Projects *** Update (w/ pics) 48 chevy truck project from hell ***

Any guesses as to what the odds are that I did not kill the motor? better than 50/50?

 

I'm sure the water came out as fast as it could, how soon did you get it shut down?

 

I cut it off within 15 seconds of the massive cloud of steam forming.

 

Probably not catastrophic, but check the compression when you get a chance to know for sure about the rings.

Good luck

 

Good news. I did not kill the motor. I adjusted the valves with the motor running and it is doing much better.

I think my screw up was in the initial valve adjustment (too much preload?). When the RPMS came up, I would float a couple of the exhaust valves just a little. Not really sure why none of the intake valves floated (no backfire in the intake, just a lot of popping down the pipes).

The new cam is a LOT calmer than the cam that I pulled out (doesn't hit nearly as hard). It runs really good and has decent power....maybe the truck will get more than the 10-12 mpg that I am used to.

4500 miles on the truck so far.

 

Kinda thinking about swapping the cab and front sheetmetal out for the 3 window that is in the shop.

....something that could be painted and could be sealed up tight enough to have airconditioning.

 

I was in Memphis this weekend and took the truck out Saturday afternoon/night. Me and my son drove around downtown Memphis checking out the scenery and then went and hung out on Summer Ave until after midnight. It had been 15 or so years since I just hung out there and it was Alex's first time.

Over 5700 miles on it now.

 

I don't know how I never spotted the thread before but the truck looks good and sounds dead nuts reliable now that the bugs are worked out.

The cab swap thing isn't a bad idea, you could fully redo the other cab before swapping and have it all ready to swap. You might miss those quarter windows though as there is a blind spot there in the three windows.

 

I am really starting to Jones over that flatbed. Never cared for them in the past.

 

I hate and love those wheels at the same time.
Can't wait to see Roofus next to your truck at future shows.

Jeff

 

I've always dug your avatar. I'm glad I ran across this thread. I sooo dig those wheels.

Glad you are out and enjoying it!

 

The wheels are strange. Sometimes they look like 17's and other times they look like 22's; it all depends on the lighting and what the surroundings are as to how big they look.

Over all, I'm happy with them. I've had those wheels for five years now and haven't found anything that I think I would work better on the truck.

When I bought them, the smallest size they came in was a 20. Now they come in smaller sizes. A 18 on the front would probably look better, but not enough of a change to justify the cost for me.

 

When we were at Frog Follies I was thinking "crap, this makes the 3rd year with the truck basically the same. I need to have the boat tail finished for next year".

I was thinking of it replacing the truck. I never considered taking two

 

Awesome truck! It was one of the inspirations that led me to buy a '48 4100 (BIG Bolt). I'm doing the flatbed as well (except between the wheels and on a dually). Could you please measure the distance between the bottom of the beltline and the top of your flatbed? The height on the 'bed is perfect and I'm looking for a starting point for my build.

 

The way we did ours was to build the truck and then position the bed just above the tires.

Not sure what tire size you are planning on running, but I imagine that would be the best game plan unless you are going to be running 32" rear tires and have the same front ride height. In my opinion, bed height is one of those things you tweak to fit everything else.

 

Thanks fer the thread!! Your Lil' pick up is da KAT AZZ!!!

 

great thread! thanks

 

Bitchn wheels and even a better patina, truck is awesome man!!

 

I'm done with the rust thing. This winter I am going to swap cabs and make this a nicer truck.

Don't get me wrong, it has been fun, but I think I can improve on it (and I happen to have a great cab in the barn).

Right now, I'm thinking about sectioning it forward of the doors. Something like 1.5 inches through the hood, raising the fenders by the same amount, and trimming an inch or two from the bottom of the trailing side of the fender. The truck will go down a couple more inches also.

Currently thinking about keeping it a flatbed, but it will be redone with nicer wood (maybe sheetmetal sides under the flatbed).

 

Good luck! Trying to build up the courage to start a flatbed project myself.

'41 Ford 1.5-ton

 

Go for it! I think flatbeds are cool.

 

And you don't have to worry about centering the rear wheel in the fender.

 

Went to the Turkey Drags in Byhalia, MS



and got picked as one of the "Sweet Seven"

 

hell yeah that is sick. Your truck has lots of character. it deserves it. I love the mirrors, I def wanna come up on set of those. I have one, I just need another.

 

The truck ran an 8.50 in the eighth (two tenths better than the first time I had it at the track). That supposedly equates to a 13.25 in the quarter.

 

Having a flatbed is handy





I happened to notice some fresh rubber on the back of the cab. Y'all think dad has been beating on it?



under the bed, above the tire

 

What a great build, I think the only thing I would have done different is paint the interior. But I like the patina on the outside.

 

I probably missed it but did you do anything to the stock s10 suspension? I love the stance.

 

front coils were trimmed a little (about a full turn if I remember correctly)

 

Love this truck.. any plans on running the step boards at some point?

Luke