Orson the 49 GMC ~ Chris C.

[skymangs]

Not surprisingly, we found more rust than anticipated! By mounting the engine low in the cradle we were able to maintain a flat floor. He’s not done, he still needs to cut that bump off and weld a flat patch.

[joedoh]

rust repair sucks! nice work though!

3 leafs + overload is the highrider Z85 suspension, if you pull the smallest leaf (not the overload) you will drop it about an 1.5 for free! on Z85 I also cut a full coil in front or switch to some 3" drop springs, they are stupid high.

[skymangs]

It is with a very heavy heart that I announce the closure of my shop. My son informed me that he didn’t see himself doing this for the rest of his life and took another part time job. With my other son only working part time, we can’t get anything done. I did not arrive at this decision lightly.

[Father&son56project]

Skymangs, I’m saddened to hear that. Your build updates are a staple of my reading on this site, and I have learned a ton from watching you do these swaps. I trust that you will still be here to guide us newbies through the tough spots on our builds!

Stephan

[8man]

Sarge, thank you for all the help you have given us.

[skymangs]

I'll still be on here, and still be doing builds. but thy will be for resale instead of far customers.

[joedoh]

sorry chris! I will still love seeing your builds though

[Tempest67]

your 'How to" thread was/is a reason for my build, and I Thank you for it.

I wish you all the best , and please keep us posted on your future builds, always informative and entertaining.

[skymangs]

You bet buddy!

[slammed57]

lotta of progress, lookin good

[skymangs]

Thanks

[Desert1957]

Chris, just so you know, You and others on this forum have helped me rediscover building trucks again. Your totally unselfish way of posting your builds over the years has been an inspiration to many.

This S10 swap info has become invaluable to me while working on my 49 AD.

Thank You Sir.

[skymangs]

Thanks man

[28TudorAZ]

Sorry to hear that Chris. You inspired me to s-10 swap my dad's truck. Thanks for all the write ups and direction. You made it way easier. I should be hopefully handing over the truck to him within a month after I get the A/C installed.

[skymangs]

Nice!

[skymangs]

Michael finally got the floors done!

[skymangs]

The boys started working on getting the rear end in today.

[skymangs]

I am using a 1984 ext cab S10. I just assumed the wb was the same as the 93 and newer trucks, but it would appear that it is shorter. I have the boys checking the wb of the S10 chassis and the GMC chassis.

[joedoh]

long bed AD should be ~125, ext cab s10 is 123, have you flipped the leaf springs around? from memory s10 leafs are 2" shorter from pin to front eye than from pin to rear eye (I will double check this after I post) so I have heard about guys flipping them front to back to get that 125" wheelbase? I havent done it.


edit: its 26" and 28", see picture

[skymangs]

Thanks joedoh, we figured it out today and flipped those springs around. Now to set it on the floor!

[joedoh]

that looks perfect!

[twinshadows]

Chris

Looks good to me . . . . .

a long time back - - I had swapped my 53 IH 1/2 ton onto a
Chevy car chassis : IH wheel base = 115" - 64 Chevy Impala =
w/b = 120" . So, I did just like everyone here - and, centered my front
wheels to the front fender opening (and let it ride), for the back
wheel opening. Most (all) people don't even notice (those 5" difference).
This was back in the mid 70's . . (I had my truck on the road in
'76 . . . and, drove everywhere = ( my DD, for over ten years) .
Now days - - people see that difference in 'wheel-base' .. . . . plus ,
these trucks just look much better - centered up .
After reading all these " AD to S-10" frame swaps ........ it's almost time to rebuild th' ol' IH , and up-date the truck ..............

Even more so, With all Your Help & Information from Your Many
build post & great info for 'S-10 / AD' swaps ..............
Meaning - - - THANK You For Your time & knowledge ..................
(and, very sorry to hear about your shop closing ) .

I'll keep watching , for sure . . . Best of time for you , going forward.

later , jim

[skymangs]

The boys are working on the running board brackets, having never done them before it’s a learning experience!

This is the second version of running board brackets I make, both are overkill. But the others might be a scoach stronger.

[skymangs]

Building those brackets!

[skymangs]

Brackets are finished, next to remove 1.25” from those splashguards. Bolt them on, mock up the boards, and weld up the brackets.