New guy with 52 AD project.

[not2oldchevy]

Super truck!!!! I am doing about the same thing- 53/5.3/4l60/flat out c4 ifs. Did you have to do any mods on the radiator or was it just bolt in? Oh yeah do you rember the number the part # for the lower hose? Thanks Bill

[52 Rat]

Originally Posted by ratrodmiller

You get that radiator hose. Man looking very nice. I like your trailing arms good idea..
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Yes, I finally found a hose that worked. I had to unbolt the water neck and clock it down. My brother is going to machine me some aluminum clamps for the water neck. I made a 1-1/2 ID hose go on a 1-3/4 radiator neck.

Originally Posted by not2oldchevy

Super truck!!!! I am doing about the same thing- 53/5.3/4l60/flat out c4 ifs. Did you have to do any mods on the radiator or was it just bolt in? Oh yeah do you rember the number the part # for the lower hose? Thanks Bill

Thanks! The radiator is a direct bolt in for a 47-54. I think I reference the ebay link where I purchased it in some of the previous threads. I purchased it from Reliable Radiator. I did save the part number from the radiator hose and will get that for you. I'm sure there is a 1-3/4 to 1-1/2 hose that would work but I got tired of standing in the parts house looking for hoses. I only used a small section of a long hose. I shoe-horned the 1-1/2 hose on the 1-3/4 radiator neck. The upper radiator hose combo is an 88-96 Chevy truck 5.7 lower hose. The smaller hose is a Mazda Miata lower hose.

[52 Rat]

Got the headers back from Nitro Plate and they look awesome. The quality of the coating inside and out is amazing. I will get some pics when I get them installed. I decided to go with stainless studs and stover nuts to lock the headers down. To give you an idea of how much I saved over ARP. The ARP stainless header stud kit was around $100. I went to the local fastener supply house, picked up some stainless M8 studs and stover nuts; total cost $12. The key here is to used a liberal amount of anti-seize on the studs and nuts. Stainless has a tendency to gauld.

[52 Rat]

I installed the headers this afternoon but some of the plug wire boots are on the header tubes or very close. I had not planned on purchasing plug wires but I guess I will. I'm looking at the MSD 32829's that allows for a 45 degree bend at the boot.

[oldman3]

sound good, doesn't it make you happy to hear it run the first time....Jim

[52 Rat]

Originally Posted by oldman3

sound good, doesn't it make you happy to hear it run the first time....Jim

Man you know it! I was like a kid on Christmas day. I had a big grin on my face all evening. It took three years getting to this point. Now I want to drive it but I have a lot to do yet.

[truckzilla]

Sounds good! I had to watch it a couple of times just to check out your frame work and rear suspension set-up. You're going to have one bad little 52 there when its finished my friend!

[52 Rat]

Originally Posted by truckzilla

Sounds good! I had to watch it a couple of times just to check out your frame work and rear suspension set-up. You're going to have one bad little 52 there when its finished my friend!

Thanks. Here is a pic as it sits now.

[truckzilla]

You are a heck of a lot farther along than I am with mine that's for sure! If i hadn't have already bought a 4 link set up for the back half of my POS, I would have gone the trailing arm route as well. Thanks for the pic!

[1952ssr]

Originally Posted by 52 Rat

Man you know it! I was like a kid on Christmas day. I had a big grin on my face all evening. It took three years getting to this point. Now I want to drive it but I have a lot to do yet.

I totally know what you mean, my 11 year was with me when I fired mine up for the first time. I don't who had the biggest grin. I felt like getting mine running was my last real hurdle, so now everything else should fall in place quickly. It was July (2011) when I fired mine up and was driving it in September (2011).

[1950foru]

Looking good what measurement did u set your axle centerline in the front from the center leaf hole
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[52 Rat]

Originally Posted by 1950foru

Looking good what measurement did u set your axle centerline in the front from the center leaf hole
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Can't remember off hand but I used the measurment that was listed in the Heidts instruction manual. You can down load the instructions manuals on their website.

