"Strapped For Cash"
 

Started this build with $300.00, Bought a rolling chassis and went to work. The problem was, that I wanted a short bed and all I could find was long beds. So, I made my own.;)

Re: "Strapped For Cash"
 

Welded and plate behind the cut and boxed it in to reinforce it.

Re: "Strapped For Cash"
 

Had to find a donor for mock up. I used this truck to made sure everything was going to fit before I powder coated everything. The problem with this truck was, it was also a long bed.

Re: "Strapped For Cash"
 

So I made my own.. I figured I could use this bed on my other truck that has a step side now.

Re: "Strapped For Cash"
 

Next I had to pick and engine to work with. I came across a 5.3 with a 4L60E. Cleaned it up and mounted it.

Re: "Strapped For Cash"
 

The rear end came out of a 2002 Camaro. Im also going with an air ride suspension.

Re: "Strapped For Cash"
 

With all that in place, I had to make sure the bed fit and that I was going to be able to get some decent size wheels under there. These are not the wheels I'm going with. I'd like to get some 20X12 under there. I think I should be able to special order these. Everything fits good.:metal:

Re: "Strapped For Cash"
 

I'd like to keep everything nicely tucked under so I had to make some room for the exhaust pipes.

Re: "Strapped For Cash"
 

After I got everything mocked up, I took everything off and off to the powder coater.

Re: "Strapped For Cash"
 

I mounted the transmission cooler under the bed with a fan.

Re: "Strapped For Cash"
 

Here are some shots of the rear end after powder coating.

Re: "Strapped For Cash"
 

I had to relocate the battery tray and I mounted the computer in the fender well. Also found a spot for my air compressor.

Re: "Strapped For Cash"
 

Found a decent cab, the rockers needed replacing but other than that, it's a good cab.

Re: "Strapped For Cash"
 

When you cut your frame to shorten it, how did you make the rounded cuts with the cut-off wheel?

Re: "Strapped For Cash"
 

I used the sawzall and then shaped the round edges with an angle grinder.

Re: "Strapped For Cash"
 

Use the sawzall to get your way in there, enough to be able to get at it with the grinding wheel afterwards. Cut and fit, till it fits perfect. The first one I did took about 4 hours. The last one I did took about an hour.

Re: "Strapped For Cash"
 

Nice work .. it's going to be sweet

Re: "Strapped For Cash"
 

Hey if you dont mind saying what did they charge to sand blast and powdercoat your frame?Im looking to get mine done and was wondering what is a good price.Thanks oz

Re: "Strapped For Cash"
 

$350 to sandblast and powder coat.

Re: "Strapped For Cash"
 

What wheels are in the pic? Coy C5s? Which wheels are you planning on running?

Re: "Strapped For Cash"
 

Those are Torq Thrust. I haven't decided what to run yet

Re: "Strapped For Cash"
 

Sorry I forgot to tell you great work so far. I'm in for this build.

Re: "Strapped For Cash"
 

Look'n Good in the Neighbor hood!!!

Did you just reverse the carrier bearing bracket?, or is that a new bracket you purchased???

Re: "Strapped For Cash"
 

Wow!!

Last month I just spent $350 for just sandblasting on a clean frame and it took over 3 weeks for them to finish it

Re: "Strapped For Cash"
 

Yes I flipped the carrier bracket. My shaft angle was way off.

There a guy here, near Temecula that I've been using that is good and cheap.