a update on the 84` S15 restoration/rebirth

[Techyon]

Well,
Found this truck on ebay and its been a feat to get it this far.
I purchased it with the knowledge of it having a Bad clutch and having a hole in the floor.
What I didnt know was there was No floor... LOL
front clip was wasted and just about everything on the truck was worn out.
So I just have one interesting question.

Where are these trucks known for their frames becoming weak?
I see so commonly that people speak of the frames being a problem and personally after investing over a 1,000.00 into this truck I wanna make sure everything is top notch.

I'm alittle above your average joe in the garage, I do most of my own machinework for engines and such.
I'm building a 383 stroker motor for this truck on the sidelines but do not have the bell housing I need currently.
So: I am in search of a bell housing "hydraulic clutch" and manual transmission from a 4.3liter.

Here's what this trucks getting:
inner fenders from a 94 Blazer, re-surfaced and powdercoated.
front fenders from a 92 S10
radiator support from a 89 blazer, re-surfaced and powdercoated.
New floor pans, New right rocker, new right cab corner.

Well, I guess you guys get the point... by the time this things done its going to be better than factory.
Even upgrading the sway bars using ones from a 94 4 door blazer "which are heavier" and a rear sway bar from a 93 F body
3" bodylift.


Here's what it looked like a month ago:



Heres about a week ago:



If you would be interested here's more pics:

www.clanmage.net/~techyon/Techs_Garage/1984_S10/

Anyone searching for S10 Parts misc?
I currently am dismantling 4 S10 Blazers 4x4 for Parts!
yrs ranging from 86` -> 94`

[OverBoardProject]

Looks like you've done a fair amount, and have good plans for that ride.

I've only heard good things about the S10 frames, they're just about as tough as you can get.
Unless you agg NOS to that motor and abuse the truck I can't see how you can possibly bend it, short of being in an accident.

If you've got windows 2000 or xp you can download Picasa for free through Google
http://picasa.google.com/
It'll allow you to make a web page up like this one instantly
http://www.kvsbt.com/stu%27s/spring/

It'll make your web site there a little more attractive.
Or if you like my personal web space I can tell you what I used to make it and give you a few pointers.

Have fun

[dugie6551]

Oh brother can I relate to your endevour !!!!

I have an 84 S15 that I have been rebuilding for about 3 years now (on and off). By the time I am finished everything (I mean everything) will be either replaced with new or rebuilt. I have stripped and painted the frame, boxed in the rear frame because I made a tilt-bed, new and repaired body panels, complete interior, new rebuilt 2.8L (it was free, stop laughing everyone), rebuilt auto trans. The only thing I have to do now is a complete electrical harness swap (probably go aftermarket).

I bought my truck for $200.00 knowing I would completely rebuild it and it will be the last vehicle I own. These things are sooooooo cheap to rebuild and maintain, so that is why I am doing it right the first time.

I have heard nothing bad about the frames .. they are pretty solid ... especially for V8 swaps. Depending on the power of the new V8 and how you are going to drive the truck after the swap (daily driver, drag race, etc.); you may want to box the rear frame rails. I had a 87 with a stock 350 V8 in it and it was a daily driver, show truck and I drag raced it in the end. The only problem I had with the truck after the swap was the motor mounts. They twisted after racing it for 2 years, but everything else stood up.

[Techyon]

Well, This S-15 just came to a screaming halt.
I was getting the frame ready to paint and was double checking all pockets and corners, Well, Low and behold I now know where these frames go bad,.

Its right on the inside of the framerail at the rear shacklemount.
the inner support brace for the shacklemount is done. I took a chipping hammer and was able to punch through the outer buldge of the frame around the shacklemount. it punched through easily so as for now I am screwed,
Frame Needed!!!!!!!!!!

Soo.. this leads me to my new quest.
Are there any variences between the 4x2 frames and the 4x4 frames?
I'm guessing I could find a varience in the front cross member and possibly in the control arms..

Anyone know?

[OverBoardProject]

Everything in front of where the fenders mount to the frame is different. Sorry to hear about it man.

I've never heard of that happening, and I would almost be suprised if it isn't just an isolated incodence. My frames solid there, the same as my parts Blazer.

You should be able to find a good frame for a very affordable price.

Good Luck