Hello everyone, I just joined the sight after reading here for a few days. I am building a 51 /3100. My plan is to get the s-10 donor frame along with the kit from adv. Eng. DES. I think is the name. The s-10 swap seems the most economical for me. Parts are easy to find and can upgrade prety easily. My original truck had no bed so I ordered the complete one from LMC. I'm on the hunt for e s-10 donor as we speak. Any thoughts ?
Not a fan of the S10 swap seems to ride like a car to me.Just be sure you like the ride and that it will still do what you want?I still like to rebuild the factory suspension and add the CPP disc brakes http://www.classicperform.com/ Good luck with your build.
When I got my '53 the first thing I did was start looking for an S10 donor frame. While looking I went ahead and started fixing what was already there; the original front end, brakes, suspension, etc. Now there is no way I will do a frame swap. I do plan to install a 3 inch dropped straight axle and disc brakes with dual master cylinder, but I like the way the truck handles and I want to be able to use it like a truck.
An S10 is essentially a 1/4 ton truck. You can get idependant front suspension and disc brakes without all the work and the down grade.
No. Maybe if I was going to race the truck or something, I might box the frame, but I'm just going to use it as a daily driver. I will run a strait six, manual trans, strait axle and no darn radio(unless my wife makes me). There is nothing wrong with the frame the truck came with. Others may disagree, others on this site have done the S10 swap and are happy with it. I enjoy driving my truck too much to tear it down and not get to drive it for months.
It's your truck, do what you want, make it your's.
Also I have an aversion to doing the 'knee jerk reaction' to these trucks. That includes S10 swaps, V8s, mustang II front ends, bucket seats, and automatic transmissions.
Count me as another who sees no benefit to S10 swaps. While I'm far more liberal in my thoughts of V8's, MII suspensions and automatics, I agree that S10's are no more than 1/4 ton trucks.
When I have more time for another project, I'd love a shot at a rolling chassis. For the cost of a donar S10, I could box the original frame and put an IFS on it. And I'd know it would fit.
While I personally prefer the stock frames and suspension, I would go S10 before using a Mustang 2/Pinto suspension. The S10 is far superior (better brakes, steering geometry/load capacity). Or even better, Scott Danforth (who is a member here) does a conversion that mounts S10 or Dakota suspensions to a stock frame.
the reason I asked is a guy that built a "34 hudson and has won a few good guys car show awards told me that changing the motor and all that it would be wise. I plan on using the truck for show and cruising special occasions only,so the most weight that will be carried will be about 120 / 125 pounds (wifey).
Swifter , i got the idea from a magazine that recenlty advertised the s-10 swap. from what i have read not that difficult. most people have gotten the entire truck for about $500/$700 dollars. The kit is about $1,000 shipped. So for about $1,600 dollars you are pretty much set.Don't know what it cost to box a frame, buy a front end, have it installed , and then re-do the rear end. But i'm guessing its a little more than $1,600.
I'm confused. If all you plan on using the truck for is a few short cruises and just an inline six, why change the original frame for something that will take a lot of work to make work. The reason folks swap frames is to have IFS and V8 capability without so much work. But if you're keeping a six in there keep the frame and improve the front suspension with a dropped axle. My advice (no charge) is to take your time and ask a bunch of questions like you seem to be doing. Also use the archives here, there's a ton of good information there.
the reason I asked is a guy that built a "34 hudson and has won a few good guys car show awards told me that changing the motor and all that it would be wise.
I would question that "wisdom". While there's nothing necessarily wrong with doing upgrades or even frame swaps, it isn't something that "has tt/should be done" to make an older vehicle enjoyable to drive. There's plenty of us on here (myself included) that use our trucks regularly with stock suspension and brakes, and even the original engines.
the reason I asked is a guy that built a "34 hudson and has won a few good guys car show awards told me that changing the motor and all that it would be wise.
I would question that "wisdom". While there's nothing necessarily wrong with doing upgrades or even frame swaps, it isn't something that "has tt/should be done" to make an older vehicle enjoyable to drive. There's plenty of us on here (myself included) that use our trucks regularly with stock suspension and brakes, and even the original engines.
Well we can question wisdom all day long.it's a matter of opinion. I've read plenty of these before. This v.s. that! there is no right or wrong just each his own choice.
I'm confused. If all you plan on using the truck for is a few short cruises and just an inline six, why change the original frame for something that will take a lot of work to make work. The reason folks swap frames is to have IFS and V8 capability without so much work. But if you're keeping a six in there keep the frame and improve the front suspension with a dropped axle. My advice (no charge) is to take your time and ask a bunch of questions like you seem to be doing. Also use the archives here, there's a ton of good information there.
I don't think anyone here would even think about getting one of these trucks if we were worried about the amount of work. cheaper to go buy a 2011 f-150, gmc or whatever. I like the body style of the truck no other reason.not looking for originality , resale value , non of that.if i could put this on a 2011 frame i would in a heartbeat.
yes project, it's a matter of opinion .... and money - if you have a bundle of cash to blow on a vehicle that you'll hardly use, and you think an S10 would be more enjoyable to drive, fly at it, but I can assure you $1,600 will hardly get you started on having a finished truck - might ask that guy with the '34 Hudson how much he's spent .... myself and a lot of others here, like old trucks that are old trucks
the reason I asked is a guy that built a "34 hudson and has won a few good guys car show awards told me that changing the motor and all that it would be wise.
I would question that "wisdom". While there's nothing necessarily wrong with doing upgrades or even frame swaps, it isn't something that "has tt/should be done" to make an older vehicle enjoyable to drive. There's plenty of us on here (myself included) that use our trucks regularly with stock suspension and brakes, and even the original engines.
