M4wd&Fabrications

Projects place => Projects Section => Topic started by: M4wdFab on July 07, 2022, 09:14:15 PM

Title: 54 chevy panel wagon
Post by: M4wdFab on July 07, 2022, 09:14:15 PM
teaser


dragging out of the woods next week

my realtor gave me a hot tip


 8)
Title: Re: 54 chevy panel wagon
Post by: M on July 08, 2022, 09:44:42 AM
This is gonna be good.  Love 'em panels.   Take pic of it in the woods before you pull it :)
Title: Re: 54 chevy panel wagon
Post by: mr.mindless on July 08, 2022, 10:48:28 AM
something "in the woods" that is high enough quality for you to be interested is surprising.
Title: Re: 54 chevy panel wagon
Post by: M4wdFab on July 11, 2022, 03:33:24 PM
price of free was right, and its actually surprisingly solid and all of the things missing from the front and trim from the one picture i got are stuffed in the rear.  needs a 4 hour clean out to inspect floors, no front axle or engine.  has a newer IFS stuck in the back- looks like it was prepped for a motor swap and front IFS swap, then stuck in the back yard 25 years ago.  dad died.  Daughter was happy to have it go to someone to use it or send it to someone to use it. 

took chip and I 40 minutes pavement to pavement to excavate from rear of property.  several places we had inches of clearance from property obstacles to navigate and turn a truck and trailer around in this back yard.  went smooth though with what we brought.  pics to follow, chip got a ton i didnt. 


Title: Re: 54 chevy panel wagon
Post by: etk300ex on July 11, 2022, 03:40:14 PM
haha
Title: Re: 54 chevy panel wagon
Post by: M4wdFab on July 11, 2022, 04:26:41 PM
learing that there is a difference between a panel truck and panel wagon.  neat.  this thing is pretty rare.
Title: Re: 54 chevy panel wagon
Post by: M on July 11, 2022, 04:43:44 PM
learing that there is a difference between a panel truck and panel wagon.  neat.  this thing is pretty rare.

just saw pic on FB. It's a 1954 Chevy 210 Sedan Delivery.  I am pretty confident about it.


edit: could be '53 as well
Title: Re: 54 chevy panel wagon
Post by: mr.mindless on July 11, 2022, 05:18:34 PM
I'll have to check the FB. sounds super cool!
Title: Re: 54 chevy panel wagon
Post by: M4wdFab on July 11, 2022, 07:56:53 PM
fun times
first pic is how found and the pic i got first 
Title: Re: 54 chevy panel wagon
Post by: M4wdFab on July 11, 2022, 07:57:34 PM
more
Title: Re: 54 chevy panel wagon
Post by: M4wdFab on July 11, 2022, 08:00:30 PM
rear hatch opens and closes as do doors, all chrome trim inside, haven't dug too deep.  at least one possum or cat skeleton in the driver floor board and a lot of other shat inside lol 


looks to be mostly complete but no front bumper present. 
Title: Re: 54 chevy panel wagon
Post by: M on July 11, 2022, 09:52:01 PM
54-1271 = Chevy 150 Sedan Delivery.

 Damn, I was wrong earlier.

http://chevy.oldcarmanualproject.com/models/1954models.htm
Title: Re: 54 chevy panel wagon
Post by: M4wdFab on July 19, 2022, 01:20:34 PM
drug this thing out

3 garbage bags of orgaics / bio removed from inside

scrap metal / good parts / bonus items separated out

good  backpack leaf blow job outside with respirator and other PPE

power washed entire exterior and 80% of interior.

drying in sun now.


front IFS that was removed and sitting in back now appears to be original matching unit to it.   missing wheel hubs, really wish those where there because it would be back to a roller with thos alloy BMW snows i have and look 3x value with 10-20 bolts and lug nuts.  google says its 5x4.75 same as s10/corvette/BMW.  i think thats the plan to re assemble that for now so its a roller to sell or a roller to populate for a build. 
Title: Re: 54 chevy panel wagon
Post by: M4wdFab on July 19, 2022, 02:25:56 PM
the internet is crazy

i think for 300$ this is the majic i would need lol

its like all parts included lol

https://www.ebay.com/itm/265618161161?fits=Year%3A1954%7CMake%3AChevrolet&_trkparms=amclksrc%3DITM%26aid%3D1110006%26algo%3DHOMESPLICE.SIM%26ao%3D1%26asc%3D240418%26meid%3D8ec4de18fc8b45b58f396027a31c1a29%26pid%3D101196%26rk%3D6%26rkt%3D12%26sd%3D384065259481%26itm%3D265618161161%26pmt%3D1%26noa%3D0%26pg%3D2047675%26algv%3DSimplAMLv9PairwiseUnbiasedWebWithSearchFilterPromotion%26brand%3DSpeedway&_trksid=p2047675.c101196.m2219&amdata=cksum%3A2656181611618ec4de18fc8b45b58f396027a31c1a29%7Cenc%3AAQAHAAABIDNdRuflTEDzBfTKX%252BqmXH8pf%252B8V9puPczI5H7qtyLlQg%252FPd3LbQ9nGE%252BOPvEM%252FBku7ptnxQ%252BJ684LdQ25RRyMaTydGAY2ivTeJRQjXskrEzyodG1kUCnscReTH8mi9OC1g2thNfC5dQ7jjjz0eatyEyi1wGsGtSM749tmdRlI%252F%252FUoIxe7PcrDaU%252BmsXRosnUTcX%252FXYOc7a09WSv%252FyHga7IAuCVgvYNnfuluFiw7Otuqya44n1s1HukFu2YSWptPk9sX%252B8%252FZ7Ym1JkX4Xc9PUeSnUF9pUL8A845MvSDbL9czZh8m2WyxMq0USxhHhuu797dStUnWfTavcPYGIJs%252B7TnpB%252BEyqkALAOnAgCiLatuLDr9tWjoIIOSFWkAdd59APA%253D%253D%7Campid%3APL_CLK%7Cclp%3A2047675&epid=672504398
Title: Re: 54 chevy panel wagon
Post by: M4wdFab on July 19, 2022, 06:19:21 PM
looks annoying machine work.  have to think on that if its worth it. 
Title: Re: 54 chevy panel wagon
Post by: M4wdFab on July 20, 2022, 02:04:10 PM
1.875" hub seal spindle OD
1.25" inner bearing spindle OD
0.75" outer bearing spindle OD
Title: Re: 54 chevy panel wagon
Post by: M4wdFab on July 20, 2022, 02:47:12 PM
on the lift today

front IFS bolted back to frame and steering hooked up.



Im thinking make it a roller with the BMW alloys i have then if it doesn't sell as a roller, build it.


for roller:
front mustang disk kit
bolt tires on

for build
source rear s10 axle (currently has a weird unusable torque tube axle)
4.8/5.3/6.0 and 2wd trans
driveshaft
wiring
cooling
lights
seats
fuel cell
Title: Re: 54 chevy panel wagon
Post by: M4wdFab on July 20, 2022, 07:13:07 PM
s10 rear axles  WMS
2wd 54.5"
4wd 59"
ZR2 63"
Title: Re: 54 chevy panel wagon
Post by: M4wdFab on July 20, 2022, 08:55:31 PM
disk swap / hub parts ordered for front end



Title: Re: 54 chevy panel wagon
Post by: M4wdFab on July 22, 2022, 05:21:38 PM
market place just making it too easy 650$ loaded 20min from my door.

129K state park recreation truck that guy bought at auction last year, didnt realize it was 2wd.   

clean valve cover no sludge, clean fluids, no noise, started right up, runs.shifts.charges.cools

had some hand tools and a plug in code reader sitting on the seat, half tank of fuel in it.

2006 5.3 4l60e 2wd with cats. 

no brakes but ebrake good.   
Title: Re: 54 chevy panel wagon
Post by: Wingman on July 22, 2022, 07:57:54 PM
Just harvesting engine/trans? Or going to use frame and all for another truck?
Title: Re: 54 chevy panel wagon
Post by: M4wdFab on July 22, 2022, 08:02:57 PM
just pulling engine/trans/driveshaft/harness/petals for this one-  ill probably pull the rear axle for the axle pile and some front clip parts, otherwise scrap.  im sure the frame is pretty crusty considering box condition. 
Title: Re: 54 chevy panel wagon
Post by: M4wdFab on July 22, 2022, 08:19:10 PM
missing these parts.  bah. 


