Project "Sweet 16"
 

This is a joint project my 14yr old son and I are undertaking for his 16th Birthday. The truck is a 47 3600 5 window Chevrolet, purchased by me when I was 14. I found it pretty cool that he chose my first truck to become his first truck.

After lots of research on this board, Michael decided that he wanted to go with an S10 frame, 350/700R4 combo and leave the body in it's original farm truck glory. This will be a extremely tight budget build. There are no "barter deals" with go fast parts I happen to have lying around. Everything will be paid cash, and as Low buck as I can make it. Goal for this build is 3-4 Thousand to "finished" truck.

Re: Project "Sweet 16"
 

First project was to find a suitable frame and running gear. Struck a deal with a local shop for a 2wd, short cab, long bed 91 S10 that already had a 4x4 rear axle installed. The deal was that Michael and I strip the complete truck, and give the owner $150 for complete frame/suspension. The owner included the booster and master cylinder with the deal, as well as a few other needed parts.

We spent about a day and a half removing front sheet metal, box, cab, and motor/trans. And hauled it home.

Re: Project "Sweet 16"
 

Scored a SWEET deal on Craigslist yesterday on a full set of 17x8 Torque thrust II's with tires for $325. The rear tires are too small for our project, but I can replace them later with the 295/40R 17s He wants.

Also have a line on an 18,000 mile GM Goodrench Re-man 350 for $200 and a 55,000mi 700R4 for another $150. (both from a trusted source). So far total investment is $475 for chassis and wheels/tires, with another anticipated $350 for engine/trans. We're looking pretty good on our $4000 budget!

First pic is Michael installing his new wheels, second is the chassis on the Torque thrusts.

Re: Project "Sweet 16"
 

Next step is to secure the engine/trans, then go get the truck. (47 is in storage in Central Iowa). I wanted to get the important pieces together before I filled my garage with it!

Plans for engine are simple. No hi-po stuff, 16yr old doesn't need it... Stock motor with a 262/272 cam (for a little lope), some dress up stuff, and maybe block huggers, or S10 conversion headers. Clean it, re-seal it, paint it up, and run it. Everything is going to be done right in our garage, spending extra time to save $$$.

We should have the driveline by the end of next week, to start cleaning it up. Enjoy!

Re: Project "Sweet 16"
 

Sounds like a great project! I'm looking forward to your updates

-Jeff

Re: Project "Sweet 16"
 

Thanks Jeff, I know it isn't anything new or cutting edge, but it's his first build so we thought it appropriate to do a thread.

I didn't mention it earlier, but the reason for the tight budget is because he is responsible for half of the cost. I wanted him to have his own money invested in it. Might make him think twice before cracking that beer before driving home someday... :barn:

Re: Project "Sweet 16"
 

Looking good so far you are off to a great start.:metal:

Re: Project "Sweet 16"
 

It's important to him, I'm sure. There will be a lot of great lessons and bonding.

I always wanted to do a car (or truck) with my Dad. We looked into a few projects, but never found "the one." I'm 36, and STILL long to get him involved in my build.

I just think it's an awesome Father/Son thing to do. Good for you!

Re: Project "Sweet 16"
 

Yeah, I've never really built one with my dad either. I'm 35, and still hoping to get to it one day. With being military, I move around a lot and am never very close to home. I did however build a 64 Riviera for him about 10 years back.

at 14, it's a matter of keeping him motivated. This is a pretty big project for a youngster. easy to get discouraged. :chevy:

Re: Project "Sweet 16"
 

Cool project, not many people have the opportunity you have to build something with your son, especially something with soo much sentimental value.

My rule of thumb is always double your time and projected cost.

For me though, I'm def thrifty, but somethings I can't let slide. It's crazy how much of the little things add up.

How about some pics of your truck?

are you going to coat the frame? My suggestion, def do it while you have it stripped. Good luck and have fun.

