1950 Chevy 3100 Pro-Touring Project

[Chris02rex]

Hey I just started to disassemble my truck and start the full build. I bought the truck a month ago for 200 bucks and it was complete down to the air cleaner. My plans are to have a pro-touring/autox truck when I'm done.
Parts list-
70 nova subframe
8.8 Ford rear end, 373 limited slip, disk brakes
5.3 Gm motor with a hx40 turbo
turbo 350 trans
3 link rear end setup with coilovers
tubular front control arms



Heres a pic of it today before i started teardown.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/01/20120120_131325_207-1.jpg



I also just ordered the new rims. They are cragar soft 8s. 17"x9"
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/01/crr397_w-1.jpg



I will be updating this daily as I work on it every weekday 8 hours a day. Thanks for looking.

[coolwelder62]

Good Luck W/your build.Please keep us posted on the progress.

[Chris02rex]

Will do. Im currently attending Hot rod institute so like i said i get to work on this everyday.

[SS PUNISHER]

Looks like a killer project!

[Rick Dorion]

I love it. What a great buy. Following this one.

[exwestracer]

Just curious, do they have separate chassis and bodywork classes and work areas there?

[dontlifttoshift]

Bitchin truck have fun with it.

A few things from experience with my 48 5 window......a first gen nova clip is a just a tad wide for that application. You can section it a couple of inches like they did in the old days or just be prepared to run a lot of backspacing. Narrow control arms are not the answer. If the 8.8 rear end came out of an explorer it is about 2" too narrow unless you are tubbing the truck. if you tub it it will work perfect. With 17x9 wheels you will likely have to tub it a little. Depending how low you want to go a 3 link may cause packaging problems with the bed floor. My truck had a bridge in the rear, the bottom of the new rail over the axle was at the top of the old rail. I raised the whole bed floor 4" and it just cleared the the housing at full compression. That was with truck arms and tapered sleeve air bags in the back.

You'll love that 5.3.

Have fun and tell Doug that Donny said Hi. I Graduated Doug's class at WYO in June of '99

[Chris02rex]

The classes are different. They offer six classes. chassis, body fab, refinishing, upholestery, performance, and motorcycle. And actually the track width on the explorer rear end is 59.625. The 50 chevy track width is 60. So not that much of a difference. The bed is gonna have a custom floor in it with a hump to clear everything. Im using a 2nd gen nova clip.

[dontlifttoshift]

Second gen clip is even wider and fromt steer steering boxes and core supports tend to not get along real well but there is enough tools there to make it work I'm sure. It took 1 1/4" spacers on each side to fit 235/70-15 on 7" wide wheel with 3 3/4" of backspacing on my truck with no tubs. I thought my stock rearend measured 62" but that was a while ago.....

[Chris02rex]

Actually the 2nd gen measures 37.5" where i will be cutting it off and the truck measures 39" Its having a kick up the front anyway so its no big deal and the subframe is rear steer. And i have plenty of room for the 4.5 inches of back space in the rear. And i was mistaken the rear end is 1.5 inches narrower. Ill prob just run 1" spacers.

[sokoloka]

I can already tell that this is going to be awesome. I want to attend Hot Rod Institute!

[Chris02rex]

I hope it ends up being awesome. Im shooting for an 600+whp daily driver/track car. You should definitely look into HRI. It's awesome. Within the first two weeks i learned to Tig weld and got a lot better at mig welding.

[Chris02rex]

Quick little update:
My original plan was to just extend the hump in the back over the rear axle and use the original frame. After taking a few rivets out i decided to say f*** the rivets and build my own whole frame. Heres where the truck sit as of now.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/01/20120124_152820_130-1.jpg
This is the desired ride height. The running board sits 5.5" in the front and 6" in the rear to give it some rake. The frame is 11". Now i just need to get all my measurements and start on the new frame.

