Re: 52 pickup 77 frame 454bbc
 

Finished the leaf springs on the drivers side, so I had to see what it looked like on its tires since I lowered it. It's nice and low in front but rear is still a little high.Attachment 1598702

Re: 52 pickup 77 frame 454bbc
 

My dog photo bombAttachment 1598703

Re: 52 pickup 77 frame 454bbc
 

Got a little more sandblasting done on the leaf springs and other suspension parts, but now its too cold to paint them. Will have to wait til I get the garage insulated and heated. Received the tail gate chains and hinges from Santa.Attachment 1603835

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Re: 52 pickup 77 frame 454bbc
 

So I started welding in the patch panels that I have had for a few years now, that were just screwed into place. I decided to do the majority of the work with butt welds. Didn't care for the overlapping of metal, especially when it comes to water getting into the holes or cracks.

This is my first attempt at welding, what do you think?

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Re: 52 pickup 77 frame 454bbc
 

one more..

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Re: 52 pickup 77 frame 454bbc
 

Those welds look like they are just fine!

Guess the final say will be if you put your feet in and you end up standing on the ground like a Flintstone mobile.

Will you have enough clearance in the front to not rub tire on the fender when turning?

Re: 52 pickup 77 frame 454bbc
 

Thanks!, appreciate it. I'm hoping to get better as I go, but I do like the Flintstone mobile.

Hopefully, clearance with the front tires won't be an issue. I think the front of the cab needs to go up some and I haven't purchased the new tires yet.

Re: 52 pickup 77 frame 454bbc
 

Cool, hope they work out without having to do a bunch of changes.

What welder are you using? Are you using shielding gas or flux core wire?

Reason I ask is, I have a new project arriving this Thursday, and it has a couple spots that will need work and all I currently have is an Arc Welder, so using that as an excuse....errr...reason to get a new wire feed!

Thanks!!

Re: 52 pickup 77 frame 454bbc
 

Thanks, me too!

I have a Lincoln Electric Pro-Core 100 w/flux wire (~12yrs old). Uses 110v.
My first welder, so I don't have anything to compare it with. Works great for me. Not sure how well it works for anything thicker than sheet metal.

Re: 52 pickup 77 frame 454bbc
 

Its also a MIG welder.

Everyone needs a MIG welder;)

Re: 52 pickup 77 frame 454bbc
 

Thank you for the info, appreciate it!!

That is exactly what I am needing it for, I have the stick welder for anything bigger than patching panels.

Re: 52 pickup 77 frame 454bbc
 

I will pass that little fact onto my bride. I mean, afterall, it is on the internet so it has to be true...

Re: 52 pickup 77 frame 454bbc
 

Made a lot of progress this weekend, even though it doesn't look it. Replaced a couple of pieces on the driver's side pillar, front of the rocker, also recut the inner cowl for butt welds and to line up with the outer cowl. Hopefully after some seam sealer, everything will look great.

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Re: 52 pickup 77 frame 454bbc
 

a few more...

pictures didn't take, will try again.

Re: 52 pickup 77 frame 454bbc
 

A few more pics...

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Re: 52 pickup 77 frame 454bbc
 

Got the kick panel in place after much bending and cutting. Lining up the inner cowl with the emergency brake. I like the below bumper so the license plate can be center under the tailgate. What do you think?
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Re: 52 pickup 77 frame 454bbc
 

Looks like a good deal of progress to me. Puts you that much closer to being done than you were before you started, that can' be a bad thing!

Re: 52 pickup 77 frame 454bbc
 

Nice work! Subscribed. Keep up the great pics

Re: 52 pickup 77 frame 454bbc
 

I know it's been awhile, but I thought I'd check.

Any updates?


I've been watching for months lol. Anyone know what body this is? 3100? I'm surprised at how well it fit the c10 frame. Did I miss any major modifications or did he just make some cab mounts and there ya go?

Re: 52 pickup 77 frame 454bbc
 

Haven't made any modifications to the frame or body (3100). I got rims with offsets to fit inside the fenders.

Re: 52 pickup 77 frame 454bbc
 

Was the donor C-10 originally a big block truck? About 25 years ago, I swapped in a 454 in to the wife's 1978 Big 10 Chevy 1/2 ton, after the 350 dropped a valve seat. The factory front coil springs were not happy! At rest, the truck was almost on the bump stops. In the end, I swapped in a set of +2" Rancho coil springs to account for the extra weight of the big block and had no more issues with bottoming out.

It doesn't look like you're having that issue, but a different spring rate may be something in your future.

Keep up the good work!

-Joe

Re: 52 pickup 77 frame 454bbc
 

The '77 C10 had a straight six, maybe it didn't cause much stress on the springs. Thanks, Dan

Re: 52 pickup 77 frame 454bbc
 

Finally made some progress this weekend...

Re: 52 pickup 77 frame 454bbc
 

Nice!

Re: 52 pickup 77 frame 454bbc
 

Received a complete bolt kit today from totally stainless. Looks awesome!