Re: 56 step/C5/C6 Z06 BBC
 

I'll measure the torque tube this afternoon. I didn't build the frame myself, a friend of mine Ron Bougiie is a chassis wizzard. All bending was done with a JD2 model 3 with hydraulic assist. I have all the equipment to do a chassis like this but it would take me forever then all the bugs would need to be sorted out.
With a Bougie chassis it is right the first time.(money well spent)

Re: 56 step/C5/C6 Z06 BBC
 

The Caddy torque tube is 56" flange to flange. Bougie has some experience lengthening torque tubes if you wanted to go that route.

Re: 56 step/C5/C6 Z06 BBC
 

Thanks for the measurement, Doug. I think I'm going to be OK with the engine position, but if I have to make a change, I'll give Mr. Bougie a call about the torque tube. I really don't want to change the length of the tube because it will change my balance and also, I've heard stories about "whipping action" with lengthened torque tubes.
I saw a build in "Lateral G" where a fellow built a Camaro and moved the engine way back and in fact used a wheel barrel body to close up the firewall. He was back about as far as mine and still had enough leg room. He wasn't running a BBC though.
Like I said though, if the engine position becomes an issue, I'll give him a call.
BTW, he's not related to Long John Baldry, is he?

Thanks again.

Re: 56 step/C5/C6 Z06 BBC
 

Chevette, Truck is looking great. But do not weld it all in yet if it is going to be that long time wise. Then you can change it for c7 or c8 stuff . HAHA. I know it seems to be forever. Keep up the great work.

Shannon

Re: 56 step/C5/C6 Z06 BBC
 

Hahaha. Actually I started to weld it up on Saturday, so it's too late for the C7/C8. I plan on having it on the ground in two to three weeks and on the road next spring.
I made a dumb mistake on the coilover upper bracket yesterday. I decided to reduce the height of the bracket so that I could achieve a wider range of spring adjustment (Phadt coilovers). The problem is, I had miscalculated and shortened it too much. Now I have to make a new one for the drivers side. Other than that, things are going slow but no big problems. Thanks for the kind words and encouragement, Shannon. ;)

Re: 56 step/C5/C6 Z06 BBC
 

Chevette,

I agree with xpickup the truck is looking great. Keep up the good work buddy.

Re: 56 step/C5/C6 Z06 BBC
 

Chevette, It will be great to see it on the floor. I always like when you get to a mile stone like that. Glad it is going well and at least you are having progess. It will be a killer ride. It should be really fun to drive when finished, and a lot better looking than a corvette.

Shannon

Re: 56 step/C5/C6 Z06 BBC
 

Thanks Kabwe. I appreciate the kind words. Now if I could only find a replacement wheel barrel tub for the fire wall.:lol:

Re: 56 step/C5/C6 Z06 BBC
 

Thanks Shannon. Have you ever thought of becoming a psychologist or a motivational speaker? You really are inspiring me to get my arse in gear.:lol:

Re: 56 step/C5/C6 Z06 BBC
 

Rather than use a wheel barrel you could come out here and form a piece on the pullmax and have exactly what you need.

Re: 56 step/C5/C6 Z06 BBC
 

You have a Pullmax? Now that's cheating. I may have some work for you. Here is the wheel barrel in a Camaro.

Re: 56 step/C5/C6 Z06 BBC
 

I did some work on the steering rack today. I've been avoiding the front suspension and steering for a while because I keep changing my mind on how I want it. It's time to "focus and finish". Built and tacked in the mounts for the ZR1 close ratio rack. Now I have to get the steering shaft turned on a lathe to remove less than 1/16" so it will fit my steering shaft rod end (heim), then connect it all together. After that it's finish welding time.

Re: 56 step/C5/C6 Z06 BBC
 

:metal:Looks really good:metal::gmc2:

Re: 56 step/C5/C6 Z06 BBC
 

You know that sounds pretty hokie! but it looks good.:lol:

Re: 56 step/C5/C6 Z06 BBC
 

chevette the rear setup looks awesome. Do you have to widen anything to fit the stock width of the suspesion?

Re: 56 step/C5/C6 Z06 BBC
 

Thank you. Yes I widened the box 2 1/2" and thread #24 shows what I had to do to the fenders. The fenders are a lot of work. The cutting and welding is easy, but the reshaping of the area around the openings is very time consuming. BTW, your build is looking great. Keep up the good work.

Re: 56 step/C5/C6 Z06 BBC
 

I think I'll do the same on my truck, as soon as I finish chipping all the old concrete out of my wheels barrel.:lol: Actually, I'm undecided at this point because I won't be able to install the windshield with those handles sticking way up there.:lol:

Re: 56 step/C5/C6 Z06 BBC
 

I like that idea keep up the good work and progress. Hopefully I can have mine done before they outlaw driving your own car.

