Undecided what to do with my 53. Help and suggestions please

[dsraven]

if you are thinking S10 then browse through the S10 chassis swap thread above. use the search bar to check out other guys who have done it and see if you like it or not.
if looking at an engine swap, small block or LS or inline 6, then ask around as well because there is definately more to it than a simple drop in.
-fuel injected ls engine or small block chevy or newer inline 6
-engine mounts
-oil pan to clear axle
-trans crossmember
-rear axle, rear springs, park brake connection issues
-driveshaft
-brake upgrade to stop as fast as you can go. dual master cylinder system, power brakes upgrade
-exhaust replacement full system
-wiring, swap over to alternator?
-radiator
-exhaust manifolds or headers to clear steering box
-throttle linkage
-fuel tank upgrade if going fuel injection, or just to get the tank out of the cab for safety reasons
-costs for all the stuff plus margin for stuff you have no idea you will need till the time comes. can you do all this yourself or sub it out?

just a heads up. not trying to discourage, just saying that a lot of guys go into a swap or upgrade and then it fizzles out due to unforseen or unknown costs or the level of expertise required gets to be more than anticipated or the buddy who said he would help has other commitments. then the project is stalled until it either gets sold off, parted out or money is spent to get it finished at a shop.
anyway, do some realistic number crunchng and have a plan before you start, then stick to it because it is easy to start down the road where "I might as well do this while it is apart" and then that leads to more time or money investment.
keep it real. ask advice, have fun. post pics

[MiraclePieCo]

Originally Posted by Mw548

I'm getting near the end of my 3800 s10 swap (9ft bed). It was a lot of extra work to keep the 9ft bed but worth it in the end.

Long and low is cool!

[Mw548]

Here are a couple pics of mine

[abig84]

Originally Posted by Mw548

Here are a couple pics of mine

do you got any "under dash" pics? i always see 80s/90s columns in these trucks but never exactly how they get them to work in these trucks. im going to go the same route eventually with mine, i did steal the bracketry off a 90s silverado to use for mounting everything but just curious if you have to weld brackets all over to support it

[whitedog76]

Originally Posted by MiraclePieCo

Long and low is cool!

You're right, long and low is cool. You guys are making me wish I had kept my 3800 parts truck.

I guess I'll have to make the 3600 long and low. LOL

[63 & 64 Bowties]

Originally Posted by MiraclePieCo

Long and low is cool!

MiraclePie, you decided to come back?

[vintovka]

Not a big fan of the long bed AD's (or slamming) but must honestly say your lowered 9 foot bed does look really good (and unique) I like your seats what are they from (or did miss it)

[Mw548]

This is at stock height 2" drop blocks coming possibly spindles if i dont like just the blocks. The wheels are just set next to it until i get my spacers

[Mw548]

This weekend i mounted steering colomn brake pedal assembly and put a bench seat in from a astro van... getting excited for the warm weather

[Softpatch]

Have a build thread.?

[Mw548]

Seat and steering colomn

[1953]

Ok my block numbers are, 3836233 GM 10 I found online that it was a 1955 235 car engine ok, now, my head casting numbers are 3835913 GM17 I have a 1953 Chevy 3600 can anyone verify that this is a 235 before I order new gasket set.

[dwcsr]

its a 55 235 and this was an often done swap when the 216 went bad. Dealers had a conversion kit to make it work.

[Mw548]

This is my first swap and have learned alot all i did was bolt through the bottom of the dash and tek screwed to firewall i will eventually through bolt through firewall but this works for now and the brackets are solid i dont feel any flex

[1953]

You guys are badass beautiful

[Mw548]

Astro van

[Mw548]

Im gonna start my own thread