My 57 - 58 S10 Swap - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

pbeguy · 01-12-2009, 08:28 AM

I picked up a 1957 Step Side on Craigslist, The truck was mostly complete. It was sitting on a 1966 SWB frame that had been modified I sold that to a local guy and picked up a nice rolling S10 frame. I picked up a 1958 clip for a very good price and may go that route.
I used to buy and sell S10 parts and have most of what i need for this project. I want to chronicle my project here.
I am going to stretch the S10 frame to fit the wheelwells exactly.
Here are a few pics to start.

I also included a pic of my last project which was not surprisingly an S10.

I spent the last 25 years in Paint and Body and call it my passion.

pugs · 01-12-2009, 08:56 AM

how much do you have to stretch the chassis to make it work for ya
keep the pics coming

pbeguy · 01-12-2009, 08:58 AM

About 7 inches.

pugs · 01-12-2009, 01:59 PM

on my s-10 frame I took 9" out to fit the wheelbase

BOHICA · 01-12-2009, 07:24 PM

pbeguy, that's a nice looking Blazer.

I'm very interested in how you stretch your frame because I'll be using a Bravada frame and have to stretch it 7 inches as well.

pbeguy · 01-16-2009, 12:22 AM

I got some work done today.
In the pics you can see that the S10 frame is actually a 2 piece unit. The front half is the same on most trucks.
The back half is added depending on what is being built by GM.
I took my grinder with a thin wheel and seperated the front runners from the upper and lower channels.
Then I cut verticallly just inside the factory welds. It takes some patience to make sure you don't hack the hell out of it to get it apart.
Once apart i just add the space needed and prepare to tack it this weekend. I happened to have a couple of frame sections
from an old build that I am going to weld in so that it looks factory
I got the 4wd 3.73 posi added also. With the extra 4 inches the 4wd offers,
I have a little over 50 inches to work with between the wheels.

nuke1 · 01-16-2009, 01:57 AM

very nice, can not wait to see this build, i have a picd of that blazer in a calender at work in the paint room, go figure. what are your plans for the truck?

pbeguy · 01-16-2009, 08:30 AM

I bought the Blazer from Maxwell and spent 10 months finishing it. We were both happy House of Kolor chose it to be a calender truck.
This build is going to be old skool with some new tricks.

pbeguy · 01-19-2009, 10:29 PM

Got some things accomplished this weekend.
The frame is welded up and smoothed out. I am completely happy with the results. I still think I will box the frame in for strenght.
I installed a brace that was on the back of an old Blazer for support.
I also took a DA to a fender and was surprised to find good metal to work with.

watahyahknow · 01-19-2009, 10:59 PM

nice project ...

pbeguy · 01-24-2009, 11:06 PM

Got the front bags finished. I decided to set the cab on and see where I was.
To my surprise the rockers planted themselves on the concrete when I let the air out.
It will have about 5 inches at ride height when I am done
I was surprised because it still has stock spindles, sway bar and 29 inch tires.
It might be possible to put 22's on the front without a lot of work.
The extra Blazer crossmember I put on at the rear fit the bed perfectly.
I am going to start on the rear system during the week after I decide which way to go.
I have all the parts to build a 4-link or I might just put on blocks and a c-notch.

pbeguy · 01-28-2009, 09:15 PM

New pics.
I had to set the body on to check for fit.
I still have to bag the back.

watahyahknow · 01-28-2009, 10:41 PM

looks like its drooping a bit in the middle both the cab and the bed

pbeguy · 01-29-2009, 09:08 AM

The cab and bed are just sitting on the frame. I am going to fab the mounts up to level it out and use some factory rubber spacers.

joeys66pickup · 03-28-2009, 07:45 PM

i would like to see how you do that....nice project!

GRIMSS · 03-28-2009, 08:33 PM

Is the front a 2wd s-10? Are you doing anything about the width if it is?

