Build as a '64 SWB or use chassis under '51?

[Ronin8451]

Hey guys, I've got a dilemma . I just bought the contents of some unfortunate fellow's storage rental and it included 5 engines ranging from a complete '87 350 4-bolt main , a bare 454 block, a bare 350 block, a shortblock roller 4-bolt 350 and a nasty junk 302 F@%D and a bagged '64 short wheel base Chevy with Wheel Vintique Corvette rally's and 28/12.5/15 Sportsman Pro's and 215/75/15 Arizonian radials . I bought the "lot" for $500 with the intentions of using the rolling chassis under my '51 Chevy 3100, but I am having second thoughts about just keeping this a '64. The cab is channeled over the frame, but it was done poorly , along with the rear "z" of the frame being plated sloppy and crappy welds that look like they are from a cheap 110v mig with poor penetration and the rear frame being uneven 1/4" from side to side at the rear frame horn.
My friend has a complete '64 short step that I could probably get all the sheet metal I need to complete this for a song , or I could just move all of my current '64 stuff over to it ( don't want to though as it runs and drives great as is). What do you guys think ? Here are a couple of pics in the shop of it aired out . It has new firestone bags and a compressor/tank also.

[Rogue 64]

Wow good price for all that, but s-10 is the way to go on the '51.

Looks like you needed another project...........................I know the feeling!

[Tim64]

Damn, what a deal!

[jchav62]

Helluva deal! That '64 is looking cool already. I say finish builing it. Like Rogue says, s10 is the way to go for an AD truck. I've seen a 53 back in my hometown that was put on a later model, wider truck chassis, and it doesn't sit right. It looked like a 4wd and the track width was way too wide. Do the '64...

[Ronin8451]

Thanks guys ! I think that I will keep it a '64 and just re-do the bad spots. I only bought this sight unseen because of the wheels/tires and air bags since either on it's own is worth the $500.

Anybody close to the DFW area have a short fleetside bed for sale ? My first vehicle was a short fleet '66 with a 427 big block and I kick myself every day for trading it off !! My 20 year high school reunion is next month and it would be cool to show up in what appears to be my old truck bagged and lopin' along with a healthy big block or a twin turbo small block .

Rick

[Ronin8451]

Well, thanks to Craigslist , I found a short fleet bed just 10 miles from me for $350 and free delivery ! The body is perfect with no rust and the bed wood is solid with some great weathered patina to boot !

I pulled the rear end out last night and started grinding the '77 C-10 brackets off so I can weld the swing arm perches on . I'll post more pics as I go along.

Rick

[jchav62]

What a find!! Congrats! Craigslist rules...