I'm planning on doing a chassis swap on my 1941 GMC 1/2 ton pickup truck, using the chassis from a 2003 Chevy S10 Extended Cab pickup truck. The body was very rusty but the chassis is in good shape and the truck is mechanically in good shape with fairly low miles. This project may go in bursts so there could be periods of inactivity on this post. I'm excited about it and would love to work on it non-stop but I have other commitments.
Last edited by Jon Marttinen; 09/16/20257:02 PM. Reason: Added photos.
Started with the 2003 S10. Normally I would remove the bolts from underneath but they were rusted on so bad I couldn't get them off. I didn't want to torch them with a fuel tank nearby so I tore off the box and cut off the bolts from the top after the box was off making them easily accessible. I used a reciprocating saw similar to a Sawzall, with a fire rescue blade from Menards, to cut the cab apart.
Last edited by Jon Marttinen; 09/16/20257:17 PM. Reason: Added info.
Save all you can from the donor, I used the s10 steering coloumn and it works great and then you can get a painless harness to match right up to it, piece of cake for signals and wipers and dimmer ignition maybe others I put electric wipers in mine, I can get you the name of the place I got them from if you want. I am putting electric windows in my coe also, can get you that info also. Are you going with the crank out windshield? It is pretty easy to just glue one in solid, no leaks.
Last edited by homer52; 09/17/202512:20 AM.
1941 Chevy stock complete 1941 GMC resting peacefully 1946/1947 Chevy Street rod on s10 frame complete 1945 GMC panel truck in line for restoration 1941 Plymouth stock complete 1941 GMC COE in restoration process 1941 Chevy Coe uncertain future resting now
Taking it a step at a time, I'm hoping to integrate the wipers and electrical equipment into the 41 GMC, keeping the interior somewhat original looking. I'm also hoping to restore the crank out windshield. I've learned from a previous project to save everything.
Guess there was no saving that S10 box after you tore it into flinders 😂. It was probably fun to go at the S10 with your saw, but not as much fun disposing of the carnage. Good start, I’ll be following along.
How close are the wheelbase and track dimensions between the two?
1950 Chevrolet 3100 (Ol' Roy) 1939 Packard Standard Eight Coupe (The Phantom) | 1956 Cadillac Coupe de Ville (The Bismarck) | 1956 Cadillac Sixty Special Fleetwood (The Godfather) | 1966 Oldsmobile Toronado (The Purple Knif) | 1966 Ford Mustang (Little Red) | 1964 Ford Galaxie 500 coupe | 1979 Ford F-100 | 1976 Ford F-150 (Big Red) | 1995 Ford F-150 (Newt)
I’m glad you started a journal documenting your journey. It will be both educational and fun following your build.
Phil Moderator, The Engine Shop, Interiors and Project Journals
1952 Chevrolet 3100, Three on the Tree, 4:11 torque tube Updated to: ‘59 235 w/hydraulic lifters, 12v w/alternator, HEI, PCV and Power front Disc Brakes Project Journals Stovebolt Gallery Forum
The box being so rusty made it easier to tear apart, it wasn't worth saving. I'm saving anything I may need for the chassis and dashboard. I'm getting rid of all the external and interior parts such as the doors, box liner, box topper, hood, lights, etc... The track dimensions for the front wheels are identical, rear wheels will need a spacer. Wheelbase is 2 inches shorter on the S10, e-zchassisswaps.com sells a kit for the conversion, all the hardware required for my 1941 GMC to fit the 2003 Chevy S10, including the hardware to move the rear axle back 2 inches, therefore no frame cutting required. If I understand right, the track is slightly different on the 2 wheel drive S10. Mine is a 4 wheel drive and matches the 41 GMC.
Last edited by Jon Marttinen; 09/17/20254:12 PM. Reason: Added info.