[bretcopsey]

Hey I just started to disassemble my truck and start the full build. I bought the truck a month ago for 200 bucks and it was complete down to the air cleaner. My plans are to have a pro-touring/autox truck when I'm done.
Parts list-
70 nova subframe
8.8 Ford rear end, 373 limited slip, disk brakes
5.3 Gm motor with a hx40 turbo
turbo 350 trans
3 link rear end setup with coilovers
tubular front control arms



I also just ordered the new rims. They are cragar soft 8s. 17"x9"
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/01/crr397_w-1.jpg



I will be updating this daily as I work on it every weekday 8 hours a day. Thanks for looking.


Good choice on wheels! This is my '51-somewhat similar build/goals.

[Chris02rex]

What width/backspace are your front wheels? And how much did you lower it?

[bretcopsey]

Same wheels 17x9 with 4.5"?? BS. The front clip is second gen Camaro-front steer. I had to section the crossmember 3" just to get it between the fenders with 235/60/17 tires. As it sits right now,the wheels won't turn. I'm considering re-arching the wheel openings and/or widening the fenders to correct this problem. I cannot recall exact height measurements. This has been a slow moving project. Pic below was taken while on ~25" tires on 14" rims. Current wheel/tire combo is ~30"

[Chris02rex]

Yea im thinking im going to have problems hitting the fender. My teacher will not let me narrow the nova stub frame. So im thinking wider fenders or different size front wheels. BTW from what ive been told the camaro stub frame is a pain in the ass with the front steer on these trucks. I don't personally have any expirience with it though.

[bretcopsey]

Yeah, I'm learning the hard way on the Camaro clip. If I had done more research before beginning, I would have probably gone S-10 route.

Widened fenders:

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/01/hrdp11111953chevroletsuburban75yearsofsu-1.jpg

from here:

http://www.hotrod.com/featuredvehicles/hrdp_1111_1953_chevrolet_suburban_75_years_of_subu rban/

[Chris02rex]

That is a sweet idea. I might end up doing that if i need to.

[Chris02rex]

I put the control arms on the subframe this week and cut all the metal for the frame rails.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/01/20120126_144254_422-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/01/20120126_144247_192-1.jpg
Also ordered a wilwood front brake kit.

[carguy502]

I put the control arms on the subframe this week and cut all the metal for the frame rails.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/01/20120126_144247_192-1.jpg

Lol, I was looking at your control arms thinking you had the on backwards. Then I realized that I'm looking at a stub frame from behind.

I love the project and I'll be watching. Does this count as a widebody vehicle now?

Don

[Chris02rex]

No its not a widebody. The fenders might get widened to fit the 9s up front. But i will have to see how that all turns out.

[linkstar69]

Subscribed cause I love sporty trucks

[zooboy]

I have used a front crossmember from a mid 70s chevy truck. It's almost a bolt-on with a half inch spacer on both sides of the frame. You don't have to cut the stock frame and you get independent suspension disc brakes and power stearing box. (also cheap)

[Chris02rex]

Been a while since i updated this. I have gotten quite a bit more done. The frame rails are on the frame bench now and welded up to the sub frame. I also started on the rear suspension and got the tires mounted on the rims. Here are some pictures.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/02/20120202_155044_972-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/02/20120202_155106_980-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/02/20120206_124737_269-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/02/20120207_102111_913-1.jpg

[Chris02rex]

Wow it sure has been a while since I have updated this thread. Haven't really gotten to much done on it besides dragging it back home. I put all the body panels back on to make the rest of the mounts and get the frame ready for powder coating. I also made the frame for my beds false floor.
Heres a pic of the body back on.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/04/20120315_101831_126-1.jpg

[AutoX_a_Truck?]

Cool project. Looking forward to seeing a pro-touring AD Chevy

[Peter Mc Mahon]

Nice stance. I like it a lot. Can you turn the front wheels though? It looks as though they are against the fender? Keep the pics coming

[go-fish]

Hi-jack on: AutoX_a_Truck?, is that quote in your sig from 2 Lane Blacktop when GTO guy is driving a hitch hiker?

Hi-jack off.



Truck looks great with those Softies.

[Chris02rex]

Yea we ran into a bit of a problem with the front wheels. In order for me to turn a corner it will have to be a 90 point turn. Im working on widening the fenders like roadster shop did on a suburban and im trying to find someone to narrow my wheels.

