1951 chevy truck

[UK-Mustang]

the truck is called a half ton, its a SWB, very popularmaking it very easy and cheap to get bits for. Unfortunatly shippings a bitch!


I started stripping her out, very simple, two bolts broke, and everything went to be blasted and zinc primed so it can go into storage until I need it.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2008/01/truck1-1.jpg

is how it started, engine and box missing all standard.


https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2008/01/truck5-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2008/01/truck6-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2008/01/ns-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2008/01/interior-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2008/01/bed-1.jpg


then I stripped it out, found minor rust, not bad for a 53 year old truck.


https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2008/01/truck4-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2008/01/truck3-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2008/01/truck2-1.jpg

Next I decided to start with the rear axel, I got some mono leaf springs from a mate and a Trans am LSD axel from another. I had to make some axel mounts so the TA axel would fit. getting the old ones off was a bitch, but thankfully my wife bought me a 9inch angle grinder for Xmas - problem solved!!

Next problem is the 3 inch U bolts needed to secure the axel are too long so I'm having some made from 12mm bar, then at least I can get her back on the wheels and see just how low it's going to be.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2008/01/axelbrackets-1.jpg

Evolution af an Axel bracket.

[UK-Mustang]

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2008/01/rearaxel-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2008/01/axelmocked-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2008/01/axel1-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2008/01/longbolts-1.jpg


I could have been rolling again if it was not for this ****-up.
Quick preview of the wheels, these are the fronts, they're 18's on 225's. the backs are 20's on 245's


https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2008/01/18s-1.jpg


350 / 5700cc chevy engine all machined up ready to go, all it needs is a good clean. Yes, that's going t o be the trucks colour!

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2008/01/350engine-1.jpg

I got the 4 U bolts to hold the rear axel in and got it all bolted down. Put the rear wheels on and let her roll again.
Think I might have got carried away with the lowering! Probably going to C notch the chassis for clearence now.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2008/01/rearsuspension2-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2008/01/rearsuspension1-1.jpg
So I moved onto the front suspension. Dead easy, five bolts and she was off! Nice simple frame, just need to add on the custom made Jag cross member now.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2008/01/frontchassis-1.jpg
Got to remove the leaf spring perches, gearbox X member and box the chassis too.

[UK-Mustang]

Been a little busy making a jig to duplicate the geometry of a XJ Jag, I figure it's a big car, PS, 4 pot calipers, vented disks - just what I needed really.
In reality it's a fookin ugly subframe, not to mention hard to find in good condition!
The one I got was holed, I could have welded it up but what's the point?
So I got some 80x40 and set to, made some guide tubes and this is what you get!
Next to do is make some mounts so the rack mounting points can be taken.
Just waiting for those tubes to be made.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2008/01/jig2-1.jpg

That's the drivers side, note the rust.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2008/01/jig1-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2008/01/jig3-1.jpg

Not very interesting but I'll show the mistakes too! but hopefully there won't be too many of those.
got a band saw today so if I can get some 4mm plate tomorrow i'll start making the boxing plates for the rear chassis and getting on some more.

[UK-Mustang]

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2007/10/jiggy-1.jpg

suspension jig all done, now I need to have the box section at work cut down and drill some holes for the lower tubes.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2008/01/jiggy2-1.jpg

Steering rack mounting jig. Should give me Jag geometry and decent ride quality.

[UK-Mustang]

I had the chassis boxed with 4mm plate going back under the cab. I figure if the boxing goes as far as the bask of the gearbox uj it should be fine.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2008/01/fullyboxed-1.jpg
Then I went back to the x-member and made the rack mounts and teh jig for them, all simple stuff and easy enough to make if you have a band saw.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2008/01/rackmounts-1.jpg
Next I noticed that the x-member would not sit flush to the bottom of the chassis and the lower outer corner would foul the A arm. I cut a notch in the box section and profiled the ends and welded them over.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2008/01/notching-1.jpg

Then I mocked the memeber into the chassis and it fits spot on. the string shows the centerline of the wheels so I'll get a mate to check my work and then tack the member into place and start into the upper mounts.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2008/01/xmember02-1.jpg

Should be nice and strong as you can see the chassis sitting 20mm into the box section.

[UK-Mustang]

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2008/01/Picture019-1.jpg
One mock up engine in position and looking rather lost.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2008/01/Picture018-1.jpg
As you can see I got it in without cutting anything and it's rather tight!
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2008/01/Picture015-1.jpg
Gearbox mopounted using a TRUCK SHOP X member, wish I had noticed that it lined up with one hole, would have positioned the engine where I needed it and saved hours of fun!
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2008/01/Picture013-1.jpg
Once I had it level side to side and front to rear I made some mounts up using some 40mm flat bar and some tube. Trouble was, once the engine was centeral the mounts are offset which threw me for a while.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2008/01/Picture012-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2008/01/Picture014-1.jpg

Steering is a pain, it ocupies the same area as the headers, neither Block Huggers, Camaro or std ones would fit so aR$e is sorting me out with some stainless bends and I'm making my own.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2008/01/Picture020-1.jpg

Header flange in 6mm, I have the same but in 10mm, unfortunatly even thay need machining to clear a lump on the heads!
There you go, header building next!

[UK-Mustang]

Just been having a quick play, shock mounts being made, x member tube ordered, so it's a quick jolly in to the exhaust headers.
Problem is the steering interfears with the exhaust, I've tried every set I can borrow and they are all crap, only choice is to make my own!
10mm flanges bought from www.popbrowns.co.uk (http://www.popbrowns.co.uk) made from stainless steel and modified slightly as they hit a screw in plug.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2008/01/100_2010-1.jpg

next I went to B&Q/home depot and got some 15mm copper pipe and some foam insulation - it just happens to be the same diameter as the header pipes!

A mate got me a load of stainless bends and about 18ft of pipe (cheers mate!) and gave me a few pointers too!

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2008/01/100_2011-1.jpg

I found an old cosworth bottom pulley was the same diameter as the bends so I used that to bend the pipe. :banana:
Once I had trial fitted the copper pipe I insulated it and tried it again.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2008/01/100_2012-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2008/01/100_2013-1.jpg

Sweet! :top:

I cut the bends on a chop saw and a band saw and TIG tacked them together.
And whey hey! she fits

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2008/01/100_2015-1.jpg

All I have to do now is 7 more and the collectors! :cry:

[UK-Mustang]

I've been tormenting myself with the headers and ended up with this-

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2008/01/100_2182-1.jpg

They miss the steering , chassis don't drop too low either - I'm impressed!!

Once you 'see' how it's all working it's not too bad, it just ppissed me off for weeks and I had to walk away.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2008/01/100_2181-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2008/01/100_2180-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2008/01/100_2184-1.jpg

I also got round to mounting the rear air bags and antio roll bar (rover 420 - one use at least!)

Avo adjustable shocks.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2008/01/100_2189-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2008/01/100_2188-1.jpg

Interior wise, I've repaired the seat base and sent the seat to be trimmed

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2008/01/100_2187-1.jpg

Installed the air ride mounting plate and smoothed the dash where some bits had been mounted

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2008/01/100_2191-1.jpg

Also made some steering column brackets from alloy

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2008/01/100_2186-1.jpg

[UK-Mustang]

started into some rust repair of the floor, Loads of bodged up panels welded in with gas, chopped them all out. Could just bodge paltes in but I figure to do it right means I'll do it once.
so....

Chop crap out

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2008/01/100_2727-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2008/01/100_2728-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2008/01/100_2729-1.jpg

make repair panel as no fooker wants to answwerr the phone or emails regarding repair panels.
Thank god I bought a bead roller, shear and folder.....

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2008/01/100_2731-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2008/01/100_2733-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2008/01/100_2732-1.jpg

New rear wings ordered as well as brake servo kit.

[J2speedandcustom]

Sweet truck build! Keep the pics and updates coming. :cheers:

[UK-Mustang]

I've been on it a few years as you can tell from the dates on the pics.

I just thought i'd show it off on another forum!

at the moment i'm just finishing the frame and parts are off for poweder and plating.

It's taken me 6 months to get my Mustang back together, if I need the smallest part it takes 3 weeks to arrive, and it's always been stupid stuff!

then large parts can only be shipped cheaply once a year when a friend brings two cars back, other parts collected on visits to the U.S.A, so it's not quick and easy!

still, back to the truck!:twothumbs

[UK-Mustang]

done some repair work to the cab floors, sorry for the angle, the cab is on it's fire wall.


https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2008/01/100_2867-1.jpg


repair to the OS corner, decent sized access panel made for the gearbox, even though there is little you could do. I figure it's batter to have it and not need it than the other way round :DD:


The tunnel now unbolts,
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2008/01/100_2862-1.jpg

running out of space here...
New rear arches arrived in the meantime -$700 the pair vs £700 if I buy them in the UK, thankfully a mate was shipping a container so they hitched a lift!
Thank god for a decent exchange rate, they came in at £400

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2008/01/100_2864-1.jpg

So still in need of some repair panels, I go on holiday to Florida where I pick up two cab corners for $35 each, way too cheap to even bother making them!

Cut off the rot, repair the inner section, slap on some primer.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2008/01/100_2865-1.jpg

Trial fit the outer section.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2008/01/100_2863-1.jpg

[UK-Mustang]

Got the drivers side lower corner on with all the welds ground off. came out pretty well for a repair panel

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2008/01/100_2879-1.jpg

So I then started on the passenger side, pretty rank but as I spent years doing Beetles up, this is nothing

Bloody amatures used news paper and filler....

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2008/01/100_2881-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2008/01/100_2882-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2008/01/100_2880-1.jpg

Chopped out all of the crap, made the inner section using rollers.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2008/01/100_2889-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2008/01/100_2890-1.jpg

Must say the metal on this cab is in very good condition, cleans up very well and welds superb with no blowing out.

