Woo Hoo It's Started! [Archive]

ccracin

01-08-2007, 07:48 PM

Yesterday was a good day, we finally got the 68 Chevy pick-up project off the ground. After months of talking and design work we finally made some sparks. The complete new rectangular tube chassis is started. I attached pics. I have a friend of mine doing the welding, he is awesome. Not only is he doing the welding, we are building the chassis in his shop until we get ours cleaned up. We have a complete new Morrison front IFS and Morrison Triangulated 4 Bar for the rear ready to weld in. I have to say Craig, Matt and Don at Morrison are great guys to deal with. I am also working with Tim at Paradise Road for alot of the components for the truck. Great guy as well. The other exciting part is that we are going to be working with Ben Hermance on some renderings for the truck. Things are starting to come together. I hope this thread is long and updated often. We will see.

novanutcase

01-09-2007, 01:12 AM

When your done I have a '69 Chevy Truck for you to do!!!!:lol:

Looks like a great start to a great project!!

John

deuce_454

01-09-2007, 01:56 AM

wow, looks awesome, like the fact that you have started out with some sufficiently stiff square tubing... to many people build flimsy round tube frames just because of looks..

are you sure the kick-up is high enough or is that the front end?? if you want to negotiate corners, you want your C of G as close to your roll center as possible, that means lowering the craf out of a tall legged pickup like yours.. 6 inches of ground clearance should be more tnat enough to go anywhere, will the body and bed eb channeled over the frame also??

big congrats on starting the project by the way, and the welds look awesome btw

ccracin

01-09-2007, 05:36 AM

When your done I have a '69 Chevy Truck for you to do!!!!:lol:

Looks like a great start to a great project!!

John

We can talk! How is the cage for your car progressing? Thanks for the good words!

wow, looks awesome, like the fact that you have started out with some sufficiently stiff square tubing... to many people build flimsy round tube frames just because of looks..

are you sure the kick-up is high enough or is that the front end?? if you want to negotiate corners, you want your C of G as close to your roll center as possible, that means lowering the craf out of a tall legged pickup like yours.. 6 inches of ground clearance should be more tnat enough to go anywhere, will the body and bed eb channeled over the frame also??

big congrats on starting the project by the way, and the welds look awesome btw

That is the front kick-up. The ride height will be 6.25 at the front cab mount and 7.125 at the rear. I live in south western Pennsylvania, the roads are terrible! The rocker panels end up just about to the bottom of the frame rails, so the cab will not be channeled. The rear kick up is much more aggressive, so we will be moving the bed floor up about 3.5". Thanks for the encouragement.

XcYZ

01-09-2007, 06:03 AM

Cool, keep us posted. :thumbsup:

Hdesign

01-09-2007, 07:29 AM

Ahhh, I love the smell of progress in the morning! Looks like you're off to a strong start Chad.

This is going to be a really fun project from my perspective because these trucks are such a clean sheet of paper to work with. They visually lend themselves well to mods and I jumped at the chance to be involved with it's transformation. :thumbsup:

ccracin

01-09-2007, 08:04 AM

novanutcase

01-09-2007, 08:40 AM

We can talk! How is the cage for your car progressing? Thanks for the good words!

GREAT!!! I think we've figured out most of the design so, hopefully in the next few weeks I will be able to post some pics of it! BTW thanks for the advice!:hail:

John

ccracin

01-16-2007, 05:43 AM

Well, we now have a complete frame. The 4 bar is tacked in with the rearend housing and the cross member is tacked in. I am really pleased with the outcome so far. Hopefully by the end of the weekend we will be as far as we can until more parts show up. What do you guys think so far? :P

http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r35/ccracin/DSC00081.jpg
http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r35/ccracin/DSC00086.jpg
http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r35/ccracin/DSC00088.jpg

ccracin

01-16-2007, 07:34 PM

Now those pictures look better!

novanutcase

01-16-2007, 07:37 PM

WOW!!! That thing is going to be FRICKIN' AWESOME!!!! I definitely need to talk to you about the '69 I got!!!:thumbsup:

ccracin

01-17-2007, 05:41 AM

WOW!!! That thing is going to be FRICKIN' AWESOME!!!! I definitely need to talk to you about the '69 I got!!!:thumbsup:

Thanks John. It is really taking shape. I almost can't stand it. We are going to place the rear upper coil over mounts tonight and the front upper control arm mounts. Then we will start on the motor and tranny mounts as well as the x-member. When more parts arrive we may have a roller in a couple weeks. :willy:

ccracin

01-21-2007, 07:26 AM

Moving along! The x-member is tacked in, the motor mounts are in progress, the rear suspension brackets are finish welded, and the trans mount is tacked together. Lots of welding to do. The completed chassis should be heading home soon. Coooooool!!!!!!!:woot:

http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r35/ccracin/DSC00105.jpg
http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r35/ccracin/DSC00101.jpg
http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r35/ccracin/DSC00108.jpg
http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r35/ccracin/DSC00095.jpg

deuce_454

01-21-2007, 08:07 AM

MaxHarvard

01-21-2007, 08:09 AM

Wow good job, nice jig and nice welds!! :):thumbsup:

ccracin

01-21-2007, 01:07 PM

wow that is fast and well thought thru progress.. like the way you kept the rollcenter at axle-height in the rear! the crossmember also look almost un-americanly stiff and well engineered (no offence intended to other chassis builders, but many a chassis is built for looks, not function) the welds are beautifull

what is the IFS? M-2 based? custom??

Thanks Deuce, (sorry I forgot your real name).
I've been working for months designing the chassis. Progress can be made when you make a plan and stick to it. We'll see how long that lasts! LOL I can't take credit for the 4-bar or IFS. Those are Morrison pieces, their workmanship and engineering are very good. I spent alot of time deciding first whether to design and build everything myself or to purchase certain key components. In the end we chose to purchase the weld-in IFS and tri-angulated 4 bar. I designed the rest to package these items for our project. So far it has been a good compromise between form, function, cost, and time. I really appreciate the kind words, I've been working very hard at this. My buddy that is doing the welding will also appreciate the kind words. the front end is based on M-2 stuff. Morrison has done a good job improving on this time tested set-up. I know it is not ideal for a track vehicle, but for the cost and ease of obtaining parts it fit for us on this project. It certainly will be leaps and bounds better than anything we could have done with a stock 68 Chevy Pick-Up chassis. The plan for the rest of the truck is underway, I'll be working with Ben Hermance shortly to refine the vision for the rest of the project. Again, thank alot for the kind words.

Wow good job, nice jig and nice welds!!

Thanks Max. The jig is left over from circletrack racing days. We built it to repair and setup the racecars. It is working great for this project. What's happening with the TOP SECRET project? Any hits on ebay?

Stay tuned!

ccracin

02-21-2007, 06:24 PM

The chassis is in the car trailer waiting for a space to be made in the garage. We did however get a nice package from Tim at PRRC. Wilwood Big Brake kit for the front and 12" kit for the rear. It's like Christmas all over again. Thanks Tim, you guys are great to work with. :thumbsup: The axles and third member should be done in a week or so. We are getting ready to start the rust repair on the cab (Yuck)! I guess you take the good with the bad.

Stay Tuned!

ccracin

02-21-2007, 06:26 PM

By the way Scott, if you want to move this thread to the truck section feel free. Or leave it here, thanks.

T Bell

02-21-2007, 07:36 PM

talk about a stiff frame. That thing looks "beefy". Shoot a couple of pics over to the OEM truck guys and tell them "this is how it's done.

black2002ls

02-21-2007, 08:50 PM

This is looking GREAT!

ccracin

02-22-2007, 05:03 AM

Thanks for the good words guys!

ccracin

03-04-2007, 06:40 AM

I just wanted to post a quick update. I don't have anything to show yet, but we have been working on concepts with Ben at Hermance design. All I can say is WOW, his talent and ideas are unbelievable. The project ratcheted up a couple notches just from his first couple suggestions. Stay tuned!:D

ccracin

04-02-2007, 07:14 PM

We are still working with Ben, and he continues to impress. We are also continuing progress. The cab is off to the sand blaster! The truck came from Washington state to PA and then lived here for years. All in all no too bad. We will see!
http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r35/ccracin/DSC00212.jpg
http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r35/ccracin/DSC00211.jpg
http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r35/ccracin/DSC00213.jpg
http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r35/ccracin/DSC00214.jpg

awr68

04-02-2007, 08:16 PM

I love this project! What welder are you guys using? What drive train is planned?

Hdesign

04-02-2007, 08:41 PM

Chad, I'm thinkin we should stick with this beautiful aqua color. Teals are making a comeback......Whaddya think?

71Nova

04-03-2007, 12:53 AM

Nooo Don't do it.....

ccracin

04-03-2007, 05:19 AM

Chad, I'm thinkin we should stick with this beautiful aqua color. Teals are making a comeback......Whaddya think?

Ben, it's amazing how you are able to read my mind like that!!!!!! Although you missed just a bit. I was thinking of a 2-tone with the aqua and neon yellow!!!!!:thumbsup:

ccracin

04-03-2007, 05:28 AM

I love this project! What welder are you guys using? What drive train is planned?

Anthony,

Thanks for the good words. The drive train is as follows: 502BBC, EFI, 4l80E, 9" Ford w/ Strange Center, Tru-Trac, 3.89 gears and Moser axles. That makes it go, Wilwood 13's and 12's from Tim at PRRC will get it stopped.

As for the welder, I'm not sure wether you meant who or what!!LOL A friend of mine is doing the welding for us. He has used a combination of MIG and TIG depending on the part. He is one of the best I've seen. If anyone near by needs some welding done I can get you in touch. Anyway stay tuned we are going to try to keep moving.

Hdesign

04-03-2007, 06:29 AM

Ben, it's amazing how you are able to read my mind like that!!!!!! Although you missed just a bit. I was thinking of a 2-tone with the aqua and neon yellow!!!!!:thumbsup:

Staying right on the leading edge of all the most current trends I see. Freakin Schweeet!

Sales@Dutchboys

04-03-2007, 07:47 AM

Killer. We need more bad a$$ trucks.

1971novaSS

04-03-2007, 07:34 PM

Photo chopped by buddy at Pro-touring forum, But its close to looking like the pic below, Just need to chop and paint and assemble. LOVE your truck so far, that Chev will be awesome!

http://i179.photobucket.com/albums/w296/1971novaSS/Cales.jpg
http://i179.photobucket.com/albums/w296/1971novaSS/100_0186.jpg
http://i179.photobucket.com/albums/w296/1971novaSS/100_0185.jpg
http://i179.photobucket.com/albums/w296/1971novaSS/100_0183.jpg

1951 Ford F150, fully custom. Shortened wheelbase by about 12 inches. Complete custom floor pans, Channeled, bout to start Choping the top. 428, with late model nascar 4 speed. Hurst shifter, Custom rear housing(housing in the picture has been replaced with a different 9 inch... Anyone need 9 inch... haha, jk, im sure ill put it in something), Mustang II front suspension, 4 link rear suspension, Shockwaves all four corners. Flip up front hood, custom made. Grill recessed 6 inches. Custom sheetmetal work on front Grill, Willwood discs all four corners. Custom firewall.

