The Stovebolt Site Forums Welcome! Welcome Centre Hello! Need some advice, new project.

New project.

Hello everyone, new to the site and I hope you guys can help me through a new project. I'm in the process of getting a 1950 chevy 3100. It's in pieces but all there and I plan for this to be my first down to the frame build. This truck has pretty much everything including a straight six motor. Looks like no one has ever done any mods and no one knows last time it even saw pavement.

The donor.

I have an 84 c10 long bed 2 wheel drive auto with a stock specs 350 motor and a 3 speed trans, also got a couple of 700r4s that need a rebuild. This truck I drove home for 350 bucks several years ago. Wasn't a dream build truck but nonetheless it got a bit of a overhaul. Brakes, motor, trans, some suspension, wiring, paint job, tires, and started interior. All stock spec more or less. Btw the motor runs with a no computer distributor. No hot rod stuff.

Advice.

I want to use as much off of my 84 as I can. What can and can't I use? For example, I heard I can use my front axle with spacers on the 1950 one can I? Rear axle? I know I can use motor and trans but I need mounts right? Plus a gas tank kit. Has anyone on here used an 80s truck as a donor in this way? When I use the search I sure get a LOT. If I can get advice or guided towards the right posts id appreciate it.

Can't wait to start. Thx

Welcome to Stovebolt, Matt! We have a good number of Lone Star Stovebolters so depending on where you are, you might be near several of them.

Sounds like you have a pretty ambitious project for the first time out. It might be better to re post most of this in the HiPo forum. Just use the quick link drop down menu at the lower right of this page.

And thanks again for stopping by. Hopefully the gang can help you get started and you'll be driving that truck before you know it!

Matt, I could go ahead and move this post for you but since its your first post, and its in the Welcome Centre I will leave it for others to see our newest member.

But, as our editor in chief, John, has suggested you will be better served by posting individual questions in the most appropriate forum. The front end switch and a couple of your other question could be addressed in the HiPo Forum which is for modifications....and depending on the road you take you may end up posting some questions in the Driveline Forum. Remember, there is no need to "double post" the same question in two separate forums. The moderators of each forum can move the post if they think you will be better served in another forum. And, as John also mentioned, there are many Texans which are known as the "Texas Connection" that you may hook up with some of them.

....and yes, what your wanting to do has been done before. Be patient with posting as not everyone that has your answers may not visit everyday. Good luck, and remember, Knowledge is the Best Resource and it is definitely here on the Bolt.

Welcome Matt, you already have good advice from 2 others, not much to add. Maybe you can link us to some pics of your truck.
Leo

What you are wanting to do takes a lot of work and fabbing. You may or may not find someone who has done all the work. It's going to be up to you to measure rear axle width and determine if it fits... and the steering box to column and the pinion angle and the ebrake and so on.

I may not understand exactly what you want to do yet. Which modern parts you want to put onto the 50 frame. BUT:

It seems you are saying you are using the 1950 frame and the 84 front.

I don't know what this means.

"I heard I can use my front axle with spacers on the 1950 one can I? " which axle is "my front axle" and what is the "1950 one" = axle or frame??

The Stovebolt search function yields this: https://www.stovebolt.com/ubbthreads/ubbthreads.php/ubb/showflat/Number/1090808

Thanks for the responses. Moderator of you think it needs to moves then by all means go ahead. As for the front axle... what I meant was I want to use the 84s front IFS and bolt to the 50s frame. I'm not worried about it being lifted as long as I can level it out when doing the rear. I'm not much for dropped trucks.

I love the ride of my 84, and i have redone the brakes and suspension already so I thought it would work out better financially. But I want everyone's opinions on my plans. If my ideas will be a headache or what to avoid, you know that sort of thing.

Matt, I'll go ahead and say it here..... I have a friend that put the front end of a GMC under his 49 and had to put about 1/2" spacer between the old chassis and the GMC.....if my memory serves me correctly..... .better ask the guys in the HiPo or driveline?

Here you go, maybe?

I saw that article, I wish he had finished the project. I'd like to find someone who did.

How bout this...the floor is rusted out. I want to keep the 5 window can. There is another cab, not a five window which is what I want, with a good floor. Would it work out good to cut that floor out and self to the one I want or should I buy panels.

welcome to the site, Matt!

You are kind of planning everything at once. Sounds like there are some pretty big issues ahead. Better to concentrate on one task at a time. DON'T buy a bunch of parts and stack them up thinking you are making progress. You are not, and may get stuck with it all when plans change. Be sure to step back and realize that you are cutting up three vehicles so far. Possibly buy a better truck to start with and save/sell the others.

As far as the floor, either idea will work. Depends on budget, time you have, skills you have, storage space. Sometimes a new panel is easier to fit back into the cut.
When doing the donor piece, of course you have to cut the donor piece bigger than the cutout piece to be able to tweak it into place. The general rule is only replace the rusted out area. Keep all good original metal in place unless for strategic reasons. (weld access, seam, support and structure)
Cardboard patterns will probably be necessary for a good tight weld gap.