I've been looking everywhere for info on this, so far it seems that nobody has any info or they just don't want to share it. Rumors are that the s10 frame will work but has anyone actually done this, if so what do i need to look for, problems-solutions? aAny better ideas? I'm all alone out here so any help would be greatly apprec. I want to be able to play but also be safe and comfortable at the same time,thanks.
Boxer, I've got a '46 that's on S10 running gear, but I bought it already road-worthy. The builder gave me a cd with many pics on it from the build, but either I've misplaced it or the wife's thrown it away on one of her clean the desk sprees. As I recall, the pics really didn't show alot of what I think you would need to know to build it. If you have a particular area that you need a pic of, I'll shoot one with my camera phone and get it to you, though. I can tell you that the donor vehicle for mine was a '94 short wheel base, standard cab S-10 with a 2.2/ five speed. The builder used S10 gauges, seats, computer, rear view mirror- you name it, it was reused. He hand built running boards and it looks like he shortened the bed. On the flip side, as the owner that didn't do any of the work, I can tell you that the little truck is a blast to drive, gets decent gas mileage (18-20 mpg on 12 mile each way commute, mostly town driving and two lane roads), and is safe enough I let my wife and two year old take it to town alone. One word of caution though- the radiator used on my truck is the stock S10 radiator. I don't know if it's the mounting area or what, but it simply is not large enough for town driving, as in town the temps will creep up, even with a huge electric fan. If there's anything I can do for you, or you happen through my area, P.M. me, I'd be glad to show the little truck to you.
Have searched every site I've found, there's plenty of info for 47-53 but not much for 41-46. There are a couple so I know it can be done, but they don't really give any info on the process,body mounts,bed mounts,how to go about getting it to sit right,etc. they're just very basic, I have one here it is. Thank you very much for your help though, if you stumble across something let me know, thanks.
There is a thread here on the hamb that runs in great detail about using the s10 frame under many different bodies. It's a good thread, but I have no idea how to attach a link. The original post was started by "ABOMINATION" and he continues to keep it updated. Some great stuff in there, along with links to many other builds on different forums. Hope this helps you out.
Five-Oh the truck looks great I'm glad you get to use it, I'll give you some history on mine. My dad bought it when i was a baby took me fishing and out for diff. chores, it was the only time we spent any time alone together, I sat in it as a kid and pretended it was mine. The truck is now mine, but over the past 40 years between my brother and father it was taken apart, every nut and bolt, then parts added to the pile from 3 other trucks before it was left on my doorstep. I'm happy to finally have it but sorting it out is a laugh. My dad now lives in Fla. with a 36 ford 1/2 ton hotrodded, and we had started mine in the same direction before he left. My fabrication skills are o.k. its my wallet that's looking at the s-10 as the all around answer, I want to get this thing together and drive!! And I would like to be able to make it to my dads house while he's still alive and go cruising. Thanks so much for your input Five-oh as i get into this i'm sure I'll have questions its nice to Know I have some place to go.
I believe your talking about "The difinitive guide to s-10 swaps" I thought that was started by Jason??same person?? anyway great thread, lots of info, but mostly 47-53. It does reffer to the 46 so I know it can be done, just not much more than that. That other link you sent me to isn't open yet, you wouldn't by any chance have somethung to do with that site would you Let me know if that thread you were talking about is the same as I thought, thanks
Maybe look around here http://www.stovebolt.com/ and this one is on a S10 http://forum.olskoolrodz.com/showthread.php?t=46637
We've got a HELL of a post going here on the HAMB - you've GOT to check it out - this one is the END-ALL, BE-ALL about S-10 ch***is swaps: http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=274702 ~Jason
Jason, I've been there, it is fantastic, unfortunately it seems like the only in depth info is on the 47-53. I know its been done on a 46 but I'm having a hard time getting any real details. You seem to be able to get people to talk, find me somebody thats actually done this particular swap so I can pick his brain and I'll love you forever.
Dude - did you ever hit up five-oh here on the HAMB? Check out his thread: http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=275385 ~Jason
Yeah talked to five-oh, he didn't put it together but was very helpful says he'll take whatever pictures i need
I had the same problem as you when I decided to put an S-10 frame under my 53 dodge truck, no one had any answers for me. I built a body and running board jig after taking the body and bed off the dodge frame and then after sitting the 53 cab on the S-10 frame and blocking it up to height, I was able to use the Jig to fabricate mounts on the S-10 frame for the 53 cab and running boards. It worked real good. If interested, I have lots of pics of the jig set up and would be happy to send you any or all. Bud
Didn't you post some over at the Definitive S-10 Frame Swap thread? http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=274702 If not, we'd love to see 'em, and anything else you can contribute! ~Jason
I did it last year. You can do two ways first if you going to run fenders you will need to cut the bottom of the cowl. As the S10 frame is to wide at that point. Or cut the sides off the frame and re-box. I used a S10 V8 conversion motor mounts which did not work well is it put the engine to far forward with about foot of clearance between the firewall and distibutor.
did you keep the motor that way or move it, if so how, if not what kind of problems if any did you run into with the nose/radiator support, and how did you fix them?
The more, the merrier, my friend. Post 'em! Hell, post 'em in your own tech thread, and link to it here! ~Jason
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