Started on the 40 Dodge PU

[Blue]

Today I worked on the floor and driveshaft/transmission tunnel..

I think I might keep the tunnel part removable.. not sure

Anyway... I still need to do the front, but am going to wait untill I get my master cylinder for the brakes mounted..

 

[Bonehead]

Better hurry, Christmas is getting close. You look to be on schedule. Good work.

 

[35Mastr]

On the wiring harnes.There is alot of stuff that you are not going to need.Not to mention that the stock harness is a bit big and bulky.Gm performance makes a smaller version for it.You can also get alot of info on the GM motors and harness help here.

http://www.ls1tech.com/forums/

 

[Blue]

On the wiring harnes.There is alot of stuff that you are not going to need.Not to mention that the stock harness is a bit big and bulky.Gm performance makes a smaller version for it.You can also get alot of info on the GM motors and harness help here.

http://www.ls1tech.com/forums/

Thank for that tip..
I'll check them out

 

[Blue]

Better hurry, Christmas is getting close. You look to be on schedule. Good work.

lol.. I'm trying

 

[donsrods]

Floor looks good Blue, very neat and clean.
You've gotten me moving on mine too. Last night I took some time and made a cardboard template to mount my F100 steering box and my radius rods. I also slid a boat seat in and figured out my column height and seat height. No huge progress, but at least got some small stuff out of the way. Sure is going to be roomier and more comfortable than my T.

Next step is to cut my steering box mount out of 3/8 plate and weld it to the frame.

Don

 

[Blue]

Floor looks good Blue, very neat and clean.
You've gotten me moving on mine too. Last night I took some time and made a cardboard template to mount my F100 steering box and my radius rods. I also slid a boat seat in and figured out my column height and seat height. No huge progress, but at least got some small stuff out of the way. Sure is going to be roomier and more comfortable than my T.

Next step is to cut my steering box mount out of 3/8 plate and weld it to the frame.

Don

That is awesome Don!!
I can't wait to see some progress on yours.. it's going to be VERY nice!!

 

[luckyfasteddie]

Foolin somebody

I was just over on the HAMB slumming and read your thread, Maby they are mellowing a bit ,except for a few guys your truck seemed to be accepted pretty good. The dreaded term RATRod was only mentioned once . Do you have them fooled or us HaHa just kidding. Dont leave us for "THEM" LFE

 

[Blue]

I was just over on the HAMB slumming and read your thread, Maby they are mellowing a bit ,except for a few guys your truck seemed to be accepted pretty good. The dreaded term RATRod was only mentioned once . Do you have them fooled or us HaHa just kidding. Dont leave us for "THEM" LFE

Don't worry.. this is a great group of guys right here..
I like it here

 

[cycledog]

Looks like ur getting alot done. Can't wait to see more of your progress.

 

[luckyfasteddie]

V W front end info

Hey Blue I'll bet I'm not the only one wanting more info on your front end set up.How about a separate thread under suspension .What it is , where you got it, how it works , steering , brakes , hub size , lug pattern , wheels that can be used , any place to go for additional info, how you did it Pics on how you attached it to the frame ,steering hook up etc. Have you seen this done before or are you inventing here. I dont mind reinventing the wheel but it is a lot quicker when the bugs have been worked out by someone else. Any and all info (with pics) will be greatly appreciated.LFE

 

[Blue]

LFE
If you guys are looking for more info I can do that, but I would rather wait to see if it works before I send anyone out to buy one..
Once I get the brakes and steering figured out and see how it rides I'll post up my findings.. its still an unproven set up right now
(But I'm sure it's going to be fine )

 

[donsrods]

To be honest, when I first saw your plans to use the VW suspension I was a little leary too. I was around when these became the subject of installs in the '70's or '80's. I think Tex Smith was one of the early pioneers in using them when he built the XR (or whatever it was called) roadster. Andy Brizio also used them on the front of his VW Rods, but of course those were VW powered so there was little weight on the front. My concerns for you were how it would hold up with a substantially heavier engine and body combo.

But as quite a few people have cited, these are commonly used in sandrails, some of which are V8 powered, and abused on the dunes and off road. So maybe it will work out well for you. I do remember one thing about these front ends though, you will want to reinforce the towers as the welds are only pinch welded in stock form. We built a few Cal Look and stock bugs years ago and I have seen these split even in street use. Over the years rust also affects the strength of these towers. If you go to some of the sandrail forums you will probably find some info on how to do this properly.

Otherwise, I think you will be ok. It sure solves a lot of problems with where to mount steering and all that as it is a self contained unit. Good luck.

Don

 

[luckyfasteddie]

LFE
If you guys are looking for more info I can do that, but I would rather wait to see if it works before I send anyone out to buy one..
Once I get the brakes and steering figured out and see how it rides I'll post up my findings.. its still an unproven set up right now
(But I'm sure it's going to be fine )

Hey Blue that sounds good , will hold you to it. Don good info., gonna try some sand rail forums as a start.Im thinkin about next winters project , VW front , Tri carbed SBC chevy out back , between drilled out frame rails left exposed. Brake /clutch pedals,steering col etc mounted to an under cowl frame work like you did in your t bucket. with a removable cab. 2nd time around should be lots easier and less costly.I love it when my 3 remaining brain cells line up and I can think.Merry Christmass all . LFE

 

[Blue]

Don..
My first thoughts about the shock towers was to cut them off all together and either buy a set for a T or make my own..

 

[Blue]

OK..
Should I mount the headlights up higher, or down low?

I really need to finish the bed..

 

[Neophyte]

I think they look kinda out of place high up...

 

[Gastrick]

I like the headlights mounted lower.

 

[garvinzoom]

I like the lower mount look also. Very cool build so far Blue, that light at the end of the tunnel is pretty bright I would say!

 

[Bonehead]

Lower looks better to me, but I am only 4 ft 6. (and dislexic)