My 83' Crew Cab Dually project

[DblTrbl]

Originally Posted by tinydb84

Have you thought about lowering the engine an inch or two? I got mine down 2.5 inches (its an LS though). You already got everything cut out but it may save some of the headache of messing with the seats.

Too late! I'll just have to make it work. If I dropped the engine any, I'd be in a bad spot for the exhaust. As it is, even with a 4" Z, my headers will be even with the bottom of the frame. Everything is super tight.

I picked up some 16g steel and I've been working on the raised tunnel. Photobucket has been down all day, so I can't post any pics on here right now. They're on Instagram though...

[tinydb84]

The exhaust would have been an issue for me as well. I saw some of the pics on your Instagram. Looks good

[DblTrbl]

Trying to get pictures to post since photobucket seems to be down for now with no update on when they will have it fixed... I tried Flickr but it seems to suck for hosting. Does anyone have any suggestions? Preferably one that I can use an app vs a webpage to upload and grab tags.

[DblTrbl]

[DblTrbl]

This attach image thing will only let me attach one pic at a time. I need my photobucket back.

Anyway - the tunnel is for the most part, in. I can see since I dropped it back down that I'm going to have to do some additional trimming on the firewall around the bell house. I really don't want to take the dash out, but I may not have a choice with how high I need to cut.

[Ghostwhite]

I've used imgur for a few things in the past.

[ruffrida2005]

If you can find an old wheel barrel they work perfect for firewall.

[DblTrbl]

Originally Posted by ruffrida2005

If you can find an old wheel barrel they work perfect for firewall.

I've got sheet metal that I can form...it just needs to go up another inch. The insulation is what's killin me. That stuff is wicked flammable! I'm also trying to keep the heater. I've got an idea for a custom plenum that will clear the tire as soon as I get some gas for the tig.

[tinydb84]

I lit my truck on fire twice with that insulation before I tore it all out.

I was able to get up on the fire wall to weld it without pulling the dash. I had the engine in at the time so I did as much as I could from the top but ultimately had to pull the engine to get some of the final welds in from the other side.

Looks good. I tired to keep mine really low so I ended up using a combo of the stock metal and patches. Yours looks much smoother.

[DblTrbl]

Originally Posted by tinydb84

Looks good. I tired to keep mine really low so I ended up using a combo of the stock metal and patches. Yours looks much smoother.

Thanks man. I've only got an inch of clearance under the whole thing. I don't think that I could have gone any lower.

It took the better part of the day to burn it all in. I think this was probably the least enjoyable thing I've done on here yet with all the fumes and smoke...Kind of a bucket of suck. It's seam sealed and has a couple of coats of primer/sealer on it. I think I'll call that done.

[SCOTI]

Looks good!

[Ghostwhite]

That is looking really good, I hope I can get mine to look half as good.

[64chevtruck]

Wow.........

[DblTrbl]

Doesn't seem too impressive, but I rebuilt the trans and carrier bearing crossmembers today to accommodate for the exhaust. The trans was fairly straightforward since I had built it to bolt in...the carrier bearing one on the other hand, was welded in place and I had to do the deed on my belly between the cab and the frame. Now I'm a contortionist as well. I got both headers modified to fit above the bottom of the frame and took measurements for the exhaust pipe that I'll pick up tomorrow. I'm getting a lot closer to being ready for paint on the frame. I feel like I've almost rounded the corner from taking apart, to putting together...

[DblTrbl]

Question for anyone that has done a Z'd front end...when dropping the front horns, do most people box the frame in that area? Seems like a bad idea in case of a front end collision, but I'm wondering what the standard is. I can't seem to find any conclusive answer. All of the pics of other builds are from the outside and don't show the inner part of the rail.

[ruffrida2005]

Inner frame doesn't need to be boxed. Just box in behind the z to reinforce it. I have seen people box it in and run a bar between bother horns. But it's not needed.

[DblTrbl]

Originally Posted by ruffrida2005

Inner frame doesn't need to be boxed. Just box in behind the z to reinforce it. I have seen people box it in and run a bar between bother horns. But it's not needed.

Cool. Thanks. That's what I was thinking...just started doubting myself. Lol

[DblTrbl]

[tinydb84]

I boxed mine and ran a crossmember. My would flex when I would use them to get up and I figured it couldnt hurt.

[DblTrbl]

Originally Posted by tinydb84

I boxed mine and ran a crossmember. My would flex when I would use them to get up and I figured it couldnt hurt.

Did you run into any issues with room for the radiator? I cut it as far back as I could...hoping it fits without too much issue.

[64chevtruck]

Go man!

[tinydb84]

I didn't have a problem with the radiator. My front horns ended up a bit high though. If you have the time I'd mock it up to be sure.

If you do the crossmember make sure you can still use your engine hoist as it will get in the way.

[DblTrbl]

A little Easter egg for those that look close enough...

[dragnframe]

Now that's bringing a fish plate to a whole new level!

[DblTrbl]

What are you guys using to get this black **** off of the firewall? I've tried lacquer thinner, mineral spirits, carb cleaner, multi solvent...wire brush, flap disc. Nothing is doing very well. I've ruined a flap disc now...wtf is this ****?