smitty5150's new project. 98 S10 reg cab short bed.

smitty5150

Original poster
Member
Nov 18, 2011
1,069
This will serve as my record of everything done throughout the course of this project. Traded my 02 TB for this 98 S10(+cash), The intention is to make this a reliable and fun DD/Shop truck, as well as a totally custom ride. Something that will show off the capabilities of my shop. The starting point is not very attractive, but a little money and some elbow grease will fix it in no time. This is what I started with:
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I immediately started hunting for parts. Ordered a drop kit as soon as I got home with it. After a few days of driving, I knew what the first service issues to be dealt with were. Ordered a rebuild kit for the steering box, intake gasket set, timing cover, sway bar end links, misc fluids, etc. Picked up a bravada hood and some stock tails at the local junk yard. Got to work on the first weekend with it.
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Found a few things after weekend number one. Don't need intake gaskets..the coolant smell is coming from a leaky radiator. Don't need to replace the timing cover either..only the front crank seal. The radiator support is damaged(concealed). This is why the front end panels are not lining up. The bed has been previously body worked, and not too professionally. The clutch fan is shot.
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Decided to give it another week before ordering anything else, just to make sure it is all ready to go. Took the unneeded parts back, got a crank seal, got a dual e-fan setup from a Chrysler Concord that I will be installing when the rad and core support get here. Install the drop kit this weekend. It was the install from hell. Fought me every step of the way. But I love the stance, perfect while it is still a DD.

Before:
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After:
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Stay tuned....much more to come.
 

jrSS

Member
Dec 4, 2011
3,950
Like I said in another thread...nice mini. Can't wait to see ur progress.
 

smitty5150

Original poster
Member
Nov 18, 2011
1,069
A little more progress.....

Front end apart for the second time
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Out with the old.
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in with the new.
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body panels lining up the way they should
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radiator fix FAIL...so I bought a new one.
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Installed my Concord dual fan setup:
Mounted to rad.
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modified upper shroud
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installed...I used 90deg brackets to hold it in place, so the ties are only stabilizing it.
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TexazReece

Member
Dec 4, 2011
1,341
Keep em coming bro, I'm sure that thing will be sweeet. Anything special going into the bed since u put the cap on?
 

smitty5150

Original poster
Member
Nov 18, 2011
1,069
TexazReece said:
Keep em coming bro, I'm sure that thing will be sweeet. Anything special going into the bed since u put the cap on?

I am going to be building a walk through. I will cut out the back wall of the cab and the front of the bed/cap and seal the seam with accordion gasket like what is used in campers. The bed will be finished and possibly carpeted and I will integrate sound and storage. This will essentially turn it in to a panel truck, but with side windows.
 

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