Re: 1965/73 Cheap Build Up
 

There it is.

http://belair.smugmug.com/photos/470900135_5TcBf-L.jpg

I put the wheels back on so it rolls. Here it is under the 73 frame. This is where I decided to cut the frame in a different place. Back a little where it's straighter.
http://belair.smugmug.com/photos/470900217_RN23f-L.jpg

Re: 1965/73 Cheap Build Up
 

I lowered the body a little at a time so I could get dollies under it. With the hand truck I can wheel it around. I need to go to Harbor Freight to get 2 more dollies.

http://belair.smugmug.com/photos/470900095_Gwgk4-L.jpg
http://belair.smugmug.com/photos/470900182_GDk5V-L.jpg

Notice the doors are closed. It's friggin Raining, snowing, and hailing out side.

http://belair.smugmug.com/photos/470900320_aegda-L.jpg

Here it's going to sit for a while until I get the frame welded back together.

http://belair.smugmug.com/photos/470900264_23p3v-L.jpg

Re: 1965/73 Cheap Build Up
 

nice work!
and I dig your shop!

Re: 1965/73 Cheap Build Up
 

Thanks!!

Re: 1965/73 Cheap Build Up
 

Today I pressure washed the frames, and began to measure measure for
the cut. I thought cutting it at an angle would work, but it didn't. So I
cut it at a 90 degrees. I decided to slip the 2 sections together instead
of but welding together, and welding gussets at the seam. It worked
GREAT, and is very strong this way.

After I decided to slip them together with the front part of the frame be cut at a angle. See it just didn't look right.

http://belair.smugmug.com/photos/472087022_2TDuo-L.jpg

So I cut a 90 degree, and slipped them together again.
To make them fit snug I heated the lower part of the rail and
hammered them down to open it up. I also used a ratched tie down
to squeese the front frame together which made it move in & out
better to get the measurement correct. Now the front frame slips
in real nice. I measured the cab mounts to get the correct length
when they are joined. Next I leveled both frames, and crossed
measured to make sure they are square.

http://belair.smugmug.com/photos/472086963_S2cit-L.jpg
The frame still didn't fit tight against each other, so I drilled a hole
through the frame where the didn't fit good. Then I bolted them tight.
This pulled them together. Then I hammered the bottom up tight again to
fit close to the inside frame.

http://belair.smugmug.com/photos/472087264_EpK9D-L.jpg

Here it is together, but not welded yet. With both sides drilled &
bolted it's real sturdy. Even lifting it on the lift it stayed put.
When I let it back down I remesured, and it didn't move at all.

http://belair.smugmug.com/photos/472087321_dVtjn-L.jpg

Next I'll put the cab & bed on to check the fit. If it isn't right I can still move it.Then I'll weld it.

Re: 1965/73 Cheap Build Up
 

Nice progress.:metal: I love your shop.

Re: 1965/73 Cheap Build Up
 

Thanks Allan.
Got more done today.

I moved the cab over to the lift. So I could lower it onto the frame.
http://belair.smugmug.com/photos/472668379_5y59c-L.jpg

http://belair.smugmug.com/photos/472668422_SkrKE-L.jpg

http://belair.smugmug.com/photos/472668455_kGxD6-L.jpg

I needed to see how it would fit with the frame just bolted together.

Re: 1965/73 Cheap Build Up
 

It didn't sit level with the frame. I'm going to channel the rear of the cab to make it right.
http://belair.smugmug.com/photos/472668564_EXaz9-L.jpg

Re: 1965/73 Cheap Build Up
 

Mean while I saw that the cab trial fit was good. So I lifted the cab off, and rolled the frame out to do the final welding.
First I leveled, and remeasured. Then I started to weld it.

http://belair.smugmug.com/photos/472668714_uqrXb-L.jpg

I took advantage of the holes, and welded them up through the front frame that I slipped into the rear frame.

http://belair.smugmug.com/photos/472087164_nvtdb-L.jpg
http://belair.smugmug.com/photos/472668826_kh6CL-L.jpg

Re: 1965/73 Cheap Build Up
 

Where exactly is your union of the 2 frames? Is it anywhere near the cab mounts?

Where you cut them, if you wanted, how easy would it have been to shorten the wheel base?

Love your shop too! :metal:


Edit: Sorry, we posted at a similar time. I see your mounts. :) Second question still stands.