Re: Project "Sweet 16"
 

No pics of the truck yet. need to go get it from storage in the next 3 weeks or so.

I'm pretty good at being realistic about time/money invested. Here is a pic of my last Chevy project. Car was a free running basketcase when I got it. Total investment to where it is today was $3000. I did my own paint, interior, engine work, and top. Car is reliable and clean, turns lots of heads.

On the chassis. Yes, we are planning on cleaning it up and painting it after all the body mounts, motor mounts, etc. are located and welded.

Re: Project "Sweet 16"
 

Skyman, doing a restoration project with a teenage son is a huge mistake. I made that mistake when my son was fifteen. I bought him a 69 Road Runner that was a theft recovery and we restored it together, finished it just when he got his license. He loved that car, but I turned my own son into a complete CAR GUY!!! He's even been accused of being a MOTOR HEAD.. Now he's as miserable as the rest of us, always working on some restoration, always wanting something else just as we finish our current project, always needing just a little more money than we have. It never ends. Now he owns a body shop and has a 69 GTO, a 70 Camaro, and a 72 TransAm under construction, and a 68 GTO convertible waiting to be restored. It's a sickness being a car guy, see what you are setting your son up for, LOL

Only kiddig of course. Restoring that 69 Road Runner was a great time for him and me and he still talks about it. My youngest son was a Moto-Cross racer and wanted a truck so he and I restored a 69 Chevy C/10 together. Those were good times.

You will enjoy the time together. Good luck with the restoration, It's too bad that more young boys don't have an opportunity like that.

Re: Project "Sweet 16"
 

Russell,
:waah:
Such a sad Story. I could only hope my kids would be that into cars... LoL

Re: Project "Sweet 16"
 

Progress report.

We have cleaned up the under cab area of the frame and cut off the S10 cab mounts, in prepartaion for body mount brackets. Today my son and I picked up the engine/trans combo. Didn't get a 700R4 as planned, but such a sweet deal on a turbo 350 that we sacrificed it in order to get the truck going.

Engine is mounted in the S10 location right now. Once we mount the body, we'll decide how far back to move it.

Looks like we'll be making the drive to Iowa next weekend to pick up the truck. Will post pics of it when it gets home.

First photo is Michael grinding the remnants of the cab mounts on the frame. Second it the new powerplant mounted in the frame.

Re: Project "Sweet 16"
 

Almost forgot..

Engine/Trans cost us $350. I spent $40 on new motor mounts today, So that puts our total cost at $1045 to date. We still need to get a harness, exhaust, Radiator, interior stuff, and miscelanious... but the budget is lookin pretty good.:metal:

Re: Project "Sweet 16"
 

I love it when a plan comes together! lookin good!

Re: Project "Sweet 16"
 

Well, went to Iowa and picked up the truck this weekend. Here's some before pics. Very solid truck, couple dents in the front fenders, but I think I can massage those out without damaging the old paint too much. The side windows are both shot out, but I pulled the drivers windshield (gasket was falling apart) so we wouldn't lose it on the road. Really no rust to speak of, been off highway since 1977, stored indoors since 1992 when I bought it.

Oh, and it has AWESOME Patina....

Re: Project "Sweet 16"
 

Here's a shot of the odometer... Not sure, but in my experience the numbers are always mis-aligned once it rolls over. These look very straight.

Re: Project "Sweet 16"
 

So we got home about 5pm, unloaded it in the garage and got to work. Tonight we got the front end apart, seat out, doors off, etc. Heres a couple pics. Fenders and core support are now off, didn't take another pic though (too late) hoping to get the cab of tomorrow or tuesday to mock up on the S10 chassis. So far I haven't found any rust in the cowl or behind the front fenders. Just one carrage bolt and sqaure nut inside the fender (Farmers fix I'm sure) Will be a PITA, since I'll have to cut it off. We've broken about 6 or 8 bolts (fenders to cab, pretty standard), but it's coming apart nicely. I did find a little rust in one cab corner. I'll take a pic tomorrow.

