Re: My 50 roadster pickup build
 

Ok lets cut this top off!!!! Put up tape to mark initial cut lines for removing top, at this point I have cut about 3/4 way around the body.

Re: My 50 roadster pickup build
 

Top lifted off, taped another line for possible header line.

Re: My 50 roadster pickup build
 

Here you can see the inside header and top roof panel.

Re: My 50 roadster pickup build
 

Here I've cut the extra material off at the rear top body line. You can see the inner and outer skins.

Re: My 50 roadster pickup build
 

This is a GM seat belt modified to work as a top latch. I made up the side pieces and welded to the main part of latch. Then the piece to the top right goes in and the GM cover part holds it all together. The top piece (male) will be welded to the removable top and will push down to lock. Push the GM button to release. This ideal was stolen from a pickup I saw in York, PA years ago. All credit to that person.

Re: My 50 roadster pickup build
 

Top plates tacked in place and the opening for the seat belt can be seen.

Re: My 50 roadster pickup build
 

My holder welded in place and seat belt installed. Still need lots of detail to clean up.

Re: My 50 roadster pickup build
 

Back view of cab with all plates welded.

Re: My 50 roadster pickup build
 

I scribed a line about 2" above the upper body line for my outside header. Here it has been cut and a plate taped down, it has a slight downward angle back to the inside header. The 1/2" lip on the inside header was cut off to give a clean look. I haven't decided how I want to finish the end that goes to the A pillar. I will show something later when I finally decide.

Re: My 50 roadster pickup build
 

I moved around on this build alot to kind of keep things moving and not have to wait for parts, etc. So I stopped on the top at this point and moved on. Later I will go back and chop the windshield. Next job was to get a gas tank built. I came up with a design I wanted, made a cardboard copy to check everything, then I made a drawing and sent that to Rock Valley in Illinois to build. It will be a 20 gal. stainless steel tank.

Re: My 50 roadster pickup build
 

Sorry I forget to show the pic.

Re: My 50 roadster pickup build
 

Forget to mention that I had removed the original crossmember at the rear of the frame and installed two new 2" X 3" rectangular tubes. I welded in the two tubes before removing the old crossmember.

Re: My 50 roadster pickup build
 

On with todays upload
Tilt column from a 79 Chevy Caprice that I picked up at a salvage yard. I wanted the dimmer switch on the column, this time.

Re: My 50 roadster pickup build
 

The day my crate engine came in. Engine came from Jon Barrett in Oklahoma. It was called their Challenger engine. 320 HP is a 350 bored 30 over, blue printed, balanced, ported, polished, 2.02/1.60 stainless valves, etc. It had been run on the dyno and was ready to go. (This was my first time buying an engine. Normally do my own. I am very pleased with the performance and everything about this engine.)

Re: My 50 roadster pickup build
 

Pic 1 Lifting the 52 cab off the 52 frame, which has had all the new stuff done to it.
Pic 2 The 50 roadster cab is now sitting on the 52 frame (it new home).

Re: My 50 roadster pickup build
 

Here I have dropped the engine, trans in place. Put the radiator (Walker Z Cool mate series with their 17" 6 blade fan and shroud) in place. Start setting up the mounts. Headers are HPC (High Performance Coating) in Oklahoma City (very nice product and great service).

Re: My 50 roadster pickup build
 

Got the engine where I wanted it, cut and welded in the engine mounts.

Re: My 50 roadster pickup build
 

This is the new Heidt's dropped spindles(left) compared to stock (right).

Re: My 50 roadster pickup build
 

Pic 1. I couldn't wait, so I installed the drivers side. You can see the difference compared to the passenger side. I'm very happy with this setup.
Pic 2 Put on my new tires and wheels, and mocked up the front fender, not bad at all. Wheels are Mehelich's 14X6 front with 215/70/14 with 2-3/4"B.S..
Rears are 15X7 with 235/70/15 with 3-1/4" B.S. (Note: I will run this set up for about 4 and a half years before going to larger wheels)

Re: My 50 roadster pickup build
 

At this point I removed the body from the frame and started taking care of items I had purchased that needed to be mounted.

