Rust-Eh (1953 Chevrolet 3100)

[84blaze]

Originally Posted by 99 to Life

I have the same kit. I only bought it because at the time I had no electric in garage. But really I don't mind the kit. I actually prefer this style of set up because if you have problems with your rear end, swap it out in a couple hours and you are back on the road. No worrying about welding link bars onto the rear, just not a fan of that.

I remember reading somewhere on this forum that someone used a different style bag then what comes with the kit to start with. Was that you or someone else on the forum? I would like to use something other than the sleeve bag it has right now.

If anyone else has an idea where I could find that info please let me know!

[Layedoutsonoma91]

I would def reccomend a bolt on kit to the axle, mainly if you need to swap the rear end like you said. Ready to see this thing together!

[84blaze]

Originally Posted by Layedoutsonoma91

Ready to see this thing together!

It's honestly killing me. I've been saving up for a welder and some other parts and pieces. Im in the Canadian Forces and will be going on exercise for a few months coming up so not expecting much to get done till mid June.

I really need a garden shed to get my lawn and garden equipment and other odds and ends out of my garage to clear up my workspace. It's getting pretty full in there hah.

[lower50's]

I don't see anything wrong with a bolt in kit if it works for you. I think lack of space is everyone's dilemma. My truck is just over 17' long and my garage is 20'.

[84blaze]

Not much to update on this rig

Got some 4x4 tube to start making cab mounts with. I cant really make any until I decide where I want my cab to sit.





New (to me) wheels



Hope to tuck this hard when it's all said and done



I bought a 2001 2500HD 2WD 6.0L for cheap and it has been taking quite a bit of my time. I've been searching down some electrical gremlins which are driving me crazy. Its a full load truck with leather and power everything. Cant decide if I should leave it this height or drop it and get Detroit Steel Wheels to drill me some 8 lug steelies for it.

[84blaze]

I actually did some work on this thing today.

I pulled the 5 window cab out of the storage tent and set it on the S10 frame. I have 4x4s under the rear cab mounts and 2-2x4s under the front. With it this high off the frame it looks like the running board will sit flush with the bottom of the frame rail, which is how I want it. The front will lay out and the rear will be close with the ride tech 4 link. When its all laid out it should have a bit of rake to it which is what I want.

Cut the factory mounts off:











Running board mock up





All tucked away for tonight

[Layedoutsonoma91]

Very nice progress man! Looking forward to more

[99 to Life]

getting there. However if it were me, I'd be bolting the whole front clip on, and getting the truck on the ground for moch up. With the running boards. See your rubber that is on the cab? that should sit on very top of your running board. Helps to have bed on too because the rear and front fender will dictate where that running board goes. So basically your RB is up too high, i know its a moch up, but don't be alarmed if that RB goes below frame. My bracket for example is close to 4" below frame if I remember right. But I mounted my body very low to frame so I didn't have to notch rear etc.

[84blaze]

Originally Posted by 99 to Life

getting there. However if it were me, I'd be bolting the whole front clip on, and getting the truck on the ground for moch up. With the running boards. See your rubber that is on the cab? that should sit on very top of your running board. Helps to have bed on too because the rear and front fender will dictate where that running board goes. So basically your RB is up too high, i know its a moch up, but don't be alarmed if that RB goes below frame. My bracket for example is close to 4" below frame if I remember right. But I mounted my body very low to frame so I didn't have to notch rear etc.

Thanks for the advise man. This is my first time doing this swap so it'll be a learning progress throughout.

[84blaze]

Originally Posted by Layedoutsonoma91

Very nice progress man! Looking forward to more

Thanks dude. Its nice to finally see the cab on the frame and gives me some motivation.

[99 to Life]

been in your shoes, this site has helped so much. Def just bolt the front metal on and get bed in place with running boards. that way you can set up how far back or forward you want the cab and wheel alignment. Then it will dictate how high you want to mount your body off frame.

[HUSSEY]

Originally Posted by 99 to Life

been in your shoes, this site has helped so much. Def just bolt the front metal on and get bed in place with running boards. that way you can set up how far back or forward you want the cab and wheel alignment. Then it will dictate how high you want to mount your body off frame.

+1, that's how I did mine. I set my cab and mounted my front sheet metal to get the front wheels set in the center of the wheel well.

When all said and done, my cab mounts were exactly 2 in. forward of the oval hole in the side of the frame, which is what another member, Bartman, had noted where he put his. Also I based the height of the cab on info I got from 99 to Life's build thread. As said before, lots of great info on this board.

After the cab and front sheet metal were done, I then did the running boards and bed.

Cool project by the way, I'll be following along.

[lower50's]

Now that is some good motivational progress!! Nice wheels.

[Sim6]

Looking good blaze! Nice score on the wheels, those will look tough. I also used 4x4 tubing for my cab mounts. On the front ones I found I had to cut the angle more drastic because they were too wide for the cab and got hung up when setting the cab on.
Jeff

[84blaze]

I've been busy over the last week or so. I've got the frame completely stripped and ready for paint. I hope to have a complete rolling chassis by June 15th.

I ordered some new drilled and slotted rotors and pads so I can get it rolling once everything is stripped and painted. Looking at ordering some headers, engine mounts and a universal trans crossmember in the next week or so.

[84blaze]

Unrelated but I picked up some older racelines for the 2500hd



I need new tires but the rims are better than what the truck had.

[84blaze]

Got the front end all stripped down



Pulled the cab and put in the back of my 2500hd for the time being since I'm not driving it yet.





Started grinding with a flap disc



Used my engine hoist to get it out of the garage so i could pressure wash all the **** off of it





First layer of paint





Oh and i found a upholstered seat on Kijiji so i picked it up

[84blaze]

Strippers and Coke

[joedoh]

nice seat!

are you bolting your mounts on? why paint now?

[dug224]

Really nice build. I especially like you High School 6.0 Blazer. Keep the photos coming. dug

[84blaze]

Originally Posted by joedoh

nice seat!

are you bolting your mounts on? why paint now?

Just painting now so it doesn't rust. Ill grind the paint down when it comes time for the mounts. Just want to get a smooth rolling chassis for the time being.

[lower50's]

Looks good. Ya I painted my frame several times then ground and weld then paint kept the rust away.

[84blaze]

Painted frame:









Cleaning up the 4 link control arms and calipers







Painted the parts up with semi gloss



Bought all new grade 8 zinc coated hardware for the 4 link



Got the rear end out and started cleaning it up for new seals and some other internal parts



Quickly mocked up the blazer brakes and set them in the 20' wheel

[84blaze]

I'm back.

Here's a quick summary of what has happened since I last posted:

Sold the 2500HD for a profit after putting some money into it



I continued stripping parts for paint



Instaled the rear suspension with new zinc plated hardware











I also rebuilt the 4x4 G80 rear end with new seals, brakes, backing plates, and cross pin.

It all started with rusty backing plates...





















Then I bought a 05 GMC 2500HD and some 24.5 Semi wheels to convert into a tow pig. The truck is mint!

[99 to Life]

looking good, always nice to tear as far down as you are going.