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1949 Chevrolet 3100 - V8 Prototype
Well, maybe not really. But that's my vision on this little pick'em up truck build I'm doing. I like the AD trucks and always thought it would be neat to build one that would replicate something more along the lines of a factory style conversion version versus a chromed out, slammed, Mustang II'ed, Speedway Motors catalog on wheels type of build. We've all seen the hotrods, but what about a factory look? So, I picked up pen and paper (actually, plasma cutter and 5lb. sledge) and set to work. I started with this 1949 3100 I bought off ebay for a mere $7K. It ran and drove, next to no rust, had an upgraded 235 over the 'bolt 216, and patina that would make any self respecting 50's pin-up model quiver. Down side? It smoked worse than a set of Hoosiers stuffed under a prostreet Chevelle, and I think you could tell exactly what the inside of the lower colon of a cackle (or is a pod...maybe a flock?) of rats smells like right at the moment of decomposition where the food actually turns into a solid again after going through the liquid and gaseous stages of digestion. So, stage one was to drive around the neighborhood with Kelly on the running board and then off to the old shop for a few mods.
https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/pics...0-img_4593.jpg https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/pics...1-img_4613.jpg |
Re: 1949 Chevrolet 3100 - V8 Prototype
Out to the shop it goes, and the 235 comes out and a 350/700R4 combo goes in. Since I'm doing this, the rear axle has to be swapped out as well. Here's the conversion package: 350/700R4 combo, CPP V8 swap package (x-members, mounts), a 1955 Truck Axle, and CPPs axle swap for AD trucks (moves the axle back 1" and includes new perches/bolts). Also, you'll have to make up a driveshaft but that's not that hard really. I found that gum and rubber bands really work well. [img]<<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/grin.gif[/img] The last picture shows the driver's side steering box won't clear the exhaust manifold once it's installed. I welded up a bracket and moved the steering box over 3" to clear the manifold. More on this later... https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/pics...2-img_4728.jpg
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Re: 1949 Chevrolet 3100 - V8 Prototype
So, more on the steering. I found a set of early 70s SBC manifolds and the driver's side is curved right around the steering box perfectly! Just like I envisioned it and keeping with the factory appearance. This offset move the box out 3" from center, and as a result the intermediate drag link is not going to line up. I had a new one fabricated up with the original balljoint ends and the look is pretty convincing. Geometry stays the same too. The column will connect with u-joints. BUt we're getting ahead of ourself! One post at a time... [img]<<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/grin.gif[/img] https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/pics...5-img_4722.jpg
https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/pics...7-img_4755.jpg https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/pics...8-img_4753.jpg Oh, and that "75"? That's a large factory marking. I have a few other pics from others who have the same thing on their truck. Of course I'll replicate that, but in paint. That's actually bare metal (etched)!!!! |
Re: 1949 Chevrolet 3100 - V8 Prototype
Of course I'm deleting all the small detail stuff, but I had some trimming of the inner fender to do as well as a bunch of other small stuff. I did decide to add one thing on the upgrade list and that was a dual bowl Corvette style master cylinder and disk brakes from CPP as well. I'm staying with manual, just because I enjoy not being able to stop a 3900lb rolling stamped steel icon of American made pride and watch the reactions of the bystanders as they view the impending disaster that is about to unfold before them. They look away, but morbid curiosity draws them back! So next was the ever popular torque-tubeious-removous. [img]<<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/grin.gif[/img]
https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/pics...9-img_4781.jpg https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/pics...0-img_4782.jpg https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/pics...1-img_4776.jpg |
Re: 1949 Chevrolet 3100 - V8 Prototype
Crap! Time to go fly. More tomorrow. [img]<<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/grin.gif[/img]
Cheers [img]<<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/beers.gif[/img] Dave |
Re: 1949 Chevrolet 3100 - V8 Prototype
Brilliant writing, and a cool project. Looking forward to more progress reports. [img]<<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/beers.gif[/img]
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Re: 1949 Chevrolet 3100 - V8 Prototype
Very cool truck Dave, and it looks solid too. Tell your better half the old geezer said hi.
