Esteemed Stovebolters,
I have been following this list for quite a while and have read many of the archives. Some of my questions may seem redundant however; the answers I found have not been complete.
I have a 1936 Chevrolet 1 ½ ton truck; it is as original as a 65-year-old truck can be. I drive it around the airport where it lives and in its present condition that is the only place I can drive it. I want to update the driveline and here is what I have in mind.
The first order of business is more power, a Vortech V-8 or LT-1 engine and an overdrive automatic transmission. Next the suspension- I would like to put in a late Chevy truck cross member and independent front suspension. After looking at my frame and newer trucks I believe it will work with this change, to achieve rear steer swap spindles left to right. The question I have regarding this is, will the steering clear the engine? The rear end would also be from a late model truck and, to stop all this 4 wheel disc brakes with ABS.
I have a feeling several of you will flame me out for this but, I am going to use the truck to haul cars and I need a reliable and safe vehicle.
I have covered the highlights but have not delved into the details and that is what I would like to know about. Are the suspension mods sound and is the steering going to fit and function. The engine and trans should be straightforward and I want to use a hydra boost on the brake master under the cab. I also want to use sway bars front and rear and, perhaps airbags in back. The last of my rant will deal with cab heat and A/C; I think I can mount a full HVAC system under the seat where the gas tank was. I would use floor ducts to route defrost and cold air anybody do this before?
I am putting on my firesuit.
Steve
