454navyss

iTrader: (46)

my Dad gave me a 53 Chevy 5 window truck for my 15th birthday, i wanted to fix it up but with the truck in PA and me in TX, then in the Navy i didnt have the time, money, room or tools to do anything with it until now. 10 years after i was given the truck my Dad calls me, leaves a message and says a guy is on his way to buy the truck and if i still want it to call him back before it's gone. I called him back just in time, the truck was already loaded up and the guy (a friend of my Dad's) was getting ready to drive away with it....for $500!!! His money was returned and the truck unloaded and my research and hunt for parts began. i did some trading and got an s10 frame, 108" wheelbase and got to work cleaning it up and cutting it apart to accomodate the 53's 115" wheelbase. here are the pictures of my progress so far, please keep in mind that im doing all of this work in a single car garage in an apartment complex so space is limited as well as how late i can be out there making a bunch of noise so my progress is kind of slow.

the truck



the frame


i noticed the frame is "sleeved" together so stretching it seven inches shouldnt be too hard


i die grinded the welds so i didnt take away too much metal or cut through at any unwanted places and the frame came right apart. i still have to remove the inner part of the sleeve and put it all back together.


the truck will be getting the 5.3 out of my 2002 silverado and a 4l60e, i also have a friend that is giving me a bed for it so i can ditch that big ugly flatbed

lady3bglover

iTrader: (3)

I can't wait to see the finished product...

454navyss

iTrader: (46)

i cant wait to drive it. this will be the first vehicle im building from the ground up, doing everything myself, all of the fab work, mechanical, electrical, body work and paint work

blueflamed03

iTrader: (1)

my buddy built a '54....give ya some inspiration

smokeshow

iTrader: (16)

What a dick move, dad! I would have been furious. lol

454navyss

iTrader: (46)

i have a ton of work ahead of me, stuff like i have never done before but i think i can do everything i have planned for it, its going to be a learning experience for sure

gs7793

iTrader: (8)

cant wait to see it on the road brotha!

custm2500

iTrader: (10)

That is AWESOME!!!! blown 5.3 with an 80E is what it needs! Lets get it togather and running first though.

Spoolin

iTrader: (8)

Snap!!! That is awesome!!!
congrats and best of luck! Sucks to be doing it in a one car garage in an apartment but still, awesome man!!

lsx10

iTrader: (3)

Sweet project! I'll be starting on my 55 when I get back from school, and helping my little bro with his 54 so watching your build should help.