Re: Hotrodelrods 54 build
 

Rick where are You? ---- missing your build updates!

Re: Hotrodelrods 54 build
 

Well, its that time of year again where work slows and I get the time to pick back up on the truck. Not much has changed since last year. I have gathered some parts and am thinking about changing direction with regards to powertrain. Originally I liked the idea of a gen 1 SBC roots blower set up that would take me back to the days of high school. Recently I started exploring the idea of GMs GM Performance LS3 480 HP Connect & Cruise Package Engine. There are $800 in rebates through year end and I believe I would get much more use/drive ability out of this package. Also, by the time a buy the heads, supercharger, carbs, etc. for my 406 shortblock the cost is negligible. Turning 50 this year must have changed my way of thinking! lol. As for the parts I've gathered (mostly sheetmetal) I picked up the recessed firewall, core support, inner fenders, and floors from Absolute sheetmetal. Nice folks there. I guess thats it, time to get started again! Happy Holidays to all!

Re: Hotrodelrods 54 build
 

are you thinking full drivetrain or just the motor? If the budget allows may want to add the trans as well, so then hopefully everything is plug n play.

Re: Hotrodelrods 54 build
 

Welcome back Rick! I like the connect and cruise idea and am looking forward to updates.

Re: Hotrodelrods 54 build
 

Was thinking of the complete package. Might also look at "take outs, drop outs," or whatever there called.

Re: Hotrodelrods 54 build
 

Thanks Doug, good to be back! I hope all has been well for you and yours! Like the peanut gallery setup in your shop! lol All that is missing is a tv and recliner.;)

Re: Hotrodelrods 54 build
 

Crakarjax,

I have not mounted an engine /trans to it yet but I see no reason why I wouldn't like it. Should function very well as far as far as I can tell.

Re: Hotrodelrods 54 build
 

Earlier in my build I had an issue. I am using a 99 Explorer rear with 4.5 bolt pattern and the front clip is a Metric GBody with a 4.75 bolt pattern. I already had a set of wheels and tires from a 66 Coronet convertible I sold and they were like new with a 4.5 bolt pattern. I was trying to find a "easy" solution but kept running into dead ends. So I ponied up and bought the Wilwood kit with everything I needed to make it work. All that was required was to cut the ears off of the Gbody spindles and drill/tap the dust cover holes to accept the new caliper mount. Wilwood makes nice stuff. Problem solved.


http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/a...1&d=1483197551

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/a...1&d=1483197551

Re: Hotrodelrods 54 build
 

Looks good.
Nice wheels!!

Re: Hotrodelrods 54 build
 

I decided on a complete dropout from a 2011 Camaro SS with 31k miles. I wanted a true LS3 (430hp) and an automatic trans but GM never offered this. If you wanted the auto trans. you got the L99 (400hp) with the variable valve timing etc. I did not want that. I found a guy who salvages many of these Camaros, GTOs etc. and he sold me a true LS3 from 1 car, and a 6l80e 6 speed auto from another car. Package comes with computer, shifter, gas pedal, etc.
I then called Jeremy at PSI Conversions in New Jersey and he assured me they can sell me a harness to make everything work together. While waiting on the engine/trans to get here I figured I would set the cab on the frame and start figuring out how to mount it, the new core support, inner fenders, etc. since I made no notes when tearing everything apart. I even went as far as boxing the frame and welding up most holes, including where the rear cab shackle mounts bolt to the frame! Never was a good planner.

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/a...1&d=1483198820

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/a...1&d=1483198820

Re: Hotrodelrods 54 build
 

This brings me to a few questions.
1) Do most of you use the rear cab shackles for mounting cab to frame?
2) Up front where the cab floor mounts to the frame outriggers do you modify this mount at all? Not sure a long bolt through the floor seems all that great.
3) Are there any bushings or pads used between the frame and the cab?
4) Any tips on locating the new core support? Of course I took no measurements here either!

Thanks for your help!

Rick

Re: Hotrodelrods 54 build
 

Thanks Kees!

Re: Hotrodelrods 54 build
 

Hope this helps. You chassis is looking good!
1- I did on my black truck.
2 - No, I use it as is.
3- Yes, you can buy them though I am cutting up a truck mud flap for the pads.
4- install cab on frame square. Loosely attach front fenders, inner fenders and radiator support in front of cab with radiator support on a support (bottle jack with board, or hanging from a cherry picker) and adjust up down sideways for alignment. Tighten attachment bolts as you get closer to where the radiator support needs to be. Build a crossmember under the radiator support. Be sure to include fore and aft adjustment.