[Dads Burb]

OK, I really like your tank install. I just looked up a Buick Grand National fuel tank and it says it is 36 1/4" wide. When I look at the pictures of your install you have a lot of room between the frame rails and the tank. I have a 55 (2) suburban and it is only 30" clear inside from rail to rail. I'm trying to figure out how everyone is installing S10 Blazer or 70 Mustang tanks where the spare tire went. Is my frame narrower or did you spread your frame rails?

Never mind, I just looked up the frame spec's for both trucks. I always thought the frames were the same width.

I guess I am back to zero with the replacement tank research. Really don't want to spend a bunch of money for an aftermarket tank.

[52 Rat]

Originally Posted by Dads Burb

OK, I really like your tank install. I just looked up a Buick Grand National fuel tank and it says it is 36 1/4" wide. When I look at the pictures of your install you have a lot of room between the frame rails and the tank. I have a 55 (2) suburban and it is only 30" clear inside from rail to rail. I'm trying to figure out how everyone is installing S10 Blazer or 70 Mustang tanks where the spare tire went. Is my frame narrower or did you spread your frame rails?

Never mind, I just looked up the frame spec's for both trucks. I always thought the frames were the same width.

I guess I am back to zero with the replacement tank research. Really don't want to spend a bunch of money for an aftermarket tank.

Keep in mind, I removed the arch/spare tire cross member so the tank would fit properly.

[Dads Burb]

I had planned on removing the cross member, but I don't have enough space between the frame rails.

I wonder if it is possible that a Grand National tank can be narrowed? I know there is a pan arrangement inside for keeping fuel around the pump intake, just not sure where it is. If I could remove 6" from the width I think it would work. Every tank I've looked at is either to wide 33" plus or really deep. The grand national tank is only 8 3/4" deep which makes it perfect, except for it being to wide.

[52 Rat]

Originally Posted by Dads Burb

I had planned on removing the cross member, but I don't have enough space between the frame rails.

I wonder if it is possible that a Grand National tank can be narrowed? I know there is a pan arrangement inside for keeping fuel around the pump intake, just not sure where it is. If I could remove 6" from the width I think it would work. Every tank I've looked at is either to wide 33" plus or really deep. The grand national tank is only 8 3/4" deep which makes it perfect, except for it being to wide.

I never did like the idea of cutting down a fuel tank. I've see guys cut holes in for a external fuel pump sump. I would not recommend cutting a GN tank. What if you turn it longways? You can arrange the filler neck to any position. I will be cutting the filler neck and moving it.

[Dads Burb]

There is only 36 3/4" from the rear of the frame rails to the rear end housing. I think I found an 87 Blazer tank that is 28 3/4" square. Might be to deep, but it has a filler neck that I think could be moved. I'm going to contact Spectra Premium (tank manufacturer) and get some more actuate dimensions.

You don't think the opening for the sending unit or in-tank pump opening should be modified?

[not2oldchevy]

What brand trans crossmember did you use & how much drop does it have? Thanks Bill

[ryserstine]

You said you have info on the nascar trailing arms,can you shoot me some info on locating some thanks.

[52 Rat]

Well it has been several years since I worked on this project. I have started working on the AD again and will be listing if for sale. I am going to list it with the LS engine and six speed or without. I will post some new photos soon.

[99 to Life]

Id love to have that trans!! def update us with some pics. Too bad you couldn't drive it and enjoy all your work..

[52 Rat]

Originally Posted by 99 to Life

Id love to have that trans!! def update us with some pics. Too bad you couldn't drive it and enjoy all your work..

Well life happens and I got wrapped up building our house and my shop. Started on a 71 Camaro SS restoration project that morphed into a full off subframe resto down to the ID paint markings.!i won't mention the two motorcycle projects builds I have since completed. Who knows I may complete the AD but I have people asking if I will consider selling it as is. So I am thinking about it. Need to finish the Camaro.
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[solidaxel]

So where is the 37 GMC ?

[52 Rat]

Originally Posted by solidaxel

So where is the 37 GMC ?

It is stored in the barn at the moment. There is a pic early on in this thread. It is a piece of a 37 but enough to start with.

[FarmerSid]

Hey 52 Rat. Just going through your build thread and am wondering about your rad and install. I found the rad you used but a bunch of pictures are missing. Could you post some pictures of the rad, how you mounted it, and how much clearance you have at the front to the rad rear to firewall. That would be great help!