Everything custom, Looks like our frames should be married.... Almost identical, But these are old pics, frame was modified more after these were taken.

And wheels will be 22's in rear and 20's in front, i believe.

ccracin

04-04-2007, 05:04 PM

Those year Fords are hot. Your chassis looks great, but I guess I'm biased!lol Keep me updated on your progress. Oh, and thanks for the good words!:thumbsup:

1971novaSS

04-04-2007, 06:13 PM

Thanks for the comment chad. Oh and by the way... I am From WA, where your truck came from. Must be some good stuff in this state:_paranoid ? lol :D

ccracin

04-11-2007, 06:15 PM

The cab is back from blasting. No suprises! Time to get on with the rust repair.
http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r35/ccracin/Camera_41107132.jpg
http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r35/ccracin/Camera_41107123.jpg
http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r35/ccracin/Camera_41107130.jpg
http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r35/ccracin/Camera_41107126.jpg
http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r35/ccracin/Camera_41107131.jpg

ccracin

04-11-2007, 06:18 PM

If you want to check out all the pictures, here is the link!

http://s140.photobucket.com/albums/r35/ccracin/

Hdesign

04-11-2007, 06:26 PM

I'm shocked it only has that much rust. Except for a couple spots, it's just a ton of pin holes. Pretty good start.:)

Phewes

04-15-2007, 06:36 PM

Im subscribed! :)

Keep up the good work!

Chops

08-24-2007, 05:24 PM

Hey guys this is Chad. I just got my dad (the owner) on the net and over here. This is his username. Everyone calls him Chops. So please welcome him. A quick update, the chassis is back in our shop. The cab should be coming home this week. (Finally!) I'll be posting some new pics soon.

Chad c/o my dad's new account.

Hdesign

08-24-2007, 07:52 PM

Welcome aboard! This place gets addictive!:D

Sales@Dutchboys

08-24-2007, 07:57 PM

:yes:

This place gets addictive!:D

Glad that you helped your dad become a member, I had to do the same! lol

ccracin

11-14-2007, 08:29 PM

Well not much fab progress, but we did bring home some new members of the project. New front fenders, cowl induction hood, front bumper, and complete new bed sheetmetal. Gotta love parts!

http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r35/ccracin/DSC01706.jpg
http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r35/ccracin/DSC01704.jpg

Time to get at it!

ccracin

12-14-2007, 12:27 PM

I have been working on some more details of the chassis on the computer. Shop work will probably start back up after Christmas.
http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r35/ccracin/chassis_rev_1.jpg

Some Rust Repair:
http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r35/ccracin/Cab_3.jpg

Some more metalwork:
http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r35/ccracin/Cab_2.jpg
http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r35/ccracin/Cab_1.jpg

Well it's still moving along but man is it slow. If I could only forget about all of my other responsibilities, I might get something done!

awr68

12-14-2007, 04:27 PM

Baby steps my friend! Little by little and it will get done! That's the only way I got threw all my fabrication on the camaro...and now it's all paying off!

Trucks looking good BTW, I love those years and would like to have one one day!

Evil_s10

12-16-2007, 09:45 AM

Like stated above. it'll get done and get done right. In due time. Its good to see some sick looking truck projects here now!

abadsvt

03-26-2008, 06:08 PM

Sweet looking frame Chad!!!! I love the design and all that X bracing in the frame. Wanna swap frames:thumbsup: Keep up the great work!

Josh

ccracin

03-26-2008, 07:17 PM

Thanks Josh. You going to leave the drive train in it? LOL

Well we havn't made any more progress in construction, but we did get some more parts. It was a coooold winter here in SW PA. We didn't get the furnace in the garage before the cold snap, so it was into the basement to finish it. My twin girls toys are going to run me out of the house. LOL I hope to get back in the garage in the next couple weeks. Anyway here is some of the new stuff:

New Strange Aluminum Center Section, 3.89 Gear, Tru Trac, 1350 Chromoly Yoke, Daytona Aluminum Bearing Support. I love it.
http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r35/ccracin/DSC02138.jpg
http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r35/ccracin/DSC02142.jpg

Moser 31 Spline Axles:
http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r35/ccracin/DSC02146.jpg

This is a tool I designed and had built for checking wheel fitment. And I didn't copy the one Marty has. Honest, I had this one drawn before I found out there was one on the market.
http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r35/ccracin/DSC02135.jpg

It's still progress, but slow!

Later,

abadsvt

04-30-2008, 11:52 AM

Any updates? I can't wait any longer:D

ccracin

04-30-2008, 06:13 PM

Unfortunately not yet. I am still trying to finish up my basement and my Dad is finishing remodeling a bed room for Mom. He's getting reved up again. He is working on a fixture to lift the cab with an engine hoist. I'm hoping to get back on it in May. What's going on with your project? I havn't seen any updates either. Thanks for checking in.

Later,

abadsvt

05-01-2008, 07:46 AM

Thats a bumber! I was hoping you had the truck done by now:D . Well i ran into a small problem. I didn't have enough $ to finish the truck they way i wanted. Do you remember my other build from the 67-72 truck forum? I bought all the stuff (shockwaves, 4link, and so on) for the other build and then when i found the c5 drivetrain i put all that stuff in storage. So i decided to build another truck using all those parts that i already paid for and try to get it completed by the end summer so i can sell it and use the money for the c5 truck. I know that sounds kind of crazy but it was the only way I could finish my truck without getting into debt. Good news is that i should have the frame and suspension completed by the end of next week. Talk to you later

stepasyd

07-15-2008, 02:49 PM

That truck is gonna be bad***! :thumbsup:

Anymore progress on it?

ccracin

07-15-2008, 06:27 PM

Thanks. It's been slow with other commitments. We just got back from the Goodguys Columbus show and we are ready to go. Hopefully there will be something to post soon.

Later,

ccracin

07-04-2009, 08:54 AM

Well here we are a year from my last post. I can't believe how things get away from you! Anyway, it is my pleasure to say we have made true progress this past week and hopefully can keep it going. My dad is struggling with back problems, but I told him sit in a chair and tell me what you like and don't like, we are getting this thing rolling! Finally some pics to prove I'm not BS'ing.

http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r35/ccracin/IMG_1194.jpg

http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r35/ccracin/IMG_1195.jpg

http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r35/ccracin/IMG_1201.jpg

http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r35/ccracin/IMG_1202.jpg

http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r35/ccracin/IMG_1203.jpg

After we are done celebrating today, we are going to set the motor and tranny in tomorrow. This will be a true test to check the initial fit. I want to get measurements to start looking into headers and exhaust. Knowing that we are moving will make our trip to Columbus that much better. The mock-up phase is officially started! Hopefully some more pics Sunday,

Later,

ironworks

07-04-2009, 09:14 AM

Lookin good, see ya in Columbus. We leave tommorrow for a short drive with 2 cars in the trailer.

Rodger

ccracin

07-04-2009, 09:23 AM

Thanks. Where you guys staying? We will be at the Candlewood Suites off the Polaris Parkway. Right across from Texas Roadhouse and Hooters! I think they sell 5-hour energy by the case. Keep it between the ditches and be safe. See you guys there.

ccracin

07-05-2009, 06:47 PM

As promised, the motor and tranny are in. We had an old set of big block first gen headers from Mr. Gasket to try. They are close. The engine is set back a bit to keep that big block from causing an incurable under steer problem. Anyone have any recommendations for custom headers? I can send these with the changes that need to be made. Should make it easier. Anyway, here are some pictures. We are going to try and get some more done before Columbus, but we are leaving on Thursday. Gotta cut the grass, do some things for the family before GUY TIME! Enjoy.

http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r35/ccracin/IMG_1278.jpg

http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r35/ccracin/IMG_1274.jpg

http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r35/ccracin/IMG_1270.jpg

http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r35/ccracin/IMG_1264.jpg

:lateral:

ccracin

07-15-2009, 09:12 PM

We hung the front control arms and spindles to start the mock up process for clearances etc. Things seem to be going as planned. Did I just say that? We then got the Rad support in it's correct location and hung the doors and a fender to see what we had. Not too bad so far. We'll get the hubs on and then mount the tire on my check fixture to check clearances in dive and roll. As always, comments good and bad are welcome.

Enjoy:

http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r35/ccracin/IMG_1572.jpg

http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r35/ccracin/IMG_1573.jpg

http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r35/ccracin/IMG_1571.jpg

http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r35/ccracin/IMG_1576.jpg

http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r35/ccracin/IMG_1578.jpg

ccracin

07-15-2009, 09:13 PM

One more, and by the way that isn't the actual tire. It was just the right diameter.

http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r35/ccracin/IMG_1577.jpg

ccracin

09-23-2009, 06:24 PM

Work continues! Not as fast as I would like, but never the less it continues. See if you guys notice the difference in the next 2 photos from the previous.

http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r35/ccracin/Misc/IMG_1587.jpg

http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r35/ccracin/Misc/IMG_1588.jpg

Anybody?

Well the big block is history. As with so many projects we have changed directions as well. It's the same old story, A guy says "Is that engine for sale?" My Dad says "Maybe". After a couple conversations and some research down the road it goes and we are moving on to an LS based engine. The engine in the truck is borrowed from a friend. It is a 5.3 from Shwanke racing engines. It was run in an asphalt Late Model circle track car for a season. One of the local tracks "Experiments!" Anyway he was happy to lend it to me until he sells it. A little tweaking here and there and Shazam! it's in.

The next project is what headers to use. After getting very little in the way of dimensions from manufacturers and plenty of sticker shock, the brain damage kicked in an off I went to my computer. This is what I came up with.

http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r35/ccracin/Misc/PassHeader.jpg

http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r35/ccracin/Misc/DriverHeader.jpg

After a call to SPD Exhaust a box of flanges collectors an bends showed up. Here is where I'm at so far.

http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r35/ccracin/Misc/IMG_1719.jpg

more........

ccracin

09-23-2009, 06:26 PM

http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r35/ccracin/Misc/IMG_1722.jpg

I am happy so far. The tubes for the passenger side are cut. I'll start tacking them up tomorrow. Stay tuned! Comments are welcomed as always. :lateral:

Later,

waynieZ

09-23-2009, 07:13 PM

I was going to send you a link to a project where a member is using a kit to mark up your headers and send them back and they build them but Dang you don't need any help. Those look sweet ! When your done can I fly you in to make mine ??? lol I read the part at the top of this page about it taking a long time. Enjoy the time with your farther when your old like me you'll miss every minute of it. Nice work. Wayne

ccracin

09-24-2009, 04:55 AM

Thanks Wayne. I enjoy every minute we spend working on it. I just want to get to enjoying every minute using it with him a little quicker. I'm heading over the garage tonight to start tacking up the passenger header. It's progress.

Thanks Again!

waynieZ

09-24-2009, 04:58 AM

Don't feel bad I can only look at mine online. lol

Garage Dog 65

09-24-2009, 08:00 PM

Now you're rolling Chad !!! Great work on those headers :thumbsup: You'll be in paint real soon !!!

Jim

ccracin

09-25-2009, 04:46 AM

Now you're rolling Chad !!! Great work on those headers :thumbsup: You'll be in paint real soon !!!

