Chassis Swap

[Nichols53]

Hey guys... Well winter is almost here in Colorado and I'm starting to work on the old pickup again. I have a 53 3100 shortbed. 115 inches I believe if I measured it right. I wanna the lift the body off and pull everything out from under it. Engine tranny, axles and frame, the whole bit. I'm told that a S10 is what I need for a donar, but I'm not sure. I've been looking at early 70's C10 shortbed pickups, but am not having much luck in finding a shortbed in my range yet. Is it true that I need an s10? I don't want the tires to be sticking out of the fenders like I see on some mods that are done. I think it ruins the truck and I'm going for the "you can't tell look" until you look under the body or pop the hood. I want the shifter on the floor, the largest stock engine (one that comes with the truck) and it has to be two wheel drive at the correct wheelbase. No you see why I have not had much luck in finding what I'm looking for. Maybe I'm not lookin hard enough. Anyway, I'm sure several, guys that read these forums have done mods like these and could give me an idea of what donar truck I need for the job. I sure would appreciate any advice.

Thanks,
Mike

 

[sidewynder]

It sounds like you and I are on the same page, I'm still in the middle of my frame swap. And, since the boat shot craps on me early this season, I'm digging out my 53 s-10.

If you want to use an S-10, the regular cab longbed is what you are looking for. This is a serious, heavy fabrication mod. There are many many pieces of engineering that will have to take place, depending on the outcome you desire. You will be able to get away with just about everything you want. you won't have to worry about the wheels sticking out of the fenders, in fact the front tires are nearly seven (7!) inches closer together than the stock 53. there is an earlier post where I mentioned some of the pitfalls to expect, and still have not assembled all of my notes and pictures for those who like a challenge to benefit from (either what to do or what not to do). I am now nearly 4 years into it. The actual working time is almost 1.5 year most of the time pondering how I'm going to make all of this work. I'm only 2 years behind schedule, however as long as my other toys behave, I hope to be on the road (yet far from completion) by spring. We'll see how the budget holds up. I don't get to visit the forum as much as I like, but if you decide to go the s-10 route will be happy to assist if possible.

Enjoy!

Bob

 

[GregH]

look at www.ad-engineering.com

 

[Nichols53]

Cool ! Thanks from both of you guys. I sure do appreciate the info and tips. Yeah Bob, I'm sure it's gonna be a pretty good project. Maybe I can work on it during the colder months for the next couple of years or somethin. I checked out that website that the other guy posted and It seems pretty intersting. 1,000 bucks sounds pretty steep for the kit, but I'm sure if I didn't have it I would regret it halfway through the project. Now, I'm gonna be on the hunt of a later model s10 longbed. Thanks again. By the way, I'm gonna look for it on the internet, but in case anyone knows... What year was the last year for s10 with no onboard computers or was there one built without all the dodads? I think it went into production in 82, but am not sure, just wondering if maybe 82-86 would be a good choice and be the same size as.... say a '90 , so what years to use?

Later fella's,
Mike

 

[myascape]

I emailed this guy last week. He's a pretty straightforward fellow. He's a small shop, and answers his emails promptly. If I were heading this direction right now, I'd be all over his kits.

Joe

 

[Flipper]

you won't have to worry about the wheels sticking out
>of the fenders, in fact the front tires are nearly seven
>(7!) inches closer together than the stock 53. >Bob



7 inches narrower than stock? If it is that far off, why do people consider it such a great swap?