FamilyBowties 49 5window

[FamilyBowTie]

Picked this up the first part of the yr. (Feb.) and thought I'd share here to ask my questions and get some guidance rather than posting all over other peoples threads.


49 5 window clear title, I took it into the DMV and registered it and they gave me the plates and tags till Feb 2016 without even looking at the truck (wasn't running). Truck was only missing the original motor/trans but I knew we were going with a 350 combo.

We went with an s10 because it was the most economical for us. Donner came with a 5.7 and 700r4 so for $600. Donner was running good before we stripped it and sold off all the sheet metal for $200.


After stripping the s10 down, we found a few problems that were pretty clear would have been very bad if left as a s10.
1. The motor mounts are only welded on about 1" off the back and just hanging on by a thread.
2. The u-joint at the back was finger tight and the bolts so worn that they should have been replaced, they seemed too short.
3. The bell housing only had 2 bolts and were only finger tight.
4. Radiator support was not on correct and radiator could be picked up and moved around in the support.
5. The exhaust manifold and headers did not line up (gaps) explaining that distinct carbon monoxide smell in the cab. Those were the biggest issues, lucky I was only using this for parts.

[FamilyBowTie]

Fast forward to today (May)

I have stripped all the 49 sheet metal down to bare metal and all that is left is the bed and tailgate.

S10 chassis has been shortened at the joint under the cab 5".

Cab mounts on using Skymags plans, and all the sheet metal is back on to check alignment.

This is where I am on hold while I order the radiator, drop spindles, headers, and a few other misc. parts to move fwd.

The rear has a 3" block but the front does NOT have the drop spindle in the picture so I am hoping it will come down a little more. The back is not on either but I can see it still has to come down 1.5" and will fix that once I get the front spindles on.

[FamilyBowTie]

Plans fwd are to get the motor moved back 5" get the drive line complete, than get the steering mounted once I get the headers in to check clearances.

Planning on running 20"s all around but may end up changing it to 18" in the front if I have an issue with steering.

[_Ogre]

looks like a good project
one thing i will suggest... before you install drop spindles get the whole truck together
glass, interior, wired, stereo, bed finished, doors and windows will all add weight and drop the truck
it is the same amount of work to install them now or later
but with later you see how it looks with the back end

[lower50's]

Sweet 49' you will be driving it in no time.

[IWanna49]

Welcome aboard! Your metal looks good. Gotta love those old SW trucks! Sub'd!!

[FamilyBowTie]

Thanks guys.

Not much progress due to Dr. Apts. and restrictions on lifting.

I did get my adapters in so I snuck out and put the wheels on. Still not lowered but seeing it like this gives me motivation and I can't wait to get out and do some real work.

[FamilyBowTie]

? I went looking for headers for my build and most are not for use with angled plugs. Needing the s10 v8 conversion headers.

Can someone point me in the right direction?

[FamilyBowTie]

Got the drop spindles on one side and will get the other done tonight when the temps drop below 95. Back end looks cockeye cause passenger side is still stock height.

Very happy with the front and will be picking up the steel this weekend to do the radiator support and bed support.

[Advanced Design]

Looks like a great project! Very solid truck. Enjoy the build!

[WorkinWrenchs]

Sub'd Looks great so far. Interested on how the 20's are going to work ie if there will be any clearance issues. I just picked up my 53 last week only with an S10 and hope to start on it this winter.