Mike |
Re: 1949 Chevrolet 3100 - V8 Prototype
Thanks Guys! It's been fun so far. Mike, Kelly says Hi!! [img]<<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/biggthumpup.gif[/img] OK, so onto the rear axle removal. The donor axle internals were in pretty rough shape, and the 49's were in surprisingly good shape. So, I swapped out gears and such and was able to make a single rear out of two. I measured about eleven times before tack welding the perches in. Then, knowing me, and knowing I always need that one little extra check, I measured again and everything seemed to line up. Hey, what's the worse that can happen? Severe drivetrain vibration? Offset wheels in the well? A skewed axle resulting in an unsafe truck? Well, sure? But seriously, what's the worse that can happen?!!?!? [img]<<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/grin.gif[/img] After that was done, I mounted up the disk brake kit from CPP. I also added tube shocks all around and ditched the lever style actuators.
https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/pics...9725-image.jpg https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/pics...9726-image.jpg https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/pics...9727-image.jpg |
Re: 1949 Chevrolet 3100 - V8 Prototype
And since I'm 1/1000th Italian, I figured a spaghetti nightmare was just what the doctor ordered for wiring. But actually, it's a 12 circuit universal kit and is all this little buggy needs. The column is a Speedway Motors tilt (meaning, a cheaper Ididit) and the wheel is a repro 1940 Ford. I wanted a tilt function but didn't want something too shiney and nice. This will get painted with the interior, and the wheel is a period correct, factory look. To make the column appear like it still has the three-on-the-tree look, I'll reuse the stock style shift lever. I know! So many worthless ideas. And now into the engine bay. All 6cyl Chevy motors in the trucks were Grey. I think the only ones Blue were the power glide models according to VCCA site. So, I figured a grey motor to mimic the 6cyl ones was the way to go! More detailing on that later. I have a few more tricks up my sleeve. Interior all wired up and ready to go! And I thought about the spare and came across a pattern to use for the fender mounted spare. My fenders are reallly solidw with no rust. So I'll fix that and take the plasma cutter to it! https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/pics...9728-image.jpg
https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/pics...9729-image.jpg https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/pics...9730-image.jpg |
Re: 1949 Chevrolet 3100 - V8 Prototype
Once I zapped out the pattern, I flipped the piece over and tack welded it in place. Voila! Instant recessed fender. I'm pretty sure this is how the factory did it. If I calculate correctly, they'd at least get one fender done every day and a half, so that's not bad considering everything that has to be considered.
I had the radiator shop recore the stock radfiator to a 3-row and add V8 necks, so when you look in the engine bay you see an old Harrison radiator up front. A quick turn of the key, she fired up, and now I knew it was time to disassemble and start the finish work. My co-worker helped me get the body off. He's a good dude. Kind of quiet. Doesn't say much, and I don't pay him anything. https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/pics...9732-image.jpg https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/pics...9733-image.jpg https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/pics...9734-image.jpg [img]<<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/grin.gif[/img] |
Re: 1949 Chevrolet 3100 - V8 Prototype
Here's that coworker of mine in action. THe good part? I don't have to pay him any benefits....no 401K to fund....and he'll stand there and not move for hours just a holdin' whatever up for me! [img]<<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/grin.gif[/img] With the body off the frame, off to the blaster it goes to remove the last of the cow poop. Once it was back, two coats of John Deere gloss black heavy duty tractor paint. It's getting there.....
https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/pics...9735-image.jpg https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/pics...9736-image.jpg https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/pics...9737-image.jpg |
Re: 1949 Chevrolet 3100 - V8 Prototype
I blasted the springs, reinstalled liners, added the tube shocks, detailed up the front end parts, reinstalled the engine (thanks coworker!), and the chassis is just about there.
