Re: Bent Custom and Performance Back-half
 

I am not a big fan of Watt's links as I like things uncluttered. That is the cleanest application I have seen.

Re: Bent Custom and Performance Back-half
 

I was curious about the comparison of this measurement vs. a stock frame rail. I understand you're saying that @ ride-height, the axle tube C/L sits "just about the center of the frame rail" @ ride height but I'm trying to figure out how much higher that is vs the factory rails.

To re-phrase the question . .... How much more drop does this allow vs. a stock frame w/a 3" c-notch?

Re: Bent Custom and Performance Back-half
 

This is quality work... it should impress everybody.

Re: Bent Custom and Performance Back-half
 

Look at the pics. The part where the rail is flat in front of the c-notch is the same height as a stock rail where you would instal your c-notch over the axle. My axle tubes are 3 inch and the measurement I gave earlier will indicate where everything sits. I hope this helps.

Re: Bent Custom and Performance Back-half
 

That's just it.... looking @ the pic can be deceptive because of the angle. So it sounds like you place the new rails roughly in the same placement as the factory rail where it's 'kicked-up' then you did the 'U' bend vs. the c-notch in the stock rail. So 2 1/8" is gained over a stock frame w/a bolt-in style c-notch.

Re: Bent Custom and Performance Back-half
 

Actualy I think it's more. The 2 1/8 is where it is now. The stock trailing arms sit up higher the way my set up is. In a stock set up the rearend is actualy below the frame rails. So I think it is a lot lower than 2 1/8.

Re: Bent Custom and Performance Back-half
 

Question? What tool did you use to punch the holes in the trailing arms?

Re: Bent Custom and Performance Back-half
 

Is the rear section 3x4"?

Re: Bent Custom and Performance Back-half
 

Punch flares from Mitler Bros.

Re: Bent Custom and Performance Back-half
 

2 1/4 by 4 1/4

Re: Bent Custom and Performance Back-half
 

:metal:

Re: Bent Custom and Performance Back-half
 

what grit finish are you doing on the steel in these pics and what tools and steps are u taking to achieve this? i always loved how rad rides did this and was wondering how to do this economically so customers get that wow factor when they see their stuff in my shop

Re: Bent Custom and Performance Back-half
 

Looks like 36 grit grinder > 80 grit DA.

Re: Bent Custom and Performance Back-half
 

Well if you want to know the truth. You need to use the right material to start with. Fit and finish is also the key. Planning and laying things out so that your final weld and grind is very minimal is also a factor. That way by the time your ready to make the metal look like it does is just a matter of wiping it down and doing a little D.A. w/ 120 or 80 grit to get that final look. If you take your time you never have to harm the surrounding metal except where it's cut and welded.

Re: Bent Custom and Performance Back-half
 

Mark,

I know in an earlier post you said the frame is cut from flat sheet then welded together. What type of steel sheet did you use? Hot Rolled Pickled & Oiled or Cold Rolled sheet?

Can't wait to see more progress..!

Re: Bent Custom and Performance Back-half
 

Unfortunately the water jetter used hot rolled. Wasn't to happy. It should be cold sheet 1010 or 1020. Welds and grinds really nice. Just better quality all around.

Re: Bent Custom and Performance Back-half
 

Buy the way we will be starting on the front half very soon. She's getting a heart transplant also. 5.3 and 4l60 conversion. This truck my friends will be SICK!!! Stay tuned.

Re: Bent Custom and Performance Back-half
 

Using a 5.3 seams dismal compared to the work going on out back. As always, beautiful work. How many hours are we looking at?

Re: Bent Custom and Performance Back-half
 

Thanks Mike. As for the motor it's all about form and function. There's probably about 150 to 175 hrs. write know.

Re: Bent Custom and Performance Back-half
 

The 5.3 can be a stout motor. A few extra goodies, maybe even a maggie, and you've got yourself a very respectable motor.

Re: Bent Custom and Performance Back-half
 

Kinda like this.........:metal:.
.
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Re: Bent Custom and Performance Back-half
 

Not questioning the motor itself, but the choice in a high end project. Money doe not seem to be an issue

Re: Bent Custom and Performance Back-half
 

"Impression" that won the Riddler Award back in 2005 had a very tame 340hp LS1. Many "high end" builds use very common and lower hp motors for a variety of reasons. Big cams and blower whine aren't everyone's thing. Some guys want a reliable car/truck that they can drive to shows and have a little fun with, but not have to hassle with a lengthy and expensive motor build that at the same time is completely unnecessary.

Now, they haven't touched on anything being done to this motor, but I'm more than willing to bet that it isn't just some crate motor. It will have some bolt on goodies at the very least.

Personally, I love factory/crate motors. Some of the best and most reliable out there, that's why I chose one for my truck. 400+ factory rated engineered horsepower and matching torque in a smog legal, completely reliable, package. You really can't ask for much better for the money.

Re: Bent Custom and Performance Back-half
 

ummm........what is a maggie???

Re: Bent Custom and Performance Back-half
 

Magnusen (sp?) Supercharger