57ToyBox · 03-28-2009, 10:30 PM

Lookin real good there PBEGuy

I'm subscribed to your threat. Keep those pics cum'n
I'm just courius, what is the measurement on your wheel base? centre-to-centre

71'tahoe · 03-29-2009, 09:40 AM

GRIMMS, from what I can tell from alll my years of messing with the s-10's,his frame pic in the #6 post looks like it is a 2wd frame. He said he was using a 4wd rear axle for the width in the rear,its 4" wider. I could be wrong but thats what it looks like to me. Hope this helps until he can chime in. Going to be a cool project.

GRIMSS · 03-29-2009, 10:29 AM

The s10 front end is very narrow under these trucks. Here's what i'm getting at. this pic is a burb I cut up that has a 2wd axle close to center under it. Are you doing anything to widen the front?

joeys66pickup · 03-29-2009, 02:48 PM

WOW that is skinny...geez with some proper front runners it would look 10 times worse!

watahyahknow · 03-29-2009, 04:59 PM

hmmm he might be able to get longer a arms for that .
nathan from porterbuild should be able to make him sumtin that works

57ToyBox · 03-29-2009, 05:28 PM

SURE !!! That'll do it

Longer A arms and a nice set of wheels with the proper off set. That'll get ur done

pbeguy · 03-29-2009, 10:27 PM

I am going to run 2" spacers on the front to widen it up.
It is a stock 2wd short wheel base frame.
I did use a 4x4 rear because it is wider than 4x2.

GRIMSS · 03-29-2009, 11:29 PM

Thanks, that's what I was wondering about.

01-12-2009, 08:28 AM	#1
pbeguy Registered User Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Spring, Texas Posts: 202	My 57 - 58 S10 Swap I picked up a 1957 Step Side on Craigslist, The truck was mostly complete. It was sitting on a 1966 SWB frame that had been modified I sold that to a local guy and picked up a nice rolling S10 frame. I picked up a 1958 clip for a very good price and may go that route. I used to buy and sell S10 parts and have most of what i need for this project. I want to chronicle my project here. I am going to stretch the S10 frame to fit the wheelwells exactly. Here are a few pics to start. I also included a pic of my last project which was not surprisingly an S10. I spent the last 25 years in Paint and Body and call it my passion. Attached Images Last edited by pbeguy; 01-16-2009 at 12:24 AM. Reason: none

01-12-2009, 08:56 AM	#2
pugs Registered User Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Hamburg Pa Posts: 1,153	Re: My 57 - 58 S10 Swap how much do you have to stretch the chassis to make it work for ya keep the pics coming __________________ I don't do thing cuz I can, I do it cuz someone told me it couldn't be done...

01-12-2009, 08:58 AM	#3
pbeguy Registered User Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Spring, Texas Posts: 202	Re: My 57 - 58 S10 Swap About 7 inches.

01-12-2009, 01:59 PM	#4
pugs Registered User Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Hamburg Pa Posts: 1,153	Re: My 57 - 58 S10 Swap on my s-10 frame I took 9" out to fit the wheelbase __________________ I don't do thing cuz I can, I do it cuz someone told me it couldn't be done...

01-12-2009, 07:24 PM	#5
BOHICA Registered User Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Cookeville, TN Posts: 274	Re: My 57 - 58 S10 Swap pbeguy, that's a nice looking Blazer. I'm very interested in how you stretch your frame because I'll be using a Bravada frame and have to stretch it 7 inches as well.

01-16-2009, 12:22 AM	#6
pbeguy Registered User Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Spring, Texas Posts: 202	Re: My 57 - 58 S10 Swap I got some work done today. In the pics you can see that the S10 frame is actually a 2 piece unit. The front half is the same on most trucks. The back half is added depending on what is being built by GM. I took my grinder with a thin wheel and seperated the front runners from the upper and lower channels. Then I cut verticallly just inside the factory welds. It takes some patience to make sure you don't hack the hell out of it to get it apart. Once apart i just add the space needed and prepare to tack it this weekend. I happened to have a couple of frame sections from an old build that I am going to weld in so that it looks factory I got the 4wd 3.73 posi added also. With the extra 4 inches the 4wd offers, I have a little over 50 inches to work with between the wheels. Attached Images