https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/pics...9738-image.jpg https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/pics...9739-image.jpg https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/pics...9740-image.jpg |
Re: 1949 Chevrolet 3100 - V8 Prototype
Finally!! PAINT!!!! This is the factory color of my truck, Mariner Blue. It's a really nice color and changes with light. Sometimes it apppears lighter, and other times dark, almost black. Really a sharp color and it reminds me of a Ford color called Washington Blue that I've always loved. So with the wheels painted I thought I'd give it a whirl at mouting the tires with tubes myself. I know! At the time, that seemed like a good idea, but after the first one and a visit to the hospital (well, two..I don't remember the first one) I thought maybe I should let the pros handle it. But nothing ventured, nothing gained!!!! It's actually not very hard to do. Here's how I do'ed it. (Insert very southern accent here): Git you a tube, a tire, and a freshly painted reum. Shove that whaeel down in that there tire, then use them fingers and shove that tube inside. Now, take yer tire iron and scrape up that nice fresh paint, scuff yer fresh white wall, and right when there's all the tension on that tire iron, let it slip back and smack you in the snotter. Then crack you open a beer for a job well done!
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Re: 1949 Chevrolet 3100 - V8 Prototype
More PAINT!!!! I have all the bed pieces painted and decided to get them out of harms way, it would be best to mount them all up. So here's the bed on the truck and I couldn't be happier with how easy it went together. I used single stage paint mainly to mimic the older style finish. I sprayed it with my Devilbiss gun and it laid down extremely nice. I stained the wood to the bed and have an idea for a nice set of bed stakkes and rails to put on after the cab is mounted. The wood is protected by three heavy coats of Marine Spar Varnish. And a good shot of the engine finally done. I used decals from various years to get the appearance I was after. I used GMC Workmaster V8 valve cover decals too! Corbin spring clips, metal advance/choke line, glass bowl fuel filter, and the transmission I decided to paint flat black to make it appear at first glance as the old clunky, cast iron three-speed. All to look like a factory installation. No screw clips, Pertronix chrome coil, chrome traingular Edelbrock air filter. Just two more spark plug seperators to mount and then this is done. The Generator is actually a Power Master alternator disguised as a generator. I even added the tags. The whole harness inside the engine bay will be wrapped in the old tyme style asphalt coated cloth like the original had. So you won't see "L Park Light....L Park Light....L Park Light....." every three inches! [img]<<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/grin.gif[/img] In the front of the radiator is the trans cooler and an additional cooling fan. This will all be hidden by the front grille apron and grille. You'll never see it! This is where I stand now on the truck. I'll update here once a month from now on. My target completion time is at the end of ther year and I want to have the truck done for the Autorama in Dallas in February. Should have it done with no problem, but I'm pretty sure something will go wrong along the way. How's about them negative waves, Moriarity!!!
https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/pics...9743-image.jpg https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/pics...9744-image.jpg https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/pics...9745-image.jpg https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/pics...9746-image.jpg |
Re: 1949 Chevrolet 3100 - V8 Prototype
Looking good Dave. Your writing makes me feel like I'm right there busting my knuckles with you. Love the progress. It's going to be a cool ride.
Phil Woj. |
Re: 1949 Chevrolet 3100 - V8 Prototype
Cool stuff! [img]<<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/headbang.gif[/img]
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Re: 1949 Chevrolet 3100 - V8 Prototype
Absolutely love it Dave. I have built a couple of "what ifs" and they are a lot of fun. Thanks for letting us enjoy.
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Re: 1949 Chevrolet 3100 - V8 Prototype
Thanks Guys!!! I appreciate the feedback. Pretty fun little build. So, back from a trip (or two) and got the bed all squared away. Next up will be the cab. I already did the metal work, so now it's onto the bodywork. Mainly filling in welding grinds and pitted metal for a smooth finish on the floors. By far the most aggravating, time consuming, and rewarding part of the job. I know one thing. After this (and then the Super Bee) I'm going to market my new exercise invention for all the daytime moms out there. It's going to be a series of sanding blocks of various lengths and continuous 80 to 400 grit. I can see it now..."Girls, are you flabby? Tired of your man looking at all the toned up, non-dusty women out there? Then grab Dave's Wonder Bars and get to work! Start out with the "sculptor" attachment (...that would be 80 grit) and then when you've attained the look you want, tone it up with the "ripper" attachment (...400 grit) and just let those reps start a flyin'!!! You'll be dusty and tone all at the same time! [img]<<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/biggthumpup.gif[/img] " Doomed to failure? I submit to you the Shake Weight...yuh huh, 'nough said.... [img]<<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/wink.gif[/img]
https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/pics...30445-bed5.jpg https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/pics...30446-bed3.jpg https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/pics...truckfloor.jpg |
Re: 1949 Chevrolet 3100 - V8 Prototype
The little trap door to the right of the transmission tunnel hatch is a little access door for the new master cylinder. The black part on the lower side of the cab corner is scraped off undercoating that the blaster didn't remove, so I'll need to prime that. I am planning on using tinted bedliner on the underside and inside the fenders for durability and looks. Yeah, it's not 100% stock, but I think it'll be a nice addition. Hope to have this painted this month! More to come..
