The Stovebolt Site Forums Welcome! Welcome Centre New Member from Montgomery, AL - Pics inside

Hello everyone. My name is Kurt and I'd like to get started rebuilding one of my old Chevy trucks.

For starters, I've got two trucks: a 49 3 window and a 51 3 window. The 49 was my first one and it was a rolling chassis. I've got buckets of parts that came with it as it was almost completely disassembled when I bought it. There was no engine or trans, but it does have an 8.5" 10 bolt and what looks to be an early caprice front end up front. I've got the doors, most of the bed, no rear fenders, and several buckets full of interior parts.

I just picked my '51 up last weekend, and it was sort of un expected. I mentioned to a neighbor to keep his eyes peeled for an old stovebolt and literally 3 days later I was going to look at it. It's basically complete... from what i can tell. It got dark on me when I unloaded it at the shop so I haven't been able to go thru and clean/inspect things. It does have all of the running gear still in it but I'm not too optimistic about getting the original (216?) running again. This thing has been home to critters for years, as it just recently came out of a field. Between the two trucks I've got a complete one... I think. I've just got to figure out what kind of running gear I want to go with.

Here are some pictures:

Here are a few shots of the '51:

[IMG]http://i176.photobucket.com/albums/w188/KurtRardin/20101218165050.jpg[/IMG]

[IMG]http://i176.photobucket.com/albums/w188/KurtRardin/20101218165112.jpg[/IMG]

[IMG]http://i176.photobucket.com/albums/w188/KurtRardin/20101218165101.jpg[/IMG]

Here are a few of the '49:

[IMG]http://i176.photobucket.com/albums/w188/KurtRardin/DSC00903.jpg[/IMG]

[IMG]http://i176.photobucket.com/albums/w188/KurtRardin/DSC00908.jpg[/IMG]

I'm not sure what direction that I want to go with it. I'm thinking that I'll use the '51 as it's a better project.

I'd like to stay with a manual shifting transmission, but I want to move the shifter to the floor. Does anyone have any writeups on that or know of any resources for making that swap?

Also, I'm definitely leaning toward a V8, but i'd like to keep the stock front end under the '51. I know a lot about modern gen III and IV chevy V8s (LS family) as I've got a 98 Camaro with a cammed LS1, T56, and 35 spline Dana 60 rear end. So, I want to start finding information on V8 swaps and what's involved. I could go any direction on the V8, whether it be an old 327, or a big block, or a modern fuel injected 5.3 or 6.0. I see pros/cons of each. What I'm curious about is a big block. How much work is involved, or is it even possible, to get a BBC to fit in the engine bay of these trucks? I'd figure you'd have to go with some kind of fenderwell exit headers. If anyone knows of an original front end truck with a big block then please tell me about it.

What were the front-end issues with these trucks? Or better yet, why is it so popular to swap to another frame? Is it just for an easier V8 swap or does it have something to do with a flaw in the design? I've read something about swapping over to modern bearings.

Sorry for the long post. I'm going to be full of questions in the coming months! I do have the book on restoring an old chevy truck, but it didnt say much about swapping out the drivetrain. Any links to a howto or indepth discussion on the process would be most appreciated!

Thanks,

Kurt

Hi Kurt, Welcome to Stovebolt! What a great project you have, I would lean toward the 51 also. Go ahead and send your questions over to some of the other forums and our family of bolters will surely be able to help you out. The engine shop forum could help with swap info. Good Luck and welcome aboard!!!!

Hi Curt and Welcome to the Stovebolt. I just came through Montgomery back at Thanksgiving. Maybe next visit a hot dog an Pespi would be in order?

You are correct. There are many options to choose from and I'm sure you'll "change things" as they come up from one way to another!
I can't answer about the BIG block but LOTS of us here on the Bolt have put V8's under the hood with all kinds of set ups.

If you would like browse through my Photobucket below and maybe you can get some idea of what you want to do.
Some guys have what they have because that is "what they had" to work with. Some guys like to go with the 5 lug wheels....some do what I did and change only the pumpkit and use the same rear housing..... and I even used the straight axle and added power steering.....and went with the Serpentine one belt system because thats "what I had".
Post in the appropiate forums and you'll get good results. Great guys, and gals, here and tons of info.

Welcome to Stovebolt!

A search of the forums should turn up lots of information for you.

I do know that putting in a V8 can lead to clearance issues with the stock steering box. There's different ways around that, some of which involve changing out the front end.

As Alvin mentioned, ask your questions in the proper forums (also search through previous posts) and you'll get all kinds of info on what others have done.

Welcome Kurt, lots of options for sure. Its a good idea to make a plan ahead of time but what to do? I like the inline stovebolt sixes, but an L79 327, can't argue with that. I have several big block cars, nothing wrong with those either. Ultimately, its up to you, you'll be driving it.

You'll need to move from the welcome center to some other forums to ask the various questions. Our motto here "Knowledge is the best resource." Take it from there.

Leo

Welcome!

Welcome Kurt, looks like you have the makings for a really nice project. I have only been a member a few weeks and I can tell you this site is full of great people that are eager to help. Keep us posted!!