Building this C5 5 Window for my Wife
 

I started this project in November. I've had this cab for about 10 years and always thought I would build it just after I finished my 55 BelAir. Didn't realize it would be this long to get to it.

I started with a 98 C5 Vette and modified the frame rail width of the Vette to fit under the AD cab.
http://pic60.picturetrail.com/VOL172.../393046788.jpg

http://pic60.picturetrail.com/VOL172.../393520098.jpg

http://pic60.picturetrail.com/VOL172.../394679247.jpg

Mocking up for the bed
http://pic60.picturetrail.com/VOL172.../394448303.jpg

Cell Phone pic, One bed Side tacked on
http://pic60.picturetrail.com/VOL172.../394679209.jpg

I cut down a tailgate I had from a 67. I made the stake pockets similat to stack with just a little more detail
http://pic60.picturetrail.com/VOL172.../394679252.jpg

http://pic60.picturetrail.com/VOL172.../394679238.jpg

http://pic60.picturetrail.com/VOL172.../394679231.jpg

The dash was pretty beat up so I tried my skills and made this one
http://pic60.picturetrail.com/VOL172.../394679242.jpg

That's about it. The wheelbase is about 10'' shorter that a stock short bed AD
. I'll be keeping the drivetrain mostly stock. Wife really dosen't want a HotRod. Just a "Cute" old truck.

Re: Building this C5 5 Window for my Wife
 

Its looking great.

Re: Building this C5 5 Window for my Wife
 

Cool, Nice restomod!

Re: Building this C5 5 Window for my Wife
 

Could you give more details on what you modified to make that tail gate work?

What latchs and straps are you using. Looks good on there!

Re: Building this C5 5 Window for my Wife
 

Thanks! vettes make GREAT parts cars:lol:

Re: Building this C5 5 Window for my Wife
 

This is a really cool build.
Kim

Re: Building this C5 5 Window for my Wife
 

Well lets see. I narrowed it about 1 1/4''. I used the plug type pivet hinge from the 67. I only used the vertical ribe bottom and inserted it into the gate. I'll used some small square tubing to stiffen up the xertical sided. for latches I have two from the Vette hatch I plan on useing. Their spring loaded when closed. Remind me to post a pic when there are done.

I also plan on using the vette gas strut for the gate if it works out

Re: Building this C5 5 Window for my Wife
 

nice

Re: Building this C5 5 Window for my Wife
 

Looking good, but wasn't it tempting to just play with the 'vette? :-) Or was it hot. haha.

Re: Building this C5 5 Window for my Wife
 

Thanks and no. Maybe if it were a ZO6 and definetly if it were a ZR1 but it was just a run of the mill Vette. I've got a red one with a 6 speed and a 3 window I'm doing next for myself. I don't plan on trying to keep it cute looking or running like my wifes. :lol:

Re: Building this C5 5 Window for my Wife
 

It seems I have a lot done on the build since last posting.


Bed is done with the exception of some final welding, grinding and floor

http://pic60.picturetrail.com/VOL172.../395023677.jpg

Gas door is mounted and plumbed to tank

http://pic60.picturetrail.com/VOL172.../395023691.jpg

http://pic60.picturetrail.com/VOL172.../395023766.jpg

http://pic60.picturetrail.com/VOL172.../395023733.jpg

http://pic60.picturetrail.com/VOL172.../395023695.jpg

I came up with this to hold the tail gate in open posistion. Stainless steel rods retract into a nylon bushing

http://pic60.picturetrail.com/VOL172.../395023697.jpg

Here's a shot of the spring loaded gate latch I made

http://pic60.picturetrail.com/VOL172.../395023722.jpg

Re: Building this C5 5 Window for my Wife
 

I got the seat base made and seats in also

http://pic60.picturetrail.com/VOL172.../395023753.jpg

Re: Building this C5 5 Window for my Wife
 

Very nice build. Do you have any picture of how you built your spring loaded gate latch?

Re: Building this C5 5 Window for my Wife
 

Wow. Looks great. Aside from widening the frame, did you have to do anything else to it?

Re: Building this C5 5 Window for my Wife
 

subscribed.

Re: Building this C5 5 Window for my Wife
 

Looking real nice.
Kim

Re: Building this C5 5 Window for my Wife
 

You know I didn't take any pics as I was making it. This is how I made it. I used a piece of SS tube and milled out a J type slot about 1'' from the end. I welded a plug on the end. I then made a rod on the lathe to slid inside that with a smaller dia. to fit inside the spring. Just down from that I tapped a hole and threaded in a a small handle. So, spring goes in first then plunger, than the handle gets screwed. Tack weld it in the gate. Used some persian blue on the end of plunger to mark where to drill the hole in bed side. That's about it. An evening project.

Re: Building this C5 5 Window for my Wife
 

very nice work....love all the details and it should be a super nice drive!!!

Re: Building this C5 5 Window for my Wife
 

You the man tuned55, another great build. Great work.

Re: Building this C5 5 Window for my Wife
 

i'll be watching this one.details and pictures!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Re: Building this C5 5 Window for my Wife
 

That's cool man!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Re: Building this C5 5 Window for my Wife
 

I actually narrowed the width of the frame about 10'' each side. The wheelbase remains stock C5 just over 10'' shorter than an AD short bed. As far as anything else I had to add to the lenght in the rear and shorten the front. The usual stuff like core support. cab and bed mounts. The next one will go much faster

Re: Building this C5 5 Window for my Wife
 

Thanks for all your kind words and interest!

Re: Building this C5 5 Window for my Wife
 

there's always a reason for interest. could it be what your doing is appreciated?

Re: Building this C5 5 Window for my Wife
 

Sweet build!