50 Chevy Rat

[zpi28]

Got the Caddy pulled and put in the garage. Now time to remove the unwanted items and clean it up for paint.

 

[zpi28]

The exhaust manifold bolts have me a little worried about breaking off. Im going to soak them as much as I can with ATF/Acetone blend to help get them loose.

 

[Dirtyrat]

Might have to heat them with the ole blue wrench too =)
Nice work on getting the caddy engine!

 

[zpi28]

My parts from LMC were waiting at the post office this morning so I put the front end back together. Now I can start mocking up the rear end and ladder bars.

Cleaned up my grille some and set it back on for photo opportunity. ;D

Got the rear out of the 84 truck since its complete with brakes and all. Pulled the front leaf springs , may cut them down some and use these out back.

 

[Dirtyrat]

That grille shell is gonna look really cool.

On those rear coils those look REALLY heavy duty...

 

[zpi28]

Yeah, those may be about the same as running a solid tube for a spring. They are very stiff, still looking for some. That speedway basic coil setup looks pretty good, they are 175lb rated and included the brackets.

 

[zpi28]

Looking into some springs now, I did mock up the rear and set the grille in a different location to see how it looks. I will have to get the cab on and then decide on grille placement and if it needs to be cut down.

 

[andya1234]

Pretty cool man!...keep it up.....looks good!

 

[chevellelovermichael]

mazda p.u.

coil springs are what we used. cut a inch or so off.

 

[zpi28]

Took the donor off to the scrap yard today.

 

[zpi28]

Made some progress last night on the ladder bars. Still got to build a panhard and weld the brackets to the rearend. Plans are to set the cab on today and find the placement for the motor.

I put in some reinforcement bar for the ladder bar attachment place.

Setting up the coils.

Mocking up the ladder bars, got to order some spacers/shims.

Hopefully I get a picture of it today with the cab and grille set on it. 8)

 

[Dirtyrat]

Before others chime in on the rusty metal, I suggest cleaning off the rust off the old metal, and the mill scale off new material prior to welding...

Looks like you have a nice beefy plate in there, and some good progress is being made!
I wish I could use a section of tubing to center my coils, but I couldn't find anything that would work... I have to still make a piece...

 

[zpi28]

Thanks, I have been hitting the rust with a wire brush before welding it. I can put a wire wheel on the drill and get a little more aggressive with it. Appreciate the help, this is my first full build. Im really surprised at how ideas start running through my head as im looking at this in the garage. Its nice to have a good site to look at other builds as well. Lots of great ideas floating around out there. Even though I have owned my 64 C10 for 23 years, I know I will be more proud of this 53 when I finish it. Ive only done engine, transmission and suspension swaps on the 64.

 

[anvil]

a grinding disc works good even better then a wire wheel and is faster. looking good thow

 

[Dirtyrat]

a grinding disc works good even better then a wire wheel and is faster. looking good thow

Yea, I would say something more aggressive is necessary for rust removal.
either a 90 with a sanding disc, or I find the 4" grinder with a flapper wheel does a great job too...

Just concerned with weld strength and your safety! Weld on!

 

[zpi28]

Got some hours in the garage and got it rolling now. Even set the cab and stuck the motor in to see how its going to set.

Still alot to do, but it feels great having it rolling. I pushed it out and sweep up the garage so that i can make a new mess.

 

[Dirtyrat]

Awesome, good to see it rolling and outside, thats a great day for sure!
Motivation moment!

Looking pretty cool with the cab on there

 

[zpi28]

Got to change out those rear springs before I finish it, they are supper strong. I jumped on it without them giving any. Im only about 260lbs but they should have still squated a little.

 

[DougnDog]

Hey Man nice build, looks like your having fun.
The last thing I want do is question someone else's build, but did you put a strong back under the coil spring plate? that plate carries 3/4 of the weight of the car plus the shock factor from the road. I would hate to see it brake off on you.
This is just a observation from a old man doing fab work for more years than I care to count. Good luck and have fun.

by the way 7018 rod AC or DC is the best all position rod especially made for dirty and rusty metal........used it in the industry for years.
Doug n Sweepea

 

[zpi28]

Glad you noticed, I do have some 3/8" plate that I will be adding to the coil plates. I dont mind anyone questioning my build, Safety is always number one especially with something thats on the road with our families.
I looked at several other builds that use the coil plates with backing plates for support. I still have to take it back apart to finish welding everything up and cut off the things not needed.
I tried using a 1/8" 7018 with this AC welder and it did not like to burn right. So I went with some 6011s and they work good. Im getting good penetration in both parts.

Thanks for the comments.