01-16-2009, 01:57 AM	#7
nuke1 Registered User Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Saskatoon, Saskatchewan,: Posts: 2,901	Re: My 57 - 58 S10 Swap very nice, can not wait to see this build, i have a picd of that blazer in a calender at work in the paint room, go figure. what are your plans for the truck? __________________ James 1968 GMC "HAVOC" 1986 GMC "Frank" J.J.R.H. Design & Consulting My 68`Rebuild "HAVOC": http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=316300 A 58' chev build thread: http://www.67-72chevytrucks.com/vboa...d.php?t=311238 1969 Camaro Pro Touring http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...61#post3513361 Swiss Cheese: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=384390 Adjustable Trailing Arm How-To: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=321100 1968 Ford Farm Truck: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...=1#post6555587

01-16-2009, 08:30 AM	#8
pbeguy Registered User Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Spring, Texas Posts: 202	Re: My 57 - 58 S10 Swap I bought the Blazer from Maxwell and spent 10 months finishing it. We were both happy House of Kolor chose it to be a calender truck. This build is going to be old skool with some new tricks.

01-19-2009, 10:29 PM	#9
pbeguy Registered User Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Spring, Texas Posts: 202	Re: My 57 - 58 S10 Swap Got some things accomplished this weekend. The frame is welded up and smoothed out. I am completely happy with the results. I still think I will box the frame in for strenght. I installed a brace that was on the back of an old Blazer for support. I also took a DA to a fender and was surprised to find good metal to work with. Attached Images

01-19-2009, 10:59 PM	#10
watahyahknow Registered User Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: the netherlands europe Posts: 4,335	Re: My 57 - 58 S10 Swap nice project ... __________________ i got a job again and having fun at it too idea's for the trucks and the order of things to do are taking shape and get closer to being realized , a few more months and i be able to start building for real i complete 2 of the trucks intoo running fashion one custom and one basicly stock the thirth will be sacrificed for parts

01-24-2009, 11:06 PM	#11
pbeguy Registered User Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Spring, Texas Posts: 202	Re: My 57 - 58 S10 Swap Got the front bags finished. I decided to set the cab on and see where I was. To my surprise the rockers planted themselves on the concrete when I let the air out. It will have about 5 inches at ride height when I am done I was surprised because it still has stock spindles, sway bar and 29 inch tires. It might be possible to put 22's on the front without a lot of work. The extra Blazer crossmember I put on at the rear fit the bed perfectly. I am going to start on the rear system during the week after I decide which way to go. I have all the parts to build a 4-link or I might just put on blocks and a c-notch. Attached Images

01-28-2009, 09:15 PM	#12
pbeguy Registered User Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Spring, Texas Posts: 202	Re: My 57 - 58 S10 Swap New pics. I had to set the body on to check for fit. I still have to bag the back. Attached Images

01-28-2009, 10:41 PM	#13
watahyahknow Registered User Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: the netherlands europe Posts: 4,335	Re: My 57 - 58 S10 Swap looks like its drooping a bit in the middle both the cab and the bed __________________ i got a job again and having fun at it too idea's for the trucks and the order of things to do are taking shape and get closer to being realized , a few more months and i be able to start building for real i complete 2 of the trucks intoo running fashion one custom and one basicly stock the thirth will be sacrificed for parts

01-29-2009, 09:08 AM	#14
pbeguy Registered User Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Spring, Texas Posts: 202	Re: My 57 - 58 S10 Swap The cab and bed are just sitting on the frame. I am going to fab the mounts up to level it out and use some factory rubber spacers.

03-28-2009, 07:45 PM	#15
joeys66pickup Dr. Frankenstein Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: beaverton,Or Posts: 458	Re: My 57 - 58 S10 Swap i would like to see how you do that....nice project! __________________ I Wanna Go Fast!!