Probably a better way out there....just my thoughts.

Re: Hotrodelrods 54 build
 

Thanks Doug! Can always count on you for help. Happy 2017 to you and your family!

Rick

Re: Hotrodelrods 54 build
 

Same to you and yours Rick!

Re: Hotrodelrods 54 build
 

Very cool build. Like the garage, wish i had a garage like that. will continue to watch your build.

Re: Hotrodelrods 54 build
 

Started trying to figure out the core support so that I can move on to floors, firewall, and inner fenders. What a pita! lol Lots of trial and error.I can't imagine trying to attach a painted front clip without doing damage!

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/a...1&d=1483658787

I think everything is lined up pretty well so I can secure core support in place. Heres a pic with front end in place.

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/a...1&d=1483659434

Re: Hotrodelrods 54 build
 

Good work Rick. Front is coming together.

Re: Hotrodelrods 54 build
 

Stance is starting to look nice!

Re: Hotrodelrods 54 build
 

Thanks!

Re: Hotrodelrods 54 build
 

The previous builder had fab'd a "saddle" that the stock core support rested on. The Absolute/*****in core support brackets supplied are made to fit on the top of the stock frame rails. Because my front clip is a metric Gbody clip these wont work.
http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/a...1&d=1483758578
I cut some square tube and welded a plate with slotted holes to mount to core support for future wiggle room if needed.
http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/a...1&d=1483758578

I used weld nuts to mount as to match new core support
http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/a...1&d=1483758578

Re: Hotrodelrods 54 build
 

Nice fab work Rick. Looks good!

Re: Hotrodelrods 54 build
 

looking good!

Re: Hotrodelrods 54 build
 

Coming together really nice!!!! Youre on the downhill side now at this point! keep it going.

Re: Hotrodelrods 54 build
 

Rick, have you been back in the shop? Any updates?

Re: Hotrodelrods 54 build
 

Here we are 2 years blown by. I have started back on my 54. I was at a standstill, afraid to tackle the firewall, floors etc. but recently decided its time to dive in. So here is where we left off.
http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/a...1&d=1548551863
http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/a...1&d=1548551863

I welded a couple of braces in the door openings to keep the front of the cab from shifting upon firewall and floor removal.
http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/a...1&d=1548552071
I then cut out the stock firewall. A jigsaw/ cut off wheel combo worked well.
http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/a...1&d=1548552071
Next i used a flange/punch tool to punch holes around the perimeter of the new firewall for plug welds. I temporarily mounted it with a couple of self tapping screws and marked a line on the old firewall so I can trim it up. Also marked the hood hinge bolts for drilling the new holes
http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/a...1&d=1548552071
The flooring is just laid in place. Sorry the pics are out of order. Its been awhile. I hope everyone is doing well and I look forward to whats to come.
Rick

Re: Hotrodelrods 54 build
 

Hi Doug. finally back at it 2 years later. Hope you are well.
Rick

Re: Hotrodelrods 54 build
 

Good to see you back Rick. 2018 was pretty rough here and I hope 2019 is way better.

Nice work you have going there! Thanks for the updates.

Re: Hotrodelrods 54 build
 

I agree, nice to see your back and working on the truck...Jim

Re: Hotrodelrods 54 build
 

looks good!

Re: Hotrodelrods 54 build
 

So I removed the firewall and drilled the hood hinge holes, trimmed the remaining edge of the factory firewall, and did some grinding/cleaning up of the kick panels. They had been filled with mud. I then reinstalled the new firewall and tacked it in place. I then cut out what remained of the stock floor to find that the front inner cab corners had been rotted out and filled with mud. Glad I braced the cab well. So now I need to replace the inner front cab corners and probably the rocker panels as they are "iffy" as well before I can move foreward with the floors. Can anyone recommend a quality source for these panels?

Re: Hotrodelrods 54 build
 

Looking good! I bought an abandoned project and it came with all the *****in sheet metal. I plan to use the core support, floors and toe boards and do a custom firewall in mine. I like seeing photos of it being installed!