600 dollar S10 project

[LUDLOW]

So earlier this year I had gotten really interested in doing a V8 S10 swap, watched a few build series, read some build threads, and convinced myself I could get this done with minimal time and effort despite being a total novice. so I purchased a 2.2 5 speed S10 with the intention of bolting the V8 to that transmission, of course this is a terrible idea and if I had properly researched this I would have waited to find a 4.3 5 speed S10 or sonoma with the beefier NV3500 transmission used in full size GM trucks with V8s.

regardless the deal was done so I had to source my transmission elsewhere and focus on my engine while making this truck less ugly.

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although this was a questionable purchase, the truck is actually pretty solid. very minor rust, runs good, shifts good, stops, only 125K on the odometer. just not very easy to look at

 

[LUDLOW]

after driving it 50 miles home, I was honestly embarrassed. so the SUV sized car cover was quickly draped over it.

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now the goal was to fix up the appearance without going over budget since I still had to buy a motor, transmission, accessories, and all of the V8 swap specific parts. so I started dismantling the truck and prepping it for paint.

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[LUDLOW]

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while it was mostly apart I started cleaning up the frame and painting it, also ordered a 2 - 3 inch lowering kit.

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after the steering knuckles were installed and the frame was painted I started working my way back, sanding and painting as I go.

 

[LUDLOW]

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[LUDLOW]

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new shocks and lowering blocks

 

[Stumpy]

Looking good so far. Hope you're considering some Caltracs or something. That 3 leaf spring pack, is going to wrap, and hop like crazy.

If you want to improve night vision, a 95-97 Blazer grille and headlight is a good way to go, and can be done cheap. Did it on a 96 I use to have...

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[LUDLOW]

hey that looks great! I never noticed the blazer grill was different from the ones on the pickup. and I'll look into the Caltracs or something similar.

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frame cleaned up nice! so when it comes to the paint job I don't have many options; there isn't a MAACO shop anywhere near me, the other shops within distance won't do anything for less than a thousand, and I don't have access to a garage.

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this is my solution; a flimsy outdoor canopy, a few tarps, and some rattle can spray paint LOL. again a few youtube videos later and I'm painting a truck in the driveway. I guess we'll see how it turns out.

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painted the door jams, sanded the exterior, masked the windows and door handles, filled in a few dents, now it's ready for primer and a base coat.

 

[LUDLOW]

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slowly coming together..

 

[LUDLOW]

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while I finished up the cab I painted the fenders, bumper, lower valance, and hood separately.

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with the front end mostly together I finally removed some of the tape and newspaper.

 

[89obsSB]

Is that white or like an eggshell color?