All mixed up: 'nother '52 Ford PU build

Ok, I am ready to start posting. The world famous Mr. Gussett is helping me build a 1952 ex-dump truck rat truck. So far, I have the cab, a donor cab for the chop, the box from my buddie's 49 Chevy truck, and a early Dodge grille shell from a local junk yard. I have been collecting parts for a while; I bought headlights at a swap meet from a Peterbilt truck, and a Speedway Motors dropped front end for the ease of it. I have a 9" Ford posi rear end, and already bought both my engine and tranny. I have a '69 396 with a Turbo-400 and already had it rebuilt. The engine still needs to be gone through, but has supposedly been rebuilt with a mild cam and has been bored .030" over.

Here is the first stages of the mock up. We started the frame, and set it in the bed for a visual...

Here are some more pics of the frame build.

...and more...and the front end partially assembled...

Man, that is world class work on the frame. The mock-up looks great too. You are going to have a fine machine.

...and the grille getting ready to be leading the way. The other pic is the only interior shot of the cab I can find right now. It really does not show how solid that old cab really is. Anyway, I have been watching this site for so long, and have admired so many trucks (and cars), and now I am finally able to post my own. I hope it turns out as well as some I have seen on here, and I am open to any suggestions, comments, etc. I will keep you all posted on the progress. We are going to try to get it on the road in time for Goodguys in Columbus in July. It's good to have goals!!

Thanks, bob w! That means the world to me, and to Mr. Gussett, as well, I am sure! He is the fab guy, and with his skills and both of our ideas, I think it might just turn out OK...!

Top notch work. Your truck will be super.

Yes this is going to mane a great Rat Rod. And it is good to have goals. I hope to have mine done by St Ignace which is the last week in June.

You've got a great start there on your dodgefordchevy. Something for everyone!

Looks awesome, keep it up!

thats some killer lookin work, your gonna have 1 sweet ride

Nice work.

I really wish I had a table that large.

That frame is awesome great work!!

Now that is a lesson on how it's done. Awsome work your doing on that frame. Really some great ideas and forward thinking. I'm looking forward to see how you hang the box on there. This deserves a big WOW !!

Thanks, guys for all the compliments! We are trying to build a decent truck, and I think we have a great start! Like I said, I have seen so many awesome builds on here, and I have been inspired by so many of you guys! I will keep you all updated!

Nice nice work. Love the frame in the bed. Love the bracketry too. Great craftsmanship.

That frame is an absolute work of art! Nice build!!

Thank you!

OK guys, I've been working late the last couple of days doing some roofing and Bill told me he posted some pics of his truck.I checked out all the great comments and he is right, we do appreciate all the nice comments all of you have made.BUT you need to know that he is the one with the great ideas and I just build it according to what he has invisioned and together we hope to create a cool RAT that he will be proud of!
And as they say........Stay tooned!

Some progress...

Finally got to work a day on the little truck. Got my wheels finally the other day, and painted them the other night. Started out yesterday getting the wheels and tires mounted. After that we finally got to work...set the frame down on the floor, set the cab on the frame, set the box on the frame, and rolled the engine into place. Set the front end under...starting to take shape!