The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area The HiPo Shop Just bought a 49 GMC 1/2 ton pickup

Well I did it. Bought a 49 GMC out of New Mexico, should be in my driveway next Friday and I found a donor 87 S-10 a few miles from home in WI, it's in the garage waiting to be tore down. My plan is to marry the 2 trucks into a daily driver that is nice on the eyes and reliable. I suspect this is at least a 1 year project. A few questions...

Who makes the best frame swap kit, I found 2 companies so far and the guy in Minn. seems the best fit for me. He has a kit for this swap that will handle the 4-wheel drive.

The GMC is a 3 window, I plan on converting it to a 5 window. Suggestions on where to buy the patch panel would be appreciated.

I also want to add the front visor, again suggestions on who has the best unit.

Any other comments, suggestions or helpful hints on the project would be appreciated.


Tom

A 1949 pickup was and still is a good daily driver stock.


1950 Ford, 1952 Chevrolet, 1952 Packard, 1952 Buick,
1953 Mercury, 1954 Pontiac, 1959 Oldsmobile.
Dependable transportation for my dad in their time.

1935 Buick, 1950 F 1, 1967 Chevrolet.
Dependable for me in my time. Jeffrey

32vid, this is the HiPo Shop so his questions and comments are posted in the right forum.

There are several suppliers of the 3-5 window conversion kits. My guess is they all come from the same manufacturer. So, buy the cheapest. Having watched it being done I found it to be quite a job. Hope you have some serious body working skills.

Again, there are several suppliers of the S10 conversion kits, but, they are not all made the same. Do your research and get the best fit for your skill level.

Search the swap meets and ads like Craigslist for an original Fulton with the proper brackets for your truck.

There are many on here who have done exactly what you are planning. Browse through the forum search function and/or the Galleries pictures until you find one or two you like then send the owners a Private Message asking questions.

Good luck with your build.

I bought the 5 window parts from Classic Parts.
Inner and outer panels and rear cab brace. All look to be good quality. Haven't installed yet (cab not back from media blasting).
Remember "measure twice, cut once", or actually, measure twice, start over, measure 2 more times, mark which side of the lines to cut on, have a beer and think it over.