36 chevy truck

[34rat]

I should have started a build thread long ago, but here goes. I bought this truck in aug. 08 and since then I have stripped it down , chopped the top, shortened the bed, z'ed the frame, flipped the front axle, replaced the rear leafs, and put a newer rear end, and I just mounted the 73 buick 455 and turbo 400 last weekend. I am now getting ready to box the frame. let me know what you guys think, and I have alot more pics. I will try to keep it up to date.

 

[34rat]

Here are some teardown pics and I also had to narrow the rear of the frame so the bed will go down over it.

 

[34rat]

Here are some pics of the chop And because this is my first build ever I made a few error like not bracing the cab when I cut the top off. It all worked out though I just had to put a ratchet strap horizontally around the hole cab to keep it together.

 

[grunt]

You're getting there!...[cl

 

[rainman]

Love the overall look of the truck, keep it up and keep us posted please.

 

[damucthat?]

looks like a solid old truck. love'n the chop !! keep us posted ! [cl

 

[jfg455]

good work so far. Nice lines on the chop and the ride height. Cool! [P

 

[Gregster]

I like that truck !

 

[34rat]

Hey guy's thanks for the comments, here are some more pics if your interested. On the front axle I still need to add a plate between the axle and leafs and flip the bolts the other way. The others are of the z'ed frame that I still need to box and add some braces.

 

[34rat]

This weekend I am going to start boxing my frame, I wish I had a plasma cutter or a torch. Well I guess the sawzall will have to do

 

[CORPO]

still got to box my frame too.... I'm not looking forward to it... But oh well it's important... Good luck with your boxing

 

[34rat]

Well I didnt get a thing done on the truck this last weekend, but hopefully this weekend I will. Since I dont have much besides a sawzall how would you guys do it. Should I Make a template and put my plate in a vise and cut it or tac it on the frame and cut off the extra. Any advise is appreciated.

 

[brianbgboy]

me likey[dr what a great project!!!

 

[bob w]

Regarding boxing plates; I make a template using poster board and just like you will be doing, cut it out with a sawzall. That's why I have bad wrists and thumbs now. Built too many hot rods!

 

[34rat]

me likey[dr what a great project!!!

Put your tongue back in your mouth boy your drooling in your lap. lol thanks for the support.

 

[34rat]

Yes a template out of of poster board is the way Im goin to go, thanks bob. I have been so busy around the house when I get home from work that I dont have any time for the fun stuff, maybe this weekend?

 

[PA41]

Regarding boxing plates; I make a template using poster board and just like you will be doing, cut it out with a sawzall. That's why I have bad wrists and thumbs now. Built too many hot rods!

Yeah--I hear that. Who'da thought that your hands would wear out? I'm always on the lookout for low impact/power tools now. This throatless shear I just got is a real hand saver for sheat iron--worth looking at. The chopsaw will do the sawzall job with a little less jaring, but the dust, sparks and noise
are a negative. The plasma cutter is quick and easy, but it's expensive and the smoke worries me--vaporized steel just can't be healthy to breath.

What it boils down to is fabricating is a dirty, dangerous job--gotta love it..

PA41

 

[rebstew]

Cool build. I sure miss my 36. I should have held on to that one. Keep up the good work.

 

[hotrod preacher]

looks like a cool start there![cl

i used a piece of cardboard from an old box to make my boxing patterns.....

even with that and a torch to cut them out there was a grinder involved to "tweak the fit" (a 3 lb. hammer don't hurt none either!)

the sawzall is ruff on hands- a really good pair of gloves might help some, though

and be sure to let us know how it turns out[

 

[34rat]

Well three weeks have gone by and barely any progress, I did alter a cross member up front that was over the axle(I will post pics of that later). now before I get to boxing the front I have to figure out my exhaust. Im going to have to cut the top of the frame rail and put in a couple of tight bends of I guess maybe like 1.5 exhaust tube. Does anyone know how much clearance Im going to need Im not useing solid motor mounts.