53 gmc/chevy on s10 frame

[62ChevyII]

Hey that turned out great! I thought about doing that on mine but figured it would be too much of a hassle. I guess it is too late for me to do that on mine as I cut the factory gas tank mount off when I was routing my dual exhaust.

Did you fill the tank with water or blow air through it or how did you keep from blowing yourself up?

 

[joker65]

Hey 62chevyII,
I filled it with water a couple times and dumped it out & then filled it 1/2 full with hot water and quite a bit of laundry detergent. I sloshed it around real good then filled it full and made my cuts with my cut off grinder. After I had the piece removed I could get inside real good to wash it off good. I sprayed a light coat of wd40 and let it sit and air out for a couple of weeks before welding. I don't know if it was the real proper way of doing it but i'm here to tell you about it lol!!!!!!

 

[joker65]

Not a whole lot going this week, busy digging out of a major snowstorm but did get my tank pressure tested, had to weld up a few leaks and am giving it a good coat of xo rust.

 

[joker65]

Well I wasnt happy with the height and decided to put 2" drop spindles in the front and 2" lowering kit in the rear. It is just right to me now. I was surprised at how inexpensive it was to lower the truck. cheap just like me!

 

[joker65]

I made a battery tray to mount on the firewall. I used the tray from the s10 and cut it to fit the battery. I like the idea of using the existing battery hold down instead of a top clamp. The cables will even reach it with no mods!

 

[joker65]

I ran all the exhaust along with a new tailpipe, donut and new hangers. The muffler was almost new so no use buying a new one!

 

[joker65]

I can't thank 62ChevyII for all his help on his awesome thread. He wasnt kidding when he said a bench seat out of a '88 gmc standard cab pickup worked good. I bought one off of craigslist for $25 and cut the sheetmetal support flush to floor just like he did and the seat fits like a glove! I love it[cl

 

[joker65]

Yesterday I machined a piece to lengthen the steering shaft. I cut the pipe off about an 1" or so from the rag joint then I used 1" round stock and turned down each end to fit inside pipe and heli arced it together.

 

[joker65]

I machined a shift lever seeing I was at it and a friend gave me a black anodized shift knob from a late '60's vette. I still need to turn it down and taper it to lighten it up a little.

 

[joker65]

After I installed the seat I wasnt happy with the steering wheel and moved it closer to the dash by making new brackets. I also relocated the dimmer switch and everything feels alot better. I also took a pic of the truck to remind me its time to clean the shop! What a mess

 

[62ChevyII]

Wow, lots of good progress! Lookin' good![cl

 

[Shea Laking]

Hadn't seen ya around for awhile, Joker! Looks like things are coming along great! [P[cl

Regards,
Shea

 

[joker65]

I didn't like my radiator support so I cut it off and started over. Like it much better now.

 

[joker65]

I tapered my new shift lever and took some weight off of it. Welded some patch panels in the dash and set my radio in. Gotta have my tunes! I also made a pocket in the inner fenderwell to hold the vapor canister.[

 

[joker65]

Worked on getting the radiator finish mounted last weekend. Had to make a couple adaptors to make the existing s10 hose to work. Good enough for now til I find a better fit. Also made a shroud out of one my dad found out on the stonepile fit pretty good. I just had to shorten it

 

[joker65]

I welded up some holes on the firewall and installed the gas pedal. I made a little adaptor for the cable so I wouldnt have to modify the gas pedal.The gas tank that I notched out fits very nicely just shortened up the strap on that side and cut some rubber to put inside the straps. Also ran the gas line, return, vapor line, and brake line all together. Changed oil, filters, etc. We are definitely starting to see some light now because it is RUNNING!![cl Just need to shorten the driveshaft and hook up the brakes then I will be taking it on a little run around the neighborhood!

 

[62ChevyII]

Good job Kris, coming right along![

 

[joker65]

Thanks Russ, I wouldnt be anywhere close to this without your thread

 

[rustydusty]

Looking good! Has your son told you this is going to be his truck yet? My 2 1/2 year old informed me that my 34 chevy build is his! I said "maybe someday"... I'm not sure (knowing how I was when I first started driving) that this 'fire breathing monster' will be a good "first vehichle'. Your truck on the other hand sounds a lot safer!

 

[joker65]

Hey rustydusty, He tells me that all the time! except he hasnt been working on it much lately, so I figure he wants me to do all the work and he can have all the fun! Smart kid lol