40 chevy truck, neighbor hood find

[harley rider]

This truck was already good, but it just keeps getting better.
I love the patina and will miss it when it's gone, but cutting out the metal worms has its consequences!

-Chaz

sorry man . I like a nice patina as well, but this one just wasnt rite for that not only that but the fenders and running boards have a different look ,and I just cant leave rust holes.

 

[harley rider]

took some time off from the truck to make some money,doing some work on a customers 63 Corvette.when I finish it I'll jump back on the truck. Ive been collecting some steel tubing and plate to finish the frame. the man in brown delivered my M II front cross member today. can't wait to weld it up.stay tuned.

 

[harley rider]

getting started on the front end .after I seperated all the pieces and cleaned up the edges, I ripped some blocks for spacers,stuck some bolts in to help square things .then clamped it and tacked it together.ran out of gas tackin, by the time I got back it was to hot in the shop to do any more welding today.

 

[JBailey]

This is turning into a very nice build! Now that I commented, I'm subscribed and will follow along.

 

[harley rider]

all welded up except for the rack mounts .I'll wait till it is mounted so I can raise or lower as needed. still need to weld up the top hats.then the next step will be to remove the cab and finish boxing the frame. by the way I bought these pieces from West Texas Speed. $160 shipped on ebay. a hell of less than pre made pieces and most of them are not 3/16 thick.

 

[Neverdone]

Nice work on the cross member! That thing will never give!!

 

[harley rider]

Nice work on the cross member! That thing will never give!!

thanks. I think it will hold up.

 

[harley rider]

got the main part of the top hats welded up .still need to get some 3 1/4" tubbing to make the upper coil spring pocket and shock mount. it will be a while before I get these installed so I sprayed a light coat of primer .

 

[harley rider]

before I start to box the frame I need to cut out some of the front cross member. I am thinkin I may need the clearance for the steering rack maybe not. either way I dont need this part of it any more and there is some of the frame channel I need to get rid of to box it all the way to the front cross member. not much left of the original frame now.
if anyone is wondering I decided to use the MII front end so I could keep the original radiator support and body mounts. makes it simpler to bolt on and align front sheet metal.I also looked into the cost of my options (MII ,camaro stub or rebuild, lower and update to discs the original axle) and they were all about the same with the later being the most costly.

 

[harley rider]

got the cab off again. I made a cart to fit the cab so i can work on it and move it around easy. welded some nuts inside the frame for the cab mounts before I box it in. and cut some steel to replace the wood blocks at the back of the cab.scored some more tubing to make a trans mount and cross member and some structure to stiffin the frame more. I might use the 2" to build a roll bar in the cab.

 

[harley rider]

I was tryng to bend a piece of steel on the frame and broke this cresent wrench.when I looked at it you could see where it had been cracked for along time.

 

[christcrusader13]

I was tryng to bend a piece of steel on the frame and broke this cresent wrench.when I looked at it you could see where it had been cracked for along time.

[cl BRAVO [cl

you should put it on a board and make a Garage sign that says.... 'Don't Mess with me... I'm Dangerous!'

 

[harley rider]

[cl BRAVO [cl

you should put it on a board and make a Garage sign that says.... 'Don't Mess with me... I'm Dangerous!'

not so dangerous ,broke a broken wrench. when you do something like that you think your a badass, till reality hits.

 

[harley rider]

finally got some steel to box the frame. before I do that again I'm gonna get a plasma cutter, 6ft cuts with a sawsall and cutoff wheel is a lot of work.

 

[harley rider]

now I can get the MII crossmember installed. I have some very detailed drawings and install instructions, that I got from Rodplans.com. that are very helpful. I dont have control arms and spindles yet.not sure if I'm goin to use stock arms or tubular arms.been lookin for some used stockers haven't found any,I figured I'd be able to find some cheap, guess they all got crushed.

 

[Torchie]

finally got some steel to box the frame. before I do that again I'm gonna get a plasma cutter, 6ft cuts with a sawsall and cutoff wheel is a lot of work.

Good for you. Getting it done with what you have.[cl
Looking good.
Torchie.

 

[christcrusader13]

All that hard work is paying off, your progress looks good!

 

[AZRodDave]

RetroMod

Install the motor get it running and drive her just the way she is[dr
I love the look already and it is a strong clean looking truck.

Agreed! Wheels and tires, drivetrain, disc brakes and leave the body alone!

I miss my old '46 Chevy pickup. 235 with a crash box (no synchros) granny 4 spd. My 2nd vehicle (in 1972) and first car loan. Paid $700 and drove the heck out of that thing!!!

 

[harley rider]

Good for you. Getting it done with what you have.[cl
Looking good.
Torchie.

I'm always telling people that say I dont have or know this or that ,it's all about how bad you want it, you do what it takes until you have better.

 

[harley rider]

Agreed! Wheels and tires, drivetrain, disc brakes and leave the body alone!

I miss my old '46 Chevy pickup. 235 with a crash box (no synchros) granny 4 spd. My 2nd vehicle (in 1972) and first car loan. Paid $700 and drove the heck out of that thing!!!

sorry man . I guess you missed that it will get painted.