Title: Re: 54 chevy panel wagon
Post by: mr.mindless on July 23, 2022, 09:17:29 AM
Not terrible if that’s all that’s missing. I’m sure bumper will be difficult/$$
Title: Re: 54 chevy panel wagon
Post by: M4wdFab on July 23, 2022, 06:31:47 PM
bumper is easy, jegs actually has repos in stock.

the other parts are impossible, one year only as far as i can tell, across 3 models. 



did the disk conversion on the front IFS today- that took ALL DAY. 

kingpins and turn spindles on lathe, clearance some things, modify steering arms, but all together and kit had everything needed except 4 longer bolts needed. 

need to order wheel spacers and decide on rear axle plan.  tearing down the doner 5.3 tomorrow. 
Title: Re: 54 chevy panel wagon
Post by: M4wdFab on July 24, 2022, 05:28:24 PM
if I end up building this thing, doner 5.3 and 4l60 pulled today

15gals of fuel recovered also from the chevy tank lol 

ordered 2.5" wheel spacers and more lug nuts

committed to a 2wd S10 axle/rear lug pattern for later but plan is still make it a slick looking roller and list it, then build it if it doesnt sell by mid aug after Family barn party and im back to work. 
Title: Re: 54 chevy panel wagon
Post by: M4wdFab on July 26, 2022, 07:39:13 PM
200$ for a hood and grill just left.  with scrap should be a free LS swap after John buys the cats.  win.
Title: Re: 54 chevy panel wagon
Post by: M4wdFab on August 09, 2022, 06:18:21 PM
dam this has everything needed

https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/580809297083239/
Title: Re: 54 chevy panel wagon
Post by: M4wdFab on August 24, 2022, 06:11:31 PM
first stab of the 5.3 in this today, i guess its getting built as a driver.  had 3 no shows that wanted it over the phone as a roller


need to source an s10 rear axle, should have most of what i need minus a radiator. 
Title: Re: 54 chevy panel wagon
Post by: M4wdFab on August 26, 2022, 07:48:25 PM
trans mount done (mild f up, waiting for some JB weld to cure)

solid plan and 50% of engine mounts done.  should be wrapped up and headers back in tomorrow. 


looking good and fits like a glove.   
Title: Re: 54 chevy panel wagon
Post by: M4wdFab on September 12, 2022, 02:46:49 PM
radiator came in and mocked up today, final parts list made.

not sure when i get back on this but should be fun. 
Title: Re: 54 chevy panel wagon
Post by: M4wdFab on September 16, 2022, 05:26:50 PM
lots of boxes for next 3 builds came in today.

got radiator, fan, trans cooler, intake elbow all installed and plumbed today.


found both hood emblems on ebay im gona grab
Title: Re: 54 chevy panel wagon
Post by: M4wdFab on September 16, 2022, 05:30:55 PM
also forgot to look after talking to Hanna on brolite day, her car is the same year!  and has all the parts im missing lol

Title: Re: 54 chevy panel wagon
Post by: M4wdFab on September 17, 2022, 06:50:54 PM
got a hot tip for a secret swap meet tomorrow out in buffalo- un listed.  going to see if i can nab the rest of the 54 parts im looking for before visiting my mom
Title: Re: 54 chevy panel wagon
Post by: M4wdFab on September 18, 2022, 06:34:06 PM
found a guy at swap meet and then met him later in the day at his place which was only 5 min from my moms house.  he knows these things up and down and had like 2 parts cars and 2 show car builds.  got just about everything i need other than bumper and side marker lights for 100$ , score! 

chrome side panels
tail lights
floor pan patch panels
full set of door, window, vent window cranks
dash and glove box grills
side mirror
door lock knob
top of grill piece with needed hood latch
extra bumper fasca piece
hood hinge springs
Title: Re: 54 chevy panel wagon
Post by: etk300ex on September 19, 2022, 09:01:33 AM
nice!
Title: Re: 54 chevy panel wagon
Post by: mr.mindless on September 19, 2022, 09:32:38 AM
Unreal deal!
Title: Re: 54 chevy panel wagon
Post by: M4wdFab on September 21, 2022, 04:01:06 PM
s10 axle and seat aquired