[go-fish]

Cut it up like Chris G. Make a bunch of pie cuts and flare them then fill in the cuts. You could also re-radius the wheel openings a tad and still have them hang over the wheel to achieve that look.

[rohrt]

Subscribed

Old 50s trucks are cool!

[jy211]

im trying to find someone to narrow my wheels.

Weldcraft

http://www.weldcraftwheels.com/

[LT1Nova]

Subscribed. Cool looking project.

Wouldn't the backspacing have to change to suck the wheel in a bit more or am I missing something?

[Chris02rex]

The backspacing wont have to change. The front space is my problem.

[dontlifttoshift]

More backspace = less front space That wheel should be zero offset, or 5" backspace. Cragar has a 17 x 8 with a 4 1/2" backspace so it would gain you a 1/2" on both sides. Those wheels are so cheap i think it would cost more to narrow them than to buy 2 new ones.

Another option would be Ridetech's tru turn for 1st gen Camaros. it allows a 5.75" backspace which would gain you 3/4" to the outside assuming someone could cut the hoop loose and reweld with the new desired backspace. The downside to that is it uses 2" dropped spindles, since your chassis was built with stock spindles that may put you way lower than your really want to be.

Hope you can figure something out, truck looks killer.

[shovellac]

keep up the good work, I love the outside-the-box stuff

[Code Red]

looking good man

[Chris02rex]

It's been a long time since I have updated this. Unfortunately not a whole lot has been done. Heres some pictures.

Rear Suspension all done
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/02/542963_359811910752723_36547578_n1-1.jpg
Even the Fiance was out helping me on the truck
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/02/522836_357920724275175_1666389307_n1-1.jpg
Floor tacked in.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/02/TruckFloor-1.jpg
Fuel Cell mount
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/02/551043_358623584204889_2062681528_n1-1.jpg
Frame all together for the last time before powdercoating.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/02/Frameprepaint-1.jpg
Back from the powdercoaters.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/02/Fram2-1.jpg
Starting assembly
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/02/TruckFrame-1.jpg
Decided to get some wilwoods for it.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/02/truckbrakes-1.jpg
Front ride height. Excuse my buddy being an idiot.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/02/547393_361075620626352_466432003_n1-1.jpg
This is the worst of the rust on the truck
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/02/970DD507E2094CBEACFF28E756F8F5F622475000-1.jpg
I made this inner cab corner
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/02/0B253E4177124A99A674870C77185D9B22475000-1.jpg
Outer tacked in
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/02/B4596E6ADFD3444D964C8F5FE83CADCD22475000-1.jpg
http://s1124.beta.photobucket.com/user/chrislehmkuhl/media/0EDAB921-7B55-4E96-A937-2C44119E7EEB-22475-000007A51EA5363D.jpg.html?sort=3&o=14


Thats pretty much up to date. Havent touched the truck since probably november of 2012. Been to busy with my business/building a house/shop and planning a wedding. Hopefully ill be able to get some work done on it soon.

[linkstar69]

Frame looks good, you look like you've got some nice adjustability in the suspension design

[521stroker57]

Man those brakes are HUGE! Lol when is it going to be ready chris. And where is your exhaust going to be?

[Chris02rex]

When I get one of the other 100 projects done dustin. And its just going to be under the frame. The body is factory notched over the frame plus the running boards hang done even farther so you wont be able to see it at all. Get your damn ugly thing done haha

[Crestronwizard]

Looks cool........Just started on a '53.

[Chris02rex]

Awesome. I never really put much thought into these trucks until we found one just down the road from my house for a school project. Wanted 150 bucks and it was 100% complete. Since then I've started to really like them. Now i have 4.

[Bob B]

Nice build... Love the old iron!

[XLexusTech]

Looks awesome..!

[Motown 454]

Nice work, its coming out great.

[Chris02rex]

Thanks guys. Now someone find me the time to work on it

[lilbill72]

Nice truck. What size tires are you running on the 17x9s? I've been looking at getting the 17x9 d-ports for my 72 C10 and trying to find tires close to the height of my 275/60/15s

[snopro]

Nice frame fab work, should make the truck a nice driver, hope you get some more time to work on it soon.

[CruizinKev]

looks awesome so far man! :twothumbs