View Full Version : 1953 Chevy 3100 "Someday..."
My Dad gave me this truck when I was 16yrs old. (I just turned 34) I DROVE it off the trailer, around the block and into the driveway ONE time. Then the tear down began. I had zero mechanical experience, and was funding the project by bagging groceries. Fastforward many years of houses, offroad toys, cheap n' easy mustangs and a list of other distractions... and i'm finally back to the truck. I've spent far more money in storage fee's for this bent, once rolled over farm truck than it can possibly be worth... but it doesn't matter. I love this thing.
Wanting to start with a clean slate, I sent the chassis out to be sand blasted... It was during the teardown that I noticed the significant bend in frame... sweet...:hand:
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/11/IMG_20130918_111953-1.jpg (http://s641.photobucket.com/user/motorbreath53/media/Chevy%20Build/IMG_20130918_111953.jpg.html)
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/11/IMG_20130918_175534-1.jpg (http://s641.photobucket.com/user/motorbreath53/media/Chevy%20Build/IMG_20130918_175534.jpg.html)
I managed to get some of the excess firewall holes buzzed up while I was waiting for my turn on the frame machine at the local ROP Body Shop class.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/11/IMAG0456-1.jpg (http://s641.photobucket.com/user/motorbreath53/media/Chevy%20Build/IMAG0456.jpg.html)
The frame was z'd and bent over about an inch and a half. Not anymore. (now its just shy of 1/16 inch bent THE OTHER WAY... bah... close enough... its not going to the moon afterall...)
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/11/IMAG0996-1.jpg (http://s641.photobucket.com/user/motorbreath53/media/Chevy%20Build/IMAG0996.jpg.html)
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/11/IMAG0997-1.jpg (http://s641.photobucket.com/user/motorbreath53/media/Chevy%20Build/IMAG0997.jpg.html)
So, during the course of this trucks storage, I have managed to collect up some parts. Inevitably, my tastes have changed some over the past 15 years and some of the stuff is not as bitchin to me as when I bought it. I understand the short comings of the MII stuff, but I already have a nice Heidts hub to hub with discs, new rack, drop spindles etc. I have been in contact with an autocross buddy that runs a MII (and smokes all of us most the time) I think with a few adjustments to make more available caster i'll be content with the front suspension. Plus, the packaging is so tidy, I can't bring myself to consider the homely stamped steel GM stuff, and with a pending addition to the family, i'm not in the position to buy a new hub to hub anway.
The trans in the pic is a t3550 from my mustang. I was hoping the case was the same as a later tko-600 to allow me some mock up. Nope. No such luck. I'm in a saving pattern for a fresh tko-600.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/11/IMG_20161124_071017079-1.jpg (http://s641.photobucket.com/user/motorbreath53/media/Chevy%20Build/IMG_20161124_071017079.jpg.html)
Motor is kinda an odd duck. This is a 472 cad. I'm not sure exactly what has me smitten with these... but I can't help it. I dig the idea of something different under the hood. This one is pretty "used" and is being treated to a "Rustoleum Rebuild" in the pic. I'll likely get a cam and some other little goodies before it fires.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/11/IMG_20161123_144526653-1.jpg (http://s641.photobucket.com/user/motorbreath53/media/Chevy%20Build/IMG_20161123_144526653.jpg.html)
Totally hillbilly, but its entertaining to me to note that the motor was not only in an 1/8th mile drag car in the hands of the last owner, but has survived and won a demolition derby.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/11/CIMG2707-1.jpg (http://s641.photobucket.com/user/motorbreath53/media/2011%20DEMO%20DERBY/CIMG2707.jpg.html)
So, after I button up the front suspension and set the ride height, its time to commit to a rear suspension. I had purchased a Competition Engineering brand magnum 4 link about 10 years ago. Now i'm not so sure its going to fit what i'm after. The truck will primarily be used as a grocery getter'... but it will see the drag strip every now and again, and if my Mustang is out of commission, it may see some autocross too.
I haven't ruled out the 4 link, but only because itd be so easy to plug in at this point... but again, i've since learned the word "bind" since I purchased it. (I should just stop reading... )
I'm leaning heaviest towards torque arm due to the ease of fabrication and durability, but i'm still in research mode. Words like "jacking" "roll-center" and "antisquat" are not totally foreign, but i've never had to design anything around them. I've see some quality threads on suspension design on this forum, but if you guys have some favorites that could be of help i'd love to see them!
