New Guy - 1st post

[B_Hix]

Hi everyone - I won't fib and say I have been lurking here - I belong to several forums, but just today I realized none of them were related to my old truck, so I set about to find what I thought would be the best one out there in terms of content and activty - well here I am

About me

I retired from the Army in 2003, settling down in central Missouri. After arriving here, buying our home and getting settled in the wife (love that woman) suggested I should get a project car - my last one had to be sold before a military move to Germany.

Well I had never done a truck, and never done a Chevy, so after some hunting I found my '49 3100 in Illinois. It was an abandoned project that had been clipped with a firebird front end, and updated to a 12 volt system - also had a 350/350 combo in it - hardly ran, and there was more rust than metal, but thats where I started.

I have owned it since 2002 and I took it down to an empty cab on a frame in 2004. It's been a long haul since then, but it will be done this spring - after 7 years of being spread all over the garage and shed, it's coming together - the motor was started for the first time last Saturday, 1/12/12.

As stated, it has a 74 firebird front end, so PS, disc brakes, a 10-bolt rear end, and a fresh 350 that should have about 300 rw/hp, but won't be dyno'ed till this summer. I have added power windows, power locks, sliding rear window, fiberglass running boards, new rear fenders and a pro's pick bed kit. The wife stained the bed wood for me

Glad to be a part of the community and I look forward to 'meeting' you all, trading stories n stuff! In the first pic you can see my other project, a 67 Mercury - please do't run me off - I'm here to talk Chevy

Obviously I like red and black =) This 49 is the first vehicle I ever painted myself, top to bottom - quite a learning experience and a LOT...LOT of wet sanding. The garage is under the house - place smelled like a body shop for a week...The wife was accomodating, but not real happy!

[Chevette]

Very Nice pickup. If I might be so bold to make a suggestion? Move it away from the basketball hoop.

[Chevette]

Is that a 66 Cyclone in the background?

[B_Hix]

Originally Posted by Chevette

Very Nice pickup. If I might be so bold to make a suggestion? Move it away from the basketball hoop.

Point well taken =) It's actually a garage kept baby - hasn't been rained on for about 8 years now I think. I had it backed out that day working on it, but any sign of bad weather she goes back into the bunker

The Mercury is actually a 67 Capri (WISH it was a cyclone). It was originally a 6cyl/200 car - now has a T-5 5-speed trans and a roller 5.0 SB that is about to get a new topend - intake, cam, roller lifters and AFR heads. Just waiting for spring!

The Mercury didn't need a lot of work, the price was right, so I bought it to cruise 'round in and play with while the Chevy got the full build up.

[Kim57]

Welcome.
Very nice looking truck.
Kim

[youngrodder]

Nice red and black color combo. Only 7 years..Talk to me when you hit double digits...JK
Weclome....

Marc

[xpickup]

B_Hix, Great looking truck. I must confess I too lurked for awhile, but now I am hooked and check the site all the time!

Shannon

[DanSan c 10]

Welcome to the forum and Thank you for your service to our country. Nice truck. From San Diego CA USA

[1959 Apache 3600]

Welcome from Iowa...

Great looking truck, you should be proud!

[B_Hix]

Thanks everyone! Been enjoying reading through the forums today - lotta great info here!

[Atomsplitter]

Welcome from Ontario, Canada!
Nice project but we need more pictures.

[mknittle]

very nice!
mark

[fabguy]

Welcome, nice looking truck

[B_Hix]

Originally Posted by Atomsplitter

Welcome from Ontario, Canada!
Nice project but we need more pictures.

well - here are a few more - sorry, most a cell pics. The last pic shows where the truck sits today - I am waiting for Spring to spray the front skins then I can get her back together. The only thing I need to get yet is a radiator - and an interior of course

[Chevette]

That is a fine looking truck. I see you have cardboard taped over the end of the bumper brackets. How many times did you bash your shins before you padded the brackets? That is a hefty brake booster you're using. What did you get it from? I'm shopping for a booster for my 56 and I need a big one like that.

[B_Hix]

Originally Posted by Chevette

That is a fine looking truck. I see you have cardboard taped over the end of the bumper brackets. How many times did you bash your shins before you padded the brackets? That is a hefty brake booster you're using. What did you get it from? I'm shopping for a booster for my 56 and I need a big one like that.

I actually bear scars from those bumper brackets

The booster is off a 74 firebird, which was used as the parts car for this truck - can't take credit for it - the guy I got it from (his father actually) clipped in the front end and also use the rear end, steering column and brakes from the 'bird.

The ol' fella passed on and his son inherited the truck - says he planned on finishing it one day but it say for 6 years before he decided to sell it. That's when I came along.

[Kabwe]

You have a great looking truck. Welcome to the site.

[daverod]

Wish my build would go that fast. It's going to be a great truck. Welcome.

[B_Hix]

Well, it hasn't been a fast 7 years for me (or my wife) =) Our garage is under the kitchen - she almost ran me off when I sprayed the truck - seems paint fumes WILL find a way in the hose, where they will linger for days lol.

This spring is it though! (excited)

Just need to rework inner fenders, spray those, the fenders and the hood. Ordered a radiator (Mustang II) the other day - after that all I lack is an interior - WhooHoooo!

Replaced a wheel cylinder and brake line this week - seems the old rear drums are not going to want to hold this truck to the 2400 stall

[daverod]

Thats funny. Well I feel alittle better. Your truck is coming along geat. If you were done you wouldnt have anything to work on.

[B_Hix]

Originally Posted by daverod

Thats funny. Well I feel alittle better. Your truck is coming along geat. If you were done you wouldnt have anything to work on.

Well, they never are really 'done' are they

But once the truck is running then it's on to the next one in line:
(sorry - it's not a chevy - don't boot me)