The Stovebolt Site Forums Welcome! Welcome Centre 'Nother new guy from the Mitten State

New year, brings new things to look for and do. Listing stuff made sense.

1] After bolting things together on the frame, I found out that I have all front end sheet metal for a GMC, but have a Chevy hood. The bolt and spring will fit both models, as I know that most parts are interchangeable between Chevy and GMC. Does anyone have the inner sheet metal part for the hood for a GMC, so my hood will close and latch?

2] I will undergo the learning experiences of rebuilding the stock front axle assembly and kingpins. Gives me a reason to build a hydraulic press frame. The emails have told me that I do have a PayPal account now. I had an offer for a steering box and column from another 'Bolter, and was wondering if it still is valid. Something that will be added to the front axle {to help with handling} will be a sway bar. The front bearing sets will be roller.

3] Does anyone know of another company, other than LMC for truck parts?

4] A rear axle replacement is still being looked at. There are six lug Chevy axles being produced again, so things are not just focused on Blazer parts alone.

5] The space in my cab is limited to the amount of sheet metal it has. The bracing is in place for the new floor to be fabricated and installed. I will make sure that it is welded secure just after the door framing, but stop at that point.

The idea is to extend the cab some, maybe 12 to 18 niches, but still retain the general shape. Aftermarket van windows can be installed later, or not. This has probably already been done by others. The frame will be stretched and strengthened a bit also, since there needs to be ample space for the bed and new spring mounts. I'm used to driving long wheelbase 4-door trucks.

Replies are welcome, thanks for your time.

Sounds as though you have been busy and from the vehicle list you have seems that you have and will stay busy Nice collection you got going there.
There is lots of places to buy parts than LMC. Go to the Links here and you'll find most of them. JimCarter, Classic Parts, American Classic are all Stovebolt friendly. There are others but as I mentioned, these are stovebolt friendly. Especially Carter and American Classic.
For the sheet metal and some of your other questions you'll bet more responses if posted in the best forum...for example the sheet metal could be ask in the Paint and Body.
....and the 6 lug axles ran well into the 60's.
Good luck. Keep us posted. Some pics would be nice if you get th time to link us to them.
later

Thanks.

1] Do you know of any 'Bolters putting camper shells of some type in the space where the pickup box would go, and what suspension changes would be recommended? Just thinking of all options first, when one has free reign in vehicle designs with a clear title. Most folks take their rides on weekends and camp at the state parks, then take their pride and joy to the local car shows.

2]...If it comes to the rear half of the frame needing to be re-enforced to compensate for a newer axle, it may as well get some more distance between the axles in the rebuild.

...Camper shells are like flat beds, they need more springs and strength for the expected heavy loads and road stresses. The "Structural Engineer" in my head told me so. That's what I get for working at an Industrial Door company. Some of it is still stuck in my head, and surfaces from time to time.

Busy summer.

....But the recipe for re-construction is still on the drawing board. [1]Have located and paid for the '80 Olds rocket motor. [2]Will get an adaptor plate and use the Chevy T350 I have already in the garage. [3]Am getting a pair of 1 Ton rear springs, and searching for an early '00 - 02 Tahoe or 1/2T pickup rear with the same 6-lug pattern. [4]The cab still lays on its back and am gathering funds for the new floor to be installed. [5] Change of heart - the pickup box and rear fenders will come home soon. Will store it on the new shelf over the frame and axles.
...and [6]There is a second wooden truss being assembled in the back rafters, to help support the 6inch I-beam, trolley, and new chainfall. Will center it over where the chassis is right now. Will be sure there is enuff clearance for engine and cab installations, plus use the bed to hold all the loose sheetmetal in on place.

sounds like a plan of action, good luck with it.

May be the last posting here for me... the 53 got sold.