"Strapped For Cash"
 

Started this build with $300.00, Bought a rolling chassis and went to work. The problem was, that I wanted a short bed and all I could find was long beds. So, I made my own.;)

Re: "Strapped For Cash"
 

Welded and plate behind the cut and boxed it in to reinforce it.

Re: "Strapped For Cash"
 

Had to find a donor for mock up. I used this truck to made sure everything was going to fit before I powder coated everything. The problem with this truck was, it was also a long bed.

Re: "Strapped For Cash"
 

So I made my own.. I figured I could use this bed on my other truck that has a step side now.

Re: "Strapped For Cash"
 

Next I had to pick and engine to work with. I came across a 5.3 with a 4L60E. Cleaned it up and mounted it.

Re: "Strapped For Cash"
 

The rear end came out of a 2002 Camaro. Im also going with an air ride suspension.

Re: "Strapped For Cash"
 

With all that in place, I had to make sure the bed fit and that I was going to be able to get some decent size wheels under there. These are not the wheels I'm going with. I'd like to get some 20X12 under there. I think I should be able to special order these. Everything fits good.:metal:

Re: "Strapped For Cash"
 

I'd like to keep everything nicely tucked under so I had to make some room for the exhaust pipes.

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After I got everything mocked up, I took everything off and off to the powder coater.

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I mounted the transmission cooler under the bed with a fan.

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Here are some shots of the rear end after powder coating.

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I had to relocate the battery tray and I mounted the computer in the fender well. Also found a spot for my air compressor.

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Found a decent cab, the rockers needed replacing but other than that, it's a good cab.

Re: "Strapped For Cash"
 

When you cut your frame to shorten it, how did you make the rounded cuts with the cut-off wheel?

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I used the sawzall and then shaped the round edges with an angle grinder.

Re: "Strapped For Cash"
 

Use the sawzall to get your way in there, enough to be able to get at it with the grinding wheel afterwards. Cut and fit, till it fits perfect. The first one I did took about 4 hours. The last one I did took about an hour.

Re: "Strapped For Cash"
 

Nice work .. it's going to be sweet

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Hey if you dont mind saying what did they charge to sand blast and powdercoat your frame?Im looking to get mine done and was wondering what is a good price.Thanks oz

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$350 to sandblast and powder coat.

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What wheels are in the pic? Coy C5s? Which wheels are you planning on running?

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Those are Torq Thrust. I haven't decided what to run yet

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Sorry I forgot to tell you great work so far. I'm in for this build.

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Look'n Good in the Neighbor hood!!!

Did you just reverse the carrier bearing bracket?, or is that a new bracket you purchased???

Re: "Strapped For Cash"
 

Wow!!

Last month I just spent $350 for just sandblasting on a clean frame and it took over 3 weeks for them to finish it

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Yes I flipped the carrier bracket. My shaft angle was way off.

There a guy here, near Temecula that I've been using that is good and cheap.

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Working on the gas tank.

Used a 1987 Jeep Wrangler tank. 15 galllon
1987 S10 Blazer sending unit (20 gallon tank)- Spectra Premium FG03B.. Cut the tabs to get it to rotate so the float would clear the baffle.
Fuel pump- AC Delco EP381
Straps- Spectra Premium ST01

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More pictures of the gas tank. Using 1/2" angle iron to get it to mount up.

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Got the cab on. I need to cut the transmission tunnel. I know that a lot of guys haven't had to cut the tunnel but I raised my transmission to get the right angle.

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I'll post some updates on this tomorrow...

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I haven't had a chance to get any pictures up. I have the complete truck on instagram. Check it out, it's under user art_molina
I'll post pictures...

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Here are some pictures, Had the entire truck sandblasted and powder coated with black primer..

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Some more pictures.. The last pictures shows my 69, parked out front.. waiting it's turn.
I managed to fit 20x10 all the way around, had to mess with the tire size to get them not to rub.. Looks pretty good, I think....:metal:

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Heres the frame, before the body... I got rid of those stock upper control arms, I went with tubulars so I could run the 20x10 up front without rubbing issues.

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Can't believe you had the hole truck powder coated it looks slick love the build

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Very awesome build. Truck looks sick

I wanted to make sure that the rust was all gone and that the paint would stick to the metal. The way to make sure this happens is to sandblast and powder coat. It was $350 to blast and coat the cab. Not too bad.
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Re: "Strapped For Cash"
 

Nice build.

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A lot has happened since my last post, the truck is almost done.. My brother took one look at the truck and asked if he can have it... Its his now.. I have about 4 other projects going, check them out on Instagram @Art_Molina and @restorodstemecula

Re: "Strapped For Cash"
 

looking good Art

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nice!