Re: 1965/73 Cheap Build Up
 

Here's what it looks like all cleaned up. I tried to hide where I joined the frames together, and make it look as clean as possible, and very strong. Notice I welded the holes and ground them smooth.


http://belair.smugmug.com/photos/472668772_xX6tt-L.jpg
http://belair.smugmug.com/photos/472668894_4RJTK-L.jpg
I have to put the frame back on the lift to weld the bottom. Next I have to modify the rear cab so it fits level.

I'm want to paint the frame ASAP. but after I clean up the rest of it.

Re: 1965/73 Cheap Build Up
 

It would be easy to shorten the stock frame. Mine was complicated because of the years I joined together. Normally I would butt the frames together, and gusset them for strength. Like I shortened this S-10 frame to put under a 47 Studebaker Truck. This is a picture before I made the gussets that would sandwich the butt welds. You can make a long bed into a short bed this way. Cut behind the cab though. Make sure your wheels are positioned in the center of the bed wheel wells when you measure.


http://belair.smugmug.com/photos/184540660_CLhHe-L.jpg
http://belair.smugmug.com/photos/184541002_b4qjU-L.jpg

Re: 1965/73 Cheap Build Up
 

BTW Thanks everybody for the complements on my shop. I walk 90 ft to work from my back yard. I love it.

http://belair.smugmug.com/photos/191158828_rn2g6-L.jpg

The floor still looks good here. The more work I do the more the floor gets screwed up. OH WELL.

http://belair.smugmug.com/photos/191156457_asYEm-L.jpg

Good thing I walk to work. I wouldn't have made it if I had to drive.....:lol:

http://belair.smugmug.com/photos/438632122_pFio8-L.jpg

Re: 1965/73 Cheap Build Up
 

I have to say 'nice shop' also. Thats cool how the frames fit together like they did. Nice work.

Re: 1965/73 Cheap Build Up
 

:agree:
you do restos/customs for a living?

Re: 1965/73 Cheap Build Up
 

Intersting build you got going...I like your plans.

Where abouts is Hesperia ?? Obviously up North some where !!:lol:

I was told it's snowing in Nevada City/Grass Valley area. Thats where my wifes grandmother lives.

Curious as to why you wanted leafs, if your gonna bag it ??

Re: 1965/73 Cheap Build Up
 

Thanks. I glade I decided to do it this way. It's the strongest part of the frame.

Re: 1965/73 Cheap Build Up
 

Yes if you call it a living....I'm supposed to be retired...haha

Re: 1965/73 Cheap Build Up
 

Re: 1965/73 Cheap Build Up
 

Here's the latest. I finished welding up the rest of the frame after lifting it up on the lift (note: I LOVE THAT LIFT) Then cutting the back of the cab so it will fit level with the frame.
This is what the cab looked like before I cut it.

http://belair.smugmug.com/photos/472668422_SkrKE-L.jpg

This is after

http://belair.smugmug.com/photos/476448434_L4ReX-XL.jpg
http://belair.smugmug.com/photos/476448380_JcjTE-XL.jpg

Now it sits level. I'll mount the 65 side cab mounts so I can keep the cab nice and low.

Re: 1965/73 Cheap Build Up
 

Next I swapped the 73 front 1/2 ton cross member with the suspension. Witch included the 2 1/2" dropped spindles, and disc brakes.

http://belair.smugmug.com/photos/476448524_eq7SR-L.jpg

While the cross member was off I cleaned up & painted the frame, and cross member where it bolted on the frame,
http://belair.smugmug.com/photos/476448555_KmtjD-L.jpg

Re: 1965/73 Cheap Build Up
 

It's NOW officially a 1965 C-10 Short Bed. Even though it's half a 73

http://belair.smugmug.com/photos/476448669_4vtfq-L.jpg

http://belair.smugmug.com/photos/476448591_QNTUP-L.jpg

Re: 1965/73 Cheap Build Up
 

nice work!!!

Re: 1965/73 Cheap Build Up
 

Strodder:

I just read through your build thread from start to finish. Very nice, indeed. I like what you are doing. Keep us posted on your progress and thanks for sharing the numerous photos. I'll stay tuned in for this one.

Re: 1965/73 Cheap Build Up
 

I cleaned up the Cragar SS wheels that came with the 73. They look pretty good. Now I need to find one 15x8 with a 4 1/2" back spacing, Or maybe I have to find 2.
This is the 16X8 in the rear.
http://belair.smugmug.com/photos/476448741_uGCdw-M.jpg
This is the only good 15" one in the front
http://belair.smugmug.com/photos/476448706_GFymX-M.jpg

They look really good. Better than I expected.:metal: