Project: Recycle

[SCOTI]

Originally Posted by N2TRUX

Scot I love the BBW conversion. It makes these trucks look sooo much better. (Sorry sbw lovers, just my opinion).

I gotta tell ya I'm not too keen on the bolt on version of the bracing. After all the effort put in details to the C section to clean it up, this doesn't follow suit.

What's missing from the pic is the PB-DM bolt-on upper bag mounts (they help the plates not 'stand-out' so much).

The notches were already welded in. I didn't want to cut them out, weld extra plate inside/out on the rails, & re-weld the c-notches back in. This was effectively the same structurally w/o starting over. Hind-sight what it is, on the next one, I'll weld the notches in after gusseting the rails.

[Frizzle Fry]

Originally Posted by N2TRUX

Scot I love the BBW conversion. It makes these trucks look sooo much better. (Sorry sbw lovers, just my opinion).

[N2TRUX]

I understand your reasoning for not wanting to remove the notch, but couldn't you just plug weld inside and out? It seems to me if you plug welded the holes, and ran a bead along the perimeter of the plate it might even be stronger.

I don't know why I question this, as I have little doubt that you have analyzed this in depth...

[SCOTI]

Originally Posted by N2TRUX

I understand your reasoning for not wanting to remove the notch, but couldn't you just plug weld inside and out? It seems to me if you plug welded the holes, and ran a bead along the perimeter of the plate it might even be stronger.

I don't know why I question this, as I have little doubt that you have analyzed this in depth...

The plug/perimeter welds were my original intent. I cut the same section of the 'extra' frame for the task & even planned to wrap it over the top vertical to horizontal bend. Once it was in place next to the upper bag mount, it just didn't 'look' right. I kept visualizing different approaches but didn't feel any were better.

Sooooo.... An executive decision was made to make a decision. The bolt-on plates allow me to move forward w/a reinforced frame section. If I don't care for the final appearance when the chassis has color & is assembled, I can make changes @ that time.

Thanks for the insight. As always, I do repsect your opinion & share the concerns.

[N2TRUX]

Ok, one last thought before I let it go. I'm sure you considered bringing the inside plate out to the edge and boxing that section? Would that have given the additional strength your looking for with out the need for the plate on the out side of the rails?

[SCOTI]

Originally Posted by N2TRUX

Ok, one last thought before I let it go. I'm sure you considered bringing the inside plate out to the edge and boxing that section? Would that have given the additional strength your looking for with out the need for the plate on the out side of the rails?

I considered that before learning the boxed section doesn't have a significant impact in strength. Knowing that, I needed the exterior plate as well & once that was added to the mix, I didn't like the 'end product' I would get.

[flips72]

just found your thread, truck is looking great. you will love the bbw, really brightens up the inside and eliminates alot of blind spots. really impressed by the metal work, great job.

[SCOTI]

Originally Posted by flips72

just found your thread, truck is looking great. you will love the bbw, really brightens up the inside and eliminates alot of blind spots. really impressed by the metal work, great job.

It's definitely brighter in the cab w/the big window vs. the small. Hopefully there will be some fresh color on the interior tin real soon.

I've been cleaning up the frame rails & re-working some previous welds that I wasn't 100% happy with. I kind of slacked when doing the clean-up grinding previously & was going to leave it as is because it was on the top edge of the framerail (not visible/under the cab). I decided to clean these areas up..... just because that's how I tick .

Tomorrow is more grinding and/or surface rust removal. I need to get the motor/trans up to the shop for a test fit to set the trans c.member in place.

The more I do, the more I seem to find to do.....

[N2TRUX]

Originally Posted by SCOTI

Hopefully there will be some fresh color on the interior tin real soon..... I decided to clean these areas up..... just because that's how I tick.....

You going back with the original interior color, or making a change.

Yes, that is how you tic.....

[my67chevytruck]

get busy bro....

[N2TRUX]

Cool. I like the factory fawn, taupe or what ever it's called. Are you planning on painting the entire interior? A nice fresh restored look inside would look great.

[aggie91]

Originally Posted by N2TRUX

Cool. I like the factory fawn, taupe or what ever it's called. Are you planning on painting the entire interior? A nice fresh restored look inside would look great.

I agree the factory fawn color would be spot on and be really cool with the patina exterior...

