The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area General Truck Talk 1954-55 1/2 ton Pickup front end and rear end change

I just bought my first old classic truck or at least the remnants of one. I have been told to put a 1973 Chevy truck front and rear end on in place of old. Can anyone advise. I'm totally ignorant but I got a "Wild Hair" and am looking forward to rebuilding this baby. Thanks

I think that front end may be too wide for that series truck, in any event it will require considerable fabrication to install any front clip. If you have the skills and/or the cash, you can put any combintion in any vehicle. Many use a Mustang II style front end available from numerous suppliers, others use a Camaro/Firebird front clip. Lots of rear ends that will fit also, it all depends on what your goals are and what you are going to use it for. Other guys set the body on an S-10 chassis. Many rebuild the original components and are satisfied with the results.
Fred

Welcome to the Stovebolt!

Are you getting this advice from someone who wants to sell you a '73 Chevy pickup? If you get out your tape measure and check carefully you'll find the track width on that '73 is a bit wider than that of a '54 both front and rear. It has been done, but there are some challenges.

The IFS under a '73 Chevy pickup is basically the same design as Chevy used from '63 through '87. In '72 disk brakes became standard, and there are little changes a along the way, but it basically remains the same.

If you're not going back original it would be wise to work toward disc brakes on whatever you choose on the front end or the rear end.

Thanks alot for the info. I have never rebuilt anything before, so your information is invaluable. A friend with access to a parts hot line was the one who advised going to a 73' front end. I think mainly for the disc brakes. I need to use a front end that will be the easiest but give me some of the advantages of a newer model. I do have access to an early S-10 long wheel base for a great price. What would this involve. I thought it would be to narrow. As far as the rear end, I just wanted something that sits well but gives me a faster speed. I have owned 2 older trucks before (53' and 51') and both had the stump pull rear end. I also have in my possession a 1967 Mali. 283 engine with a powerglide transmission. Would this be a good match. I hope you realize just how helpful your responses are. Thanks: Wild Hair

Thanks for the info. A friend who has access to a hot line for parts advised to go with the 73' front end. His supplier said the S-10 would not work. I do have access to an early model S-10 complete truck with a bad engine. Even the interior is fairly good. The 1955 series-1 I purchased was used by a friend for parts and I am buying what is left. No engine, no seat, and pretty rough but certainly salvageable. It is a five window with a fairly good cab. Thanks for your help. I will be depending a lot on you folks from Stovebolt.

Before I installed the Heidts IFS on my 51 I was thinking about running a s10 frame check www.ad-engineering.com out and if your wanting to go with the 73 our buddy mobileortho went with that setup it looks awesome check out 1963-1987 INDEPENDENT FRONT SUSPENSION UPGRADE
Good luck just do it safe
Todd

I installed a narrowed IFS from a '79 on my AD, it was an easy swap and the price was right (free). While it is true that the 63-87 units are wider, I had 1.5" removed from the crossmember & center linkage. Everything was pretty much bolt-in after that. Many might say that removing 1.5" will not make too much of a difference, but you can use wheels with enough offset to compensate for that. In addition to the link Tabdoo provided, look here and look at the post from Joe Way. As far as the rear is concerned I used a Chevy II and had the front rotors redrilled to match.
Good luck with your project which ever route you decide to take!

Also, keep us updated here on your progress. There are a bunch of guys, registered and lurkers, just trying to decide if they can leap in with the same goal as yourself. As they see your progress they might finally get the nerve to jump in. In other words, send pictures, we love pictures.