Jim

Thanks Jim. At this rate we may just drive it in bare metal!:lol: Talk to you later.

ccracin

09-25-2009, 04:54 AM

The passenger side header is all tacked together. I got home too late to down load the pictures. I'll get that done in the next day or two. Now it's off to my welder to have him TIG the tube joints then back on the engine to mount the flanges and collectors. I will be ordering the exhaust materials this week. Progress is good! :woot:

tones2SS

09-25-2009, 07:21 AM

Looks awesome Chad. Keep us posted.:cheers:

craigs73

09-25-2009, 08:15 AM

this is a sweet truck keep up the great work:thumbsup:

HWY Nova

09-25-2009, 08:29 AM

Now you're rolling Chad !!! Great work on those headers :thumbsup: You'll be in paint real soon !!!

Jim

At this rate you'll be ready for Columbus!!!!!! Looking good.

--Eric

ccracin

09-25-2009, 09:56 AM

At this rate you'll be ready for Columbus!!!!!! Looking good.

--Eric
I notice you didn't put a year? :_paranoid Thanks!

ccracin

09-27-2009, 05:28 PM

As promised I have a picture of the passenger side header tacked up. The tubes are now at the welder to be tig'd. I can't wait to see them.

http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r35/ccracin/IMG_1730.jpg

We also got the new Corbeau seats a couple weeks ago. We are able to start planning the dash and console now. These are some comfortable seats with decent lateral support.

http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r35/ccracin/IMG_1728.jpg

That's it for now. More to come.

68/Camaro

09-28-2009, 08:25 AM

Keep up the good work Chad! Looking Great!!:thumbsup:

HWY Nova

09-28-2009, 08:45 AM

Chad,

Do you have anymore 3D models to show us? I know you do, and we would love to see them!

You have an awesome truck!!!!

--Eric

ccracin

09-28-2009, 09:10 AM

Keep up the good work Chad! Looking Great!!:thumbsup:

Thanks Bill. I hope you are enjoying that beast you have.

Chad,

Do you have anymore 3D models to show us? I know you do, and we would love to see them!

You have an awesome truck!!!!

--Eric

Eric,

I'll look and see what I have. While we were not able to be in the garage working on the truck I was able to get some things designed and modeled. Since I have been in the garage, I am falling behind on my models. LOL There is only so much time. What do you still have up your sleeve? Thanks for the compliment. It's hard trying to keep up with Nova Works!

Later,

ccracin

09-29-2009, 09:48 AM

Here is one I have been playing with Eric. Just plain right know, but this is just a base to work ideas from.

http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r35/ccracin/Cover1.jpg

HWY Nova

09-29-2009, 10:57 AM

Here is one I have been playing with Eric. Just plain right know, but this is just a base to work ideas from.

http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r35/ccracin/Cover1.jpg

Nice model. Will your coil packs be mounted on the valve covers or remotely?

You can always configure the cover such that there is a secondary cover to hide the coil packs.

Keep modeling!

--Eric

ccracin

09-29-2009, 11:11 AM

Right now, remotely. I'm not even planning on making these myself. This is just for planning and ideas. There are so many people making them, I don't think it is necessary unless I do something like you are describing to hide the packs. Hmmmmmmm.................

Later,

bill amsley

10-04-2009, 04:27 PM

lookin good,i can tell that you are also laying awake in bed dreaming up cool ideas. lol bill keep up the good work

ccracin

10-04-2009, 04:52 PM

lookin good,i can tell that you are also laying awake in bed dreaming up cool ideas. lol bill keep up the good work

You now the drill! I come up with my best stuff staring at the shadows on the ceiling. Thanks Bill, that means alot coming from a fellow truck guy. Yours is looking great. We aren't that far apart, we'll have to hook up some time.

Later,

bill amsley

10-05-2009, 05:21 PM

You now the drill! I come up with my best stuff staring at the shadows on the ceiling. Thanks Bill, that means alot coming from a fellow truck guy. Yours is looking great. We aren't that far apart, we'll have to hook up some time.

Later,

love to, if your ever close by im only 25 min from the carlisle show. ive got a few intake vent ideas, and you seem to have some cad skills , i can barley post pictures,maybe you help me out. bill

ccracin

10-05-2009, 06:41 PM

Absolutely Bill. I'm sure we can come up with something. PM me and we can exchange info. :thumbsup:

ccracin

10-07-2009, 03:31 PM

Well I've got a little more to show. The header tubes are welded and tacked into the flanges. We are going to put the collectors on tomorrow and try to have them buttoned up this week.

http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r35/ccracin/IMG_1745.jpg

http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r35/ccracin/IMG_1744.jpg

We also got a package of material to start the exhaust after the headers are complete. Check this out. It's like fine jewelry!

http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r35/ccracin/IMG_1743.jpg

While I was waiting for the header tubes I decided it was time to remove the dash. Anyone need a stock 68 dash. It can be welded right back in! Just not in this truck!

http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r35/ccracin/IMG_1734.jpg

Anyway, that's it for now. Going to try and keep rolling! :woot:

HWY Nova

10-07-2009, 03:53 PM

Very Nice!

--Eric

waynieZ

10-07-2009, 05:42 PM

They probably cost as much as fine jewelry too. lol Nice Work ...

GregWeld

10-07-2009, 05:45 PM

You be da man!

EEEEEEEEHHHHHHHHHAAAAAAAAAAA

It's just better than Christmas!!

ccracin

10-07-2009, 07:09 PM

Very Nice!
--Eric

Thanks Eric! Whatchu guys got up your sleeves these days?

They probably cost as much as fine jewelry too. lol Nice Work ...

They are definitely not cheap, but not bad from where we got them. Check out www.mandrelbends.com. Great quality and the best prices I could find on V-Bands.

You be da man!

EEEEEEEEHHHHHHHHHAAAAAAAAAAA

It's just better than Christmas!!

Christmas come early! Now I just have to see if I can put it all together and not make jewelry into junk!

Thanks for the good words guys!

T_Raven

10-07-2009, 11:14 PM

Nice project, I love this body style. I had to sell my 72 GMC but I plan to build another one one of these days.

tones2SS

10-08-2009, 10:24 AM

Very nice. Early Christmas presents for you.:cheers:

ccracin

10-12-2009, 07:14 PM

The headers are complete minus some flange smoothing and dress up. We are ready to move on to the exhaust system. Check out the progress!

http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r35/ccracin/IMG_1754.jpg

http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r35/ccracin/IMG_1763.jpg

http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r35/ccracin/IMG_1754.jpg

http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r35/ccracin/IMG_1755.jpg

http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r35/ccracin/IMG_1751.jpg

one more.......

ccracin

10-12-2009, 07:15 PM

last one.

http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r35/ccracin/IMG_1749.jpg

I'll be back at it soon. Stay tuned! :lateral:

214Chevy

10-12-2009, 10:05 PM

waynieZ

10-12-2009, 10:07 PM

Very nice! I can't wait to see the exhaust.

ccracin

10-30-2009, 06:15 PM

Well I finally got the passenger side exhaust all tacked together. Man, it takes forever to make all the little bracket and tabs. Oh, and then you actually have to be able to get the pipes in and out of the chassis. Anyway, here is what we came up with. I am pretty sure we are going to have to skip the balance pipe. We'll see. Anyway here is the progress so far.

http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r35/ccracin/IMG_1801.jpg

http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r35/ccracin/IMG_1800.jpg

http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r35/ccracin/IMG_1794.jpg

http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r35/ccracin/IMG_1797.jpg

http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r35/ccracin/IMG_1799.jpg

more.................

ccracin

10-30-2009, 06:18 PM

more................

http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r35/ccracin/IMG_1791.jpg

We also made a cart to put the cab on when it's not on the chassis. It really helps move it out of the way.

http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r35/ccracin/IMG_1766.jpg

Well, that's it for now. On to the driver side. Another same as the other! :yes:

Later,

HWY Nova

10-30-2009, 06:32 PM

NICE WORK!!!!

--Eric

GregWeld

10-30-2009, 06:38 PM

Don't cha just love building stuff!!

Nice work!!

Nothing better than just hitting the shop and making some stuff!

:thumbsup:

ccracin

10-30-2009, 06:41 PM

Don't cha just love building stuff!!

Nice work!!

Nothing better than just hitting the shop and making some stuff!

:thumbsup:

I absolutely do. I wish I could do only that! :yes: Off to play the powerball!!!!!1:lol:

Thanks for the good words.

ccracin

10-30-2009, 06:43 PM

NICE WORK!!!!

--Eric

Thanks Eric! I'm trying!

waynieZ

11-01-2009, 11:47 AM

Looking good!

ccracin

11-03-2009, 02:39 PM

Got the drivers side tacked together. Time to put the cab back on and get the bed mocked up. Progress, I love it when a plan comes together!

http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r35/ccracin/IMG_1861.jpg

http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r35/ccracin/IMG_1862.jpg

:D

abadsvt

11-03-2009, 03:05 PM

YEAH CHAD!!!! Sweet pic and great work! Diggin the exhaust!!:cheers:

Josh

68/Camaro

11-11-2009, 07:54 AM

Hey Chad! Looking Good!:thumbsup:

ccracin

11-20-2009, 01:19 PM

Thanks Bill. Here is more to look at.

It's time to get the bed on the truck so that some more of the chassis mounted components can get mocked-up. Check it!

http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r35/ccracin/IMG_1874.jpg

http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r35/ccracin/IMG_1871.jpg

The front bed panel is about as flat as the ocean during high tide! Since the bed floor will have to be moved up, this is a piece I will be recreating myself. There is no way I could do worse. Well, I say that now!

http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r35/ccracin/IMG_1977.jpg

http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r35/ccracin/IMG_1980.jpg

This is a 275-45/20 we had laying around. The actual tire will be a 295-45/20 so this is close. It's coming together, I really like the position of the tire in the wheel well. This is really the first time all these pieces are getting mocked up and I see I didn't blow it with the chassis layout.

http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r35/ccracin/IMG_1985.jpg

more......

ccracin

11-20-2009, 01:21 PM

http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r35/ccracin/IMG_1989.jpg

Next, I get to start figuring out the correct bed floor placement and then on to the fuel tank design. Tail pipes can be roughed in as well. Thanks for watching!

HWY Nova

11-20-2009, 02:01 PM

This is HUGE!!!!!! Mounting the body and bed!!!!

Nice...............

--Eric

gracin7

12-04-2009, 03:24 PM

ccracin

12-04-2009, 06:42 PM

Hey Chad,great work like the x and triangulation in the center section of the chassis.I noticed a modified fr bumper and wheels in your first pics,I am using a howe late model fr clip and wide fives on my chevelle pro touring build,I see alot of stockcar influence in your build which is what Im trying to,Rich

Good eye. Alot of circle track knowledge can be put to good use in Pro-Touring builds. Thanks for the kind words. You need to start a build thread.

gracin7

12-04-2009, 06:51 PM

HWY Nova

12-04-2009, 06:54 PM

I have one, its http://www.lateral-g.net/forums/showthread.php4?t=20722,I have to update it Ive got the whole center section done and the rear clip is almost done,and modifying A M 3 link rear suspension,Rich

gracin7: You beat me to the punch..... I was just going to post a link to your thread (I read it today). By the way: KEEP POSTING... AND BUILD IT FASTER.... AND..... You know what we want!