[SCOTI]

The 'fawn' color has more metallic to it vs. what I'm going with. If you've sat in a late model Dodge Ram since 02, it's their 'taupe' that I'm basing mine off of (tan that looks slightly grey depending upon the colors it's placed against).

I would like to go OE color, but I haven't cared the re-pop 'fawn' material for the seats as it appears to gold for my taste. I felt the taupe choice was close in 'spirit' of a 60's utility truck vibe....

[aggie91]

Originally Posted by SCOTI

...I would like to go OE color, but I haven't cared the re-pop 'fawn' material for the seats as it appears to gold for my taste. ...

That is my same issue with the fawn color at this point. I will continue to look for a vinyl that is a good match before I change my direction...

[SCOTI]

Originally Posted by aggie91

That is my same issue with the fawn color at this point. I will continue to look for a vinyl that is a good match before I change my direction...

Original stuff might be available from SMS but the price for the OE fabrics is getting on up there. I got enough material to do the 3 buckets w/some left over for the visors & a sub box for less than a c-note.

Ken, the entire interior is getting color. It's mostly stripped down; still need to gut the dash (tomorrow).

[jonzcustomshop]

neat project.
I missed what the bed floor was out of , what is it from?

[SCOTI]

Originally Posted by jonzcustomshop

neat project.
I missed what the bed floor was out of , what is it from?

67-72; raised 6".

[SCOTI]

Progess..... but no pics (gulp). The interior is in primer & blocking has started. I purchased some heater delete plates for the engine compartment (Vintage air or nothing....).

I brought the gauge cluster home to get some creative juices going. Leave it as is.... retro-fit something different..... aftermarket (nostalgic) . . .... choices to be made.

I also picked up the majority (all??) of the 're-assembly' hardware for the chassis. Still have alot to go but moving along regardless!

[N2TRUX]

Sorry bro, post pics or it didn't happen. Lets look at your cluster so we can offer advice to confuse you even more.

[SCOTI]

Originally Posted by N2TRUX

....Lets look at your cluster so we can offer advice to confuse you even more.

Retro fit = warning lights to 'gauges' or this to this . . ...

[SCOTI]

Or, aftermarket . . ....

[ol_skool_chevy]

Originally Posted by SCOTI

Or, aftermarket . . ....

I like the aftermarket but its too but you can't utilize that space below where your key, light, wiper switches were before....I always wanted to cut that section out and open it up more. and mount my key , light, wiper swtches lower.
I like the clean look...

[SCOTI]

Originally Posted by ol_skool_chevy

I like the aftermarket but its too but you can't utilize that space below where your key, light, wiper switches were before....I always wanted to cut that section out and open it up more. and mount my key , light, wiper swtches lower.
I like the clean look...

That's just a random pic to show possible gauge layout. Mine would be gauges w/a 60's look, in a tweaked OE bezel, w/the standard OE switches & knobs in place.


I absolutely would not use the Autometer style gauges for this build.

[bubba327]

Originally Posted by ol_skool_chevy

I like the aftermarket but its too but you can't utilize that space below where your key, light, wiper switches were before....I always wanted to cut that section out and open it up more. and mount my key , light, wiper swtches lower.
I like the clean look...

I was just thinking the same thing . ..What to do with the holes if you moved the key and switches and lighter down ...or somewhere else ..I thought of maybe under the dash or in the space behind the ashtray (hinge the door)



Scoti -I had not thought of a insert panel with angle bend forward to hide the holes I just had seen the flat insert plate. Thanks for the idea ......
I saw a dash plate made from stainless plate from a commercial entry door (Toe kick plate). It was really shiny looked nice and I bet it could blind a driver if the sun hit it just right..
There was a white powder coated insert shown here on the forum a while back that looked OK I suppose you could powder coat just about any color or paint/ pinstripe /flame ETC around the gauges...

[aggie91]

Originally Posted by SCOTI

Retro fit = warning lights to 'gauges' or this to this . . ...

I really like the guages vs. the lights. That factory clock dash gets my vote...but I do see your point with the cost of new aftermarket gauges...

I think that I am going to keep my stock idiot light dash in mine, shooting for a no frills look on the interior...but with the updates like yours hidden (air management, a/c, stereo..etc).