Re: 56 step/C5/C6 Z06 BBC
 

(Chevette)
I'm looking forward to seeing more, when you get back at it. It looks to be a very interesting concept. I've been watching shadow1967's with great interest. I'm thinking maybe Camaro suspension and drive train on my next build (61 Impala).

Shadow1967,
Thanks. You have a pic of the 61, I always thought the 61 was the better looking. As I'm watching yours with interest. My next is a 38 sedan on a C6 with a turboed LL8 inline 6 from a Trailblazer for DAD.

Re: 56 step/C5/C6 Z06 BBC
 

Here is a pic of a 6 from a trailblazer that a friend of mine put in a 32 chev cabriolet. He made his own tubular manifold to replace the stock plastic one.

Re: 56 step/C5/C6 Z06 BBC
 

That is one very cool 6, oh ya.

Re: 56 step/C5/C6 Z06 BBC
 

Got a couple of things done today. Fixed a mistake I had made on the front suspension and started to weld things up. Just about then I ran out of wire. Changed the spool and couldn't weld worth a $hit. Got that sorted out and made out ok. Got my front shock brackets welded in and welded the shock brackets on the rear.

Re: 56 step/C5/C6 Z06 BBC
 

Looking Good. Did you get the easy grind wire yet?

Re: 56 step/C5/C6 Z06 BBC
 

Looks nice.
Kim

Re: 56 step/C5/C6 Z06 BBC
 

No, but thanks for reminding me. I'll pick it up this weekend and let you know how well it works.

Re: 56 step/C5/C6 Z06 BBC
 

Thanks, Kim. I'll be studying your bodywork threads real soon, as I will be shifting into that phase as soon as I get the chassis on the ground.

Re: 56 step/C5/C6 Z06 BBC
 

Looking good. Make sure you post a lot of pics of chassis. Eager minds want to know!

Re: 56 step/C5/C6 Z06 BBC
 

Turns out I had made a mistake on the wire. My friend told me today that the wire he had mentioned to me was Silicon Bronze. Now I have to read up on it and decide whether I want to try it. He tells me using it doesn't warp the sheet metal as easily and it hammers very well. Trouble is I use 75/25 argon mix in both bottles and I must use 100% argon for the Silicon Bronze. This means I won't be trying it for a couple of weeks as one of my bottles is full and the other is 1/3rd full. :cool:

Re: 56 step/C5/C6 Z06 BBC
 

Thanks Shadow. I'll make sure I do that.;)

Re: 56 step/C5/C6 Z06 BBC
 

I did a little (heavy on the little) more work on the crown molding removal. I think I like the look. I guess I had better like it, because there's no turning back now. I think it will make the rear window look more centered vertically. I will take the peak off the face of the window frame (door) and remove the rest of the gutter and crown on the weekend to match it all up. I bought a Uni Spotter kit and 500 studs the other day. It will be interesting to see how many studs I use up trying to smooth it all out.:lol:

Re: 56 step/C5/C6 Z06 BBC
 

Looking good.
That's going to be a ton of work to remove the peak.
Kim

Re: 56 step/C5/C6 Z06 BBC
 

Um....why didn't you tell me that before I started. :lol: It's nothing compared to some of the mods you have done.

Re: 56 step/C5/C6 Z06 BBC
 

Very little progress lately. However, I did find time to remove the crown molding from the drivers door.

Re: 56 step/C5/C6 Z06 BBC
 

You're getting there.
Kim

Re: 56 step/C5/C6 Z06 BBC
 

Chevette, looking good. I love the little changes. They are the ones everybody knows somethings different but can not point it out. Keep chopping.

Shannon

Re: 56 step/C5/C6 Z06 BBC
 

Great thread....Your doing great work...I will be back for sure
Nice to see someone so close to me doing such great work and I look forward to seeing it driving around

Re: 56 step/C5/C6 Z06 BBC
 

Thanks for the kind words. I've been following your build, and it's very impressive. You'll be driving yours way before I get mine on the road.
BTW.........."Location: vancouver b.c....is the biggest place most people would know but I am actually out in the valley 45 mins away". Is that 45 mins before or after the new bridge is open? :lol: Are you in the Abby?

Re: 56 step/C5/C6 Z06 BBC
 

That crown molding is a lot of work isn't it, nice job.

Re: 56 step/C5/C6 Z06 BBC
 

Thanks man..
I hope my harness shows up friday ....and if it does I should be ready to fire next week...fingers crossed . That new bridge is a mess....I am glad I don't go into town often anymore......and ya you can put me down for Abby. Your truck is going to be killer when it's done you have done some great work.

Re: 56 step/C5/C6 Z06 BBC
 

Got the cab back off and started welding up the frame. I will use the shop crane hoist to lift the frame/frame table up for the tougher welds. My overhead welding skills are................not that good.:lol: