I am new to this, so forgive me if I do not follow protocal. I recently purchased a '41 Chevy 3/4 T PU. I'm doing a frame off resto and in doing so discovered that the frame and drive (drive shaft, front and rr axles, suspension, all brake related items) were a complete mess. I purchased a new (old) frame from a '46 Chevy PU (1/2 T) and want to know how and what drive (excluding Trans and engine) I can retro to it. I wnat to keep the stock appearance of the truck, but would lile to have a new(er) drivetrain. I've heard that you can use a Chevy S-10 and purchase 5 or 6 bolt wheels from the original era to keep the stock look. I will then have more modern brakes and suspension. Also, I do not care whether it is 1/2 T or 3/4 T if 1/2 T is easier to obtain parts for.

Jaybird:
Welcome to the Chat! Happy New Year!
I too have heard an S-10 frame can be used with this era body. I think there is a boat load of info on that swap at the Stovebolt site. There is a lot on knowledge here too, but mostly geared toward keeping things stock.
I've learned a lot from members at both forums. I'm presently working on a '46 half ton. It will be mostly stock, but likely will have upgrades for safety, such as lighting.

The brakes for later years can be upgraded to self adjusting (Bendix ?) using the existing axels and spindles, so I've been told. Too late for me now as I had already redone the '46 to the original Huck-type. Either will allow use of six bolt wheels.

Good Luck!
37Blue

Thanks for getting back to me so quickly. I'm at the point in this where I could go either way (replace with an S-10 or similar drive or find a new (old) replacemant) My objective is to restore this '41 to a stock appearance but like you, have the best of both worlds - the great Deco style with a safe modern highway drive. I'm sticking with the three speed manual (although I just bought a 4 speed tranny due here this week, we'll see if that will fit) So, if you have any sources for new (old) axles, springs, wheels, brakes (especially brakes) that meet todays safty specs, I'm all ears. The frame was blasted over the weekend and is being painted with POR-15, so I'll be ready for the next step which is putting together the above items. Please keep me in mind for any sources or tips and thanks a bunch.

Jaybird
I dont know if this applies in your case but I have been told that with my 38 if I swap the 3 speed for a 4 speed I will also need to swap the rear end as well because of the driveshaft lengths. As I now have both 3 and 4 speed drivelines as time permits I will investigate the actual differences.
Tony

Take a look at this site. Of course you now have the frame painted.

Jaybird:
My '37 has a 4 speed and the '46 came with a 3 speed. I have not yet driven the '46, but from my experience with the '37, in driving city and highway roads and reading/listening to others experiences the 3 speed is the way to go.

Most parts are readily available from a variety of vendors. I have bought parts from to name a few: The Filling Station, Jim Carter's, Bow Tie Bits, Chevys of the 40's, and the local vendors (NAPA, Autozone, O'reilly's, and Advance) too. Some of the locals offer a discount to car collectors. I have even found usable parts at swap meets. The haggling over price can be fun. E-bay and Craiglist can also be parts sources, but my preference has been to mostly avoid them.

Looks like I left off the link.
http://www.e-zchassisswaps.com/