Cheers [img]<<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/beers.gif[/img] Dave |
Re: 1949 Chevrolet 3100 - V8 Prototype
Nice Work!
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Re: 1949 Chevrolet 3100 - V8 Prototype
Great thread...thanks for including us in your project. Please keep the photos and narrative coming.
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Re: 1949 Chevrolet 3100 - V8 Prototype
What angle did you set the pinion before burning in the perches? If you got that right, you should not have any vibration issues. Roger
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Re: 1949 Chevrolet 3100 - V8 Prototype
I set the pinion angle at 2 degrees before welding up the perches. The trans tilts down 2, so both offset each other. I know there's some axle wrap under hard acceleration, but we're not talking 700 HP here and I doubt it would be out even a degree at best. I'll be getting her running next month (I hope) so I'll see what happens then. If it's too bad, I'll sell for scarp, buy a beer, and take up another hobby like joining the "name that rash" club, or possibly enroll in an online debate forum. Where was I? Oh yeah, the progress! It continues with: sand, sand, sand....block, block, block...sand, sand, sand, sand...block, sand, sand...... [img]<<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/frown.gif[/img]
Thinking I have it all straight, go home, crack beverage, and think, "Man, sure is nice that I don't have to pay anyone to do this! Think of all that money I'll save! Man, I could buy another car! [img]<<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/grin.gif[/img]" Then, come back out tomorrow and wonder what the heck I did all day yesterday, because it sure doesn't seem like I sanded anything and there's more waves in the body than on the Blatic. Wonder to self, "Self, why do you think you can do this? Why not hire someone? Why not sell everything and get into that rash finding club you previously mentioned?" So....sand...sand..sand....block..block...block... .itch, itch, itch... https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/pics...31002-cabc.jpg https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/pics...31003-cabb.jpg https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/pics...31004-caba.jpg So now after the final round of sanding, I'm down to 320 dry. Next week is 400 wet, a wash, and then a final once over for any whompties I may have missed. Paint next week!!!! Man, I'm all itchy....glad there's a club meeting tonight! Cheers [img]<<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/beers.gif[/img] |
Re: 1949 Chevrolet 3100 - V8 Prototype
Funny thing about block sanding. Just when you think it's smooth, some other something pops up somewhere else you hadn't noticed before and that makes you doubt the rest of the body! Enough is enough. I'm pretty sure I could sand on this until sometime in 2019. So into the boof it goes...
https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/pics...351-paint8.jpg https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/pics...352-paint9.jpg |
Re: 1949 Chevrolet 3100 - V8 Prototype
...and after a few large brushe strokes, a sponge, and some sort of roller I found on the floor, I ended up with this!
https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/pics...53-paint13.jpg https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/pics...54-paint11.jpg https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/pics...355-mount1.jpg You can't even see the brush marks! So exciting....So now it's time to mount the cab onto the chassis. Always a fun time. So how do you do that? Just like the assembly line did... |
Re: 1949 Chevrolet 3100 - V8 Prototype
..you wheel it over to your friend's shop who has a two post lift, crack a few beers, start joking about, "Hey, you know, it sure would stink if this thing would fall..ha..ha....is that leaning to one side??? [img]<<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/hmmm.gif[/img]
https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/pics...356-mount3.jpg https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/pics...358-mount4.jpg https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/pics...359-mount5.jpg https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/pics...360-mount6.jpg https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/pics...361-mount7.jpg With the beers safely stored in the belly, the cab mounting went really easy. Especially the second time! [img]<<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/grin.gif[/img] And here's a few shots in the sun. That's the original factory color Mariner Blue. Top speed so far has been just a little over 2 mph. So up next is to paint the interior and start mounting up gauges and stuff. A month break from bodywork while I get it wired up and running! Stay tuned...more to come as I get into Wiring 101. [img]<<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/biggthumpup.gif[/img] Cheers [img]<<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/beers.gif[/img] |
Re: 1949 Chevrolet 3100 - V8 Prototype
Very cool. Look forward to doing this with the Studebaker one day, about 3 or 4 projects down the line. For now, I am content to drive it in as is condition.
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Re: 1949 Chevrolet 3100 - V8 Prototype
Dave -- what paint system did you use? Thanks - TAZ
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Re: 1949 Chevrolet 3100 - V8 Prototype
I use PPG paints, and this was single stage shot with a 1.5 tip out of my DeVilbiss. It calls for a 4:1:1, but I didn't use the reducer and it flowed nice. Shot the bed that way along with the wheels and very happy with the results. Booth is a pseudo - cross ventilation and it worked well keeping dust out and overspray hanging around was minimal. Sweat drips, on the other hand....:-(. I still need to hit this with some 1500-3000 and a light buff, but still happy with it.
Cheers |
Re: 1949 Chevrolet 3100 - V8 Prototype
Damn Dave you do nice work. [img]<<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/biggthumpup.gif[/img]
Mike |
Re: 1949 Chevrolet 3100 - V8 Prototype
Dave -- Dang good looking early "Heavy Metal" and thanks for the reply ... TAZ
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Re: 1949 Chevrolet 3100 - V8 Prototype
You're welcome TAZ!
And Mike, I'll take that as praise from Caesar himself!! My eyes have still not been able to foucs on shiney objects after viewing the work you did on that Camaro at MCACN last year. The only thing that can stun you more than that car's restoration is what the NYPD carries on their hip holster! [img]<<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/grin.gif[/img] cheers [img]<<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/beers.gif[/img] |
Re: 1949 Chevrolet 3100 - V8 Prototype
So, in continuing on, it's time to take a break from bodywork and do some wiring. I hate it, you hate it, and nobody's good at it. But after doing various cars I think I have a very easy system to share that may help those guys out there that are intimidated by wiring up their own car. We'll start off by saying you want to have a plan. Even Christopher Columbus had a plan. "Imma Gonna saila that-a-waya." Maybe it wasn't the best plan, but it worked! So, step one is to lay out the harness and start routing wires. Don't be shy. If there's any open holes in the firewall, stick a wire through it. You'll eventually be drilling another hole somewhere anyway, so might as well go ahead and nip that problem in the bud now while your at the beginning.
https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/pics...2180-image.jpg |
Re: 1949 Chevrolet 3100 - V8 Prototype
You should be able to easily route everything in the car/truck without having to bend your body into places that reach muscles that exercise equipment don't even target. https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/pics...2181-image.jpg
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Re: 1949 Chevrolet 3100 - V8 Prototype
Above all, patience is the best tool to have. As you can see, sometimes a little persuasion helps the cause. Above all, just don't lose you cool.
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Re: 1949 Chevrolet 3100 - V8 Prototype
At the end of the day, I think things went well. I hope you found this tutorial as informative as I did. Just remember to stay focused, organized, and above all, don't let the harness get the best of you!!!!
https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/pics...2183-image.jpg Cheers [img]<<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/beers.gif[/img] |
Re: 1949 Chevrolet 3100 - V8 Prototype
[img]<<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/haha.gif[/img] [img]<<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/hmmm.gif[/img] [img]<<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/thumbsdown.gif[/img] [img]<<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/no.gif[/img] [img]<<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/cry.gif[/img]............................ [img]<<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/grin.gif[/img]
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Re: 1949 Chevrolet 3100 - V8 Prototype
You're hilarious. Great posts.
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Re: 1949 Chevrolet 3100 - V8 Prototype
WOW -- a grey engine ... would that be a Traco?
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Re: 1949 Chevrolet 3100 - V8 Prototype
Dave, I like wiring. [img]<<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/grin.gif[/img] Keep at it, you'll git er done
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