The 40G

[Mike S.]

Thanks for the compliments guys, I appreciate them.

I got a little done this weekend. I took a few measurements and figured out how high my engine/trans will sit which then gave me my pinion angle. So, I removed my axle 4-link mounts and reset them accordingly. I also finish welded and primed my 4-link arms and panhard bar, which I ended up doing twice on three of them since my welds looked so crappy! I finished welding the chassis except for some mounts and crossmembers which I can't locate and install until the bed/body is mocked up, so with the help of my neighbor, we got the cab back on the chassis. So, a few steps closer.

 

[klink]

Looks great! The frame looks pretty wild, gives the radical chop a little more attitude.

 

[Dirtyrat]

I like it, I also like the wood blocks, I have a bunch too, can never have enough =)

I use .125 steel plates for shims, I feel the pain of mock up!

 

[Mike S.]

Thanks for the kind words guys.

Been getting a bit done on the truck. I've been changing and rebuilding a lot of stuff lately.

My cheater slicks arrived just before xmas. I had originally set up my bed and suspension for slicks with a smaller diameter, however those weren't a good choice for my rim width. So, I ended up with a slightly larger diameter which wouldn't clear my bed rails. I had planned to run wheel adapters to allow me to run wheels with a 5 on 4 3/4" lug pattern and at the same time, spacing the wheels out past the bedrails, but the larger slicks killed that plan. To cure that I raised my bed 2 1/4" which then allowed me to ditch the adapters and move the wheels in. Since I am running a 9" rearend, I needed wheels with a 5 on 5" pattern. Luckily I found a new pair of Torq-Thrust wheels on Craigslist. Ironically, the guy I bought the wheels from is Tom Cat, the same guy who painted the cover car (Nashty Habit) on the new issue of Overkill magazine.

I mocked up my engine and realized I didn't like the height; it looked like I was trying too hard. I lowered it 2" and reset the rear pinion angle again.

I mocked up my trans and will build that crossmember soon. Having the trans in allowed me to figure out how I wanted to build my floors, so I made some patterns for them.

Having the trans in also made me realize that my coveted jet boat gas pedal wasn't going to fit so I made a firewall-mounted pedal.

I got my frontend all fit into the chassis, then broke it down and sent it and my wheels off to my painter buddy for a couple coats of PPG satin black.

I know I am forgetting a lot, but that's good for now.

Thanks for looking!

 

[Mike S.]

Dang it, I forgot to add a picture of my gas pedal!

 

[Dirtyrat]

Looking good, I dig the new wheels, and the look of the truck!

 

[CORPO]

Looking real good, like the wheel and tire choice

 

[DJ3100]

Nice! I really like those bed mount brackets.

My gas pedals always seem to need to be off-set toward the center of the car to get the cable to line up with the carb. There must be other solutions, I'll be interested to see how you make yours work.

 

[Mike S.]

Looking good, I dig the new wheels, and the look of the truck!

Looking real good, like the wheel and tire choice

Thanks guys! I'll post some pictures when the wheels get back from being painted. I am curious to hear any reactions.

Nice! I really like those bed mount brackets.

My gas pedals always seem to need to be off-set toward the center of the car to get the cable to line up with the carb. There must be other solutions, I'll be interested to see how you make yours work.

Thanks! I may have to get creative when it's time to hook that pedal up. As much as I've changed things on this truck, I am afraid to mount the pedal until I get the trans tunnel in.

 

[05snopro440]

I love the wheel choice!

 

[Mike S.]

I love the wheel choice!

Thanks! I got really lucky there. The right wheels at a great price at the right time. Craigslist comes through again!

 

[Mike S.]

Transmission mount/crossmember going in. Pretty tight joints for a HF tubing notcher!

 

[DJ3100]

Transmission mount/crossmember going in. Pretty tight joints for a HF tubing notcher!

Tough to do with any notcher. Nice work!

 

[bob w]

Excellent craftsmanship. The overall look it outstanding too. You can be very proud of this one.

 

[Mike S.]

Tough to do with any notcher. Nice work!

Excellent craftsmanship. The overall look it outstanding too. You can be very proud of this one.

Thank you guys, I appreciate the kind words.

I built this transmission mount on Sunday. I needed a piece of 1.5" x 3" which I didn't have and since it was Sunday, my supplier was closed. So, I sliced a piece of 2" x 3" x 3/16" down the sides, removed a 1/2", then welded it back together. I notched the bottom to fit the 1.5" crossmember, canted the top back 4 degrees, welded in a 1/4" thick top and drilled that to accept the trans mount that I bought. Believe it or not, the 1.5" holes in the face allow access (barely!) to the mounting bolts for trans mount. Onward and upward! [

 

[zpi28]

Nice build, that trans mount is very cool. Keep up the great work.

 

[Mike S.]

Nice build, that trans mount is very cool. Keep up the great work.

Thanks, I appreciate it.

 

[Mike S.]

I got my parts back from my painter buddy today. He painted the wheels, front axle and hairpins. The paint is more satin in person but you get the idea.

 

[Mike S.]

It goes up and down!

I yanked the rear end out of the chassis today and finish welded all of the remaining brackets. I reinstalled the rear end and checked it with a floor jack...it goes up and down so I must have done it right!

Also, I have front tires on the way from Towel City Tires. A little closer to a roller.

 

[bob w]

All the fab work looks outstanding. I really like the wheels too.