Title: Re: 54 chevy panel wagon
Post by: M4wdFab on September 22, 2022, 07:11:10 PM
s10 axle swapped in with no issues.  need to stick the alum drive shaft from the half ton chevy back together and should be moving next week after some wires
Title: Re: 54 chevy panel wagon
Post by: M4wdFab on September 22, 2022, 09:49:50 PM
also noted, the shocks on this thing in the rear, sitting out in the dirt for 25 years, still feel mint.  i bolted them back to the new axle to send. 
Title: Re: 54 chevy panel wagon
Post by: M4wdFab on September 22, 2022, 09:51:57 PM
may have found the last 3 hard to find parts out in Clifton springs, need to follow up tomorrow after a phone convo tonight. 

https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/1225548634683137/
Title: Re: 54 chevy panel wagon
Post by: M4wdFab on September 24, 2022, 03:18:05 PM
fire wall plate and petals in today, old headlight housings pulled.
Title: Re: 54 chevy panel wagon
Post by: M4wdFab on September 27, 2022, 07:14:43 PM
ugh, the horror.  i thought i had cleaned this thing out.


was eye balling cutting the rear floor to sing an XJ tank in, removed the rear side interior panels, realized two cavities below floor completely packed with organics.


ick.  filled a tractor bucket and should have been wearing respirator, had to stop for the day.  will finish up tomorrow with a respirator lol. 
Title: Re: 54 chevy panel wagon
Post by: gif on September 27, 2022, 09:48:28 PM
thats as bad as the 1952 truck doors!

Title: Re: 54 chevy panel wagon
Post by: M4wdFab on September 28, 2022, 10:03:58 PM
finished excavating today

prepped an XJ tank with fittings for external pump. 

hoping to get a fuel system plumbed with a corvette filter regulator and get this thing running by the weekend. 

have customer work in the way though.
Title: Re: 54 chevy panel wagon
Post by: M4wdFab on September 28, 2022, 10:06:24 PM
Auto city classic has front and side glass, front seal for 611 shipped, i guess not too bad.  6 week lead on the front windshield though. 
Title: Re: 54 chevy panel wagon
Post by: M4wdFab on October 05, 2022, 07:09:01 PM
s10 axle got new outer wheel seals, gear oil, pads, rotors, bleeders freed up, new brake hoses.   proper lugnuts ready to send.  Has the factor Zr5 GM locker and 3.73 gears, not bad for luck of draw. 

cleaned out mouse house packed in front IFS crossmember

cut out rear spare tire tin for room for XJ tank 


Title: Re: 54 chevy panel wagon
Post by: M4wdFab on November 21, 2022, 05:48:21 PM
new front glass in and fuel tank/filler neck in today. 
Title: Re: 54 chevy panel wagon
Post by: M4wdFab on November 23, 2022, 05:36:12 PM
that was alot of work to assemble to front end!  looking good though. 
Title: Re: 54 chevy panel wagon
Post by: mr.mindless on November 23, 2022, 05:59:10 PM
That’s looking patina GOOD
Title: Re: 54 chevy panel wagon
Post by: M4wdFab on November 25, 2022, 09:53:24 PM
trans cooler plumbed in
gages plumbed in
brake hard lines started

PCM fashed for 5.3/4l60e DBW P59
Title: Re: 54 chevy panel wagon
Post by: M4wdFab on November 26, 2022, 06:19:40 PM
full exhaust fab'd today and done.

needs fuel and should fire and move. 
Title: Re: 54 chevy panel wagon
Post by: M4wdFab on November 27, 2022, 04:13:47 PM
lots of fail today on this. 


took way too long to realize i have the fuel pump plumbed in backwards to get fuel pressure.

fired right up after that.  thought i was good. 

a few rips of throttle and dies.  DBW petal dead, no fire. 

many codes with alternator, knock sensor, and TAC comunication loss. 


i dont get it.  hard reset gets it back to starting and idle.  Snapon cod reader says both APPS output from petal match and agree before, durring, and after what ever causes the malfunction to kill the engine and be un happy. 


bah. 

