49 chevy pickup

I recently bought a 49 chevy pickup and want to rod it out. I just graduated Wyotech in March and this would be my first project. I would like some opinons on what I should do. Here are some of my plans. It has a pretty good body from looking at it but after i strip it down to metal ill find out. So I am thinking crome grill with all emblems, dark green with a dark wood bed. I don't know about side pipes. I think they would look great but i dont know how harsh it would be on the paint job. I want to rake it out and put some meats on the back. I was thinking a 383 stroker engine (with the possibility of a super charger). What would be the best tranny? And im not sure on the rear end either. I need to change the 6 volt system to a 12. Inside, the dash panels look great so i think i can reuse them painted in the green. I would just like some input of what would look good and any tips to save money and time. And any other idea would be great.

I did one up years ago with a newer 6-lug truck rear, 327 and a turbo 400 tranny. Wound up doing a ton of scratchbuilding on it. The good part about the trucks is that loads of repro parts are available for it, including updated chassis parts and front end swaps. Unless you want it to ride like a TRUCK.

I wouldn't undertake a big job like that unless I had a place to store everything and work under cover. Doing a job like that on the driveway gets real old real fast.

I would look to slide a Nova or Camaro rear under it (mmmmm disc brakes..) and get a newer front end as well. Even a front Camaro stub is good if you want to save a few bucks. The good point is that you get all the power steering, brakes and AC with it. If your welding skills are not good, you'll get plenty of practice with this project.

Whatever you decide on, just give it a good platform first and do your homework. There are lots of web sites for parts, project information and some great monthly magazines. Don't try to re-invent the wheel, chances are that someone has done something close to what you want.

Bob

I was thinking along the same lines as Bob, but include a front subframe from a 2nd gen Firebird or Camaro. Good brakes, strong suspension, lots of "goodies" fit.

You might also consider a big block. 383s are like assholes, everybody has one... Wanna turn some heads? Try a 396 or 427. Again, 454s and 502s are too common. The 396 and 427 seem to be the "forgotten" big blocks today, though they are VERY potent engines. Rate very high in "cool factor".

Trans should be either TH400 or TH200-4R. If you intend to do a LOT of highway driving, opt for the 200-4R. Others will say "TH700-R4", but the 200-4R is significantly stronger when properly built. Neither will last a LONG time behind a big engine, but we've proven behind the big Pontiacs (known for massive torque, unversal "killer" of transmissions), the 700 won't live at all. But if performance is as or MORE important than cruising, stick with TH400 and use a taller rear axle ratio.

Whatever you decide, remember, it's YOUR money. Do it the way YOU want it. And also, THIS IS A HOBBY! (don't take it too seriously) Above all, HAVE FUN!!!

Jim

thanks for all the input. Im dont no what parts i can steal from where. The nice thing im finding is chevy has kept stuff pretty much the same over the years and makes it really nice. Im a ford guy and i have come to find out they arent to generous in thes areas. Again thanks for the input its helping alot and also keep it coming.

The front half of a later half-ton truck fits up nicely to the old frame rails. It gets you disc brakes, gets rid of the straight axle and leaf springs, and has a better steering gearbox. This one was spliced under the cab, with the original cab and running board mounts welded back in place.

http://72.19.213.157/files/Z3100EngineIn.jpg

The battery and master cylinder have to be relocated, and the steering shaft gets a little tight to the headers, but it all fits. The floor will need to be modified if you use a manual trans.