So, this truck has leaned a little more towards "street/strip" than "pro-touring". That said, the goal is kinda multi-taskin' do it all go-fast toy. So ill keep posting unless the Moderators give a thumbs down.
Budget and desire to do cook tires asap had me hoping to run the 472 without a rebuild. (at least while i saved for a proper built motor) I went to bolt up my MTS rear sump pan, and discovered some debris on the oil pickup that looks very much like piston ring. Bummer.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2018/07/20171218_212027-1.jpg (http://s641.photobucket.com/user/motorbreath53/media/Chevy%20Build/20171218_212027.jpg.html)
I usually scoff at guys that post pics of "off the shelf" parts...but here i go doing it myself. TKO-600. "...the trans ive always wanted, and now I have it. I RULE!"
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2018/07/20171031_201646-1.jpg (http://s641.photobucket.com/user/motorbreath53/media/Chevy%20Build/20171031_201646.jpg.html)
Built some cool motormounts. Nobody made mounts for Cadillac motor with manual trans into chevy truck with MII. Weird?
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2018/07/20180327_213511-1.jpg (http://s641.photobucket.com/user/motorbreath53/media/Chevy%20Build/20180327_213511.jpg.html)
The mustangII stuff is all tacked in. Ive cheated the upper mounts back a touch and clearanced a bit to allow more caster. I autocross with a guy who whoops everyone on a regular basis with a similar set up. Frame rails are boxed, and im doing some tube lacing through the center of the chassis to stiffen everything up. Im trying to avoid needing a cage.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2018/07/20180623_133334-1.jpg (http://s641.photobucket.com/user/motorbreath53/media/Chevy%20Build/20180623_133334.jpg.html)
I backhalved the rear for the 4 link stuff. A drag specific set up, but im hoping that with the links set parallel and a full width panhard the handling will be good enough for lots of street miles and the occasional autocross.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2018/07/20180703_225353-1.jpg (http://s641.photobucket.com/user/motorbreath53/media/Chevy%20Build/20180703_225353.jpg.html)
frink84
07-05-2018, 08:14 AM
looking good. i bet a crown vic front suspension would be sooooo much cooler :drive2:
Motoracer838
07-05-2018, 12:29 PM
looking good. i bet a crown vic front suspension would be sooooo much cooler :drive2:
Probably too wide hub to hub for his app...
"its not going to the moon afterall"
One of my favorite phrases at work is "It's not the next space shuttle", this gets used when someone is putting too much effort into something... (industrial fabrication)
I've got a car that I've owned for 20 years and driven for about a year 12 years ago before taking apart and I'm just now getting serious about putting it together...
You've got a good start going.
Joe
frink84
07-06-2018, 06:33 AM
Probably too wide hub to hub for his app...
inside joke between LERM, me, and a few buddies of ours...
Project Bike Truck
07-06-2018, 10:54 AM
Dang man another winner. Glad to have come across this also. Following!
My shop smells like burnt WD40 and hot metal. Progress stinks goooooood.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2018/07/20180712_000500-1.jpg (http://s641.photobucket.com/user/motorbreath53/media/Chevy%20Build/20180712_000500.jpg.html)
If I still have a chassis rigidity problem its not from lack of trying. Its amazing how fast space disappears when trying to get chassis bracing to play nice with exhaust, suspension and the other necessities.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2018/07/20180711_234000-1.jpg (http://s641.photobucket.com/user/motorbreath53/media/Chevy%20Build/20180711_234000.jpg.html)
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2018/07/20180711_234800-1.jpg (http://s641.photobucket.com/user/motorbreath53/media/Chevy%20Build/20180711_234800.jpg.html)
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2018/07/20180711_234021-1.jpg (http://s641.photobucket.com/user/motorbreath53/media/Chevy%20Build/20180711_234021.jpg.html)
frink84
07-12-2018, 10:23 AM
good lord that looks badass. is the exhaust going out the back?
