1981 Chevrolet C50 Pick-up Conversion

[UPNADM]

Originally Posted by 54blackhornet

I am looking at a 50 this weekend, low miles 350. missing the radiator ? will a 3/4 or 1 ton work ? Good tires, no rust good glass, but no bed ! What would you do ? Thanks for any suggestions....jack

Good afternoon Jack, I do not think a rad from a 3/4 ton or 1 ton would be a direct fit, but certainly could be modified to fit. The header width would roughly be the same from the C50 to a 3/4 or 1 ton.

I believe the C50 rad would be a little longer and taller.

I will measure the rad that I took out of my truck when I get home and post the dimensions.

Giver on the purchase.

[chevy427big block]

Originally Posted by UPNADM

Thanks, its actually a 350 with a four speed. This is a 3 ton truck. My understanding is that the 5 tons had either the 366, 427 or Detroit Diesel engines with 2 speed rears.

As per my previous posts, I have since found out that the 366 and I am presuming the 427, however never presume (LOL), have different bellhousings, larger clutches and input shafts for converting to a 5 speed.

did not know that i just assumed anything over 30 came with a big block haha and i know what you mean by the bellhousing its huge mine had an allison tranny behind it when i got it

[hopelessredneck]

I think youe should chop the rear window out and put in a full sized slider

[UPNADM]

Well the weather is great up here in Ontario. Got the big door open in the shop, this is a little weird, ha but I am not complaining. I didn't get much done over the weekend, but back at it for the week.

I am just about ready to get this truck in primer. I am just in the process of straightening out some dents.

Here are some photos...

[UPNADM]

I got the hydraulic pump and tank pulled off the truck now. Planning on building a dump trailer with the box.

[UPNADM]

Got a few more things blasted up and ready for paint from the engine compartment.

Also got the gas tank pulled off to sand up and paint high gloss black.

[UPNADM]

Originally Posted by hopelessredneck

I think youe should chop the rear window out and put in a full sized slider

Thought about that, but I do not think it would jive on the inside of the cab without some fab work....

I would have to get rid of my factory speaker holes (see photo... ha)

[UPNADM]

Originally Posted by hopelessredneck

I think youe should chop the rear window out and put in a full sized slider

Thought about that, but I do not think it would jive on the inside of the cab without some fab work....

I would have to get rid of my factory speaker holes (see photo... ha)

[greguw]

Great looking build so far ... !

[matchstick321]

Likin' it so far!

[UPNADM]

The truck is officially ready for primer, everything is sanded, straightened etc.

I am planning on priming the truck on Saturday.

In the mean time I wanted to see what I was up against for shortening the truck. I am planning on moving the differential and springs and hangers forward.

So with that in mind, I have to cut rivets..... The other night I got out my CH air hammer, and nothing... ha.

I ended up cutting a rivet head off with a torch... and thought I could push it out... no luck.

I ended up buying a CP and man, what a difference. It cut the rivet heads off like sheet metal, and poped those pins out like a 12 guage. It took about a half an hour to zip off a shackle. I am impressed.

[UPNADM]

I plan to get my frame shortened up within the week. The weather is getting nice here and I am ready to drive this truck.

The new hammer will put me a head of schedule now. I have a mag drill lined up to drill the new holes and will cut the tail of the frame off.

[chevy427big block]

nice shop man

[UPNADM]

Originally Posted by chevy427big block

nice shop man

Thanks... It sold me on the property, wife liked that it had a dishwasher, win win for both of us...ha!

[madcow75]

LMFAO a dish washer and a killer shop. Okay who wins. She is a keeper.

[UPNADM]

Slow start to the weekend, but got some accomplished this afternoon.

Got the truck out in the driveway, washed it down with hot water, soap and degreaser. Brought it back in, wiped it, tacked it and primed it.

Feel like I am making some progress now... The interior and jambs are ready for primer, hopefully tomorrow night.

[hopelessredneck]

so i may have missed an earlier post but what are the plans for behind the cab a normal box or a work box??

[UPNADM]

Originally Posted by hopelessredneck

so i may have missed an earlier post but what are the plans for behind the cab a normal box or a work box??

I will be shortening the wheelbase to fit a dually box.

[East End K5]

looks great man! Anyway to relocate the fuel tank like the traditional squares? I may have missed a thread if you already said....I may have to do a C50 conversion in the future....I LOVE how the truck sits and the stance of the truck with a dually bed on it.....one tough truck!

[JRANGER]

dayum!!! hey jealousy

[UPNADM]

Originally Posted by East End K5

looks great man! Anyway to relocate the fuel tank like the traditional squares? I may have missed a thread if you already said....I may have to do a C50 conversion in the future....I LOVE how the truck sits and the stance of the truck with a dually bed on it.....one tough truck!

Anything is possible, and there is enough room, however I think I will likely keep the stock setup for now.

[UPNADM]

Late night tonight, but got the inside of the cab in primer. I primed the roof, I am hoping that a regular headliner will fit, I cant remember... I wanted to have back up in case it did not. As previously mentioned, I plan to paint the interior the same as the exterior. Not sure about dash/door panels/seat and trim color yet. Thinking either black or saddle. Either will go with the yellow.

Now ready for the fun stuff... shortening! I hope to have the rivets cut and differential brought forward by the weekend, and have my box sitting in mock position.

Then prep the box, and get it all together for paint...

[UPNADM]

More interior photos...

[UPNADM]

Came home with some ambition... Cab painted...

[UPNADM]

More cab...