'53 3100
 

Well guess it is time to create a build thread for my '53. I purchased a 1953 3100 last fall and have been wrenching on it ever since. It came with a S10 frame and some 283 engine parts and an old cast powerglide. After some debate and research I decided to go with a 5.3l and a Muncie M20. I tried to get it as low as I could without compromising drivability and sheet metal. It has an older passenger car 12 bolt rear with 2.73 gears that I do intend to change. I took some pictures along the way and will post them in this thread.

I know I have a lot of things to work out and build, but that is the "fun" part. and suggestions, resources or if you see something funky please don't hesitate to mention it. I'm here to learn and maybe help someone else.

Note: sorry about the random up-side-down pics, I haven't found a solution that works yet.

Re: '53 3100
 

Parts and pieces
August 20, 2016

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Cab placement
September 24, 2016

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Junk yard shopping, All American Classics, Vancouver, Wa
October 14, 2016

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Preliminary radiator placement measuring
October 30, 2016

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Preliminary sheet metal placement
October 30, 2016

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Grill cleanup (and surprise layered paint)
January 2, 2017

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Interior and tailgate install
Jan 2, 2017

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Do not use spray foam as a sealer.
March 17-20

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Rims & tires! First time truck was mobile, no engine/trans so it sits a little high
June 5, 2017

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Misc interior & bed/ rear end
June 5, 2017

Re: '53 3100
 

2002(?) 5.3l w/ Muncie M20

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Engine placement and with headers
July 16/22, 2017

Re: '53 3100
 

nice work

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Looking good

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Looks good, I'll tag along...Jim

Re: '53 3100
 

What headers and engine mounts did you use? Looks like the same engine I'm putting in mine. I have a 5.3L TBI from 1996. Converting it back to carbureted. Sheet metal looks good! Lots of work ahead still

Re: '53 3100
 

I used some S10 swap headers by Racing Innovation Supply. Not bad for $175 shipped.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/1982-04-Chev...72.m2749.l2649

As for motor mounts I made them. The ones mounted to the frame are common SBC mounts, think I got them from Rockauto. I had originally planned on a 283 so I had bought some S10 swap mounts, but the holes are different on the LS engine. I used them as a template, bought some 3/8 plate steel from my local salvage yard and went to town.

I will mention I have the engine lower than other builds I have seen, I really wanted to reduce or eliminate the hump on the floorboard. I also have the cab mounted pretty low so I had some room to adjust there, too. I do have an issue with my oil pan sitting too low (~3-4" below front cross member) but I plan on changing pans and making a skid plate. I also had to take into consideration the inclination angle and I have it to about 3-5 degrees, should be more to the 3 degrees when I get radiator, coolant, front clip, etc. mounted.

Re: '53 3100
 

great! Thanks for the info. I happen to be on that part of my build right now :)

Re: '53 3100
 

Cool project, dig the 4-speed Muncie.

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Worked on some wiring last couple weeks. I am beginning to understand why harnesses are so expensive...

Re: '53 3100
 

Radiator mount.


August 2017

Re: '53 3100
 

Man you're moving right along. If I moved as fast as you I'd had 4 trucks done by now. looks good I'm in

Re: '53 3100
 

That's a novel idea. I like it! Seems like a bit less work than some of the other core support brackets

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/a...1&d=1503622378

Re: '53 3100
 

Thanks, I work from home and take regular "go work on the truck" breaks.
I want to keep things as simple as possible - less to go wrong and so far it seems less expensive...

Re: '53 3100
 

Nice progress!

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Dang I just realized how slow I am going on mine. Nice build man.

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September 2017

2" front end drop turns into 3"ish drop... but I like it.

Will have to change something - tires don't clear fenders when turning. Cut the head off one problem and two grow in its place...

Re: '53 3100
 

September 2017

Radiator fan mount/install

Re: '53 3100
 

Hey Robertjm711

I just found this thread...very nice job...love the 4 speed end of things too....not many standard transmission stuff on here..thanks for bringing us along...I will be following along....

MikeC

Re: '53 3100
 

Mid November 2017: Engine removal. Again.

Had to remove engine to pull pan and check crank to ensure it is a 5.3l vs a 4.8l.

When I bought it last summer from a guy on Craigslist, I was told it was a 5.3l from a 2001 Silverado. Looked good and taken care of, even mounded properly on a pallet. He didn't have the VIN as he said he had already scrapped the donor truck. He only wanted the trans for his truck.

So I took it home and started to clean and rewire the harness. I found injectors for a Flex-Fuel, and they didn't make a 5.3 Flex in 2001. (Second strike, one being no VIN). There are no external markings on these engines to distinguish, thanks GM. I then found a tab on the head gaskets the was stamped "4,8". Now I go into panic mode, strike 3. I texted the seller, and after a couple texts asking firmly for the VIN he would not respond. I looked at the top of the pistons through the spark plug holes and could see (~90% sure) dish top pistons that pointed toward the 5.3l. It was enough for me to install the engine for mock up but it has bothered me not having hard proof.

Which leads me to now, removing the pan and checking crank casting numbers. Crank are 12552216, pistons are 12555820 and rods are 143, all 5.3l parts. Pan gaskets are not cheap, but worth the piece of mind.

After all this I am confident it is a late 2002 or early 2003 Flex Fuel 5.3. I have read they started flex in 5.3's in 2002-2003 depending on source and started DBW in 2003.

Re: '53 3100
 

Mid November 2017: Cleaning up fire wall.

While the engine is out I wanted to clean up the Swiss cheese firewall. It's pretty beat up so I don't think it will eve be show ready, but I am OK with that. I get better ever time I weld sheet metal, but still amateur. I'd rather it be sound and ugly than hiding problems with filler, fiberglass or spray foam (which I have found on this truck).

Re: '53 3100
 

Someone on the forum recommended these weld in plugs for filling the firewall holes. https://www.bobdrake.com/FordItem.aspx?Item=HR-1580

I just used a few to patch some holes in my firewall before paint. It will make the process much easier.

Re: '53 3100
 

December 2017
Finished up on the firewall. Used some textured spray paint to hide some if the minor imperfections, not perfect but pretty good for a ~64 year old truck.

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January 4 2018

Installed clutch, hydraulic throw-out bearing, flywheel, etc. & transmission

Re: '53 3100
 

Very cool! Did you have to shim the T/O bearing?

Re: '53 3100
 

What’s the tire & wheel combo?

Re: '53 3100
 

Yup, the shims came with the bearing. Super easy.
https://www.summitracing.com/parts/h...IaAnAUEALw_wcB

Re: '53 3100
 

16” w/ 5” backspace and Venezia 225 60 16. With the S10 front/2.5” spacer and full width rear 12p axle I wanted the same rim/tire for rotations.

https://www.summitracing.com/parts/brw-997683450

Re: '53 3100
 

Just curious, how did you solve the rubbing issue with the tires?