Low buck 53' 3100 5 window

[big_moss]

sick build man gonna be dope

[Sim6]

Thanks big moss! Taking next week off of work to in one last big push before winter hits. I'm want to get the bed, running boards and glass installed by the weeks end. If I can get started on the wiring that would be amazing. We'll see.

[CaliforniaDaddy]

How did you figure out the height of the radiator bracket?

[Sim6]

I followed Chris in the S10 Swap how to. Once the cab is bolted down I assembled the fenders, inners and hood to the core support. Your core support has to be cut down first. Using a jack I raised and lowered it until everything looked good. I tacked it in and tore it down. Then welded them up.
Jeff

[Sim6]

Finally got my Father's Day present mounted. Now I just need a bottle to open.

[CaliforniaDaddy]

Originally Posted by Sim6

Finally got my Father's Day present mounted. Now I just need a bottle to open.

That is cool right there, my problem is I'm using a 1996 s10 log bed chassis.
Posted via Mobile Device

[99 to Life]

the longbed chassis is what you want. Just as sim said, you gotta get your front metal moched up then decide where to make your mount your rad bracket. I'v always made my own custom brackets because the last two s10 builds I used tri5 car radiators, so it kinda dictates how your bracket is going to work. I like the rad to have the hose in the center, thats why I chose them. You may be able to get other rads, like sim used and use the stock bracket (cut down). There are sooo many ways to go about it, but you gotta get cab on and all the metal and moch it all up. Being off 1" can screw the whole thing up and make for some redoing.

[Sim6]

So In the last three days I've gotten my bed together, made cross sills buttoned up the bed and mounted the running boards. I also installed the back three pieces of glass.

[Sim6]

And.

[big_moss]

getting there man looks good

[99 to Life]

yeah looking real good, how was the corner windows for ya? running board brackets are annoying with s10 swaps, takes much more work than people think.

[Sim6]

Thanks guys! 99, I made some tools that made putting the windows in a snap. however the pass side corner was the last one i did and it was a pain for some reason. I'm not quite a perfectionest, anal or paitent so i'm always like, aw that will do. But as I get closer the anticipation just keeps growing. I just can't wait to drive it. If I ever sell this thing which i have zero plans of doing I will be highly disappointed in myself. I sold my last truck for $3500 and that was my budget for this truck including the purchase price. I spent about 700 total here and there on top of that but made about $1200 form selling the old engine parts, frame and parting out the S10. I still lack a drive shaft, radiator hoses, and a cooling fan. I figure I'll be in it $4500 when done.
Jeff

[99 to Life]

Dang, I have budgets but not like that. I know some guys try and build them with as little money as possible. For me, I tear almost everything down and redo, sometimes minus rear end and trans. other than that I run all alum fuel, coppernickel brake line and stainless exhaust, makes it worth while in the long run. the nickle and dime stuff adds up. I got 3k in my engine alone on my last build. For some that is a budget build, but 3k is a big chunk outta a budget. That truck cost me over 3x's your budget!!! On my next truck (not for me) we are shooting for 25k built. IFS is 1600 and AC will be about a grand or more so some big chunks have been taken! but got a solid truck shipped for 2500 so its a great start. I always tell myself, double your time and money on a build!!

[ptc]

Wow yea those are some low budget builds you guys got going on but the results are incredible too! So dont count yourselves out too quick....

My chassis was $5000 to start, but included wheels, tires, shortened rear end, axles and 4-link suspension, front clipped camaro suspension, a brake booster and a set of used BBC headers.... Ive sold much of the parts not using.

Then I spent $1200 on a complete 57 truck for the cab and front clip, sold the rest. So that came out about even.

Im $2500 into an engine and a transmission at this point to buy it all and with upgrades probably gonna be another $5000 to get to 700+ ponies and make the trans handle it!

I have about $30K budgeted for my build, that I havent even earned yet!!!!


enjoy!

[Advanced Design]

Sim, your truck is looking really good. I like the accessory bottle opener.

Budgets are scary....

[Sim6]

Thanks for the support fellas! I got a lot done but not finished yet. I put new glass in and gaskets all around. Still working on the doors tho. Finished stripping the bed pieces, assembled it and have it completely mounted with tailgate. Mounted running boards and splash guards. Luckily the way I did the cab the running boards were level with the bottom of the frame which made it super easy. I re-built the door hinges. The first two were a sinch. The second two were a pain, both pins were seized. This was extra fun because we moved into a new house when I started this project and don't have a bench or a vice any more. I had my little portable table and C clamps while I drilled them out.
Thankfully we had 70 degree weather this week. It made being out there all day bearable. Ordered a cooling fan today and found a drive shaft that should be the correct length right out of the truck. We have only one driveline shop in our area and I was looking at $250 for a new one using my yoke. THATS NOT IN MY BUDGET! I'm getting close and chomping at the bit to drive it. Pic's kinda stink because my garage is still so crowded and I'm not good at staying organized.

[Sim6]

And.....

[Sim6]

I figured I would leave my doors off for easier Assy.

[Sim6]

And...

[99 to Life]

looking real good, yeah this weather is crazy warm. been almost too lucky. hope we don't get 10ft of snow for the rest of winter!

[Sim6]

Thanks 99. I know waiting for the other shoe to drop, and start snowing. But you get quite a bit more then we do. You may end up with 10 feet!
Jeff

[Advanced Design]

Jeff, I really like that bare steel look. What are you using to protect the metal?

[Sim6]

For this budget build I used lacquer clear that I found at tractor supply for implaments. It's like $40 a gal.

[chopit]

What's the round hole in the driver side running board for Jeff? looks intentional...flag pole holder?

[Sim6]

Toilet? Not real sure. It's a good conversation piece tho.