Well we can question wisdom all day long.it's a matter of opinion. I've read plenty of these before. This v.s. that! there is no right or wrong just each his own choice.
Don't get me wrong, I'm not saying that upgrading/swapping frames is bad/wrong, rather that the person you talked to at the show jumped the gun by insinuating that it has to be done (or at least that's how it appears to me). Since you have a good idea of what you want, classic looks wth modern ride/handling/drivetrain, then by all means, explore how to do it. I will throw another frame option out there for you, though, Dodge Dakota. The Dakota is a little bit larger truck than the S10, with a wider track width. If you get an early one, it will have the common 5x4.5 wheel bolt pattern, giving the largest selection of wheels to use. They also came from the factory with V8 as an option, so fitting a 350 (dimensionally similar in size to the 318/360 used in the Dakota) may be easier than the S10 chassis. The wider track width also eliminated the "sucked in" look in the fenderwells that the S10 conversion tend to have, especially with smaller/narrower tires. As mentioned in one of my earlier posts, check with Scott Danforth, he can help with this.
I thought you were looking for ideas/advice from a few guys that have some experience with these old trucks. It looks like you dropped by to let us know what you plan on doing. Send pictures when you get it finished.
yes project, it's a matter of opinion .... and money - if you have a bundle of cash to blow on a vehicle that you'll hardly use, and you think an S10 would be more enjoyable to drive, fly at it, but I can assure you $1,600 will hardly get you started on having a finished truck - might ask that guy with the '34 Hudson how much he's spent .... myself and a lot of others here, like old trucks that are old trucks
Bill
Read carefully my friend , don't draw conclusions. The subject was $1600 for rolling chasis v.s. Boxing frame , Ifs front end , rear end work. No mention of finished truck. Now let's not distort the facts because you don't agree. Some people spend thousands put them on trailors and museums not my money not my concern. So if I spend a gazillion dollarsand and decide to put it in my kitchen my kitchen my truck (get the picture) I don't want my truck to be an old truck except body wise. So if 3 million guys here want something I'm happy for them just not what I want. Difference of opinions is what makes the world go around not trying to force yours on others .
the reason I asked is a guy that built a "34 hudson and has won a few good guys car show awards told me that changing the motor and all that it would be wise.
I would question that "wisdom". While there's nothing necessarily wrong with doing upgrades or even frame swaps, it isn't something that "has tt/should be done" to make an older vehicle enjoyable to drive. There's plenty of us on here (myself included) that use our trucks regularly with stock suspension and brakes, and even the original engines.
Longbox , no sorry if I mislead you. The guy with the Hudson actually is a friend and suggested I use the old frame. He stated that with the extra torque of v8 etc.. I should box the frame and do the mustang 2 front end. I thought it would be more economical to do the s-10 route. Parts readily avail. Lots of drops on them , easy brake upgrade etc... Thanks for the reply and lead to Scott danforth Well we can question wisdom all day long.it's a matter of opinion. I've read plenty of these before. This v.s. that! there is no right or wrong just each his own choice.
Don't get me wrong, I'm not saying that upgrading/swapping frames is bad/wrong, rather that the person you talked to at the show jumped the gun by insinuating that it has to be done (or at least that's how it appears to me). Since you have a good idea of what you want, classic looks wth modern ride/handling/drivetrain, then by all means, explore how to do it. I will throw another frame option out there for you, though, Dodge Dakota. The Dakota is a little bit larger truck than the S10, with a wider track width. If you get an early one, it will have the common 5x4.5 wheel bolt pattern, giving the largest selection of wheels to use. They also came from the factory with V8 as an option, so fitting a 350 (dimensionally similar in size to the 318/360 used in the Dakota) may be easier than the S10 chassis. The wider track width also eliminated the "sucked in" look in the fenderwells that the S10 conversion tend to have, especially with smaller/narrower tires. As mentioned in one of my earlier posts, check with Scott Danforth, he can help with this.
I thought you were looking for ideas/advice from a few guys that have some experience with these old trucks. It looks like you dropped by to let us know what you plan on doing. Send pictures when you get it finished.
I'm certainly looking for advise , in did also drop my plans. And I will definitely send pics. Now what I'm not here for is for people to tell me what I want. I'm old enough for that decision. I do enjoy listening to difference of opinions. State your case and why. Don't get upset cause you been here a while and I don't want my truck like yours. I have been om mc websites , different car websites and always get amazed at hoe people want to tell you what and how to do. Tell me e goods and the bars the ins and outs . Thank you. Don't tel me if you have a bundle of cash etc... If I did not want to spend money I would have never bought a 60 year old rust bucket! If I did not want a challenge I would have bought 2011 gmc , f-150 etc..
Gray rock 8 iv seen that one thanks ! I like all but the rims. There is a guy in Dickinson Jr. Strom that rebuilt one he is on Facebook I'll try and get his info. Those guys build old cars over there. I grew up in Dickinson tX. His truck is awesome I don't have a Facebook nor do I want one but I have my wife pull up his pics all e time. Again thanks for the link !
"Now what I'm not here for is for people to tell me what I want."
In rereading the posts on this thread I can guarantee you NO ONE here has "told you what you want". They may have suggested what the consequences of choices might be but that is simply advice, what you claim to want. You might be happier back on those other sites you claim to visit. Folks here are happy to help with advice, but if you misread what they say...
Big chevy 3600 please don't speak in "we" I would prefer "I" if you really read this post as stated we would not be having is conversation. Anything on topic to add?
