53 3100 - complete rebuild and upgrade . . . .

[dsraven]

seems like down low on the pass side is the obvious spot. show off that intake system for sure.

[dsraven]

I wonder if the alt could be subbed in place of the a/c comp with the truck belt system, a seperate belt drive with a seperate tensioner. down low on the pass side.

[youngrodder]

I went with the Holley front drive (mid mount). I know it was not cheap but it saves the hassle of trying to mismatch various brackets and pullies to work.

https://www.holley.com/products/ls_p...ves/mid_mount/

There are a couple different options that effect the cost.

Same as this one Delmo shared. I'm running this set up however I don't have a clear pic like the one from Delmo.


Thanks
Marc

[big_dan]

Wow - that's nice looking for sure! I'm studying around a bit; there seems to be several brackets and configurations around, so that'll help. Thanks for the input -

Dan

[big_dan]

Another addition to the parts list ......

Dan

[youngrodder]

Those high bolsters should keep you planted in your seat....I like the low backs too so you don't see the seat thru the rear window.

Marc

[big_dan]

Originally Posted by youngrodder

Those high bolsters should keep you planted in your seat....I like the low backs too so you don't see the seat thru the rear window.
Marc

That was the goal with the bolstered seats, yes sir. Low backs are a must have also. This truck will see the "Tail of the Dragon," so I sure don't want to be sliding around!

Dan

[big_dan]

Decided to tackle the seat frame next.

Used some wood blocks I had laying around to decide on height for the seats. Picked up some 1" (1/8" wall) box tube and started with a perimeter frame, bolted the seats up and did a little test fit/make motor noises. Tons of fun climbing in and out of the cab on sawhorses, but had to be done. Once I was sure on the height, I whipped up some legs - notice the rear "leg" goes behind the seat divider; that bolts through the rear cab mounts as well. Mounted the seats again to the frame for one last check, removed the frame and started opening the middle up for the shifter and e-brake. Right now the seats are almost slid all the way back and about 1" off the cab, and I have plenty of leg room (I'm 6'6", so that's always the first test).

More later - thanks for looking-

Dan

[Rickysnickers]

Nice!!!

[big_dan]

Originally Posted by Rickysnickers

Nice!!!

Thanks! Forgot the last pic - now to fit up the E- brake handle. Using a standard Lokar floor mount. Moving along -

Dan

[dsraven]

those look really good in there. I like the bolsters.

[big_dan]

Originally Posted by dsraven

those look really good in there. I like the bolsters.

Me too- they're ridiculously comfortable. I used Kirkey "vintage" lowback buckets in my Falcon a few years back, and they got a little uncomfortable on long trips, so I figured I'd try these Procars.

Plan for the weekend was to finish the seat frame fab, but went ahead and tackled the E-brake "hump" as well. Started with the same firewall material, milled out a slot for the handle, and bang-boom-pow had it acceptable (to my standards anyway) and tacked it in. I'll finish-weld it soon, then back to finishing up the chassis. And yes, I know it would be a great spot for a cup-holder, just not sure yet. The only parts I plan for now to have on the "hump" is the E-brake handle and probably the switch for the cutouts.

More later -

Dan

[dsraven]

nice fab work.
I have a floor mounted ebrake set up from an envoy which would probably suit the needs of a lot of builds on here. it goes through the floor and splits to 2 seperate cables, one from each wheel.
cup holds are must for me, not just for cups but a place to dump the phone, glasses, wallet etc

[big_dan]

Originally Posted by dsraven

nice fab work.
I have a floor mounted ebrake set up from an envoy which would probably suit the needs of a lot of builds on here. it goes through the floor and splits to 2 seperate cables, one from each wheel.
cup holds are must for me, not just for cups but a place to dump the phone, glasses, wallet etc

I hear you. I may add a cup holder or two later, but couldn't decide so I left them out for now. I'm figuring the cut out switch and maybe a tablet for the fuel injection, just not sure.

Dan

[big_dan]

Still chipping away. My (fingers crossed) goal is this fall to be on the road, which is a fairly tall order but I think I can get there. So, I'm in the "a few minutes a day, every day" mode to stay motivated. Yesterday I wrapped up the outlets for the exhaust cutouts and finished welding up the E-brake console, so those are off the list.

More later -

Dan

[big_dan]

Alternator out of the way - another item off the list.

Dan

[6DoF]

every check mark is a good!

often i won't want to start something cuz i know there's a big set-up of tools or measurements or whatever ... so i'll tell myself i'll just go out and at least do the set-up so i can get cracking the next day. 9/10 times i end up finishing up the whole task cuz i'm already moving.

[youngrodder]

Looking great Dan...

Marc

[dsraven]

good thing you took those seats out now. you might never get out of the cab otherwise. haha

[big_dan]

Thanks for the input, fellas. Still hammering down; right now chassis is fully welded, POR-15 in progress. And yes, the seats are quite comfortable!

Dan

[big_dan]

Spent a week wrapping up the chassis. 3 coats of POR-15 then a light scuff and some satin black to keep the glare down; that POR-15 is ridiculously glossy. I'll start final assembly on the chassis, finish wrapping up the 5.3/TKX, etc in the next few weeks. One bite at a time-

Thanks for looking-

Dan

[Rickysnickers]

Good job!

[big_dan]

Piddling along making progress slowly. Installed crossmembers, gas tank, just tinkering along. Also found a pic of the 53 when it was first finished back in 94-95. More later -

Dan

[dsraven]

looks good. I am a little partial to red though. is that GM torch red by chance?

[big_dan]

Originally Posted by dsraven

looks good. I am a little partial to red though. is that GM torch red by chance?

I'm a red truck guy myself! Not sure on the exact color, though.

Dan