50 Chevy Rat

[zpi28]

Put about 4 hours on it tonight and got alot done. I got the rear suspension done, shocks and panhard installed. Still need to get some softer springs for it. I could haul a 5th wheel camper and it would never even squat with these beefy springs.
I got my wiring harness in and its really nice every wire is labeled all the way down with text and color coded. It also has a built in 40 amp relay for a fuel pump or fan.

I already had some air shocks that i got for my Chevelle but sold the car. I decided to make them work on here. Fabricated a bracket and starting putting them on.

 

[zpi28]

Then I installed my panhard and bolted in the springs. Still got to get some softer springs before I get this on the road. I could haul a 5th wheel camper with these springs on it.

Momma decided to goto bed early since I was working on the truck so I found something else to do. I got the grille mounted up. I still need to make some tiebacks to the firewall. (note to self, if you use an old leaf spring for mounting tabs remember its spring steel and it will laugh at your HSS drill bits. Must use the new Dewalt bits to drill it.) That was an awesome time there. I did use two 4 inch pieces of a leaf spring ,that I removed from the front of the truck, for the mounting tabs.

Didnt want a brake booster out in the open but I already have one that was on the cab when I got it. May paint it black and gold and install it tomorrow along with the brake pedal. Got to order my lakester headers for the caddy also. I need a stock steering box now. Got to get the steering done. Hope to get this done by late spring.

 

[Dirtyrat]

I like what you are doing, only thing I see, and maybe someone else can chime in as well, the shock angle looks excessive to me...

Relay: Bueler.... Bueler... Bueler....

 

[kkadams123]

I also didnt want the brake booster sitting out in the open. I split it from the master cylinder and put the booster under the dash and the master on the fire wall. Had to build a bracket for the rake pedal, but it worked slick. Sure looks better. Looking forward to seeing your headers bolted on.

 

[zpi28]

Thanks, I have some adjustment on the shock angle. Otherwise I will need to get some shorter shocks.
kkadams do you have any pictures of that setup? It sounds sweet.

 

[BlackRat]

Looks like the same universal wiring harness I got off eBay last year. Cheap, simple and works great.

 

[rainbow lungs]

Can't wait for all the labor pains to be done and you show us the baby!

Looking great, nice work.

Lungs

 

[zpi28]

Got the gauges ready even if I broke the speedo hand off. Ill just use the odometer to track mileage. If for some reason I really need to know my speed I can use a GPS.

 

[Dirtyrat]

Thanks, I have some adjustment on the shock angle. Otherwise I will need to get some shorter shocks.
kkadams do you have any pictures of that setup? It sounds sweet.

The issue I see is that when putting the axle through its range of motion, either on one side or both, the shocks will just pivot, and not actuate... if you remove the springs, and move your suspension through its travel, how much does the shock change in length?

I imagine it is less than you would expect, and may not be enough to dampen properly.
Just looking out for your safety, hopefully not coming across as being critical...

 

[zpi28]

DR I appreciate the info I will move them to the outside holes and see what kinda angle they are at. I havent pulled the springs yet but I am going to when I get some softer ones. Thanks

I did manage to get some more done tonight. Went ahead and did the dash. Copper base coat and then bronze hammered paint to finish.

Put the brake booster and pedal in. The booster got the same treatment.

 

[zpi28]

Next I decided to pull the bed in and start on it. I cut 17 inches out of it to match it up with the frame. Got to cut some mounts for the front and then bolt it down.

 

[zpi28]

May take another 12" out of the back at a later date. Right now I need to get it driving.

 

[Neverdone]

May take another 12" out of the back at a later date. Right now I need to get it driving.

If it were me, I would probably take more out of the back, but I understand your want to get it driving deal.....

 

[Docsholiday]

Howdy

I know you're having fun now!
Just think of all the time and money you get to spend on that damn thing now!!!
So, Get to it and keep us posted!
later

 

[zpi28]

Pushed it out and took a couple pics of it.

 

[zpi28]

This is about where I the fuel vessels are going.

 

[Dirtyrat]

Looks like you are cranking through this, that is a lot of work you accomplished!
Bed looks great!

 

[I-R-POPS]

Now we're talking! Don't you just love putting on big pieces?
Makes you feel like you're making progress fast.
Looking good.

 

[sgtpontiac]

Looks pretty cool.........

but FUEL VESSELS??? That's an unsual term...[S

 

[rainbow lungs]

May take another 12" out of the back at a later date. Right now I need to get it driving.

Yes I agree. Was going to say looks a bit long. Do it now or you will not want to mess with it later.

Lungs