Title: Re: 54 chevy panel wagon
Post by: gif on November 27, 2022, 06:46:40 PM
factory harness?  start looking for ground issues.

lots of fail today on this. 


took way too long to realize i have the fuel pump plumbed in backwards to get fuel pressure.

fired right up after that.  thought i was good. 

a few rips of throttle and dies.  DBW petal dead, no fire. 

many codes with alternator, knock sensor, and TAC comunication loss. 


i dont get it.  hard reset gets it back to starting and idle.  Snapon cod reader says both APPS output from petal match and agree before, durring, and after what ever causes the malfunction to kill the engine and be un happy. 


bah.
Title: Re: 54 chevy panel wagon
Post by: M4wdFab on November 27, 2022, 07:08:54 PM
ya that was the first thing i checked, all checked out good.  there are just 2 factory harness grounds on the back of the intake that all LS harness have.  i have good grounds to frame, chassis, engine head. 
Title: Re: 54 chevy panel wagon
Post by: M4wdFab on November 28, 2022, 02:18:37 PM
about whooped on this- rechecked and cleaned all hard to get at engine harness grounds, added a ground the the TAC module.  traced out my harness work, and only 4 TAC related wires cut are for cruise.  they are isolated and heatshrunk out of the way. 

nothing.


same issue if engine running or not. 

Electronic throttle will function if you wrap it 0 to 100 % indefinitely.  if you sweep it slower or stop in any place.  it sets code and goes to limp mode.  U0107 (lost communication with throttle actuator) and P0654 (Engine speed output circuit problem) set.


im in more time that it would be to pull the entire harness and convert this engine over to drive by cable.  bah. 
Title: Re: 54 chevy panel wagon
Post by: mr.mindless on November 28, 2022, 02:38:33 PM
I'd be trading parts with another compatible rig on both ends - pedal and throttle body - and see if the issue stays with the harness or follows the changeable parts. That description immediately reminds me of the bad APPS you had on your 24v Cummins.

I think I have a throttle body on the shelf from the 6.0 that went into my car if you don't, can check when I get home. I only have a VW pedal, doubt it's plug compatible but if both are Bosch it may be the same guts in the box.
Title: Re: 54 chevy panel wagon
Post by: M4wdFab on November 28, 2022, 03:00:12 PM
i dont have any DBW stuff here, most of what i do is VANs that are still cable in the newer PCMs.


i am slightly suspect that the ETC is the problem but it was fine lot driving the truck so i dont know. 

if you have the ETC can your bring it wednesday to meeting thanks
Title: Re: 54 chevy panel wagon
Post by: Wingman on November 28, 2022, 04:25:00 PM
I have a spare TAC box
Title: Re: 54 chevy panel wagon
Post by: M4wdFab on November 28, 2022, 04:36:12 PM
please also bring wednesday.


i guess i need to start grabing them at the yard.  spendy at auto stores
Title: Re: 54 chevy panel wagon
Post by: M4wdFab on November 30, 2022, 09:50:26 PM
ECT mike brought was a match, but same failure.

TAC box that Mark gave me at the meeting fix it!  whoowhoo! 




im more annoyed that even when you have more than the correct diagnostic tool and tons of good data live infront of you, that in the end parts cannon only way to guess at fix. 

bah. 



Trans shifter completed earlier today, and wiring almost wrapped up. 

floor work, interior, and door rebuild are next big parts. 
Title: Re: 54 chevy panel wagon
Post by: Wingman on December 01, 2022, 07:52:17 AM
“parts cannon”

I’m going to adopt that phrase
Title: Re: 54 chevy panel wagon
Post by: mr.mindless on December 01, 2022, 02:46:47 PM
“parts cannon”

I’m going to adopt that phrase
+1

That’s hilarious
Title: Re: 54 chevy panel wagon
Post by: M4wdFab on December 01, 2022, 07:11:56 PM
wiring 100% done and made nice / clean loom

driver and pass floor pans in
Title: Re: 54 chevy panel wagon
Post by: M4wdFab on December 02, 2022, 06:18:59 PM
not sure which forum or youtube channel "parts cannon" is from... but it was long ago adopted into my vocabulary. 
Title: Re: 54 chevy panel wagon
Post by: M4wdFab on December 02, 2022, 06:19:57 PM
pushed out for jeep work today.  bah. 


did drag in a sheet of 3/4" plywood i found out in my little garage that should be good for the rear floor rebuild!  free homestead score! 
Title: Re: 54 chevy panel wagon
Post by: M4wdFab on December 03, 2022, 06:39:58 PM
hood mounted.  not sure i have the tech or strength to load the hood springs.  i got them on, then realized they are on backwards, i cant get them on the other direction  :o



made a bunch of trim bolt tabs.  side trim mounted. 


next is mount chrome side skirts, headliner, rear floor wood, side wood panels.