Using Frost welding clamps (very handy!) corner is positioned, This corner was a problem, the panel flattened out noticably when it was cut. Used a couple of the clamps to pull it back into shape.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2008/01/100_2891-1.jpg

Next I moved onto positioning the master cylinder mount. Originally this was a single circuit system - no good with the uprated brakes i'm using. So I purchased a MC and servo kit from the states.
Very well made, but should mount inside the chassis rail.

Before-

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2008/01/100_2883-1.jpg

After a visit from the 9 inch grinder -

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2008/01/100_2895-1.jpg

Also clamped to the chassis rail where I beleive it would be, weld that on sometime....

Next problem area was the front lower corner of the passenger A piller - it was missing!!

Out with the cutters, grinders, cardboard for templates and two hours later - 90% of the corner is there!!

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2008/01/100_2892-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2008/01/100_2893-1.jpg

Cab then went to be blasted, came back in good condition with some minor perforation on some double skinned sections.

engine is to long block stage

new truck bed arrived.

brake fittings and some minor parts too.

Calipers off for a rebuild and paint

gearbox is away for a rebuild and shift kit.

[UK-Mustang]

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2008/01/100_2940-1.jpg

front subfrome is done and mocked up. jag anti roll bar and Ford/Mercury Capri ARB's

LHD rack posted from the states, thank you ebay!!

I'm currantly in the process of installing a K member to strengthen the whole lot up, as well as a propshaft hoop.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2008/01/truck002-1.jpg

will have to reposition the air tank and pump as I got carried away.

The problem i'm haveing is over the xmas break, anyone I need to see to get supplies etc is shut!

Bolt on chassis components are off being poweder coated, nuts/bolts etc will be taken for zinc plating.

Axel is being scrubbed clean ready for some paint

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2008/01/truck001-1.jpg

Unfortunatly I painted it and then realised i'd forgotten to weld anti tramp bars onto it. Bugger....

the front x mamber was looking very bulky and agricultural. Gave that some with a grinder and now there is extra clearance for the front pulley etc.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2008/01/truck003-1.jpg

hopefully next pictures will be of a fully painted chassis with stuff going onto it.

can't wait!

thanks for looking, I apologise for the crappy pictures, that camera is now gone. Please be aware, this is my 1st major project, i've done VW's before but felt it was time to get into something with some balls.

[nekkidhillbilly]

not a fan of the wheels but sweet truck none the less

[brrymnvette]

not a fan of the wheels but sweet truck none the less


100% agree.

[Benoit23]

I have a 1955 1st series Chevy (see sig) that I’m trying to sell & looking at your build pics make me want to keep the old truck.

Looking good man keep the progress pics coming!

Chris

[jaybee]

That'll be nice. My wife would like my next project (assuming I ever finish this one) to be a pickup. I agree completely if it can be like yours.

[scogin918]

To be honest, I kind of like the wheels. It will give the truck a West Coast feel and that's not always a bad thing. There are some very clean and simple Impalas along with some other cars that roll with wire wheels without being over the top Lowriders.

By the way, where in the UK are you. It wouldn't happen to be in the Northern part would it? Glory, Glory Man United as the Reds go marching on, on ,on!

[UK-Mustang]

I like the wheels, they are completely nuts!

everyone does alloys/5 spokes etc but damn are they heavy!

I found these pictures from a little while ago (april)


I mocked up the front wing just to see how much trouble i'm in


https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2008/01/100_2448-1.jpg


loads I think! no truning on full drop.....


https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2008/01/100_2447-1.jpg

the bumper should rest on the ground at full drop.

will have to rise the front by 6 inches before I can turn the wheel.

It'll be fun if anything!

[Benoit23]

If you like the wheels, that's all that counts.....Do what you want, it's your truck. I thought about putting spokes on my old truck, I like'em.

Chris

These are the wheels I wanted to put on my truck (the rims on the car).
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2008/01/youdreamit-1.jpg

[jeff s]

You know we have a bolt in Schwartz Pro-touring chassis for those 49-54 Chevy trucks.
With our racing style swaybars and spherical rod end suspension.
www.gmachinechassis.com

[UK-Mustang]

You know we have a bolt in Schwartz Pro-touring chassis for those 49-54 Chevy trucks.
With our racing style swaybars and spherical rod end suspension.
www.gmachinechassis.com (http://www.gmachinechassis.com)

The problem we have in the UK is the cost of items 'landed'

it's quite often, once shipping, handling, import and sales tax have been added, the initial cost can double.

import tax could be 4% as a spare part, or maybe 22% if they class it as a comercial truck, sales tax on top of everything is 17.5%

importing a built car can work ok at todays exchange rate

for parts shopping it's better to come on holiday and abuse the luggage allowance or get a container, ship 2 cars and pack it full.

nice chassis though!!