Chad: More pictures please!!!!!

--Eric

gracin7

12-04-2009, 07:11 PM

Thanks Eric,your car is killer,Ive been following it,in my opinion Ironworks is the "KING OF THE MOUNTAIN",I have been working on it a bit(usually when Im painting after hours and in between coats)and I will update my thread thanks for taking notice,Rich PS because of your car and Johns 66 Nova Ive grown to like them and bought a 66 and will be PT ing it as a shop project,sorry to hijack your thread Chad!!!!Later

HWY Nova

12-04-2009, 07:17 PM

Sorry to hijack your thread Chad!!!!Later

I think Chad is much further along than he tells us. He just feeds us a little here, a little there....

--Eric

ccracin

12-04-2009, 07:30 PM

I think Chad is much further along than he tells us. He just feeds us a little here, a little there....

--Eric

Hello Pot, this is Kettle! :_paranoid

796spdbu

01-01-2010, 11:33 PM

Nice build! How long is your jig table?

ccracin

01-02-2010, 04:04 PM

Thanks very much. It's just over 14'. It's actually left over from my stockcar days. It just happened to work for this project.

HWY Nova

01-02-2010, 05:09 PM

Nice build! How long is your jig table?

That's kind of a personnal question!

Chad: More pics please!

--Eric

E.rodz

01-02-2010, 06:36 PM

ccracin

01-02-2010, 07:07 PM

That's kind of a personnal question!

Chad: More pics please!

--Eric

:rofl: When you've got 14', you don't mind telling! :wow:

I'm trying, just getting back into it after Christmas. Twin 5 year olds is something at Christmas! I'm starting to modifiy the bed sides to move the floor up. I'm learning as I go. LOL

ccracin

01-02-2010, 07:09 PM

nice project . love that body style truck. I love the fact that you switched to a ls power plant also. I think this is a decision that you will be happy with in the long run.just a little weight savings on the front end lol.keep up the great work.:thumbsup:

Thanks, I like the new direction as well. Our engine hoist likes it too! :lol: We are going to keep plugging away at it. Thanks again.

796spdbu

01-03-2010, 06:26 AM

Thanks Chad.
Eric..Id be proud of 14'...:rofl: :hail: :willy:

steinepstein

02-24-2010, 04:34 PM

ccracin

02-24-2010, 05:56 PM

CC,

I've been following your build for a while, fantastic.

I am also doing a C10, 68 GMC, and would love to move the motor back, I feel its current location is too far forward and could make a difference in handling and performance. It looks like there is plenty of room to do so, at least move it back to the firewall. I'm doing a SBC, so quick question, would you move it back to the firewall or would you cut out and go back further into the cab?

Thanks,

JE

JE,

Thanks for the kind words. I'm really trying to give my Dad the truck he has always wanted. Obviously moving the motor back will do nothing but help the handling, ride quality etc. WIth that said, the answer to this question comes as another question. How far are you willing to go with this build? We moved our motor back to the point we have to move the firewall back as well. Well the center of it anyway. Everything you do affects another. We went "all the way" per say. New chassis, LS engine, relocated the engine etc. Now we can't get off the shelf anything. I had to build custom headers, exhaust, engine mounts, new fire wall, modified trans tunnel, etc. Now, mounting the a/c is very difficult because of the larger bump in on the fire wall, pedal spacing gets tight for the same reason. Sorry for the book but I am just trying to illustrate what happens when you modify more and more. That all being said if I hadn't designed and built the chassis, I would not have moved it back as far. With a stock chassis and a small block, I would go back some. Maybe an inch or so. Moving all that weight back even an inch will help. I try not to do things that make it difficult to maintain, clean etc. So, I would make sure you have plenty of room to get to the distributor, wires etc. Make sure the distributor will come out etc. These things are all about compromise. As I said before and I'll say it again everything you do affects another. I apologize if this is rambling and incoherent. Just trying to shorten the curve for you. These are just my opinions. I'm learning as I go as well. I hope this helps rather than confuses. LOL Post up some pictures of this project. We need more trucks on the site. Good luck! :cheers:

Garage Dog 65

02-24-2010, 07:36 PM

Anyone built a 68 mid-engine ? You could be the first !

If you're into that kinda thing ....

:)

steinepstein

02-25-2010, 07:28 AM

CC,

All of the items you discussed are all valid and important considerations. Thanks for the comments, it is something I have to go back and forth on because it will continue to pick at me. For now, I'll probably stuff it back as close to the firewall as possible and or reshape the firewall to retain pedal and AC space. Either way, I'll post a couple picks.

Thanks,

JE

ccracin

02-25-2010, 12:52 PM

Anyone built a 68 mid-engine ? You could be the first !

If you're into that kinda thing ....

:)

I'll build it right after the Mid-Engine 356! :cool:

ccracin

04-05-2010, 06:41 PM

Well here are are some photos of the latest project. We are working on raising the floor so that it won't have a hump over the rear clip. Not sexy, but necessary. Enjoy and as always comments good and bad welcome.

http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r35/ccracin/IMG_2216.jpg

http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r35/ccracin/IMG_2193.jpg

http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r35/ccracin/IMG_2194.jpg

http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r35/ccracin/IMG_2195.jpg

http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r35/ccracin/IMG_2197.jpg

..............more

ccracin

04-05-2010, 06:43 PM

http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r35/ccracin/IMG_2206.jpg

http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r35/ccracin/IMG_2209.jpg

http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r35/ccracin/IMG_2215.jpg

http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r35/ccracin/IMG_2210.jpg

http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r35/ccracin/IMG_2213.jpg

That is all for now. Thanks for looking!

Later,

HWY Nova

04-05-2010, 08:46 PM

Looking great Chad!

--Eric

GregWeld

04-05-2010, 09:16 PM

Nice Chad.... :cheers:

waynieZ

04-05-2010, 09:58 PM

Very Nice.

796spdbu

04-12-2010, 06:43 PM

Exellent!

Greg

ccracin

04-16-2010, 06:27 PM

Well the wheel tubs are stretched and the interior bed sides are sectioned to raise the bed floor. It's all tacked together. Now I just have to figure out how I want to attach the wheel tubs to the bed sides. I had to remove the stock bolt in flange to raise the tub and allow the wheel/tire to be moved out toward the wheel well lip. I'm considering welding it together? HMMMM The only reason I can see it was bolted in to begin with is for production reasons. Oh well, looks like I'll be laying awake at night some more to figure this out. Anyway, here is how it is coming together.

http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r35/ccracin/IMG_2425.jpg
http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r35/ccracin/IMG_2426.jpg
http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r35/ccracin/IMG_2427.jpg
http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r35/ccracin/IMG_2430.jpg
http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r35/ccracin/IMG_2428.jpg

Once I figure the wheel tub mounting out, I can move on to building the bed supports and the fuel cell. I love progress and as always, thanks for looking!

waynieZ

04-16-2010, 06:39 PM

Its looking good.

NovaBlue71

04-17-2010, 06:14 AM

Chad, Great project . I just went through this entire post and can't believe I've missed it. This truck is going to be bad a$$. Keep us posted on progress.:thumbsup: Joe

ccracin

05-23-2010, 07:28 PM

We have purchased another truck project that is very similar to this one, but further along. We are going to finish it so that my Dad can have something to play with next summer. We will then get back to this project while he has something to drive unless he gets an offer he can't refuse.:D Check out the new project at the link in my signature. Enjoy!:cheers:

ccracin

09-14-2010, 06:25 PM

The new project has been sold. A friend decided he wanted it and made an offer my Dad did not refuse! LOL This truck is back underway. I will try to post updates soon. I will also keep the other build thread alive. Since a friend has purchased it, I will try to post updates as I get them. :D

steinepstein

09-14-2010, 07:31 PM

ccracin

09-14-2010, 08:04 PM

Good! Glad to hear, I really like the old project...I was tempted to make an offer on it. I have a 1968 GMC that I haven't gotten much work done on either, hot summer and I don't have AC yet, but I keep buying more stuff because there are good deals out there.

I am keeping the stock frame but have gone to air ride front suspension and am correcting the geometry on the trailing arm rear suspension, full air bags all around. Nothing special, but should handle a lot better.

I also bought an LY6 6.0 LS engine, don't know if I want to switch from 383 SBC yet.

Bottom line, is that this is a fantastic project and I you have to get it done! Too cool.

JE

I'm glad to back on it too! This truck is going to be my calling card to some degree. Sounds like you are on the right track. I would do the LS engine. Since you are building it now do it. After you buy everything for the 383 it will be quite a bit more expensive to go LS if you want to. Just my .02.

Thanks for the good words. I'm ready to keep moving!

ja.stoner63

09-15-2010, 02:50 PM

Very nice ride. Thanks for sharing the detailed pictures.

steinepstein

09-16-2010, 11:49 AM

Thanks, I have some people interested in the 383 and trans, I may revisit. I want to stay old school SBC so bad, but the LS motors are too impressive.

ccracin

09-28-2010, 07:31 PM

We have made some more progress since we cured the "Brain Damage"! Although, the progress is not exactly on the truck. We have a new addition to the tool family:

http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r35/ccracin/Misc/IMG_3900.jpg

It's a Lincoln Precision TIG 225 Square Wave TIG. Guess I have some learning to do. LOL We also got it so that our "Pro" welder can come to our shop rather than me taking everything to his place. Well with the new addition we needed to consolidate space. So, a new welding cart is in order. This is what we quickly came up with.

http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r35/ccracin/Misc/IMG_3903.jpg

The other welder is an SP-125 Plus MIG. We have had it since 1996. What an awesome little welder it has been!

http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r35/ccracin/Misc/IMG_3904.jpg

Now, back to the truck! Stay tuned.

GregWeld

09-28-2010, 08:22 PM

EEEEEEEEEEHHHHHHHHHHAAAAAAAAAAAA

That's a real welder!

Sweet!

ccracin

09-29-2010, 05:07 AM

EEEEEEEEEEHHHHHHHHHHAAAAAAAAAAAA

That's a real welder!

Sweet!

See, I try to pay attention when this stuff is discussed!

Can't say enough for the folks at Lincoln. We started looking in Columbus since they had a truck there. When we decided what we liked, they hooked us up with a great deal. There were a couple hic-ups in the order process, so they sent us some tungsten and filler material for the trouble. Very good customer service in my opinion.

waynieZ

09-29-2010, 08:17 AM

Sweet!

ccracin

10-05-2010, 05:16 PM

It may be hard to tell from the previous pictures but we have made official progress ON the truck. The stretched wheel tubs are finally fit. I will get the bare metal on the bed sides painted and then get the tubs welded in. After that I will finish off the welds from the sectioning of the bed sides as well as the stretching of the tubs. Not much, but we are further ahead! :woot: Enjoy:

http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r35/ccracin/Misc/IMG_3990.jpg

http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r35/ccracin/Misc/IMG_3991.jpg

http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r35/ccracin/Misc/IMG_3992.jpg

http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r35/ccracin/Misc/IMG_3997.jpg

http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r35/ccracin/Misc/IMG_3998.jpg

http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r35/ccracin/Misc/IMG_3993.jpg

Thanks for looking!

HWY Nova

10-06-2010, 09:28 AM

Chad,

I'm glad you are back on your project....... Now I just have to get my butt in gear and work on mine.

Keep the pics coming.

--Eric

ironworks

10-06-2010, 09:32 AM

Chad,

I'm glad you are back on your project....... Now I just have to get my butt in gear and work on mine.

Keep the pics coming.

--Eric

Yes you do. Come on, your fans are waiting

HWY Nova

10-06-2010, 09:46 AM

Yes you do. Come on, your fans are waiting

Rodger,

I knew you'd see my response..... Always lurking!

--Eric

ccracin

10-06-2010, 09:54 AM

Do you guys have phones? LOL It is good to back at it. The summer was rough. My girls have social lives at 6 that I never would have imagined. My Dad also has rental properties that allows him to do this project. Unfortunately he had some less than desirable renters recently and had to spend a lot of time remodeling them. Anyway, back at it. Is your car home? Get on that thing and post some pictures.

Later,

tones2SS

10-06-2010, 04:32 PM

Looking good Chad. Glad to see you back at it.:thumbsup:

ccracin

12-02-2010, 06:56 PM

Have you guys ever wondered why it doesn't look like more has been made when you have spent countless hours working at it? I'll bet you there is 60 hours in the pictures I am about to post. It sure doesn't look like it to me, but hey it's progress. I guess it takes time to try and do it right.

So, we put the tailgate on to see if everything fits and to check the rolled pan fit before we take the bed back apart to weld it all up. Sounds easy, right? WRONG New bed sides, new tail gate, new tail gate hinges well it didn't even close. When I did get it to close after tweaking some holes the top of the tail gate ended up 3/8" below the top of the bed sides. That's right 3/8". You can't slot holes that much, plus the holes in the bed sides had nuts welded to the back. Well, here is what I did to fix it. I used a hole saw to cut the old hole and nut away but on center for the new hinge location. I then welded a flange nut to the back of a heavy washer. I then tacked the washer into the hole. I did it for both holes that mount the hinge to move it up 3/8". I will finish weld and grind it down when I take the bed sides back off for welding. Here is what I ended up with.

http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r35/ccracin/Misc/IMG_4574.jpg

After this was done the tailgate still would not close. On these old trucks there are two tabs, one on each side of the top of the tail gate. They engage slots in the bed sides to keep the tail gate centered and support the bed sides when the gate is closed. These are now guess what, yep 3/8" to high. So I had to cut them off and move them up. Geez! I bet I have 20 hours just getting the tail gate to close and get roughly aligned.

After that we moved onto making the mounts for the chassis to bolt the bed to. I think we came up with a clean/strong solution that matches the style of the chassis. We set them up to have 3/16" shim on them right now so that we have room to align everything later down the road. Here is what they look like.

http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r35/ccracin/Misc/IMG_4571.jpg

http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r35/ccracin/Misc/IMG_4569.jpg

http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r35/ccracin/Misc/IMG_4576.jpg

http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r35/ccracin/Misc/IMG_4575.jpg

By the way, I welded these brackets. I'm not as good as my welder, Harry but I am getting better. I just need to learn how to use that TIG now! Anyway, a couple more hours and the bed will officially bolt to the chassis.

Now that the bed is mounted and I know what kind of space I have, it is about time to design the gas tank. After that it is off to the front of the truck. Progress, love it. Thanks for looking. As always, feel free to comment. Good or bad, I want it right.

GregWeld

12-02-2010, 07:35 PM

Looks great Chad!

A little here - a little there - next thing you know - you're doing doughnut burnouts!

tones2SS

12-03-2010, 03:26 PM

Nice work Chad.:thumbsup:

ccracin

02-04-2011, 03:22 PM

I just realized this is the first update for 2011! Happy New Year! :P Progress is being made although it is not exactly photo worthy. A lot of welding, grinding, hammering etc. I have also been putting a lot of time into designing the fuel tank for the truck. GarageDog and I were putting a lot of time into researching factory pumps and specs. After discussing it we were looking at late model Vette pumps. Then I thought what about the new Camaro. As I uncovered some specs, (Not Easy)I pretty much decided that for GarageDog and I the 2010 SS Camaro pump would work well for the power levels we were going to have. Just when I started to look into it more, Rick's announced the Vaporworx tank using this same pump. So, I started researching Vaporworx without finding much. After some internet stalking LOL, It turns out that Vaporworx is our very own Carl Casenova! He has put a huge amount of time and effort into applying this fuel pump module to our hobby. Since I have brain damage and want to do as much myself as possible, I contacted him. On a side note, If you do not posses the skills and equipment to fabricate a quality tank then by all means contact Rick's or one of their dealers and get one of the Vaporworx tanks. They are by far in my humble opinion the most advanced application of factory technology for fuel systems in our hobby. OK, back to our regularly scheduled program. Carl and I corresponded for a few weeks and I have to say that he has been very very helpful. He has gone out of his way to educate me on some of the aspects of this project I hadn't thought of yet. He absolutely did not have to go as far as he has. I believe I would have made it to my goal but it would have been a much bumpier road. My hats off to Carl and what he has been willing to share. You can check out much more detail on his system over at Pro-Touring.com. Look in the new products section and read. He has it all laid out in the thread. I didn't post a link as I am not sure if that is frowned upon. If Scott reads this and is OK with it I'll link it. I have a whole slew of parts and am modeling components in solidworks for my application. I have attached a picture of what I have modeled so far. When GagrageDog is ready we will reconfigure it for his application to show how it can be applied in various ways. Stay tuned as I move down this road. Again a big thanks to Carl! :hail: :cheers: Let me know what you guys think! If you check out the Vaporworx tank, you will obviously see where this came from. Definitely Carl's influence! Enjoy!

http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r35/ccracin/GasTankRev3.jpg

SickSpeedMonte

02-05-2011, 10:24 AM

ccracin

02-05-2011, 03:39 PM

If you don't mind me asking, how much did you pay for your solidworks lisence? I have a student version from college that is out of date, and I would love to have it back up and running for my project.

Couple other questions regarding your truck. Please don't take any of this as criticism, they are all honest questions, and the only way for me to learn is to ask. So, with that said,

It seems to me that your engine is angled down in the rear quite a bit more than I am used to seeing. Is it just the pictures messing with me, or do you have a reason for that?

Also, when I have seen people weld (granted, it was TIG) they strongly stressed that the metal cannot have paint on it, you have to scotchbrite it, and then clean it with acetone. It appears that you tacked directly onto your painted frame. Is a MIG different?

Nice welder you snatched up there! I went to Lincoln's website and poked around. I would love to start out with a TIG, but I think your's might be a hair rich for my current financial situation :) Do you think the ~$1500 square wave (non precision model line) would work alright for automotive fabrication like what you are doing? Any advice for picking one up for cheaper than the list price on their site? Maybe I should look for a used one instead?

Thanks for any help you can give!

We use Solidworks at work. So at this point, that is what I use. Depending on the version you get ie. bells and whistles, you should be around 5-6K.

I welcome all comments good and bad. No matter how long anyone has been doing this, we are all still learning.

The engine is angled to the rear 4.5 degrees to level. The chassis is raked to the front 1 degree. While all engines should be angled so that the front is higher, I am probably at the max you should go. This all came about based on several things. One is oil pan to rack clearance. The other was the placement of the output shaft of the tranny inside the frame rails. One thing always affects another.

In most cases I have only cleaned the primer off the chassis in the area of the welds and not much more. Mostly just to keep rust from having too much area to attack. Our intent is that when most all the tacking is done, we are going to get those areas blasted before the finish welding. I agree with your statement although I'm not sure how many people clean with acetone before welding unless the base metal was oily or greasy. In that case I would use the acetone before sanding or scotch brite so you don't drive the oil into the metal.

Thanks, I'm really liking it so far. Although, I am still learning. We made our decision after the Columbus Goodguys show in July. Both Miller and Lincoln had trucks with welders being demonstrated on site. After going back and forth we decided on the lincoln. It seemed the best bang for our buck. I really don't want to mislead you, I am definitely not an expert. If you look in the equipment section of the forum there are some good discussions. I would definitely say from my point of view though if I only had one welder, it would be a MIG. For me being a novice it is more flexible. I would not even try crawling under the truck and weld something out of position with the TIG right now. The MIG, no problem. With your budget, you could get set up with a nice MIG. I would recommend a nice 220volt machine. Miller has a nice one that will run both 110 and 220. Not sure of the model number. You can almost always get better deals on new ones at shows. That is how we got ours. They had a special going on for the Goodguys event. I honestly haven't found any great deals used in my area. People seem to think used welders should cost as much as new around here.

I hope some of this helped. Thanks for taking the time to check our project out! :cheers: :lateral:

ccracin

02-05-2011, 03:48 PM

Here is what I was working on the last couple days. These trucks have big ugly door latches. Since we are shaving the door handles and putting remote door releases we decided to use bear claw latches. We are going to put the latches in the jamb and the pins on the door. So I started fabbing them in. I decided to try my hand at hammer forming. Man I should have tried my first shot on something thinner than 16 ga. :( Man I am a glutten for punishment. Anyway, here some photos of what I have so far.

The stock jamb.
http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r35/ccracin/IMG_4794.jpg

Cut out.
http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r35/ccracin/IMG_4793.jpg

Hammer Forming.
http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r35/ccracin/IMG_4797.jpg

Fitting.
http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r35/ccracin/IMG_4792.jpg

That's it for now. Thanks for looking.

SickSpeedMonte

02-07-2011, 07:17 AM

I hope some of this helped. Thanks for taking the time to check our project out! :cheers: :lateral:

All of it was very helpful, and thank you for taking the time to answer my questions!

I've always just kinda dove in head first and got my hands dirty with my cars, but that was usually reversable modifications. Once I get into cutting up my firewall and welding in sheetmetal or re-doing the frame, I want to ask the guys that have been there and done that before I make a mistake. I'm sure I will be posting tons of questions in the future too.

Garage Dog 65

02-10-2011, 03:06 PM

http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r35/ccracin/GasTankRev3.jpg

Junk ......

:lol:

ccracin

02-10-2011, 04:35 PM

Junk ......

:lol:

You are still out there! :cheers:

ccracin

02-10-2011, 04:41 PM

I got some more done on the bear claw latch install. Moving along. Check it out.

http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r35/ccracin/IMG_4799.jpg

http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r35/ccracin/IMG_4802.jpg

What do you guys think?

gearheads78

02-10-2011, 04:47 PM

I love this build. Its looking great!!

ccracin

02-10-2011, 05:06 PM

This has to be one of my most highly anticipated days in the build! Check out what we will be taking delivery of very shortly! I can't believe I am almost speechless. It's not completely dressed yet but it doesn't matter.
:D :yes: :unibrow: :thumbsup: :wow:

xMNNt8dpVzc

That's what I'm talking about.

