47-54 Chevy Truck body over S-10 chassis, have some questions.

Hey everyone, i just joined the board today. Out of all my searches on the net, this is the only place i actually came up with some info on people doing this. I've been working on a 87 S10, dropping a LS1 and 6 speed on the frame, rebuilt the suspension, dropped it 2/3, put a Moser 12 bolt in the rear with Cal-Tracs, and a denny's nitrous ready shaft. Pretty much all my money has went into the chassis so far besides the wiring, and the only thing i have completed is the entire chassis.

I ran into my first big problem when i decided to set the motor back 2" into the firewall for a little better weight distribution and clearance. Well needless to say i didn't take into account leg room and i can already see its going to be cramped before i go any further with the body and firewall work.

The only problem i've seen so far with me doing this, is the fact that my S10 chassis is a short wheel base truck. Now i haven't really done any research yet as to what all the wheel bases are, but i was thinking that i could probably just cut the difference from the front of the bed on the 47-54 truck, instead of having to buy another frame and swapping all my parts out and then shortening it. I know stretching the frame wouldn't be the best thing for strength so im going to try and stay away from that one.

I can get a 1950 3/4 ton truck for $400 that's decent and it only needs cab corners and a floor....but it's a flat bed so i would have to find a bed. I however have found a 1952 3100 with probably the greatest body i've ever seen that's complete and still all original with no rust and under 100K miles and he wants $1800 for it. I more partial to the 1952 because it hardly needs any body work to be nice except for shaving moulding, ect.....

I think having the body over my frame with the LS1 and 6 speed would make a pretty sweet truck. Any of you guys that have done this type of frame swap or might have any info as to what im looking at, if you could drop me some info i would appreciate it. Also, do any of you guys think a shortened bed would look goofy? Just picturing it i think it would make the bed look more boxy'ish but not really too bad i don't suppose. Also if you guys have info on wheelbases i could use that too, just to give me a rough figure as to how much i would have to take off the front of the bed. Thanks for your time and reading my novel :LOL: