1951 Project underway

[bretcopsey]

I've spent some time out in the nice weather we've bee having. Here's an update.

[bretcopsey]

I had been de-rusting the cab and was waiting until it was all done. But then it sat for several weeks as I was unable to work on it and began to rust again. So, I started at the top and worked down. At the end of the day I primered whatever was done.

The pass side cowl vent was destroyed, so I decided to fill it.

[skools out]

Hey Had you thought about placing your truck body on a 1974 to 1980 frame? The frame is only 1 inch longer wheel base, The best part is the cab will bolt to the original mount locations on the rear of the cab. You're truck is looking great.

[watahyahknow]

for as far as i know we only can get the acid premixed with other stuff i might try a growshop cause they use it to chainge the ph of the fertilizer/water

[Smokejohnson]

Any updates?

[bretcopsey]

Originally Posted by Smokejohnson

Any updates?

Sorry, I just saw this post. I haven't worked on the truck much lately. I switched my focus back to my 68 Camaro for the time being. The truck cab needs block sanded and the mess I was making in the garage was tracking into the house too much for my wife's liking. So I decided to wait till it warms up so I can push it into the driveway and am now working on replacing the floor in my Camaro.

[watahyahknow]

Originally Posted by bretcopsey

Sorry, I just saw this post. I haven't worked on the truck much lately. I switched my focus back to my 68 Camaro for the time being. The truck cab needs block sanded and the mess I was making in the garage was tracking into the house too much for my wife's liking. So I decided to wait till it warms up so I can push it into the driveway and am now working on replacing the floor in my Camaro.

ylu could wet the garagefloor a bit and hose everything olut the door when the day is done that should safe you a lot of the dust .
making a curtain our of a sheet of plastic prolly helps too .

[bretcopsey]

Knocking the dust off of this thread...

If you note the date of the last update, 2008 was the beginning of several years of a rough state with the economy. I picked up a second job that was meant to be short term and turned into 5 years...

Anyhow, I was able to get back into this project as well as put some time into my Camaro within the past 6 months.

I built a rotisserie for the Camaro in an attempt to make more room in the garage. I used two HF engine hoists and two cheap three leg engine stands for materials. This pic shows the floors that I need to put in as well.

[bretcopsey]

Anyway, back to the truck. I ended up having to rework my clip install. Once that was completed I was able to drop the drive train back in so that I can begin reworking the firewall and floor. Fenderwell headers were all that I could get to work to leave enough clearance for the steering shaft. I was also able to fire this engine for the first time ever a couple weekends ago!

[Highsider]

That is one set of wild headers!

Thanks for the update.

[watahyahknow]

just youre classic set of gasser style fenderwell headers

[bretcopsey]

Straightened the garage up a little and had to take the truck down off the cribbing to move it deeper into the garage. Snapped a quick shot at ride height.

[bretcopsey]

Long way to go yet....

[bretcopsey]

So....in order to set the driveshaft length and work on the exhaust, I need to get the axle placement where I want it. And that required that I get the step notch done. Fabricated from 3"x5" .120 tubing.

[99 to Life]

looks good man, how you like the engine start up? what are those rims, kinda artillery style

[bretcopsey]

That first start put a huge smile on my face. The wheels are Cragar Soft 8. I have 17x9 front and rear. They are heavy but inexpensive for that size.

[bretcopsey]

Slow progress, sub zero temps outside make it difficult to get motivated to work in the garage.

I moved the axle back, then shortened the two pieced mid 90's S10 driveshaft, replaced u-joints and modified the carrier bearing mount under the cab.

[bretcopsey]

I've also upgraded the rear wheel studs to 1/2" and am working on mocking up the rear discs. I also rebuilt the calipers. Once I get all of this sorted I can figure out shock mounting then routing exhaust...

[bretcopsey]

I had some time to get the truck out of the garage to get some of the clutter cleared out. I also have the trans cross-member done, the exhaust finished, the rear sway bar mounts done and nearly have the under frame gas tank mount completed.

[99 to Life]

looking good

[bretcopsey]

Decided to tackle something different, so took on the tailgate. I wanted to go for something a little different but didn't like the prices of what the aftermarket has to offer. So I'm building one from scratch.

Tomorrow I'll be adding the inner and outer skins. Then it's on to the hinge and latch mods.

[watahyahknow]

does the tailgate but up against sumting in the closed position . like against a piece of metal strip welded in the inside on each of the bedsides
you could keep the gate closed with just the latches but i think the rattling will drive you crazy
if you stick some foam of rubber windowstrip on the inside part of the metal strips the gate will have some tension against the latches and whont vibrate and rattle as mush

gate looks realy nicely done maibe you can borrow a beadroller from somewhere and put a bowtie and an edging in the rear panel

[99 to Life]

nice job and good idea/approach. there is alot you can do with a blank skin.

[bretcopsey]

Not much progress since last post. We've been busy this week with a new purchase.

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=674952