Some quick specs.
Stroked LS3 415ci
Wegner Ported L92 Heads
Wegner Rockers
Wegner Kick Out Oil Pan
Wegner Accessory Drive Black
FAST EZ EFI

614.3 HP @ 6700 RPM
544 ft# @ 5200 RPM

The torque curve is absolutely cool. Over 500 ft# from 4200 to 6300 RPM.

I will plot the curves tomorrow.

I won't be able to sleep!

My hats off to Casey Wegner, Dan Timm, Gary Nelson, and everyone else at Wegner! Thanks also to Frank at Prodigy for kicking this off!

:woot:

GregWeld

02-10-2011, 05:15 PM

And people question me about using FAST EZ EFI.... (even though mine is controlling an 8 stack but that makes no difference).

That right there is the reason... IT WORKS!

EEEEEEEEEEEEHHHHHHHHHHHHHAAAAAAAAAAA

Sweet motor Chad!! I'm really a bit jealous right now!

:thumbsup: :thumbsup: :thumbsup:

ccracin

02-10-2011, 05:20 PM

waynieZ

02-10-2011, 07:13 PM

SWEET !!!!!!!!! I love thier motors. Congrats nice powr plant.

ccracin

02-11-2011, 06:17 AM

I took a minute and plotted the numbers. Not Bad. IMHO :unibrow:

http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r35/ccracin/DadEngineDynoFinal-1.jpg

Ron in SoCal

02-11-2011, 08:13 AM

That is absolutely awesome Chad! It's amazing what a stroked bottom end and a 'little' head work can do to these motors. You gotta be jumping outta your chair...:thumbsup:

Garage Dog 65

02-11-2011, 03:27 PM

That's gonna be one cool 'ol school looking motor ! That is BAD !

Huge Congrats Chad !!!

:wow:

Jim

HWY Nova

02-11-2011, 04:28 PM

http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r35/ccracin/GasTankRev3.jpg

I'm still not sure about this Lexan gas tank idea................

--Eric

ccracin

02-11-2011, 05:46 PM

I'm still not sure about this Lexan gas tank idea................

--Eric

That was supposed to be Top Secret! Geez!

ccracin

02-18-2011, 09:14 AM

Great way to finish a tough week! :woot:

http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r35/ccracin/IMG_4863.jpg

http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r35/ccracin/IMG_4865.jpg

GregWeld

02-18-2011, 09:17 AM

How you going to get that under your pillow tonight?

ccracin

02-18-2011, 09:21 AM

How you going to get that under your pillow tonight?

Is there a support group that I can join? Are you supposed to be aroused by inanimate objects? :faint:

HWY Nova

02-18-2011, 09:34 AM

How soon before you bolt it in??!!!???

--Eric

ccracin

02-18-2011, 09:40 AM

How soon before you bolt it in??!!!???

--Eric

Hopefully in a week or so. As soon as I get the door latches done we will put it in. I need to get the firewall built around it. I'm SO excited! :lol:

Sieg

02-18-2011, 09:57 AM

Nice Chad!

Are you using the Fast EZ 600hp kit?

ccracin

02-18-2011, 01:05 PM

Nice Chad!

Are you using the Fast EZ 600hp kit?

Thanks, no. Look back a couple posts and you will get an idea of what I am doing for the fuel system. It's baed off of the new SS Camaro fuel module. I'll post more as it comes together. Thanks for looking.

Garage Dog 65

02-18-2011, 04:07 PM

Sweeet !!!!

ChevelleNV

02-18-2011, 04:54 PM

This is a tool I designed and had built for checking wheel fitment. And I didn't copy the one Marty has. Honest, I had this one drawn before I found out there was one on the market.
http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r35/ccracin/DSC02135.jpg
Any chance you'd be willing to part with the drawings and dimensions on this? I can build it if I have the dimensions!

ccracin

02-22-2011, 07:05 PM

A little more work on the Bear Claw latches. Getting the pins put in the doors. A lot of work for something simple! Enjoy.

http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r35/ccracin/IMG_4883.jpg

http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r35/ccracin/IMG_4896.jpg

A bit more touch up welding and grinding and we'll be good to go! Thanks for looking!

awr68

02-22-2011, 08:33 PM

Sweet motor! That ought to do the job!! :yes: :thumbsup:

ccracin

03-18-2011, 08:44 PM

We have been working on getting seats mounted so that we can get to work mounting the brake pedal, steering column, and a/c unit. Since this is a truck and there is very, very limited space to put things, we decided to try and maximize the room we do have. We decided that under the seats was some space that could be used for things like the EZ EFI and EZ TCU computers as well as maybe the audio amplifier. There are so many electronic items we need all the space we can get. However, I was not about to have to take the seats in and out to get to this stuff. The Corbeau seats we are using have an adjustable back so here is what we came up with.

http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r35/ccracin/IMG_4971.jpg

I think it's going to work out just fine. I just need to add some braces as there is a very slight amount of lateral movement in the front of the seat where the bear claws latch. I will also add a spring cylinder to hold the seat up and a linkage to trip both latches at once.

http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r35/ccracin/IMG_4966.jpg

http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r35/ccracin/IMG_4968.jpg

http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r35/ccracin/IMG_4965.jpg
Pay no attention to that weld seam in the floor above. We didn't do that and it will get fixed!

Here's the real payoff!

http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r35/ccracin/IMG_4962.jpg

http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r35/ccracin/IMG_4978.jpg

This may not seem like much, but this is the first time he has been able to do this since the truck got torn down.

All comments are welcome as always! :cheers:

GregWeld

03-18-2011, 09:19 PM

Sweet Chad!

Wish my Dad was still alive so we could hang out in the shed together!

waynieZ

03-18-2011, 10:06 PM

I'm with Greg. Sweet.

Garage Dog 65

03-20-2011, 06:58 PM

http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r35/ccracin/IMG_4978.jpg

I'm wondering if he made the required "vroom, vroom" sounds and barked the tires between the massive shifts ??

:lol: :lol: :lol:

:thumbsup:

Great work !!

Jim

ccracin

03-21-2011, 05:08 AM

I'm wondering if he made the required "vroom, vroom" sounds and barked the tires between the massive shifts ??

:lol: :lol: :lol:

:thumbsup:

Great work !!

Jim

He hit second pretty hard and almost took out the air compressor! We better get some harnesses in this thing before any more test drives! :rofl:

Shouldn't you be working or something?:D Thanks for checking back in.

Later,

Sales@Dutchboys

03-21-2011, 09:18 AM

Great work Chad!:thumbsup: You guys have to be excited. The truck is coming together awesome!

Paul

ccracin

03-21-2011, 08:23 PM

Great work Chad!:thumbsup: You guys have to be excited. The truck is coming together awesome!

Paul

Paul,

Thanks for the kind words. Congrats to you and your Dad for getting the shop open. We really want to get the truck painted locally just for ease of logistics. If we can't make that happen, you guys are on the short list. My Dad has friends in Ann Arbor that he visits periodically. How far are you guys from there?

Later,

ccracin

04-09-2011, 06:28 PM

Probably the first of many times, but the new motivation was set between the frame rails today. What a sense of satisfaction! We had to build a bracket to lift with. With the tranny and acc. drive installed, the regular load leveler would not work. Check it!

http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r35/ccracin/IMG_5035.jpg

http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r35/ccracin/IMG_5037.jpg

http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r35/ccracin/IMG_5040.jpg

The lift bracket.

http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r35/ccracin/IMG_5038.jpg

Now that we have it in the chassis, we will be measuring for the drive shaft and the new firewall. We have also decided to change the motor mounts on the chassis. We have a few ideas as to hiding things in the engine bay. This will require changing the mounts. Stay tuned, more to come on that. Now time to relax. Enjoy. :cheers:

waynieZ

04-09-2011, 09:06 PM

Chad that sure does look sweet in there! Nice work on the lift bracket. You could lift the whole truck with that one. Nice.

70rs

06-29-2011, 05:14 AM

ccracin

06-29-2011, 06:12 AM

Hey Chad, how is the truck coming along? Its been a couple months since any updates. Should be painted and down the road by now right?:D

Hey, what bracket are you running on the A/C comp? Is it available separate from whatever front drive that is?

Hey Eric,

Well, not quite :lol: summer activities for the kids have interrupted progress. My daughter's birthday is in June so we had a party I had to get ready for and we just got back from a week at Disney. I have more done than pictures posted. I had started putting the fuel tank together when we had to stop for June. We should be getting back on it when we get back from Columbus.

The accessory drive is from Wegner Automotive. I believe Casey will sell the brackets individually. Give him a call at 920-394-3558. :thumbsup:

Later,

ccracin

07-27-2011, 07:54 PM

We are back from Columbus and back at it. My daughters have started cheerleading practice, so Dad gets to hit the garage on cheer nights! The fuel cell is now starting to come together. Thanks to help from Carl C and his Vaporworx technology I think we will have a solid fuel system. The tank material is 16ga 304SS. I modeled it in solidworks and had the material sheared and broke. Now I am doing my best to warp the h..l out of it trying to weld it together. Here is where I am so far.

http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r35/ccracin/IMG_7308.jpg
http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r35/ccracin/IMG_7306.jpg
http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r35/ccracin/IMG_7305.jpg
http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r35/ccracin/IMG_7311.jpg
http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r35/ccracin/IMG_7310.jpg
http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r35/ccracin/IMG_7309.jpg

Comments good and bad are always welcome! :cheers:

GregWeld

07-27-2011, 09:44 PM

Bad!

Good!

There! That covered the good and the bad. :D

Nice work! And your clamping etc is what many people forget to do or don't know to do... so kudos for you!

70rs

08-25-2011, 12:54 PM

Anything new Chad? I am going through truck withdrawls......:D

ccracin

08-25-2011, 01:21 PM

Anything new Chad? I am going through truck withdrawls......:D

More pics to come soon. We had to figure out the routing of the fuel filler and decide on venting. I will be making sparks tonight. Hopefully I will have the tank mounted in the truck next week. Fingers crossed. Thanks for checking in. Did you talk to Wegner about the A/C bracket?
:cheers:

70rs

08-25-2011, 04:56 PM

More pics to come soon. We had to figure out the routing of the fuel filler and decide on venting. I will be making sparks tonight. Hopefully I will have the tank mounted in the truck next week. Fingers crossed. Thanks for checking in. Did you talk to Wegner about the A/C bracket?
:cheers:

I did, and thanks for the tip. But that was before this 383 gen 1 small block came into the plan. Now I need a full front drive for it, with the ac bracket too.

ccracin

08-25-2011, 07:48 PM

Not much to say other than it is progress. Enjoy!

http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r35/ccracin/IMG_7514.jpg

http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r35/ccracin/IMG_7326.jpg

http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r35/ccracin/IMG_7515.jpg

http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r35/ccracin/IMG_7517.jpg

http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r35/ccracin/IMG_7516.jpg

http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r35/ccracin/IMG_7518.jpg

http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r35/ccracin/IMG_7521.jpg

http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r35/ccracin/IMG_7522.jpg

Whatcha think?

70rs

08-25-2011, 10:21 PM

Really nice work on the tank Chad. That is great progress.

If I had the skill I would love to make my own tank. But I don't have the talent or TIG equipment. I think it's really cool that you make so many of your own parts.