Project Bike Truck
07-12-2018, 10:26 AM
My shop smells like burnt WD40 and hot metal. Progress stinks goooooood.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2018/07/20180712_000500-1.jpg (http://s641.photobucket.com/user/motorbreath53/media/Chevy%20Build/20180712_000500.jpg.html)
If I still have a chassis rigidity problem its not from lack of trying. Its amazing how fast space disappears when trying to get chassis bracing to play nice with exhaust, suspension and the other necessities.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2018/07/20180711_234000-1.jpg (http://s641.photobucket.com/user/motorbreath53/media/Chevy%20Build/20180711_234000.jpg.html)
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2018/07/20180711_234800-1.jpg (http://s641.photobucket.com/user/motorbreath53/media/Chevy%20Build/20180711_234800.jpg.html)
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2018/07/20180711_234021-1.jpg (http://s641.photobucket.com/user/motorbreath53/media/Chevy%20Build/20180711_234021.jpg.html)
wow man that tube work is great. wish i had made my floors higher to get more exhaust room.
Motown 454
07-12-2018, 10:19 PM
Sweet ! subscribed.
good lord that looks badass. is the exhaust going out the back?
Yes. Thats the goal. The current plan is over the frame rail headers into electric cutouts, 3" tube, vbanded xpipe, and outlet behind the rear axle. Due to space constraints i think ill have to go under the axle, but not sure yet.
wow man that tube work is great. wish i had made my floors higher to get more exhaust room. The tube stuff was fun to do. Probably would have been better to just cage the truck, but i dont want this to look like a racetruck.
Sweet ! subscribed. thanks!
Project Bike Truck
07-13-2018, 10:54 AM
Same reasons why I'm getting crazy on the frame in mine, don't want a cage. if I have to later I will.
Slowly but slowly... but at least there is progress. Still need to build mounts for the panhard bar, but otherwise the rear suspension is all tacked in place. I even got the truss on the ford 9 fitted and tacked in place.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2018/09/20180829_000203-1.jpg (http://s641.photobucket.com/user/motorbreath53/media/Chevy%20Build/20180829_000203.jpg.html)
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2018/09/20180829_000054-1.jpg (http://s641.photobucket.com/user/motorbreath53/media/Chevy%20Build/20180829_000054.jpg.html)
The parts keep showing up. The list of needs to make it a roller is getting shorter. I am however somewhat stuck on the trans crossmember... but im 90... call it 87% sure that ive landed on a solution.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2018/09/20180904_225035-1.jpg (http://s641.photobucket.com/user/motorbreath53/media/Chevy%20Build/20180904_225035.jpg.html)
Motoracer838
09-08-2018, 06:57 AM
My shop smells like burnt WD40 and hot metal. Progress stinks goooooood.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2018/07/20180712_000500-1.jpg (http://s641.photobucket.com/user/motorbreath53/media/Chevy%20Build/20180712_000500.jpg.html)
"I love the smell of burnt WD40 in the morning"...
Joe
cbpldc
09-10-2018, 09:32 AM
Excellent powertrain choice! I'm excited to see more of this build.
Chris
Peter Mc Mahon
09-10-2018, 05:54 PM
How do the arms lock onto the sway bar, set screws? They won't slip?
"I love the smell of burnt WD40 in the morning"...
Joe
Right!? Like perfume. Unfortunately my wife doesn't agree, and ive been unsuccessful in getting her to wear it on date night...
Excellent powertrain choice! I'm excited to see more of this build.
Chris
Im smitten with this motor, but honestly if it weren't for the sentiment and the "something different" cool factor, it wouldn't make sense to me anymore. Its proven somewhat cost prohibitive to make anything more than 500hp.
How do the arms lock onto the sway bar, set screws? They won't slip?
Theres a splined collar that gets welded to the bar itselft. The set screw just locates the arm laterally on the bar. Its actually an "anti-roll bar", and it'll only be attached to the axle for the drag strip.
Got the gusset plates almost done and filled up a cart at Summit. All the guts for one hell of a ford 9 are enroute!
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2018/09/20180909_205421-1.jpg (http://s641.photobucket.com/user/motorbreath53/media/Chevy%20Build/20180909_205421.jpg.html)
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2018/09/20180909_205543-1.jpg (http://s641.photobucket.com/user/motorbreath53/media/Chevy%20Build/20180909_205543.jpg.html)
rlovell383
09-28-2018, 05:30 PM
Loving the progress....
