Re: Shrunken66Stroker's build thread.
 

Nice build man and welcome to the board! It'll be awesome to see it sitting on 20"s.:metal:

Re: Shrunken66Stroker's build thread.
 

Thanks, I can't wait to get it back on the ground.

Re: Shrunken66Stroker's build thread.
 

Looking great man. Ridiculously nice setup all around. Love the Baer's , drivetrain, and Air Ride. I wish I could afford an air ride setup but it's just going to be sitting stock with 20's and blacked-out drum brakes all around.

Re: Shrunken66Stroker's build thread.
 

This is the column after I cut three inches out. I've had some how to questions so here are the finished pics. Unfortunately you can't see exactly where I cut but just make sure you don't cut any threaded holes out and you'll be fine. I hope these help.

Re: Shrunken66Stroker's build thread.
 

Very nice work.....looks to me like you've been doing it longer than 2 yrs. Looking forward to more progress.

Re: Shrunken66Stroker's build thread.
 

I got the driver's side together.

Re: Shrunken66Stroker's build thread.
 

Maybe I missed it, but what did you have to do to that fender?

Re: Shrunken66Stroker's build thread.
 

Man, your doing a fantastic job!!:metal: Keep the progress going and take us along for the ride.

Re: Shrunken66Stroker's build thread.
 

I bought a new fender on ebay and when I got it home and took the made in China sticker off I realize it was a piece of $#!t. I decided to cut it up and patch the old one instead of using it. There were all kinds of problems with the way the repopped fender fit. The holes on top didn't line up, it was too long, it made the door gap too tight and the seam in front was way off. I would have had to cut it apart anyway so I just patched the old one and now it fits like it use to. I rest easier knowing that it's an original part. The bottom of the original was rusted out and the support behind it was rusted too. I cut both of them out and welded in the new brace and patch.

I actually used this fender to practice welding sheet metal a few years ago. I wish I hadn't done that but at that time I thought I was going to throw it in the trash after I was done with the build. I made about 5 cuts with a cutting wheel and welded them up. At that time I didn't know how to weld so it was a complete warped mess. Lesson learned.

Re: Shrunken66Stroker's build thread.
 

:c2: That's some nice work. Obviously, the welding practice has paid off!!

Re: Shrunken66Stroker's build thread.
 

hey shrunken , what is your process of stripping the paint from your panels down to metal ? great build by the way !!!

Re: Shrunken66Stroker's build thread.
 

I've used all different methods. It's pretty much an experiment. I've had good results with paint stripping discs that mount to my grinder. They take of paint and don't harm the metal if you move them around. You never want to stay in on place too long and get the metal hot. Aircraft stripper works well. Messy process though. I also blast but not on large flat panels. I've used a DA sander too. Try a few out and see what works best for you. If you want to go down to bare metal then use the stripping disc or aircraft stripper. If you're just looking to scuff the paint and reshoot it then use the DA sander. A bit of everything is the answer.

Re: Shrunken66Stroker's build thread.
 

I agree on the fender......I think the re-pops suck and its worth the effort on the originals. After seeing LILRED66 posting up some body repair action I went out and banged on a fender for about three hours and I'll be damned if I didnt get about 95% of it looking good. Just need the patch panels.

Nice job on your truck so far; its looking really sweet.

Re: Shrunken66Stroker's build thread.
 

shrunken:

Great build and awesome information and pictures. Thanks for sharing and keep the progress pictures coming.

Good luck with your project.

Re: Shrunken66Stroker's build thread.
 

This is an awesome build with a cool story to go with it. Everything you've done is sick! I guess that BHS education has paid off! :lol: Great job! I can't wait to see it complete.

I know what you mean about the chinese fenders. I have one on my '62 and it fits like crap. I need to do like you did and just use that fender for patches on a real one.

Re: Shrunken66Stroker's build thread.
 

Thanks guys. Here's the passenger fender from last night. Got to keep those gaps tight. Check, hammer, check, hammer, weld, check, hammer, check, bolt it on. This thread has really pushed me to make some progress. Also, my wife is having a baby boy in about a week so I'm trying to finish all of the sheet metal before lock down. BHS!

Re: Shrunken66Stroker's build thread.
 

Beautiful welding. Your work is awesome. Congrats on your baby boy!

Re: Shrunken66Stroker's build thread.
 

Those are some nice shots.

Re: Shrunken66Stroker's build thread.
 

Is your transmission mounted at a rotated angle to the bellhousing? What's the reasoning?

Nice truck, awesome build!

Re: Shrunken66Stroker's build thread.
 

fbody trans

Re: Shrunken66Stroker's build thread.
 

It's a Tremec World Class T-5 out of a 92 firebird. It's counter clocked 17 degrees toward the driver and it's got a short throw shifter for quick shifts. It's only rated to handle around 300 lb/ft of torque so it's perfect for my stock small block with a 4 barrel carb. If you're looking to put power down with slicks this is the wrong transmission. It's a good 5 speed with a .63x1 fifth gear ratio for cruising on the freeway. At 75 mph the the engine is just over 2000 rpms. At 85 mph it's still under 2500 rpm.

Re: Shrunken66Stroker's build thread.
 

Wow!

Re: Shrunken66Stroker's build thread.
 

Say Greg, is Tucker's still in business in Vegas? That's where I got a lot of parts for my trucks when I was still living out there. Maybe they'll have a lead on one of those grilles.

Re: Shrunken66Stroker's build thread.
 

Tucker's is still here. I go to them as much as I can. They're a little more expensive than LMC and others but they stock a lot of parts and know what they're talking about. That's a good idea, I'll give them a call and see. Thanks.

Re: Shrunken66Stroker's build thread.
 

Yeah they are a bit pricier, but the convenience is great! I didn't mind paying a few bucks more and getting your parts the same day.