Thanks a lot for the information. Your library of pictures is unbelievably helpful. I have not moved the truck to my house as yet, but when I do get started your information will be great. Do you know where I could go to get information on installing a small block V-8 (283) into my 55 lst. series. I.E. changing the motor mounts, etc. I purchased a 283 and power glide transmission out of a 67 Chevy Malibou. The guy I got it from said it was a strong engine with no apparent problems. He did say it started to smoke just a bit when he would let off the accelerator and that it only had about 62000 miles on same. I think the truck has had a V-8 in earlier according to the manifolds that were left in it.
When I get the truck moved here I will make pictures along the way and post after I figure out how.
Have a Great Day!
Terry (Wild Hair)

If it appears that the truck had a v-8 previously you should be able to drop the 283 into it.

Good Morning Everyone. I just got my 1955 lst. Series Chevy truck deleivered. It took over an hour to get the trailer moved around to back it to my stand alone carport. I don't think it is quite as bad as I remembered the 1st. time I saw it. The entire front end has been removed except for the hood. It still has the original front and rear end. The seat has completely dissappeared except for the frame. It is a 5 window and the cab is remarkably good. The door windows and inside panels are gone. The windshield has been shot twice and has a ring around it. The rear and side windows are pretty good. I have a real challenge ahead and look forward to warmer weather to get started. I'm leaning toward a mid to late 70's Nova front and rear end. I also got the 283 engine and powerglide trans. delivered. I will probably totally rebuild the engine, I just don't know whether it would be advantageous to bore and stroke with cams, etc. Any comments or suggestions would be appreciated. I did take some digital pictures and will download to webshots as soon as I figure out how.
Wild Hair

Wild Hair: You'll probably be very interested in my "SLURP" series on this forum board. I am about to address engines in it, and will be including lots of good data that will help you see that 283 in a different light.

Jim G

That is fantastic. I'm somewhat ignorant and know your forum will be helpful. Thanks and have a great day.
Wild Hair

Here is a link to installing a subframe from a 73 chevy truck:
http://www.chevytrucks.org/tech/1963-1987%20IFS%20UPGRADE.htm
Good info.

Mike

Thanks Mike. You couldn't ask for a better detailed schematic. This is most helpful. Since I don't have the engine in I think the most effective way would to be remove all the body from the frame lst. Opinion? The only thing on the front end now is the hood.

see
http://www.stovebolt.com/techtips/draglink_adjustable.html

if you go this way

Thanks. Some great information. I'm making quite a good manual with good info from all you guys and gals of stovebolt. I don't know what a 59 year old rookie would do without this.

But truth be told, I kept my solid front axle. Just upgraded to power steering, modern tie rods and disc brakes. You need to think about what you want. There will be lots of advice on how to do this, how to do that. Bottom line, its your truck. Customize it how you see fit. Good Luck with your truck. Make sure you post pictures of your progress.

Mike

I suppose with some of the responses I've posted one would possibly think I don't know what I'm doing. Well,,, one would be right. I'm just perusing all the angles and suggestions and will eventually make up my mind. I just want to do what is best, most economical, but satisfying. The truck still has the original front suspension, etc., and rear end. I have struggled to decide whether to order a new Mustang front end and all the bells and whistles or to go to a salvage (junk) yard and get something that will work and still give me the upgrade I think I need. I've owned two old Chevy's in the past and I want a better ride. But I still want the original look for the most part. Thanks.
Wild Hair (Terry)

Wild Hair:
As a youth my mother would drag me to the grocery store and I would wander the isles viewing the huge array of choices and options in food and other things we used at home. The reason there were so many choices I finally figured out, was because we all like different things. Ever had someone rant about how good some recipe for something he had eaten was and how you should try it yourself? As hobbyist we make choices of how we want to proceed in our project truck and we will try to convince you that that way is the best way to go. Take every suggestion "with a grain of salt", listen to what they advise but make the choice you are most comfortable with. After all it's you that will be driving the truck. The best suggestion we will all agree on is, take your time and be patient, (sometimes considered “long-suffering” in my case) a characteristic when employed will certainly improve the product. Also good advice you will receive here is the "I screwed-up" advice. Listen carefully to that so you won't make the same mistake.
Good luck and welcome to the Bolt.
Send pictures!!!