Title: Re: 54 chevy panel wagon
Post by: M4wdFab on December 08, 2022, 07:40:52 PM
need to measure for 8 more bows tomorrow, but i think we have the technology now. 
Title: Re: 54 chevy panel wagon
Post by: M4wdFab on December 09, 2022, 06:29:33 PM
headliner finished and 90% installed.

brought the visors in to do tonight, and need some plywood for the sides and door cards. 

i think i might just pull it off for 50$ in material and labor
Title: Re: 54 chevy panel wagon
Post by: M4wdFab on December 12, 2022, 08:27:18 PM
headliner and side pannels, visors / inside trim wrapped up

started on door rebuilds / glass replacements

Title: Re: 54 chevy panel wagon
Post by: M4wdFab on December 14, 2022, 06:29:57 PM
doors

one done, one just needs door card. 


probably saved about a 1000$ in interior costs doing cards, visors, headliner, ect myself with 45$ in fabric and 12$ in press board
Title: Re: 54 chevy panel wagon
Post by: M4wdFab on December 14, 2022, 10:11:23 PM
something up with starter or new ignition switch / new wiring. 



after about 15-20 starts sinch build it started cranking and then dieing off quick/no crank (not a battery issue at all)

pulled starter and cleaned all connections no change yesterday.  impossible to jump starter while mounted, too much shit everywhere in way. 

probably pull the ignition switch and verify thats good, then replace stater bah.  bench test the soleniod clicks with my little battery charger (which it doesnt click in car) so maybe and easy in stock swap for a DOA new ignition switch, meh
Title: Re: 54 chevy panel wagon
Post by: M4wdFab on December 14, 2022, 10:15:05 PM
also after several failed attempts, i managed to build a tool to install the hood springs.  crazy amount of tension pre load, like wearing gloves and face shield amount.  The first two nights i failed, then after thought success, realized i put them in backwards and they bound at close not allowing hood to fully pull shut at cowl end.  had to make a new tool to install with spring hooks facing other way  :o   

shuts like a new car now!
Title: Re: 54 chevy panel wagon
Post by: M4wdFab on December 15, 2022, 05:42:40 PM
whooo doors and glass are fully done.  shinned up chrome dash pannels and made a glove box latch.

started looking at seat mount

made the trek into city today for spray foam and other materials. 

morons out in full force in sleet. 
Title: Re: 54 chevy panel wagon
Post by: gif on December 16, 2022, 03:50:58 PM
you could have used the one I built for the Apache hood springs


also after several failed attempts, i managed to build a tool to install the hood springs.  crazy amount of tension pre load, like wearing gloves and face shield amount.  The first two nights i failed, then after thought success, realized i put them in backwards and they bound at close not allowing hood to fully pull shut at cowl end.  had to make a new tool to install with spring hooks facing other way  :o   

shuts like a new car now!
Title: Re: 54 chevy panel wagon
Post by: M4wdFab on December 16, 2022, 09:29:10 PM
hood latch installed, hood adjusted for proper close and latching
rubber floors installed
seat mounted


 
Title: Re: 54 chevy panel wagon
Post by: M4wdFab on December 21, 2022, 11:47:34 AM
last time i worked on this a few days ago, one dead trailer starter motor spare swapped in, before swapping a new in box on (bah).  starting issue resolved.

loaded on trailer to hit scales and DMV this afternoon for plates! 

last nice day of the year im sure!
Title: Re: 54 chevy panel wagon
Post by: M4wdFab on December 21, 2022, 04:02:15 PM
plated

10$ to transfer plates
40$ in tax 

ha


rips down the road pretty good.  i cant believe how nice shocks that were sitting in a backyard for 25+ years feel

some vibes from either front wheels with curb dings or the aluminum drive shaft i bench eyeball shortened.  but not bad


thing is a rocket ship
Title: Re: 54 chevy panel wagon
Post by: M4wdFab on December 30, 2022, 04:49:47 PM
put a bunch of miles running around on this thing today.  met a guy at HF that has a 54 2 door, he stopped me and chatted, loved it!  also stopped over to my neighbors and visited the green IH / Denali chassis.  He loved it too (potential buyer in spring lol)

added a coolant recovery tank- this one was liking to spit coolant from rad cap port.
found PCV to driver site valve cover was unhooked and causing idle issues.  glad that is resolved, was annoying last time i drove it. 