Re: Project "Sweet 16"
 

What's your plans for a truck bed?
Posted via Mobile Device

Re: Project "Sweet 16"
 

Pretty soon we're gonna have to start looking for a quasi matching faded red box... not looking forward to that search. I did see one in Omaha that may fill the bill though.

Re: Project "Sweet 16"
 

Awesome build. I wish you both the best of luck.

Re: Project "Sweet 16"
 

So, today the cab came off, and was pre-positioned on the S10 frame. Here's some Pics of Michael hard at work...;)

Re: Project "Sweet 16"
 

If anyone in the Central US has need for a 3/4 ton chevy chassis, complete with running 250 six cylinder and granny 4 speed please let me know. I listed on Craigslist, I don't want it go to the scrapyard, seems a waste.

Re: Project "Sweet 16"
 

got the cab on the S10 chassis, blocked up at what I think is the correct height. 3.5 inches off the frame, plus 3/4" for the S10 body mount in the rear, and 4.25" plus 3/4" for S10 body mount in the front. Had to trim a little for the trans.

We hung the fenders to make sure the wheels are centered in the openings, and fiddled with fitment for about 2 hours. I think we have the front wheels looking pretty good in the openings, any thoughts?

Re: Project "Sweet 16"
 

I have a few questions that I'm sure folks on this board are smart on...

1. I understood that I'd have to move the motor back considerably (like 5-7"). The S10 was a 4.3L, and the 350 is mounted on the stock S10 mounts now. Looking at where the cab sits, I only have about 2.5~3" behind the motor to be able to move back and still fit the HEI distributor. If I move the motor back 3", I still won't have clearance for the clutch fan up front. Would need about 5" to do that. If I run a 16" electric, I don't even need to move the engine back. So is it even worth re-locating the drivetrain if I can't use a fan anyway? Will an electric fan and an aluminum radiator keep it cool enough in Missouri summers?

2. Right now on the stock S10 suspension, I have 8.25" ground clearance at the lowest point on the front fender. Does that sound normal for a S10 frame swap?

3. In order to use the stock radiator core support I will either need to clearance it for the power steering pump (would have to use a smaller radiator), or run it at a 15 deg angle. I am leaning twords angling it to facilitate as much radiator surface area as possible, what are some other methods folks have used? What would you guys recommend?

thanks for all the support, this board has made this project become a reality!

Re: Project "Sweet 16"
 

I'm interested in the fan question. I'm putting a Buick 401 in mine and plan on an electric fan. I would assume it to be at least as good as the stock fan, plus, with a thermostat it can stay on and cool the radiator after the ignition is off.
Posted via Mobile Device

Re: Project "Sweet 16"
 

Nice, a nailhead.... Had a 64 Riv with a 425 for awhile. Loved it. I have run electric on several cars. my 69 GS had a dual fan from a late 90's Camaro, it kept cool in traffic, but we won't have the room for that setup on this project. My rock crawler runs a 16" electric, but it gets hot after 2 or 3 hours of wheeling. Just don't want to build him something that isn't reliable.

Re: Project "Sweet 16"
 

coming along nice. I fabbed my own rad support and angled it. Running Efan as well. I'd get the bed and fenders on and move everything as a whole. That will def dictated where everything will fall, but seeings you don't have them and or running boards you'll have to compromise. As far as height, I used drop spindles and blocks, so I'm lower than you. But I'm about 4" total off frame and my truck sits really low. Looks like you are right about where you need to be, but every inch will count when it comes to running an mechanical vs. Efan. Lastly, I and about everyone I have seen ended up cutting the front frame horns off, right at the PWS pump. For the back half of the frame I think I cut 5" off.

Re: Project "Sweet 16"
 

Thanks 99, I really like your build as well. I'm glad to hear we are on the right track as far as cab placement and ride height go. After much deliberation, Michael and I have decided to go ahead and push the motor back 2 inches. (might as well make some space up there while we have it apart). That should help with manifold/header clearance.

