My first restore...

[Grizzly8380]

I bought a 1953 Chevy 3100 today for $500. The original 6 cyl. still runs, the body is in decent shape for the age of the truck... I've already been looking into a chassis swap onto a S-10 frame. I've already got the frame for an 89 and is already set up for the v8 conversion. Has anyone done this swap and have any helpful info for me before I go diving into the project? here are some pics of the truck. thanks for any help.

Mike
Attachments:
https://talk.classicparts.com/images/attachments/436dcfb8095c946e.jpghttps://talk.classicparts.com/images/attachments/436dcfe0091c946e.html

 

[coilover]

Mike, it looks as though your purchase was a good buy. I know rust isn't readily visible in a photo but the running board looks straight and that's worth a lot even if the mount channels on the underside need replacing(just look at what they ask for repops). I think on the Stovebolt site there is a fellow that specialises in the S10 swap. We were going to do one but a divorce happened and put the project on the back burner. Be aware that the front end of the S10 is a lot narrower, like 7", and will put the front tires well inside the front fenders. If you go back on CD posts there is a man that is doing this project on a longer term basis and by now could probably give you some good tips. One last thing: you are doing a 3 window, thank you, thank you, thank you. Good luck, Evan

 

[myascape]

Here you go, brother:

www.ad-engineering.com

I think he's running some sort of special right now. If I weren't working on a 'tonner, I would have gone that route straight away.

Good luck. I think your beast is more solid than mine...

 

[Grizzly8380]

Thanks for the link, I've checked it out a week or so ago.. $1000 + s/h is a little steep for me right now. Plus I found a site that basically shows you how to do it yourself without that kit. But thanks anyway. here are a few more pics of the truck to show the bad parts in it.
Attachments:
https://talk.classicparts.com/images/attachments/437503700a08cbab.jpghttps://talk.classicparts.com/images/attachments/4375038509f4ce96.jpghttps://talk.classicparts.com/images/attachments/437503a00874ce90.jpghttps://talk.classicparts.com/images/attachments/437503b80a08cd29.jpghttps://talk.classicparts.com/images/attachments/437503d008dcce00.jpghttps://talk.classicparts.com/images/attachments/437503ef09f4ced2.jpg

 

[sidewynder]

Here I am... I'm in the middle of an s-10 swap. It's fun if you like fabrication. I'll warn you about the V8 mounts for the S-10, they are designed to move the engine forward. OK for an S-10, but not so good for an AD on an S-10 chassis. You need it moved back since you'll be losing considerable space on the front end (6" or better). You may be able to swap them around so that they move the engine rearward, I'm not sure. I got lucky with mine since the Olds 5L has different mounts than the SBC. I was able to use the forward mounting position on the engine as they were directly above the mounting points on the frame. I just had to "connect the dots" with some custom mounts.

Once again, I hope to get my info compiled for everyone who may consider the s-10 route. maybe next week...