Major Overhaul, Maximum Modification

As it sits, November 2007.

I have pulled the old body off of its original frame and slid an early eighties S-10 longbed frame under. This truck was previously a parts truck for some other guy's project. He was getting ready to ship the remainder off to the scrap heap when I found it. Not much of the old frame or suspension were of much use. I considered doing a front clip from a '78 nova, but decided a complete frame swap would be a better route since the old frame had been picked over, cut on, and was pretty rusted out.

The Panel body will sit down over the S-10 frame so that the rails will not be visible. Once in position, and the suspension is properly adjusted, the truck will sit about 3 inches or so off the ground. I'd love to do bags on this, but just can't swing the money. (Kids to clothe and feed, house to take care of... you all know the deal.) Wheelbase is almost identical to the old '50 frame. To get the track width right, I swapped the rear end of the 2wd donor truck with one from a 4wd s10. I will use spacers on the front to get the front track width correct.

I have completely rebuilt the front suspension, and replaced all the old bushings with new graphite impregnated polyurethane. All the ball joints have been replaced with new ones. New bearings, rotors, calipers, tie-rods have all been installed. Basically everything has been reworked on the frame.
After the body is mounted, the engine mounts for a rebuilt 350 small block will be dropped in, along with a new cross member to support a turbo 350 transmission.

Modifications to the old body include a nine and three-quarters inch section, a four inch channel, bobbed fenders, and a shaved hood. I am planning on molding the front fenders to the cut-down hood for a one-piece tilt front end. I will also modify the doors to open suicide style with poppers. Headlights and taillights will be frenched in. Not one single panel of this old dog will remain even remotely stock. Since it was in such bad shape when I got it, I figured it couldn't hurt to go wild on the custom mods.

As soon as some space opens up at my friend's shop, we are going to move the panel down to his place. We will then complete the frame swap, get the motor and transmission mounted, and finalize the stance. Once all of that is done, it will be on to finishing the section, all of the other body work, and getting the beast painted up.

All the work has been, and will be done by me, with a little help from a friend of mine. All the way through body and paint.

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