GregWeld

08-26-2011, 06:21 AM

70rs

08-26-2011, 08:35 AM

That's what MY shop is for bonehead.... When you're ready.:cheers: :woot:

:thumbsup: :)

ccracin

08-26-2011, 01:07 PM

That's what MY shop is for bonehead.... When you're ready.:cheers: :woot:

Sure, bring that up when some of us are almost done with ours! :unibrow:

ccracin

08-31-2011, 05:14 AM

We made some more sparks last night. The tank is getting close. I hope to have it hanging in the chassis this week. We'll see. Enjoy more pics.

http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r35/ccracin/2011-08-30_21-04-37_594.jpg

http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r35/ccracin/2011-08-30_21-04-28_180.jpg

http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r35/ccracin/2011-08-30_22-09-12_251-1.jpg

http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r35/ccracin/2011-08-30_22-09-32_531.jpg

Again, I am happy to receive all comments! Thanks. :cheers:

boonedog

08-31-2011, 05:18 AM

looking good!

214Chevy

08-31-2011, 06:12 AM

Again, I am happy to receive all comments! Thanks. :cheers:

What can be said that hasn't already been said. Keep up the good work and I'm living the frame. :hail:

ccracin

09-01-2011, 06:07 AM

Thanks for the comments guys. I am trying very hard to make a good tank all the while teaching myself to TIG. I love it! Wish I could do this stuff all day! Anyway, check it out, it should be hanging in the chassis tonight. :thumbsup:

http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r35/ccracin/2011-08-31_21-41-35_251.jpg

The pump is mounted and fits very well!

http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r35/ccracin/2011-08-31_21-39-50_9.jpg

GregWeld

09-01-2011, 06:33 AM

NICE!

You're a quick study!

Leadfoot1

09-01-2011, 06:40 AM

How long you been weldin?'

Those stacks look good!

I soooo want to buy a Tig and try this too!! I'm working on it... I only have a mig and it does good, but tig'd aluminum is so nice.

I understand what you're sayin'...

Nice work man! :cheers:

Lead.

Garage Dog 65

09-01-2011, 01:18 PM

Sounds like you're having a great time and doing some awesome work Chad !!

Should be starting the engine any day now ??

:unibrow:

Jim

ccracin

09-28-2011, 07:56 PM

The fuel tank is essentially done. I have some cosmetic work to do. The top of the tank warped a bit more than I expected when I welded the fuel module tray in. I don't know what I could have done differently. I went very slow, never put down more than 1/2" at a time. I cooled it with air and moved around a lot. Regardless, it seems I get to try and learn a new skill.........straightening panels that you can only get to one side of! Great! That will be for later. The tank held 5 psi of air pressure, it should hold gas quite well. So now it is on to another area of the truck. We need to get the cab sorted out. Time to do the fire wall so that we can get the steering column, pedals and a/c unit mounted. To start the process we had to remove the last piece of the crap firewall we paid to have put it. Don't get me started there. Removing that gave me a chance to use the new toy, check it!

http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r35/ccracin/2011-09-22_20-15-02_663.jpg

It worked flawlessly. A little buff with a flap wheel and you would swear the cut was done with a shear. So after the plasma work here is what we ended up with.

http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r35/ccracin/2011-09-22_20-15-14_787.jpg

In the interest of time we sent some drawings to direct sheet metal and got a smooth firewall made up. We got it tacked together and attached with clecos. It finally gives us a picture of what we will have. So far so good. Here is where we are now.

http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r35/ccracin/2011-09-28_21-27-24_560.jpg

http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r35/ccracin/2011-09-28_21-27-11_316.jpg

As always all comments are welcome. Thanks for looking! :cheers:

waynieZ

09-28-2011, 08:38 PM

Very Nice! Its coming out great.

GregWeld

09-28-2011, 08:39 PM

Welding isn't a skill that is one size meets all.... some times you have to skip around - and sometimes that will cause more warpage than if you'd have just gone full boogie.... the learning curve is a long steep one. LOL

The guys that do this for a living - day in and day out - they can tell what to do just by looking at something.... ME.... I just pray I don't warp too badly. :lol:

Firewall looks great! I didn't know Direct did that! Good to know!

ccracin

09-29-2011, 05:05 AM

Very Nice! Its coming out great.

Thanks Wayne. When I look at your project, I wish I was that far along! I know it was a tough wait, but worth it. :thumbsup:

Welding isn't a skill that is one size meets all.... some times you have to skip around - and sometimes that will cause more warpage than if you'd have just gone full boogie.... the learning curve is a long steep one. LOL

The guys that do this for a living - day in and day out - they can tell what to do just by looking at something.... ME.... I just pray I don't warp too badly. :lol:

Firewall looks great! I didn't know Direct did that! Good to know!

You hit the nail on the head there! It's hard to hit the go pedal and hope for the best. :lol: Chaulk it all up to experience. Luckily it is the top of the tank that moved. You will never see it as it will be sandwiched under the bed floor. This is where I give Rodger props for his truck. Can't hide anything with no bed floor.

Yea direct built it, twice! The first one wasn't even close. I then sent this:

http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r35/ccracin/Firewall-Sheet1.jpg

I thought you couldn't go wrong. Right? Wrong, it still isn't totally correct. It will work and looks good, but why can't you get what you ask and pay for? It was supposed to come with floor boards to, never got them. Oh well. The quality of the fabrication is good, but it was not a completely satisfying experience. Ever felt like that? :lol:

Thanks for the compliments guys! :lateral:

GregWeld

09-29-2011, 06:25 AM

Oh well. The quality of the fabrication is good, but it was not a completely satisfying experience. Ever felt like that? :lol:

Oh yeah --- but I forgot her name...

wmhjr

09-29-2011, 06:36 AM

Chad, it continues to look great. Of course, I wouldn't expect anything less. That's going to be a killer truck.

ccracin

09-29-2011, 06:46 AM

Oh yeah --- but I forgot her name...

:lol: :hail: :rofl:

Chad, it continues to look great. Of course, I wouldn't expect anything less. That's going to be a killer truck.

Thanks Bill, now you need to see it in person. Wait, maybe not. You can see too many flaws in person! :lol:

CAMAROBOY69

09-29-2011, 11:08 AM

This thing is turning out awesome! My very very first vehicle was a 67 Chevy truck so I have always had love for the 67-72 bodystyle trucks. Cant wait to see some more progress. Its also awesome to see you and your dad working on it together. :thumbsup:

Shadow X

09-29-2011, 12:16 PM

i love watching builds like this,:thumbsup: keep it up.

Garage Dog 65

09-30-2011, 07:58 AM

Almost there !!

Sad to hear about the firewall panel issue - but the install is looking great !

Totally jealous about the plasma cutter - gonna have to order me one now to keep up with the joneses....

Looking forward to the engine start video !

:thumbsup:

Jim

ccracin

10-27-2011, 01:16 PM

My Dad and I were just saying the other night, We are getting really good at cut pieces off or out of this truck. Now we get to finally put some back in. Since the truck now sits so low, the driveshaft will now interfere with the bottom of the cab. We started fabbing a new trans and drive shaft tunnel. We have some other plans for this are, so we will see where it takes us. I just have a few more puzzle pieces to make to finish closing off the tunnel and floor to the new firewall. It will then be time to mount the Vintage Air unit. I love progress. Anyway, I know pictures are better than words so enjoy!

http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r35/ccracin/2011-10-25_21-32-44_882.jpg

http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r35/ccracin/2011-10-25_21-32-15_399.jpg

http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r35/ccracin/2011-10-25_21-31-51_716.jpg

Back to it tonight, wish me luck! :D Thanks for looking. :cheers:

HWY Nova

10-27-2011, 02:31 PM

Great stuff Chad (and dad)!

Too bad you work will be covered up. Keep the pics coming.

--Eric

ccracin

11-05-2011, 06:43 PM

The trans tunnel and floor are going back in. The previous pictures were with parts tacked together. These pieces are in for good now. There was some rust repair in along with this as well. Turns out there was some rust where the heel of the go pedal was. Must have been wet boots! One thing I learned in this process is that I will just build a new floor the next time. This one will turn out nice, but I have half as much time in this as I would a new floor I think. Anyway, the underside will finish off nicely and more importantly it will be solid for years to come. All in all I am pleased so far. let me know what you think!

http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r35/ccracin/2011-11-04_22-01-05_412.jpg

http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r35/ccracin/2011-11-04_22-00-13_229.jpg

http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r35/ccracin/2011-11-04_22-01-12_113.jpg

http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r35/ccracin/2011-11-04_22-00-03_419.jpg

ccracin

11-13-2011, 04:06 PM

The new trans tunnel is in for good. Not much, but it is progress.

http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r35/ccracin/IMG_9111.jpg

http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r35/ccracin/IMG_9117.jpg

http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r35/ccracin/IMG_9113.jpg

http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r35/ccracin/IMG_9114.jpg

214Chevy

11-13-2011, 05:20 PM

That's alot of progress to me bro. Looking good...keep it up!! I'm following this build because I have a 68 C10 I'm going to be starting on later on next year.

ccracin

11-13-2011, 05:26 PM

That's alot of progress to me bro. Looking good...keep it up!! I'm following this build because I have a 68 C10 I'm going to be starting on later on next year.

Thanks man, I can't wait to see what you do with yours!

GregWeld

11-13-2011, 08:27 PM

Lots of welding there Chad!

Keep on plugging away!

:cheers:

ccracin

11-14-2011, 03:51 AM

Lots of welding there Chad!

Keep on plugging away!

:cheers:

My back has been telling me the same thing! I need to lift this thing up another foot or so! :lol:

GregWeld

11-14-2011, 06:15 AM

I find it hard to TIG laying down... Wish they'd make a chin operated controller... :willy: :rofl:

ccracin

11-14-2011, 06:40 AM

I find it hard to TIG laying down... Wish they'd make a chin operated controller... :willy: :rofl:

Tell me about it! Those welds in the picture are about 2 feet off the floor and in the middle of the cab. The rocker hits me in the knee and then I have to lean in but keep my leg straight and work the pedal. Luckily I'm 6'-4" and can reach in. You know how that is! If I lifted the cab more my Dad would not be able to reach in.

Do you have a thumb control on your torch? Lincoln has a rotary thumb wheel deal for my setup, what do you think of those deals? Might come in handy but they are about 200 bucks.

GregWeld

11-14-2011, 06:52 AM

Tell me about it! Those welds in the picture are about 2 feet off the floor and in the middle of the cab. The rocker hits me in the knee and then I have to lean in but keep my leg straight and work the pedal. Luckily I'm 6'-4" and can reach in. You know how that is! If I lifted the cab more my Dad would not be able to reach in.

Do you have a thumb control on your torch? Lincoln has a rotary thumb wheel deal for my setup, what do you think of those deals? Might come in handy but they are about 200 bucks.

UH -- NO! I really don't know how that is..... I'm 5'5"

I have a torch controller --- if you had a Miller -- I'd send it to you! I've never used it. It's ON YOU to see if the Miller will work on the Lincoln - if it will - it's yours.

