37 IHC Build

[RAT IHC]

I guess this is the start of my build thread on RRR. I got the cab a while ago and started working on the chop. I had some problems getting it level so I stopped working on the cab and started building the frame. I took 4" out of the top and I'm going to leave the bottom alone. The ride height will be a little high but I like how the cab looks sitting over the frame rails. below are some before and after picture of cab chop and a few mock ups from when I first got the cab. This is my first build so I'm open to any suggests.

 

[hotwheels]

Hellz yea man, that is lookin good.........

 

[Snake Farm]

Nice looking cab you have there. I love the roundness of those year IH's and also the shape of the back window. I've found that stepping away from something for a while as you have done will give me new insight into what I need to do to correct it so I'm confident you'll get the top figured out.....it's looking great so far. I like that grille shell too, is it an earlier IH shell....'35-36? Congrats on starting a build thread, that alone will help keep you inspired....and you're sure to get some feedback and advice too! Good luck and keep us posted.

 

[RAT IHC]

Thanks for the feedback guys. Yes, I'm hoping that when I get the frame done I can sit the cab on it and finish the chop. The grill is from a 35 IHC. No rust on it at all! Picked it up for $100 on ebay...the guy had it listed as "1936 Ford Grill Shell?" I'm going to try to make a custom insert for it when the time comes.

 

[42chevy]

Nice looking start. Keep us posted.

 

[ratrodz]

looks like your off to a good start.keep us posted

 

[ratrodney]

Im partial to Ih's for some reason. Great start. RR

 

[Tim...Ok]

I'm diggin the shopping cart engine dolly!!!!!!![cl keep the pics coming,we love IH's

Tim

 

[kouki]

I really like that cab. I was about to buy one before the ford I have now, but the guy decided he didnt want to sell it when I showed up with the cash.

Keep us updated with progress!

 

[the reverend muddy grimes]

born and bred binder lover. lovin this truck

 

[RAT IHC]

Frame

I'm glad to see that there are so many IH fans here. Something different...but than again we are all working on something different! I've checked on each one of your builds...all very impressive with unique touches.

I've been working on the frame for the past few weeks. I've got the rails tacked together and will begin to do the finish welding tomorrow and through the weekend. The front suspension will be a 4" drop I-beam and cross spring. The rear with the kickup (and over) will have a 4-link triangulates setup with airbags on a 9" with 3:50 gears. Pictures are of the frame ready to be welded. I'll upload more pictures when I get finish with the welding.

 

[RAT IHC]

Update

Not to much to report. I welded the frame rails and started to mock up the crossmembers. Should have everything centered up and the crossmembers in place by the end of the weekend. Some pictures of the rails on the frame table.

 

[jmlcolorado]

Not to much to report. I welded the frame rails and started to mock up the crossmembers. Should have everything centered up and the crossmembers in place by the end of the weekend. Some pictures of the rails on the frame table.

Looking good on that frame![cl
I was thinking of going the same route with my binder but then i decided to go the cheap route.

I did the 7" chop on my binder with it still on its origional frame. I leveled the frame both directions beofre the chop and it seemed to work pretty dang well. Plus, that way, my motivation was forced to keep up since i had to have the roof mostly tied together before i could pull it off and set it on its new frame.

If you wait till your frame is all tied together, this might be easier rather then trying to keep your cab level by itself.
Only downside i see was i had to keep jumping over the frame to grab the one tool on the other side of the garage. BUT, i put a 2x12 across the rails, that way i could reach over the top easier.
To each is own i guess.

Keep up the great work![cl Looking forward to following this one!

 

[RAT IHC]

jmlcolorado; yeah I've got my sights set on the day when I can take the legs off the frame table and store it a way...takes up a lot of room, but it's a must have right now...I look at it as getting my exercise while in the shop...running from one side to another and back again because I left a tool on the other side! Good Times!

I spent 6 hours in the shop today, but didn't get much done. Got the frame centered and the front crossmember tacked in place with 7 degrees for the caster. I also made a couple of small relief cuts just in front of the location where the control arms will mount to the frame for the rear to bring the rear part of the frame back to square. I've got to say that getting this frame square took a lot of time. In the end I'm 1/16th off on the passenger side from the top of the kick up to the end of the frame. Not sure what happen...the frame rails are EXACTLY the same. I think it will be ok, but I'm still a little concerned. Might chase it down later.

Here are some pictures from today. I know some of you guys are saying "Man!! Get some real work done on this already". Well things should start to move a little faster from here on out. Plus posting small things here helps keep me going.

 

[gasser]

Its all small things.[P every steep takes 2 times longer and cost twice as much as we expect. then one day POFF a truck appears.

[clby the way nice build[cl

 

[Gregster]

Your frame looks great and the welding is awesome

 

[RAT IHC]

Gasser and Gregster: Thanks for the props!

It's always nice to hear input from anyone. I was going to take tonight off from the build, but I think I go and start hanging the rear crossmember and suspension tonight!

Thanks for the motivation guys! I'll post some more pictures that are worthy of a "build update"

 

[gasser]

To me all pictures are worthy, you never know where some one might find inspiration. My truck is going to come to a stop for a couple of weeks going in for hand surgery tomorrow

 

[RAT IHC]

Suffered a bit of set back. The ford 9" inch rear that I bought has miss-matched axles. They are the wrong size and incorrect bearings for the housing ends. I had bought it from a guy I know and call him the other day. I guess it's kind of my fault...it was in pieces when I picked it up...I should have checked it. He says he didn't know. Couldn't find any in the junk yard that matched and new ones would have cost $300 - $400...no time or money for them.

Craigslist to rescue...found a ford 8.8 that will work for $140. Good shape...took it apart...everything looks good. It's a limited slip so I might replace the clucthes. Little disappointed about the 9" but the rear will be out of sight anyway. Took most of sat. to pick up the 8.8, get it tore down and centered in the frame.

I got the rear cross member in and started mocking up the the four link. Seems like I should have a lot more done, but the new rear end took up a lot of time. Here are some pics.

 

[earthman]

Very nice work. Thanks for for providing us with pix. What motor and wheels are you using?