'53 3100

[OutlawDrifter]

Nice progress!

[Mains52]

Dang I just realized how slow I am going on mine. Nice build man.

[robertsjm711]

September 2017

2" front end drop turns into 3"ish drop... but I like it.

Will have to change something - tires don't clear fenders when turning. Cut the head off one problem and two grow in its place...

[robertsjm711]

September 2017

Radiator fan mount/install

[mikec4193]

Hey Robertjm711

I just found this thread...very nice job...love the 4 speed end of things too....not many standard transmission stuff on here..thanks for bringing us along...I will be following along....

MikeC

[robertsjm711]

Mid November 2017: Engine removal. Again.

Had to remove engine to pull pan and check crank to ensure it is a 5.3l vs a 4.8l.

When I bought it last summer from a guy on Craigslist, I was told it was a 5.3l from a 2001 Silverado. Looked good and taken care of, even mounded properly on a pallet. He didn't have the VIN as he said he had already scrapped the donor truck. He only wanted the trans for his truck.

So I took it home and started to clean and rewire the harness. I found injectors for a Flex-Fuel, and they didn't make a 5.3 Flex in 2001. (Second strike, one being no VIN). There are no external markings on these engines to distinguish, thanks GM. I then found a tab on the head gaskets the was stamped "4,8". Now I go into panic mode, strike 3. I texted the seller, and after a couple texts asking firmly for the VIN he would not respond. I looked at the top of the pistons through the spark plug holes and could see (~90% sure) dish top pistons that pointed toward the 5.3l. It was enough for me to install the engine for mock up but it has bothered me not having hard proof.

Which leads me to now, removing the pan and checking crank casting numbers. Crank are 12552216, pistons are 12555820 and rods are 143, all 5.3l parts. Pan gaskets are not cheap, but worth the piece of mind.

After all this I am confident it is a late 2002 or early 2003 Flex Fuel 5.3. I have read they started flex in 5.3's in 2002-2003 depending on source and started DBW in 2003.

[robertsjm711]

Mid November 2017: Cleaning up fire wall.

While the engine is out I wanted to clean up the Swiss cheese firewall. It's pretty beat up so I don't think it will eve be show ready, but I am OK with that. I get better ever time I weld sheet metal, but still amateur. I'd rather it be sound and ugly than hiding problems with filler, fiberglass or spray foam (which I have found on this truck).

[jweb]

Someone on the forum recommended these weld in plugs for filling the firewall holes. https://www.bobdrake.com/FordItem.aspx?Item=HR-1580

I just used a few to patch some holes in my firewall before paint. It will make the process much easier.

[robertsjm711]

December 2017
Finished up on the firewall. Used some textured spray paint to hide some if the minor imperfections, not perfect but pretty good for a ~64 year old truck.

[robertsjm711]

January 4 2018

Installed clutch, hydraulic throw-out bearing, flywheel, etc. & transmission

[OutlawDrifter]

Very cool! Did you have to shim the T/O bearing?

[whitedog76]

What’s the tire & wheel combo?

[robertsjm711]

Originally Posted by OutlawDrifter

Very cool! Did you have to shim the T/O bearing?

Yup, the shims came with the bearing. Super easy.
https://www.summitracing.com/parts/h...IaAnAUEALw_wcB

[robertsjm711]

Originally Posted by whitedog76

What’s the tire & wheel combo?

16” w/ 5” backspace and Venezia 225 60 16. With the S10 front/2.5” spacer and full width rear 12p axle I wanted the same rim/tire for rotations.

https://www.summitracing.com/parts/brw-997683450

[whitedog76]

Just curious, how did you solve the rubbing issue with the tires?

[robertsjm711]

Originally Posted by whitedog76

Just curious, how did you solve the rubbing issue with the tires?

The rear has plenty of clearance. I have 3” spacers up front and it rubs, and am going to get 2.5” which will allow for the full clearance. Even with 3”, it only rubs when you turn all the way.
Also I cut the springs to get the height and compensate for the common S10 lean, and I will get lowered springs to get a stiffer ride.
There were many days with my tape measure, level and plum bob.

[robertsjm711]

January to mid February 2018

Straightened cab to frame and replaced bend hood hinge- hood wouldn't close straight. Installed plugs/wires/oil/filter, fuel tank/pump/filter/filler neck/hoses, fuel return bung to tank, radiator hoses, VSS signal generator, straight water neck/thermostat, built trans tunnel, computer re-flash, modified and installed handle receiver into Hurst shifter, trilled & tapped oil bung for gauge, battery box, power cables and air intake kit.

All I need now to run is fuel hose clamps, fuel, coolant and some really good luck.

[robertsjm711]

Starting for the first time, I did have the MAF on backwards and the booster vacuum line open at first, and it turns out she didn't like that. After those tweaks, it ran just fine. temp came up, thermostat open as it should, good oil & fuel pressure, fans kicked on and no leaks (yet).

https://youtu.be/Cyg7r1fW-rM

[robertsjm711]

April 2018

Rebuilt 12 bolt passenger, installed 3.31 gears & carrier

[robertsjm711]

After almost 2 years, since I picked up a pile of parts on August 20, 2016, I have finally had the opportunity to drive my truck.

It was totally worth it.

https://youtu.be/OMb15D_110g

https://youtu.be/zwlxo6Rp0qs

https://youtu.be/61BLek1f5Fk

[mongocanfly]

"whats he doing" love it.....congrats on getting it going!!!!

[oldman3]

Yes congrats, the best is the first drive...Jim

[joedoh]

out-freaking-standing! first drive, no feeling like it!

[robertsjm711]

June 2018

Front & rear glass and wood bed