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03-28-2009, 08:33 PM	#16
GRIMSS --------------- Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Central Missouri Posts: 1,791	Re: My 57 - 58 S10 Swap Is the front a 2wd s-10? Are you doing anything about the width if it is? __________________ 2001 GMC SIERRA 1956 Chevy Panel *Build Page* with a Scott's Hotrods IFS 1953 Chevy trucks *Project Dime Time* 1968 Camaro 1968 Volksrod "NOBACK" 55-59 one piece window *Video* 55-59 one piece window *template files* Jared

03-28-2009, 10:30 PM	#17
57ToyBox Registered User Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Callander Ont. Posts: 387	Re: My 57 - 58 S10 Swap Lookin real good there PBEGuy I'm subscribed to your threat. Keep those pics cum'n I'm just courius, what is the measurement on your wheel base? centre-to-centre __________________ --Glenn-- http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=345975 http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=564403

03-29-2009, 09:40 AM	#18
71'tahoe Registered User Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: lynchburg ohio Posts: 736	Re: My 57 - 58 S10 Swap GRIMMS, from what I can tell from alll my years of messing with the s-10's,his frame pic in the #6 post looks like it is a 2wd frame. He said he was using a 4wd rear axle for the width in the rear,its 4" wider. I could be wrong but thats what it looks like to me. Hope this helps until he can chime in. Going to be a cool project.

03-29-2009, 10:29 AM	#19
GRIMSS --------------- Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Central Missouri Posts: 1,791	Re: My 57 - 58 S10 Swap The s10 front end is very narrow under these trucks. Here's what i'm getting at. this pic is a burb I cut up that has a 2wd axle close to center under it. Are you doing anything to widen the front? __________________ 2001 GMC SIERRA 1956 Chevy Panel *Build Page* with a Scott's Hotrods IFS 1953 Chevy trucks *Project Dime Time* 1968 Camaro 1968 Volksrod "NOBACK" 55-59 one piece window *Video* 55-59 one piece window *template files* Jared

03-29-2009, 02:48 PM	#20
joeys66pickup Dr. Frankenstein Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: beaverton,Or Posts: 458	Re: My 57 - 58 S10 Swap WOW that is skinny...geez with some proper front runners it would look 10 times worse! __________________ I Wanna Go Fast!!

03-29-2009, 04:59 PM	#21
watahyahknow Registered User Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: the netherlands europe Posts: 4,335	Re: My 57 - 58 S10 Swap hmmm he might be able to get longer a arms for that . nathan from porterbuild should be able to make him sumtin that works __________________ i got a job again and having fun at it too idea's for the trucks and the order of things to do are taking shape and get closer to being realized , a few more months and i be able to start building for real i complete 2 of the trucks intoo running fashion one custom and one basicly stock the thirth will be sacrificed for parts

03-29-2009, 05:28 PM	#22
57ToyBox Registered User Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Callander Ont. Posts: 387	Re: My 57 - 58 S10 Swap SURE !!! That'll do it Longer A arms and a nice set of wheels with the proper off set. That'll get ur done __________________ --Glenn-- http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=345975 http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=564403

03-29-2009, 10:27 PM	#23
pbeguy Registered User Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Spring, Texas Posts: 202	Re: My 57 - 58 S10 Swap I am going to run 2" spacers on the front to widen it up. It is a stock 2wd short wheel base frame. I did use a 4x4 rear because it is wider than 4x2. Last edited by pbeguy; 03-29-2009 at 10:29 PM. Reason: More info

03-29-2009, 11:29 PM	#24
GRIMSS --------------- Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Central Missouri Posts: 1,791	Re: My 57 - 58 S10 Swap Thanks, that's what I was wondering about. __________________ 2001 GMC SIERRA 1956 Chevy Panel *Build Page* with a Scott's Hotrods IFS 1953 Chevy trucks *Project Dime Time* 1968 Camaro 1968 Volksrod "NOBACK" 55-59 one piece window *Video* 55-59 one piece window *template files* Jared

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