Pic 1 This is the new stainless steel battery box that I mounted to the frame, this is in the down position.

Pic 2 In the up position. (Battery Box was purchased from KC Street Rods) I had seen this in a article in one of the mags.

Re: My 50 roadster pickup build
 

Pic of the new gas tank from Rock Valley, was very pleased with speed of building the tank and the workmanship.

Re: My 50 roadster pickup build
 

The crossmember I made for mounting shocks. This picture makes them look like their on different angles, but their not. Don't have pics, but I also installed the new brake bracket, booster and MC to the frame. (Brake stuff from ECI, I have used their stuff for years and am always happy)

Re: My 50 roadster pickup build
 

Everything off the frame and I finished installing my boxing plates. Inside of frame painted with encapsulator paint.

Pic 1 Front half
Pic 2 Rear half. Here you can see that I removed the original crossmember at the rear and installed my own. This was for mounting the new gas tank.

Re: My 50 roadster pickup build
 

Well that's it for now. If I get a chance, I may post some more later today.
Any questions or comments (good or bad) are welcomed. Jim

Re: My 50 roadster pickup build
 

Looks great so far, thanks for posting. The part I am waiting for is how you reinforced the cab after removing the top. Did you add additional structure to the cab to keep the door opening from closing up?

Re: My 50 roadster pickup build
 

HaHaHa I'm not the only one waiting on THAT, told ya didn't I :lol:

Re: My 50 roadster pickup build
 

Oh yeah, there is plenty of reinforcing that was done to the cab. It will be explained in great detail. We are at pic 69 right now and the part you want starts at pic 111. (Aren't I a horses ass for making you wait that long.)

All kidding aside, if you need it before that let me know. Jim

Re: My 50 roadster pickup build
 

Same for you Indian, let me know. Jim

Re: My 50 roadster pickup build
 

I kinda like the tease,something to look forward to everyday! I don't think I'll get to mine until next winter. Maybe I can get you to come up and stay in my Motorhome nad do it for me :lol:

Re: My 50 roadster pickup build
 

:lol::lol::lol::lol::lol::lol::lol:Jim

Re: My 50 roadster pickup build
 

Hey guys, I know it's Easter weekend and that is family time to many. Thought I would post up a few today, tomorrow I may not get a chance.

At this point I'm about 7 months into my build. I have reinstalled everything on the frame, put the body back on for further mock-up.

Here I have the inner fender panels, radiator, front bumper, etc. mounted.

Re: My 50 roadster pickup build
 

I had received my new seat from Tea's, had to install and see how it looked. Fit just the way I was hoping, back of seats even with the back of cab.

Re: My 50 roadster pickup build
 

A better side view and put column in for checking, etc.

Re: My 50 roadster pickup build
 

The original dash and the column held in place with cord.

Re: My 50 roadster pickup build
 

After checking everything I deceided to move the column over and down from the original hole (would not clear the headers). Made up a tube to set column into and hooked up a temp (wood dowel) to check alignment.

Re: My 50 roadster pickup build
 

Pic 1 Here I've cut out part of dash, and installed a 2"X2"X1/4" angle across the dash area, welded it on both sides. I then attached the brace from firewall to the angle and made mount for the column. (I will get back to the dash a little later)

Pic 2 This view shows the mount a little better.

Re: My 50 roadster pickup build
 

Thanks,Have a safe and Happy Easter! By the way You got your bags packed yet?

Re: My 50 roadster pickup build
 

Installed the new steel shaft for the steering.

Re: My 50 roadster pickup build
 

Pic 1 I know this looks a little strange, with the cab in this position. But removing and installing the cab is very easy in my shop with the overhead "I" beam and pulleys. So I then decided to work on the firewall, installing plates to cover all old holes, etc. Here it is half done.

Pic 2 Here it is all welded in place.

Re: My 50 roadster pickup build
 

Sorry forgot Pic 2