Building my 3rd dragster, a 1963 Bonneville. Started today and hope to be finished and racing by april 2023...a 1200 HP Blown Alcohol big block should do the trick.

Edited June 2, 20224 yr by Tony Cabler
Added engine pic

Nice! Look forward to seeing more on it! What's been done so far?

6 hours ago, Tony Cabler said:

Building my 3rd dragster, a 1963 Bonneville. Started today and hope to be finished and racing by april 2023...a 1200 HP Blown Alcohol big block should do the trick.

It's a good start anyway! LOL!

Keep us in the loop on your progress Tony. We'd love to see how you build up your car.

Thanks guys, I'm really exited this time around. I've always wanted a big car and at 18 ft x 6 ft, this definitely fits the bill!

So far I've stripped the interior, taken out the windshield wiper system, removed everything out of the engine bay, and painted inner fenders.

Not much but it's a start! 

Welcome Tony, would be super keen for you to keep us up to date with your build 

Look forward to watching your build.

Thanks guys, I'm really exited this time around. I've always wanted a big car and at 18 ft x 6 ft, this definitely fits the bill!

So far I've stripped the interior, taken out the windshield wiper system, removed everything out of the engine bay, and painted inner fenders.

Not much but it's a start! 

I work a schedule of 2 weeks on, 1 week off so it's gonna be slow goin...I'll try to keep consistent posts and pics. When I get back I'll cut the floors out and start the engine/trans initial fit.

Thats great Tony, i hope wrongway sees your post he is building a 63 

i am sure he will be interested too 

Ohh yeah! Cant wait to see where this goes!!!

Update: I've purchased the fuel system so the next move is doing the initial install of the engine and trans. It may be a few weeks as my son bought a 1953 5 window pickup and needs to put a S-10 frame under it. We're about 1/2 complete with that. We had to stretch it 8" and put bags in it. Also taking 2" out of a 8.8 ford rearend so everything fits nice. My other project is my wife's 1964 Barracuda...it's getting a 360 with a 4 speed soon...anyway, more to come with Bonnie, she's patiently waiting.

Great work.

I'd love to know how you put a '53 Chevy 5-window pickup on a S-10 frame. I've heard of guys doing it. I understand why, with the more modern suspension / 4-wheel disc brakes / V6-V8 power choices / etc. available. It makes for a great driving ride with available part. I am curious to know how much fab work is required to get the body, bed, and fender/grill mounts right.

Edited July 6, 20223 yr by Frosty

Thankz for posting.  We always like pic's N a story!

Well Frosty, the 1st thing is, if you can find a extended cab S-10, you won't need to extend the frame 8" 

We couldn't find one. I cut the frame in 1/2 and spliced in a channel 8" the same thickness as the frame, 3/16", using 24" section of 1/4" mild steel and 2 tie plates. Next is the C-notch for the rear so it can be lowered to the ground using an air bag system. It's pretty straight forward. My son got all his design cues from u-tube.

Thanks. I am familiar with C-notching the frame for air bags, which is cool. I'm more interested in how to measure up the frame to fab the mounts for the cab and bed and if you have to extend the front frame rails to support the front fenders, core support, and grille. I can see where an extended cab S-10 chassis is a better starting point. Any model year of extended S-10 chassis  better than others?

Edited July 7, 20223 yr by Frosty

Not really too familiar with this swap. We havent reached the core support or fender mounts yet. So far we've streched the fram 8" and installed the front bags. Next we C-notch and install the rear bags and the diff after we cut out 2" from it. From there, cab goes on after fabbing and installing the mounts. From there my son has the design job...I'm just the fabricator/welder. Hahaha...I have the easy part! I'll try to remember to keep you updated when we get further along.

Ok, sorry it's been a long time since posting...I have nearly all the parts needed to start the engine install but before I do, I must remove the fenders, inner fenders, core support, front grill assembly and cut out the firewall. I pick up the fiberglass hood, bumpers and deck lid on Friday. I've got to shed at least 800 lbs off of her. So, I'll keep in touch and take pics when I finally get something done! Chow for now...

Got my fibergass from VFN...The hood fit perfectly but the deck lid 🤯 not so much. I'm hopeful the bumpers fit. We'll see later today 🤞

yip that looks like a square peg for a round hole!!!  no way thats going to fit !!!

Checked the bumpers and they're an exact match. The factory must have sent a different year deck lid is all I can figure. I do possess the skill set to extend the piece but I really don't want to. 

Sorry it's been awhile since my last post...

Turns out VFN only manufactures the deck lid for a Catalina...They didn't bother to tell me as I ordered all my BONNEVILLE  parts!

Oh well, they made me a flat panel and shipped it out as soon as they could. It'll be a little work but better than using the 30 lb. Steel one.

Anyway, bad bonnie is getting her new mill installed this week. I worked on her for 14 hours yesterday and back at it this morning...

Whatta beast!!!!  Like to see the progress.  Thankz for sharing your pic's N stories.  EVERYTHING is a challenge, I have had quite the frustrating summer.  1 step at a time. 

Bro, she looks awesome!!!

Thanks but... This morning I may be picking up a '69 Road Runner and doing a forbidden swap. If I do get it, I have another BBC and a SBC that may be a substitute. They're normally aspirated and, for Bonnie this is for the best. The 1200 hp is just too much and it would take the life right out of her. I've decided to sell her as a drag racing "starter kit" with the intention of selling it cheap to allow a high schooler or a younger person to hopfully keep our hobby alive.

42 minutes ago, Tony Cabler said:

Thanks but... This morning I may be picking up a '69 Road Runner and doing a forbidden swap. If I do get it, I have another BBC and a SBC that may be a substitute. They're normally aspirated and, for Bonnie this is for the best. The 1200 hp is just too much and it would take the life right out of her. I've decided to sell her as a drag racing "starter kit" with the intention of selling it cheap to allow a high schooler or a younger person to hopfully keep our hobby alive.

There you go Wrongway ! a drag car to keep your 63 company !

It'd have to be real cheap or I may end up sleeping in it