now he is a project pushing toward that perfect build. His life.I think if you titled it chris's recovery from a shop fire. More people would be aware of what has happened and what is needed. Start out with pics of the fire. Maybe some pics of him when is ready. Or just updated info on his recovery .That way we can see how is doing withou having to go to the entire s10 conversion thread.i don't know him but he seem like a good guy. I would check this thread everyday and it would remind me to pray for him every day, looks like the last date you had for an update was .the end of august How has he been doing. Speaking from experience he needs to tell him self it wont always be like this .it will get better.I kept telling myself that after having a heart transplant and learning how to walk and talk. Then getting into a head on collision with suburban. I got hit so hard in knocked me out. I was blind for three day and they did not think I would see again. After that I had to learn how to walk a second time. Proved them wrong



QUOTE=oossuuu754;7293630]Updated from Chris' Wife. We still need about $2k to hit the $5k goal

By Jennifer Klapp — Aug 27, 2015 10:45am


So naturally things have changed since the beginning of the week. He is no longer having the skin flap done until they can get this infection in and around his lungs resolved. So tomorrow Chris will be having surgery to have the fluid that developed on the outside of his lungs removed. Then in a couple of weeks once infection is not a worry they will do the skin flap on his elbow.

Every day he is becoming more aware of everything around him. Yesterday I got to tell him about what has happened since he has been in the hospital. How there was a time when we didn't know if he was going to make it through the night. It was a little hard and I don't know how much he understood. Probably more than I believe he understood.

Thank you for all the support and prayers that you all have been sending our direction.

[/QUOTE]

[tlorber]

Does anyone here have a detail or pictures of what you you did for the parking brake? Did you use the S10 bracket, or adapt something else?

Thanks.

[skymangs]

Originally Posted by tlorber

Does anyone here have a detail or pictures of what you you did for the parking brake? Did you use the S10 bracket, or adapt something else?

Thanks.

I only ever put in a parking brake on the 48. Michael's truck. I used the stock pedal assembly and cable from the s10.

[steve aleve]

I have a question that hopefully someone will be able to help out with. I have a 54 3100 sitting on an S10 frame. it has the stock disc brake setup up front and a blazer axle with the disc brakes in the back. Originally I was going to put a frame mounted hydroboost below the floor so I can keep the firewall clear. I have yet to mount the hydroboost or run my brake lines. My question is, what does it take to convert the stock disc setup to manual brakes? I know I would be losing a benefit that comes with the s10 swap but I just wanted to inquire so that I know my options. I don't know enough about brakes to even know if this question makes sense. Thanks in advance!!

[Oldchevypickup]

Steve - All you need is a non power master cylinder. I have powered 4 wheel disk brakes on my 55 first series. Stops great. Why do you want to go non powered?

[steve aleve]

Originally Posted by Oldchevypickup

Steve - All you need is a non power master cylinder. I have powered 4 wheel disk brakes on my 55 first series. Stops great. Why do you want to go non powered?

Well, to be truthful, I would rather have power brakes but looking at creating a custom mount for the hydroboost on the s10 frame, and all the fab work involved in the pedal, linkage etc. is daunting and it has frozen my project for a few months now. I figured if I went manual I could mount the cab and get the truck running. Then worry about converting back to power later.

[wibas]

I believe if you check around there are master cylinders made to work with disc brakes that are pedal mount and made to be mounted under the floor. I would do about anything to keep my disc brakes.

[skymangs]

Originally Posted by wibas

I believe if you check around there are master cylinders made to work with disc brakes that are pedal mount and made to be mounted under the floor. I would do about anything to keep my disc brakes.

look at my 49 build in my signature. I have four wheel disc brakes with a manual master cylinder under the floor. It stops great. But it has a stiff pedal. It's a dual reservoir from a 72 Chevelle. I just went in to O'Reilly and asked for one I detailed it in my build thread.