The Stovebolt Site Forums The Parking Lot Panels 'N Burbs 1950 Chevy Panel Truck

Bought a '50 Chevy 3800 panel truck for $1500. on ebay assembled in Norwood OH!! No garage, few if any tools, gravel parking, Chevy parts guy...not a mechanic and somehow, I'm making it happen. Low buck modifications are necessary 'cause parts guys aren't rich. Any ideas for low buck power steering conversion and power brakes. I found 1978 Chevy C-20 8-lug 16.5X6 rims and Firestone Transforce 950 16.5 tires look to be a close match and fit. 1967 C-20 differential case with 4.11 gear that should bolt in, so I've been told. And losts of shopping between different parts suppliers pays off. I have a 250 and 400 turbo trans. Many say that's a great combo, some say not. Any thoughts most appreciated. Thanks, Steve [IMG]http://C:\Documents and Settings\Steve\My Documents\Truck[/IMG]

Forgot to mention computer ignorance as one weakness, I'll wait 'till a kid or my little woman can show me how to post pictures.

If you'll go to Photobucket.com you can set up an account to 'host' your photos, then post them here.

I am planning on updating a '48 panel. I got a '74 suburban for $800. It's got all I need. Front end steering/suspension, rearend, transmission/engine, steering column. I thought it would be cheaper than buying all those parts separately. I also needed a truck to tow the panel home, so I know it all works. Now I need to set up an overhead I-beam w/trolley-hoist since I don't have a slab to work on. I'll post pictures asap.

Walter, welcome to the Stovebolt! I must have missed your first few posts, but I always like to jump in and say hi to new locals...

Is your panel a 3100 or 3800? And what size is your Suburban, 1/2-, 3/4- or 1-ton?

I have a 3800 and a bare 1-ton frame sitting out back, and a '72 3/4-ton frame. I'd love to come by and watch your project go together. Where are you?

For completeness I should say I also have three 1/2-ton Suburbans/panels also. I seem to be addicted.

It's been awhile. My panel is still sitting. The 1/2 ton suburban is resting too. The front end is about 1/2" wider than the panel frame. I thought I could just add some shims to make it fit. does anyone have any suggestions for a front end that's a match?

seems like 47'-54' panels and burbs are too narrow for those front ends. i have measured dozens of 73'-87' chevy trucks hoping to use one and after checking s-10 and 78'-85' gm car they seem to be better suited. my 54' burb will have dropped axle,pdb,toyota 4x4 ps. my 52' panel will be going on s-10 running gear.good luck on your project.

Many folks have put the 70's & 80's truck suspension under their truck & like it. The only problem I have seen is the tires stick outside the fender about 1-2inches. You might be able take care of this problem by using narrow rims &/or shortened upper & lowwer control arms.
Also Chassis Engineering has a bolt in M2 kit for the trucks.