The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area The HiPo Shop The big bolt guys may kill me

I'm considering turning my '36 2ton into a pick-up on an S10 chassis. First I need someone to tell me how stupid that is and second, if no one does that, I need someone to tell me how different the front fenders are from the 2ton to 1/2 ton and if hey will look goofy. :confused: I haven't done anything yet so the advice would be really valuable at this point.

I can hear the War Drums already!!! Try doing a search but be careful the "Big Guys" are everywhere. :p

Emasculation.

Canuck,
Well you asked for an opinion, I think if you want to make a 1/2 ton truck, you are better starting with a 1/2 ton truck. The prewar trucks are getting hard to find in any size. It sounds like it might be nice to preserve what you got. That being said... it is your truck, and whatever you do with it, there will be people here that will help.

Good Luck
John

I just checked out your gallery picture. What an awesome looking truck!

Dang now I'm starting to really feel like a heel. :o I guess I knew that it's probably best not to mess with old mother nature. Just don't tell the big bolts that I broke the faith. I probably will keep it original as much as possible.

It may not go fast, but it'll get you there in stile!

Well canuk I understand what your thinking and I have a much larger truck a 1946 coe. Im yet in the works of gathering my service parts for my large monster but I intend to make a large hotrod classic without changing my chassis but adding a little custom. Im losing the leaf springs for heavy duty air bags sutch as DOT BUS BAGS or tow truck bags from a car hauler, 1.5" hime joints to fabricate a four bar setup. I will not lose the work aspect of the truck I will yet be able to haul as much as I like but on a lowered stance. Bags will exist on the front axle also. I have found a replacement trans with power pto on both sides that will bolt directly to a v8 and this will allow me to keep the use of my hydraulic lift bed. I will mount the engine lower between the frame as well as the rest of the drive train as needed to make way for lowering the cab 6" using the stock cab support.
The truck will keep the original wheels and axles. The only thing lost will be the old springs and six inches of cab support. Four bar brackets are being made of 1/4" plate on the axles and frame. My sketches are awsome to me because it does look stock but will ride better, look like I want it to and incorporate (oe) parts from 1946 except for the engine and trans from late 1980. I think the big bolt guys will like the finish product and I will not post pictures till Im done. I do have 90% of my parts to hammer the work done in a month or two.

I forgot there is a picture of the truck before shiping if you click my name. CAJUN CRAW FISH. No work done in this pic.

I have considered this too but my problem is the narrow wheel base (about the same as a dodge dakota) which makes it tough to find modern components that are heavy enough to support a big frame and some kind of bed.

1936 1/2 - 1 1/2 ton fenders are the same (who'ed ah thought)

I am working on the same project as you. I took a 1935 1 and 1/2 truck and converted it to a 1/2 ton. However, I kept the original frame. A 1940 1/2 front axle bolted right in. I shortened the frame and added a ford rear end, engine and a bunch of other stuff. I just wanted a truck I could drive anywhere. Good luck!

do you have any pics? What kind of '40 1/2 ton was the donor?

I am gathering pictures as we speak. The front axle, springs were out of a chevy 1/2 ton. I could not believe it, but everything bolted right in..no modifications were needed.

For the rear, I notched the frame to fit the axle and welded a few brackets in place to hold the springs. It looks great!

send me a note when you do have pics. This kinda sounds too good to be true.

Well Oltrucks what I did with a v8 and air bags is just what I wanted with my fantastic old truck. Sounds like canuck is doing just what he wants also. Seems as though there is a lot of people on this forum that do both restore and custom work. That makes this forum realy nice.

Cajun your right it is a really nice fourm. My only point is just don't tell me it's "restored"

That would be retostore. Or to change for more modern while retaining the original look.

Whichever way you go, I hope you think about keeping the grill - that's way distinctive!

I'm thinking that I may keep the body looking kindof "Sanford & Son" chic with the paint all faded and the chrome all peeling. Another way to call it is "a sleeper" or "too broke to make it cherry". Either way I'm really leaning towards popping the body onto an S15 with a small block.

canuck, I did it with a 46 1 ton, and I'm still a little concerned about being able to fill the wheelwells. Especially the fronts. I'm not positive, but I think the heavier trucks had larger wheel openings. MV