1965/73 Cheap Build Up

[Strodder]

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.



While the cross member was off I cleaned up & painted the frame, and cross member where it bolted on the frame,

[Strodder]

Originally Posted by joe231

you do restos/customs for a living?

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

[joe231]

nice work!!!

[LILRED66]

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.

[kizer]

All I saw where girls. You have a truck in that garage too?

Nice work thanks for sharing because everytime I see things like this it tells me I'm lazy and I need to get out side and work on mine too.

[Strodder]

I rolled out the shortened frame with the cab on it so I could trial fit the bed & front end sheet metal. All I did was hang it on. Then I rolled in back in the shop & on the lift so I could make it all fit better, and make sure it all lined up. Like wheels where they belong i the middle of the wheel wells, also the cab to fender fit, and the 73 bed fitting with the 65 cab.



I almost forgot. I found (2) 7X15 Cragar wheels in really good condition for $150.00. I had some used tires that I installed on them. LOOKS REALLY GOOD.

[Strodder]

Here's how it looks now with it shimmed up, aligned & bolted up. I wish I could roll it outside again for a better picture, but the friends are gone now. It's still just temporary. I had to do it so I could sleep at night. I was worried if I measured correctly. AND I DID!!! Now all the body lines line up, and everything fits perfect. I had some friends over to help lift it all on. That's why I did it now and not later, but I'm glad I did. Like I said, now I can sleep good knowing that there wouldn't be any problems with the fit. I love the way the 73 Bed looks with the 65 Cab. So far I'm real happy with the way it's coming out.

[Alan's Classic]

I'd be happy too. Your doing a great job. Wish I could make great strides like you. Just not able to stay in the shop that long lately. Now go get a good nights rest.

[Strodder]

Thanks Allan. It's all coming apart again to do more frame clean up, fire wall holes, install power steering box, and column. Not to mention the engine & trans.

It's time to watch TV now. It's only 8:15 PM here. I'm not that old yet.

[joe231]

cool!
i'm actually pleasantly surprised, that bed looks good on there!!

[Strodder]

NO WORK TODAY.

[Joey~AP]

Lookin good!

Nice shop!

[Strodder]

Thanks Joey.

[Strodder]

I went to Pick A Part today and got a seat from a 91 Chevy truck, and a gas tank from a 77 Blazer. What a ***** it was getting the gas tank out. Everything was rusted, and no air tools. It took me 3 hours to get just the tank out. The seat fits with out any modification. It sits flat on the floor, and looks just about the right height. A lot of work but worth the $50.00 for the seat & $80.00 for the rest. Another score!!









The tank has a hole in it. That's how a Junk Yard empty the gas tanks. No biggy, I'll just weld it up. I got the tank with the sender/pump, and the rock shield too.

[Alan's Classic]

Man, you took the fun out of it. You need to put some seats in like mine. That seat does fit good that you got today. You gonna run lap belts or ??? Like you said great score.

[Strodder]

Originally Posted by Alan's Classic

Man, you took the fun out of it. You need to put some seats in like mine. That seat does fit good that you got today. You gonna run lap belts or ??? Like you said great score.

They had seats like yours there with the console, but the both seat backs were bent. I was going to buy the red 91 60/40 seat, but when I took my wife there to see them she hated that color red. Plus these seats are in better shape. Also they are a simple bolt in. I know that takes all the fun out of it. I have a lot more challenges left. This is one less. I'm going to run the 91 stock seat belts with the shoulder straps. (maybe)

[4dranch]

Originally Posted by Strodder

Thanks Joey.

Love the way the cragars look.
Truck is coming along and coming along Fast.

Just courious, what are your plans if any, with the grill area.
(where the GMC letters were).

[Strodder]

Originally Posted by 4dranch

Love the way the cragars look.
Truck is coming along and coming along Fast.

Just courious, what are your plans if any, with the grill area.
(where the GMC letters were).

Yea the Cragar's look sweet. It's really not coming together as fast as it looks. There's still a lot of time consuming things to do yet.
For the grill I thought of putting black mesh with bullets, or chrome cabinet pull handles. Or maybe a Chevrolet script on the black mesh

[MacAttack]

Can’t get over the quality of the pictures (almost as good as my Wal-Mart throw away camera).

[joe231]

Nice Score!!
how are you going to clear the tank of fumes before you weld it?

[Captainfab]

Originally Posted by joe231

Nice Score!!
how are you going to clear the tank of fumes before you weld it?

YES do be very careful welding on that gas tank! Even if it doesn't smell that bad the fumes can still ignite. If you need some ideas just ask.

[tiggamonsta]

There was a guy at the shop my dad worked at years ago. He had a gas tank that needed to be welded. He set it on top of a 2 inch steel bench, crawled under the bench, lit the torch, and waived it in front of the fill neck.

When the tank fell from the ceiling back onto the bench he had no fumes left in it.

You can inert the tank by filling it with CO2 or Argon gas. That should flush all the gas fumes out, but still be careful.

[TimE]

Originally Posted by tiggamonsta

There was a guy at the shop my dad worked at years ago. He had a gas tank that needed to be welded. He set it on top of a 2 inch steel bench, crawled under the bench, lit the torch, and waived it in front of the fill neck.

When the tank fell from the ceiling back onto the bench he had no fumes left in it.

[mneubecker]

I love the look of that seat. It's the first one I've seen that looks darn close to the original style but has the modern benefits. I'm not going for a 100% stock look but want to stay really close to stock. Nice score!

[Strodder]

Originally Posted by joe231

Nice Score!!
how are you going to clear the tank of fumes before you weld it?

I welded up gas tanks before. First I have to take the sender out. Then if I smell fumes I'll flush it with water, and blow dry it. I don't think there will be any fumes because that hole has been in it for a long time. It gets real hot here in the High Desert, and that should have dried all the fumes out of it. I hope. Worst case I'll hook a hose from a running engine's exhaust pipe while welding it. A quick way would be to throw a match in it. NOT!!!