49 ls1

[skymangs]

So I've been prodded to start a build thread on my newest acquisition. 49 3600 Chevy 5 window. I was given this truck when I was 11 years old, and until the last year or so have been steadily pimping the parts off of it for other projects. However, last time I was home, it didn't look near as far gone as I had remembered (or maybe every joker on craigslist seems to think that their rusty farm truck that has been sitting in a field for 30 years is worth $2500). So I decided to drag it home and see what could be done with it.

Sorry, no before pics.

[skymangs]

I started with a half ton frame that already had a 71 Camaro stub on it. I found it at auction for $200. After taking careful measurements I decided it was done pretty decently (I'll be adding some gussets and fish plates just for GP) and would make a good platform for my new shop rig. Heres some pics.

[skymangs]

I've been wrestling with direction for this project. I've picked up a 5.3L from a wrecked 2005 Suburban, and a 4L80E 2wd trans from a 2000 truck. I'm leaning towards "Hot Rod Flatz" firemist Fathom Green, mild bodywork, air bags, custom built radius arm independent rear suspension, 17x8 steelie wheels with 55 chevy pickup dog-dishes, 55 Chevy pickup dashboard, and maybe a few other items. Here's the color, interior will be 2 tone, green and beige.

I also picked up a 55 truck dash from Jim Carter here in KC, figured to play with that a little bit and see if I couldn't get it to look ok in there.

[skymangs]

So I wound up cutting the ends of the 55 dash off, then integrating them into the doors, so that when you close them the dash becomes wrap around. I think it looks kinda trick, but there's a helluva lot of metalwork left to do!

[skymangs]

So here's my 5.3L... 98,000 miles, gave $350 for it. It's a 2005 drive by wire, which I am converting to a 2001 PCM and drive by cable setup. Looked kind of nasty when I picked it up, but turned out to be in real nice shape inside! Final pics are all buttoned up with LS6 cam and fresh paint.

[skymangs]

Next on the list was a better radiator option. I wound up ordering a 19x22 double pass crossflow radiator from Speedway (for like $110!) with pass side inlet and outlet (perfect for an LS motor). I bought a junk core support to cut up from Jim Carters, and got to work. I needed to get the radiator high enough to clear the Camaro power steering box, while giving myself enough room for efan setup in front of the motor.

[skymangs]

capped the bottom in 18ga steel bent to capture the rubber rad isolators from mid 80's Ford POS cars (Left upper from 4 different cars was the right width!) and mocked it up for trial fitment. Clears the power steering box by about 3/4"...

That's about it for now, hoping to get the motor mounts mocked up once the core support brackets are complete, maybe by the end of the weekend?

[Low Elco]

Very Nice! See, this is the part of the deal I dig, the crazy roughing and modding part. Please continue!

[skymangs]

Oh I will brother. got some kinda crazy ideas with this one. We'll see how it comes together!

[Daze57]

nice work you got goin on there !!!- glad to see that machine out of the field and bein; taken care of .

[skymangs]

Thanks Daze... It just seemed like it was in better shape than all the stuff I was finding for sale! What you see is what you get though. I have no headlight stuff, no windows, a bent to hell grill, no box, no rear fenders... etc. They're out there though.

[sqrlnts]

B:tching project, I am along for the ride! Keep up the hard work!

[Daze57]

''and you will find them !!!!!!!''

[oldman3]

Chris, looking good there buddy, won't be long and you'll be running down the road...Jim

[TheBlueBomber]

I love '49s. My formerly best friend got one when we were in the 7th grade. Did a little body work to it, threw it on an s10 frame and let it sit since. Sometimes I wonder if he truly appreciates the things he has. Good looking truck, looking forward to following this build.

[alaska gasser]

Nice project and I like the dash as it is the same one I used in mine. What is your plan for the gauge cluster? I'm using a flamed one from EBAY for something different than the stock one.

[Low Elco]

Where are you guys getting these cheap LS motors? Everything I run across is 1k for a solid one!

[skymangs]

Thank you all for the interest... This will hopefully be my showcase truck.

Alaska gasser, I was planning on using the stock '55 cluster. Going for a certain look, custom, but not too much bling. I found a nice speedo converter that will allow the stock speedo to work with the VSS on the 4L80E.

Low elco, Craigslist bro... They're out there. I picked that one up from Leavenworth, KS.

I'm hoping to have this one in shape for the Midwest All Truck Nats next year... Would look cool towing my V8 Lawnmower!

[skymangs]

Finally got my core support located so I can remove the fenders for engine mockup! I'm hoping to have motor mounts built by the end of the weekend, then on to some bodywork.

[skymangs]

So I decided to mock up the 5.3 in the engine bay to see where I was at, and where I'd have to cut. I mounted it about 2 inches higher than I would have for a 350, so I can use the stock pan. Since this truck will get bagged, I don't want anything hanging below that crossmember.

Initially I had about 3.5" of clearance between the wp pulley and the rad. I'm looking for about 5". Rather than buy a different accessory drive, I decided a 2" recessed firewall was a good option. So I made some rough cuts, bolted on the trans, and blocked it in position.

[skymangs]

Once I was happy with the positioning of the motor, I started to put together some motor mounts. The last shot is with the intake in position (It kinda fits perfect in the factory 6 banger recession).

[skymangs]

Once I had the mounts made, I strengthened them with some 1/4 wall tube, and started banging out a new firewall. I want this one to be smooth, so I cut the factory one completely out, saved and re-used the 6 cyl recession (and moved it down about 1.5"), and cut 18ga. sheet to fit. It's just sheetmetal screwed for now, but I'll be welding it in, and re-bracing the backside tomorrow.

Hopefully this weekend I can get the cab off, and build the trans mount.

[oldman3]

Chris, starting to take shape, nice job...Jim

[69CST-V]

Looks great.

[skymangs]

Thanks guys. This one's for me, so I'm taking my time.