Still pecking. A new little girl showed up at our house in Oct. So my freetime is officially nonexistent. Still, energy permitting ive been able to sneak into the shop between 8pm and midnight.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2018/11/FB_IMG_1541892862880-1.jpg (http://s641.photobucket.com/user/motorbreath53/media/Chevy%20Build/FB_IMG_1541892862880.jpg.html)
Gusset plates are done both sides, and im 80% done with the panhard bar (though I neglected to get pics of that. Maybe next time im down there...)
I got measurements for wheels and set about ordering them only to find that I underestimated the cost of wheels. Son of a biscuit. Its my own fault I suppose since I want to put 335/30/18s on... but still...
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2018/11/20180930_113813-1.jpg (http://s641.photobucket.com/user/motorbreath53/media/Chevy%20Build/20180930_113813.jpg.html)
Im 100% sure that I need to run these.. just not sure what rims will land on the truck.
Started laying out the rest of the essentials. Fuel, battery, and nitrous. Bare essentials.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2018/11/20181109_191918-1.jpg (http://s641.photobucket.com/user/motorbreath53/media/Chevy%20Build/20181109_191918.jpg.html)
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2018/11/20180930_131617-1.jpg (http://s641.photobucket.com/user/motorbreath53/media/Chevy%20Build/20180930_131617.jpg.html)
Project Bike Truck
11-12-2018, 07:21 AM
Right!? Like perfume. Unfortunately my wife doesn't agree, and ive been unsuccessful in getting her to wear it on date night...
Im smitten with this motor, but honestly if it weren't for the sentiment and the "something different" cool factor, it wouldn't make sense to me anymore. Its proven somewhat cost prohibitive to make anything more than 500hp.
Theres a splined collar that gets welded to the bar itselft. The set screw just locates the arm laterally on the bar. Its actually an "anti-roll bar", and it'll only be attached to the axle for the drag strip.
Got the gusset plates almost done and filled up a cart at Summit. All the guts for one hell of a ford 9 are enroute!
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2018/09/20180909_205421-1.jpg (http://s641.photobucket.com/user/motorbreath53/media/Chevy%20Build/20180909_205421.jpg.html)
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2018/09/20180909_205543-1.jpg (http://s641.photobucket.com/user/motorbreath53/media/Chevy%20Build/20180909_205543.jpg.html)
How are you making those frame gussets?
loving the build and process, time to step my game up.
@ BikeTruckFella'... Thanks for the encouragement.
So, I did the passanger side first. 4.5" angle grinder and hole saws. Then I started collecting for my inevitable header build. I wanted something cleaner cutting, and had been sniffing at this set up for a while. SWAG Offroad makes a table that turns just about any available portaband saw into an upright metal cutting bandsaw. Of course it has its limitations, but pretty slick for the price.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2018/11/20181012_113720-1.jpg (http://s641.photobucket.com/user/motorbreath53/media/Chevy%20Build/20181012_113720.jpg.html)
I used this to cut out the driver side. Same hole saws though.... I need a CNC pla
Here's the shot of the panhard bar set up.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2018/11/20181117_212528-1.jpg (http://s641.photobucket.com/user/motorbreath53/media/Chevy%20Build/20181117_212528.jpg.html)
My first attempt at headers. Its every bit as tedious as I expected, but im having fun with it just the same. Just like the rest of the truck, its an excersize in 10 things trying to live in the same spot.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2019/01/20190115_230748_1-1.jpg (http://s641.photobucket.com/user/motorbreath53/media/Chevy%20Build/20190115_230748_1.jpg.html)
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2019/01/20190115_230807-1.jpg (http://s641.photobucket.com/user/motorbreath53/media/Chevy%20Build/20190115_230807.jpg.html)
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2019/01/20190115_230842-1.jpg (http://s641.photobucket.com/user/motorbreath53/media/Chevy%20Build/20190115_230842.jpg.html)
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2019/01/20190115_232005-1.jpg (http://s641.photobucket.com/user/motorbreath53/media/Chevy%20Build/20190115_232005.jpg.html)
Project Bike Truck
01-16-2019, 08:04 AM
My first attempt at headers. Its every bit as tedious as I expected, but im having fun with it just the same. Just like the rest of the truck, its an excersize in 10 things trying to live in the same spot.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2019/01/20190115_230748_1-1.jpg (http://s641.photobucket.com/user/motorbreath53/media/Chevy%20Build/20190115_230748_1.jpg.html)
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2019/01/20190115_230807-1.jpg (http://s641.photobucket.com/user/motorbreath53/media/Chevy%20Build/20190115_230807.jpg.html)
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2019/01/20190115_230842-1.jpg (http://s641.photobucket.com/user/motorbreath53/media/Chevy%20Build/20190115_230842.jpg.html)
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2019/01/20190115_232005-1.jpg (http://s641.photobucket.com/user/motorbreath53/media/Chevy%20Build/20190115_232005.jpg.html)
Headers look legit to me!