added OBD port in cab


needs more ride hight in rear or slight frame notch to clear S10 calipers.  they hit if you go over a bump or railroad tracks when on the gas.   Maybe some bolt on coil over helper adjusable spring/shocks would be a fix if found for reasonably price.  not sure short of new leaf springs or re arch what else could be a solution, but it needs to be fixed.  would probably damage caliper mounts if you threw like 300lbs in the back and drove it. 


otherwise, its a sweet machine on the road!  lots of looks and waves today in the nice weather
Title: Re: 54 chevy panel wagon
Post by: M4wdFab on December 30, 2022, 04:54:31 PM
something like this would be bolt on tits- need to measure

https://www.amazon.com/Gabriel-43099-Spring-Assist-Carrier/dp/B001AMEDIC/ref=asc_df_B001AMEDIC/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=312429177733&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=3286343939560880729&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9005637&hvtargid=pla-491805443208&psc=1 
Title: Re: 54 chevy panel wagon
Post by: M4wdFab on January 12, 2023, 05:05:48 PM
C/O rear Shocks bolted in.  Raised ride like and inch and I think did what I wanted.  Will have to road test some bridge joints to see if it still bottoms out.  Non adjustable but price was right.
Title: Re: 54 chevy panel wagon
Post by: M4wdFab on January 16, 2023, 12:55:16 PM
just had a guy message me if i would be interested in removing the LS drivetrain and selling just the roller shell...


Facepalm, he even replied back like 2 times after my initial are you crazy no response. 

worse than a tire kicker!
Title: Re: 54 chevy panel wagon
Post by: gif on January 17, 2023, 02:44:47 PM
 :o  People are...  well, stupid.

I still think this is the best format for flipping vehicles.   Build it the way you want and sell it as is.  This avoids the "that's not what I wanted" crowd.

Car looks great BTW.  Nice job.



just had a guy message me if i would be interested in removing the LS drivetrain and selling just the roller shell...


Facepalm, he even replied back like 2 times after my initial are you crazy no response. 

worse than a tire kicker!
Title: Re: 54 chevy panel wagon
Post by: M4wdFab on January 24, 2023, 09:23:40 PM
anyone ever seen this type of power steering assist on GM car? 

https://youtu.be/l546WQ-xlTM?t=1527 
Title: Re: 54 chevy panel wagon
Post by: M4wdFab on January 24, 2023, 09:49:29 PM
looks weird.  just remembered i have a ford ranger rack/pinion in the scrap pile downstairs- i might pull that out and eye ball it up.  looks like a 20$ pressure reduction valve allows LS pump to no explode ford rack pressure stuff.


power steering on this thing is high on the upgrade list if i can do it without too much pain. 
Title: Re: 54 chevy panel wagon
Post by: M4wdFab on January 28, 2023, 08:29:01 PM
Clean transferable papers came in mail today, whoohoo! 

potential buyer scheduled to view this week. 


kinda hope i get to hit some car shows with it though honestly this spring first
Title: Re: 54 chevy panel wagon
Post by: M4wdFab on May 05, 2023, 07:40:39 PM
this thing is a sweet grocery geter

put a fuel gage in it last week also


the 5.3 is healthy and launches this thing nicely!   
Title: Re: 54 chevy panel wagon
Post by: M4wdFab on July 06, 2023, 04:05:19 PM
fixed a 30 day tire leak down, fresh coat of ATF.

new for sale signs and bumped the add

12K OBO
Title: Re: 54 chevy panel wagon
Post by: M4wdFab on July 17, 2023, 06:14:11 PM
delivering to new owner in Lockport Wednesday

plates and stickers pulled today.  fixed a burned out tail light and two gage lights.  China fail. 
Title: Re: 54 chevy panel wagon
Post by: M4wdFab on July 19, 2023, 09:51:32 PM
Delivered to new owner today, gone. 
Title: Re: 54 chevy panel wagon
Post by: etk300ex on July 20, 2023, 01:37:14 PM
Nice!