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| | | | Joined: Nov 2015 Posts: 34 Wrench Fetcher | | Wrench Fetcher Joined: Nov 2015 Posts: 34 | I just picked up a 1953 Chevy 6400 with the intentions of building a rat rod. The plan is to shorten and channel it, Z the frame and put a V8 in it with an overdrive transmission. I'll probably also remove the fenders. Tons of work ahead, though its a hoot to drive as it sits right now. 1953 Chevy 6400 #1 1953 Chevy 6400 #2
You want to make God laugh? Tell him you plans.
| | | | | Joined: Nov 2015 Posts: 34 Wrench Fetcher | | Wrench Fetcher Joined: Nov 2015 Posts: 34 | OK, I've had a chance to go through her. Here's the basic list of what she needs to be "SAFE":
1) Replace one broken shackle bolt - EASY
2) Address the sloppy steering. I've got kingpins on the way. need to look into rod ends just in case I need them
3) Brakes are good, thank GOD!
4) Oil change....DOES THIS TRUCK HAVE AN OIL FILTER? I DON'T SEE ONE ANYWHERE.
5) See if there is any way to tighten up the shifter...not sure if that's a pipe dream. Since its a SM420, maybe I can just pick up a Hurst shift for it???
Regarding the tierod ends, does anyone know of a good place to find replacements or a part number I should be hunting for? Would I just be better off drilling these out and putting Heim joints in??? At least then it would be easy to get replacements.
You want to make God laugh? Tell him you plans.
| | | | | Joined: Nov 2015 Posts: 36 Wrench Fetcher | | Wrench Fetcher Joined: Nov 2015 Posts: 36 | Truckasasurus44,
Thats a nice 6400. Looks to be in very good shape. Do you have the 2sp rear end?
If you go the rat rod route and remove the fenders and would like to part with them let me know I need them for my 47 Loadmaster. Bigbolt fenders are not reproduced and are not the same as its little brothers. 11/2 and 2tons have the same front end sheet metal.
What rims 18s or 20s?
Good lookin truck. Please keep us updated on your project.
1947.2 Chevy 2-Ton 161". Motor- 1962 235cid
| | | | | Joined: Nov 2015 Posts: 34 Wrench Fetcher | | Wrench Fetcher Joined: Nov 2015 Posts: 34 | I'm a way's away from removing them but I'll let you know. I was going to split them at the headlight, weld them together and make a crazy hood scoop with them if I removed them, but I can always do that with some small truck fenders I guess. I don't want to mess up fenders that are hard to find and in such good shape.
The rims are 20's I believe. The tires are in great shape (thank god!) though they are one size up from the originals. I may get smaller rims for the front to help fit them if I keep the fenders and drop it. I'll keep the bigger rear tires to help keep the top speed up a tiny bit.
You want to make God laugh? Tell him you plans.
| | | | | Joined: Nov 2010 Posts: 1,159 Shop Shark | | Shop Shark Joined: Nov 2010 Posts: 1,159 | Welcome to the "'Bolt"! I'm not sure if Chevrolet made a S.C.O.,(Self-Cleaning Oil,no oil filter), 235,in '53. I know my '55 2nd Series 6500 had an S.C.O. 261. Someone with more knowledge on the subject will help,I hope. Nice truck! Glad to hear your brakes work,but i'd still go through the system,just to be on the safe side! Please keep us posted on your progress! | | | | | Joined: Sep 2001 Posts: 29,269 Bubba - Curmudgeon | | Bubba - Curmudgeon Joined: Sep 2001 Posts: 29,269 | Please explain what an SCO is?
| | | | | Joined: Nov 2004 Posts: 2,402 Former Workshop Owner | | Former Workshop Owner Joined: Nov 2004 Posts: 2,402 | Nice looking truck.  John
~ J Lucas 2006 GMC Envoy 4.2 I6 2023 Ram 2500/Cumins 6.7 I6 2010 Jeep Grand Cherokee (Wife’s) 2002 Silverado 2500 Gas 6.0 1941 Chevy 1/2-Ton 1942 Chevy 1.5-Ton SWBIn the Gallery My Flicker Photos! | | | | | Joined: Jul 2014 Posts: 22 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Jul 2014 Posts: 22 | Looks like a work horse !
| | | | | Joined: Nov 2015 Posts: 34 Wrench Fetcher | | Wrench Fetcher Joined: Nov 2015 Posts: 34 | Ok, I got a chance to check the front a little more. It needs kingpins on one side and bearings on the other :P. I ordered all new bearings, seals, and kingpins. I've got some questions:
1- What bearing grease should I use on the wheel bearings?
2- What grease should I use on the kingpins?
3- What gear grease do you use in the 2spd rear axles, as I'm sure it needs swapping?
You want to make God laugh? Tell him you plans.
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