I was tracking on cutting the frame horns right in front of the steering box, just wanted to get the cab lined up before I cut anything (Just a rule of thumb for me).

We are going to modify the stock support and angle it. Run an aluminum radiator and 16" puller fan. That should keep it cool if he runs a 160 deg stat in the summer.

We are also planning to run 2" drop spindles and 3" blocks, but I didn't want to modify any suspension till I see how it sits on the new frame. Didnt get too much done today. made templates for body mount brackets and started cutting them out of 14ga. steel. I'll post some pics tomorrow.

Re: Project "Sweet 16"
 

Well, spent the last 2 evenings building the Cab mount brackets... I went a little different than most. Seems majority use square tube (sometimes 3/16 or 1/4" even)... I decided to make mine out of 14 gauge sheet, and box them in really nicely. That's a total of 20 individual pieces of steel, cut with a air cut off... very slow. I miss my plasma and Craftsman professional compressor from my shop in Colorado!

All finished, except the 2 1/4" holes for the S10 body mounts. Gonna tack them in place, and drill them on the frame I think.

Still on the fence about re-locating the drivetrain, trying to decide if I gain much room for headers, or just lose room for the steering shaft by moving it back.

Here's a couple pics of the brackets.

Re: Project "Sweet 16"
 

They look nice, but you sure .074 thick steel will hold a 800 pound cab even my factory 55 mounts are 3/16 or so, low speed side swipe might be dangerous. Just make sure you strength test them. Maybe doubl up cab to mount metal to keep the bolt ripping threw the mount, otherwise they look very good.

Re: Project "Sweet 16"
 

I doubt that an AD cab is any where near that heavy and the stock cab mounts{the stamped ones spot welded to the cab} are only 19 guage It is the shape that gives strength. that said I would have made the top a bit heavier. Just my $0.02

Re: Project "Sweet 16"
 

:metal:Looking good

Re: Project "Sweet 16"
 

Fully assembled with seat and personel i garantee that cab is over 800lbs total, but i wasnt doubting the structural shape integrety but i think we both agree top needs to be thicker

Re: Project "Sweet 16"
 

thanks Spousta and Mcnittle for the input. After your posts I went out and re-looked the frame brackets. Gonna grab some 1/8" steel today and plate the tops in that. Last thing I want is to underbuild. It just seemed to me (since the frame is only 1/8" steel) that 1/4" was overkill.

On that note... The shape of the mounts are designed with triangulation in mind. The legs are kicked out at a 20deg angle (I build rockcrawlers too) to negate the vertical stress on the frame, then boxed on top, outside, and inside, and seam welded inside and outside of every joint. I don't doubt the strength of what i've built, however... I didn't think of the cab bolts pulling through the top plate. Seems like cheap insurance to add some plate to the top.

Re: Project "Sweet 16"
 

mounts looks fine, an AD cab can easily be handled by two people. Add the doors and the interior, I'd add another person. Your moving right along. Wish I had access to my trucks everyday.

Re: Project "Sweet 16"
 

i think the rest will be fine. just the tops are all i would beef up 1/8 will be better. I don't see anything wrong with your design they look good

Re: Project "Sweet 16"
 

I live within an hour of fordice creek and the rubicon trails.We don't do much rock crawling though.we go out in the Tahoe and Eldorado natonal forests more{less people}
Here is my 42' willys. i got it rebacktgether last summer.Nothing fancy!
buick 231 Sm420 dana 18/20 hybred 4.88 geared 44s both ends.

Re: Project "Sweet 16"
 

Nice Willy's. I love the old Iron for wheelin. I run a 71 Scout II... It's nothing special either. 345/EFI/D60 and 14B/NP203-D300 doubler/40" Iroks/Ram assist/Hyrdoboost brakes. But we sure do have a good time in it!