frink84
01-16-2019, 08:25 AM
good lookin stuff
Lifes good, but free time is short. Mockup for the passenger side header is about wrapped up
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2019/02/20190217_202220-1.jpg (http://s641.photobucket.com/user/motorbreath53/media/Chevy%20Build/20190217_202220.jpg.html)
Im currently set up for manual steering, but im dreaming of power. I like the idea of electronic assist if I can find a way to hide one of those ugly things.
The firewall is on the horizon. Good thing too... i'm getting excited to play with my new baileigh bead roller.
Motown 454
02-18-2019, 05:00 PM
Nice work they look great. Check out andrewb70's Cougar build thread towards the end, he did an elec. power steering swap in it.
frink84
02-19-2019, 08:59 AM
Im currently set up for manual steering, but im dreaming of power. I like the idea of electronic assist if I can find a way to hide one of those ugly things.
Talk to mister projectbiketruck as he's playing with EPAS on his ranchero.
So, the electric power steering got ousted. I cant hide the unit anywhere. I feel like a GM Type II pump is going to be the ticket.
In the meantime, I started to look at the drivers side header... which requred the steetring column be conplete.... which required a firewall. Amazing how these things snowball...
As im working through the firewall, a large delivery of big block Cadillac parts came in. Im ITCHING to get to the assembly of the rest of this motor. Just a bit more fabrication and a few days of welding away...
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2019/04/20190404_222739-1.jpg (http://s641.photobucket.com/user/motorbreath53/media/Chevy%20Build/20190404_222739.jpg.html)
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2019/04/20190404_222829-1.jpg (http://s641.photobucket.com/user/motorbreath53/media/Chevy%20Build/20190404_222829.jpg.html)
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2019/04/20190404_222133-1.jpg (http://s641.photobucket.com/user/motorbreath53/media/Chevy%20Build/20190404_222133.jpg.html)
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2019/04/20190404_222450-1.jpg (http://s641.photobucket.com/user/motorbreath53/media/Chevy%20Build/20190404_222450.jpg.html)
Sbeck09
04-06-2019, 02:58 PM
Really cool build man! I wish I had just embraced the process of building my own headers like you did, but I hate how long it takes. Haha. I like your frame work too.
I wanted 335 tires too until I saw the cost jump from a good set of 315s. So maybe that's worth considering for yourself.
Subsea69
04-06-2019, 05:14 PM
Nice build. I sent you a PM about an serpentine belt accessory drive for your Caddy.
Dwayne
6 months of minimal progress via pic dump:
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2019/09/20190910_155405-1.jpg (http://s641.photobucket.com/user/motorbreath53/media/Chevy%20Build/20190910_155405.jpg.html)
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2019/09/20190913_105242-1.jpg (http://s641.photobucket.com/user/motorbreath53/media/Chevy%20Build/20190913_105242.jpg.html)
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2019/09/20190915_212750-1.jpg (http://s641.photobucket.com/user/motorbreath53/media/Chevy%20Build/20190915_212750.jpg.html)
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2019/09/20190917_073320-1.jpg (http://s641.photobucket.com/user/motorbreath53/media/Chevy%20Build/20190917_073320.jpg.html)
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2019/09/20190916_224012-1.jpg (http://s641.photobucket.com/user/motorbreath53/media/Chevy%20Build/20190916_224012.jpg.html)
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2019/09/20190913_231341_1-1.jpg (http://s641.photobucket.com/user/motorbreath53/media/Chevy%20Build/20190913_231341_1.jpg.html)
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2019/04/20190404_222739-1.jpg (http://s641.photobucket.com/user/motorbreath53/media/Chevy%20Build/20190404_222739.jpg.html)
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2019/04/20190404_222829-1.jpg (http://s641.photobucket.com/user/motorbreath53/media/Chevy%20Build/20190404_222829.jpg.html)
Mtrhd329
09-17-2019, 06:50 PM
I like minimal progress. Keep it up man. Almost there!!
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