LIL ERV the 50

[crossfire84]

thanks!

[RamboHern]

This is like the perfect situation! I have a 1948 chevy 3600 same truck as you! I also wanted to shorten the bed and frame and also I just recently bought a 1985 c10 to use the engine and frame but now have realized I want to keep the stock stuff but was still going to use the reared out of the c10 but after seeing how you did the setup with the front I've very intrigued and want more information. This is my very first restoration and I would like all the help and advice I can get. I have the c10 complete truck still in tact and drivable. I saw in the comments you said it's pretty much just a bolt in with the spacer. Once I get the assembly apart will it be obvious where the gap is? Also with the stock frame where did you place the front end to fit the wheel wells? Have you finished the truck yet?

[crossfire84]

There will be a 1/4'' gap on each side of the frame, I made my spacers at work out of mild steel. You will have to drill new holes in the frame to match the saddle and spacers. Before you pull the front axle off the 48 frame place a mark (I used a hack saw and cut a small notch in the frame rails) on the frame rails in the center of your axle this will keep you centered in the wheel well. I have not finished the truck yet but am getting close, should be on the road next summer.

[RamboHern]

Do you have a picture of the cross member in the 48 frame? I just wanted to see how it would fit in and how it looked.

[crossfire84]

Originally Posted by RamboHern

Do you have a picture of the cross member in the 48 frame? I just wanted to see how it would fit in and how it looked.

I think the first post is what you want? If not let me know.

[crossfire84]

I needed either a center consol or some form of arm rests so i pulled the arms off a dodge caravan and fitted them to my C4 seat back frames. Very strong and no movement.

[99 to Life]

nice mod

[crossfire84]

Originally Posted by 99 to Life

nice mod

Thanks, it was fun.

[RamboHern]

Now is the c4 rearend just more narrow than most? Did you have to modify it any?

[crossfire84]

Originally Posted by RamboHern

Now is the c4 rearend just more narrow than most? Did you have to modify it any?

The C4 is the perfect width IMHO, And they are the most mass produced IRS in aluminum. I did not have to modify it at all. And you can get a complete car for parts on the cheap.

[Coach529]

Truck looks great. Do you have any detailed pictures of the rear suspension set up?

[crossfire84]

Originally Posted by Coach529

Truck looks great. Do you have any detailed pictures of the rear suspension set up?

Let me look, If not i'll take a few photos this weekend.

[crossfire84]

Here are a few pic's. If you need more info just ask.

[Coach529]

Originally Posted by crossfire84

Here are a few pic's. If you need more info just ask.

Thank you!!

[99 to Life]

nice job. so I'm not that familiar with the corvette suspension swaps, though I really think I might dive into that on my next build, maybe the front atleast. As for the rear there. Those trailing arms/linkbars, do they have to be at a particular angle?

[crossfire84]

Saturday I installed the billet plate for the air and heat.

[crossfire84]

Today I worked on the installation of the universal wiper kit I bought from Speedway Motors. I put the motor in the passenger side vent hole a perfect fit. The kit comes with 2 wiper transmissions and 2 spacers that get welded in the stock holes. The stock covers fit like they were made for this. Will cut the shafts to length later and the stock wipers fit great. The po stripped all parts out of the cab so it was cheaper to go this way than to find all stock parts.

[99 to Life]

looking good. I'm at the ol' wiper crossroads again. I went with newport on my 51' its ok, but didn't wanna drop over 200 for a kit. Working on using a rear wiper out of an SUV for much much less. Let us know how the speedway kit works out, seems like you like it, and for sure if there aren't wiper linkages already in there, seems like a decent way to go.

[crossfire84]

Originally Posted by 99 to Life

looking good. I'm at the ol' wiper crossroads again. I went with newport on my 51' its ok, but didn't wanna drop over 200 for a kit. Working on using a rear wiper out of an SUV for much much less. Let us know how the speedway kit works out, seems like you like it, and for sure if there aren't wiper linkages already in there, seems like a decent way to go.

I looked at old parts that were worn out, reproduction parts are way too much $$$, I can't tell you how many hours spent at the local junk yard searching for maybe this will work stuff. So I went with this kit it's the same kit Scotts rods sells.

[crossfire84]

Ok, change of plans, Out with the Vette seats and in with my old but clean Silverado seats. I think they look much better and there a lot more comfortable and there the correct color for the interior. The ride is just rite height for me so no mad fab skills needed.

[Gregski]

Originally Posted by crossfire84

Ok, change of plans, Out with the Vette seats and in with my old but clean Silverado seats. I think they look much better and there a lot more comfortable and there the correct color for the interior. The ride is just rite height for me so no mad fab skills needed.

I know this is an old thread, but I stumbled upon it by accident and I am running the same seats so I would love to see how you installed / mounted them, did you just bolt their stock rails to the sheet metal or did you make some brackets or reinforcements?

[crossfire84]

Well it’s been a while since my last update, I did not use the Silverado seats in the end, they were too wide and I could not use the shifter on the floor. So i went back to the vette seats but I did cut the top of seats off now you cannot see the seat backs through the back window.

[MikeB]

Nice build with great attention to detail!

How about some videos of the truck running on the street?

How's that radiator working for you?

[crossfire84]

Finished up the rolling chassis every thing hooked up and painted, C4 rear end fresh refill and new bushings, Drive shaft in, 6SPD in and filled, Engine ready to fire. The body and tin is in the paint shop now.

[99 to Life]

looks good