I tried to talk MILLER into developing a torch that would work like an air brush OR like a die grinder -- a "paddle" to squeeze with either your index finger or your thumb.... That is something I could learn to use.

ccracin

12-05-2011, 04:50 PM

We are continuing working on the cab. Before we mount the firewall for good, I thought it was a good time to build the brackets needed for some of the major components. The below pics are the mounting configuration for the Vintage Air Gen IV unit. Man this thing is big, but it should make it snow in the cab. The truck will be black with a black leather interior. We need the cooling. Next will be the brake pedal assembly and steering column brackets.

There was a ton of work just to prep this area to put the a/c unit in. We had to remove the old fan bump in the dash/kick panel area as well as fix some rust we uncovered. I think it turned out alright. Check it out.

http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r35/ccracin/2011-12-04_14-03-25_952.jpg

http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r35/ccracin/2011-12-04_14-03-37_675.jpg

http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r35/ccracin/2011-12-04_14-03-46_57.jpg

http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r35/ccracin/2011-12-04_14-03-56_378.jpg

This is where we removed the stock fan pocket.

http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r35/ccracin/2011-12-04_14-04-02_629.jpg

http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r35/ccracin/2011-12-04_14-04-11_884.jpg

By the way, that is the vintage air mock up unit. Man is it nice to work with. Not heavy and has the actual mounting brackets on it. :thumbsup:

Thanks for looking!

ccracin

12-05-2011, 04:51 PM

UH -- NO! I really don't know how that is..... I'm 5'5"

I have a torch controller --- if you had a Miller -- I'd send it to you! I've never used it. It's ON YOU to see if the Miller will work on the Lincoln - if it will - it's yours.

I tried to talk MILLER into developing a torch that would work like an air brush OR like a die grinder -- a "paddle" to squeeze with either your index finger or your thumb.... That is something I could learn to use.

I forgot to respond to this Greg. It doesn't look like it will work with the Lincoln machine. Thanks for the offer though Buddy! :thumbsup:

GregWeld

12-05-2011, 05:08 PM

I forgot to respond to this Greg. It doesn't look like it will work with the Lincoln machine. Thanks for the offer though Buddy! :thumbsup:

Dang dumb red machines!

:lol:

ccracin

12-17-2011, 04:50 PM

We are still trying to get as much done under the dash as we can before we weld the new firewall on. Next up is the steering column and mount for the brake pedal. After a lot of measuring, what iffing, we got the bracket built. I decided that I wanted to incorporated the pedal mount anf steering column mount into one piece that could be fixed to the cowl area. This is the area that the factory bracket was fastened too. Here is what we cam up with. A couple more gussets on the pedal mount and I'll get the bracket welded in. Here it is so far.

http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r35/ccracin/2011-12-13_22-09-09_958.jpg

http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r35/ccracin/2011-12-13_22-08-48_347.jpg

http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r35/ccracin/2011-12-13_22-09-19_637.jpg

As always comments good or bad are welcome. :lateral:

214Chevy

12-17-2011, 05:19 PM

.....As always comments good or bad are welcome. :lateral:

Nothing bad here on my part to say....looking good. I like the idea too. Keep up the good work. :thumbsup: :thumbsup:

ccracin

01-07-2012, 06:05 PM

So before we do anymore work to the cab, I want to get it back on the chassis to make sure everything we have done so far works. I also want to make sure the cab is held in place on the chassis before we fit and weld the firewall in. There were a few things we wanted to do before we put the cab back on the chassis. One of the main things was to fix a missed assumption we made when building the chassis. We set the front drive shaft loop height thinking we were going to use a 3" drive shaft and making some assumptions for rear end travel. Well, it turns out after talking to Denny's drive shaft, we need a 3.5" shaft because of the length and power output. That combined with the wrong guess as to rear u-joint placement and you have an interference with the drive shaft and front drive shaft loop. Here is a close up of how it looked.

http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r35/ccracin/IMG_1280.jpg

You can see it is an integral part of the X-bracing in the chassis. After some head scratching we came up with a plan to fix the issue. First it called for grabbing the plasma cutter and sawzall and getting the bulk of the original loop out. Then we wondered how to get the rest of the bars cleaned up. Here is what we came up with. The trusty tubing notcher!

http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r35/ccracin/2011-12-26_21-28-47_659.jpg

http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r35/ccracin/2011-12-26_21-28-56_77.jpg

It really worked better than we had hoped. Check it out.

http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r35/ccracin/2012-01-02_15-38-04_827.jpg

Then we made some sleeves to fit in the stubs to align the new loop. After that we cut and fit the new loop. Overall we added 2 1/2" to make sure we had enough room. There may be a trans change coming and the new one will be slightly shorter.

http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r35/ccracin/2012-01-02_16-04-36_24.jpg

Some welding and grinding and you would never know we made the error, well except for me telling you here. Oh well, it's all part of the process!

http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r35/ccracin/2012-01-02_16-04-18_739.jpg

http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r35/ccracin/2012-01-02_17-59-06_942.jpg

Next up is putting the cab back on the chassis and then putting the engine and trans back in. Just to make sure everything clears! Better safe than sorry. After that we go for the firewall! Thanks for looking!

waynieZ

01-07-2012, 08:03 PM

Better to find out sooner then later. It looks like you made a nice fix.

ccracin

01-07-2012, 08:29 PM

Better to find out sooner then later. It looks like you made a nice fix.

Thanks Wayne! Yeah, when we built the chassis we had some things still up in the air. This was one of the areas I was concerned about. All is well now. Waiting to see some update pics of your ride. :thumbsup:

ccracin

01-23-2012, 07:19 PM

Let's see where were we? Well the cab is now back on the chassis and the new drive shaft loop fits nice. The driveshaft will now fit as well. All good things! Now that the cab is bolted back on the chassis it is time to continue with the fitting of the firewall. Well, until you get side tracked. More on that in a minute. We set the engine in the chassis to verify that all the work we did on the trans tunnel was correct. It was, however we decided we wanted more room around the bell housing. So we added some pieces to make some room. All in all it didn't take anything away from the interior and it will be much easier to work on the drive train. Here is what we did.

http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r35/ccracin/2012-01-14_21-44-40_713.jpg

http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r35/ccracin/2012-01-14_21-44-13_313.jpg

http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r35/ccracin/2012-01-14_21-43-38_760.jpg

Once this was complete I went ahead and welded in the steering column/brake pedal mount. I coated the cowl area with Eastwood's Por-15 product before welding it in. Here it is.

http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r35/ccracin/2012-01-14_17-33-41_876.jpg

http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r35/ccracin/2012-01-14_17-32-37_246.jpg

Now here is where we got side tracked a bit. As we were taking the motor in and out, we realized we hated our original design for the motor mounts on the chassis. If you look in the back ground in the first and second second pictures above you will see what they looked like. They didn't fit the LS engine as well as we would like since they were put in with the Big Block. They were also tight to the oil pan rail of the LS. You can see the notches we were contemplating. (Looks Like A Mistake Too) They also made us stand the engine and trans up at a severe angle to get the assembly in place. Are you getting where I'm going here? We need to get this truck done, we are running out of cut off wheels! :willy: Out they came and a new design was developed. Check it out:

Old Vs. New
http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r35/ccracin/2012-01-23_20-56-10_353.jpg

http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r35/ccracin/2012-01-23_20-57-45_673.jpg

http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r35/ccracin/2012-01-23_20-56-30_354.jpg

http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r35/ccracin/2012-01-23_20-56-41_570.jpg

http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r35/ccracin/2012-01-23_20-58-44_540.jpg

These will allow the engine to slide back between the mounts. Previously the kick outs on the Champ Pan required us to go over and in the set the engine and trans. in. I think these look much better in general. The other thing this allowed us to do was lower the front of the engine 3/4". We couldn't do that with the rack and Big Block. I know it was the so called 2 steps forward one step back, but we will be better off in the end. Once we get the mounts stitched in, we will be off the side-track and back to getting that fire wall put in for good! Thanks for looking and sorry for the long post, but it is progress! :woot:

Hotrod1

01-23-2012, 07:28 PM

ccracin

01-23-2012, 07:52 PM

Hey, those are nice mounts. Any chance of getting the template?

What kind of pan is that? Kevco, autokraft, or something else? How do you like it?

Just out of curiosity, how come you did not lower the engine any more?

I'm not sure the template would help much. It is just a piece of poster board. This was kind of a free form project. If we still have it, I can scan it and email it. But, as I said there was a ton of work and fitting after the concept was worked out on paper.

The pan is a Champ Pan. It looks like a great pan, but have not run it yet obviously. This is the pan Wegner Automotive chose for the engine.. I trust them completely, they have years of experience building LS engines for NASCAR touring series cars.

Lowering it anymore would put the pan on the rack. No more room! :lol:

Thanks for the kind words and checking out the project! :cheers:

waynieZ

01-23-2012, 09:02 PM

Those new mounts look a lot better. Plenty of room now. If it comes out that nice every time you get side tracked I wouldn't complain of those 2 steps back! Nice.

ccracin

02-01-2012, 09:31 AM

Those new mounts look a lot better. Plenty of room now. If it comes out that nice every time you get side tracked I wouldn't complain of those 2 steps back! Nice.

Thanks Wayne. I guess that is why I am not overly disappointed with the redo. I really like the new design. No question!

ccracin

02-01-2012, 09:56 AM

It seems we started this project forever ago. We have been trying to get the new firewall in the truck. Every time we thought we were ready to put it in we found something else that should be done before we put it in. All in all I'm glad we did it right the first time. Every thing fit just as it should. Here are some pics to show how we went about it.

This is the empty hole. The floor and trans tunnel are all finished. We then went around the face of the cowl area in the dark with a light and welded up any pin holes in welds from the rust repair. The new firewall has a mounting flange that covers this area, so I don't want any moisture to get between those panels and into the cab. After all the holes were taken care of, I coated the area with Eastwood's rust encapsulator. This was to help curb any development of rust from factory seams we did not take a part.

http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r35/ccracin/2012-01-31_19-18-55_105.jpg

Before mounting the piece, we applied a bead of seam sealer to the mating face of the cowl. This is mostly to eliminate any potential vibration between the 2 sheet metal panels. We also sealed the bottom weld seam. This will be done on the inside of the wiper tray before paint as well.

http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r35/ccracin/2012-01-31_19-25-51_343.jpg

I also coated the back of the firewall mounting flange with self etching weld through primer for an added level of protection.

http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r35/ccracin/2012-01-31_19-19-16_112.jpg

We then used cleco's to hold the firewall on and braced it to hold everything flat for alignment while tacking.

http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r35/ccracin/2012-01-26_21-54-31_984.jpg

And FINALLY, here it is all tacked in. The fit to all the mating panels is excellent. Now it's time for me to try to weld it in and finish it with out screwing up all our hard work!

http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r35/ccracin/2012-01-31_20-54-45_322.jpg

http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r35/ccracin/2012-01-31_20-54-36_153.jpg

http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r35/ccracin/2012-01-31_20-54-55_4.jpg

http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r35/ccracin/2012-01-31_20-55-46_583.jpg

http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r35/ccracin/2012-01-31_20-55-27_130.jpg

Thanks for looking! :cheers: