Re: Cecil the 1953 5 window / S-10 / 5.7 TPI
 

Re: Cecil the 1953 5 window / S-10 / 5.7 TPI
 

SKYMANGS:

"New ride height with the rear drop springs... NAILED IT!" "New ride height is 7 3/8" I'm expecting it to drop to just under 7" after all the weight is on it and it's driven for a little bit."

I agree Chris, I think you nailed IT!

Re: Cecil the 1953 5 window / S-10 / 5.7 TPI
 

SKYMANGS:

Initial cut on the bedsides. Gonna need a little more still I think!""

Re: Cecil the 1953 5 window / S-10 / 5.7 TPI
 

SKYMANGS:

"Mark line for next cuts tomorrow."

Re: Cecil the 1953 5 window / S-10 / 5.7 TPI
 

Nice update, and truck is looking sweeeet...Jim

Re: Cecil the 1953 5 window / S-10 / 5.7 TPI
 

Thanks Jim. I made the second cut today. Got the bed pretty well aligned. I'm going to replace the 3" blocks with 2.5" blocks. Its dead level right now, but I'm worried that once the bed floor etc. Goes in it will sit low in the rear.

Re: Cecil the 1953 5 window / S-10 / 5.7 TPI
 

It's amazing to me how fast you get things done. Fast and good don't usually go together but you've got it nailed.

What's going on with the Plymouth that I see in the pics?

Re: Cecil the 1953 5 window / S-10 / 5.7 TPI
 

I'm not seeing spacers on the front wheels. Am I missing them or does the width and offset of the front wheels make them unnecessary?

Re: Cecil the 1953 5 window / S-10 / 5.7 TPI
 

Yup, no spacers. The wheel and tire size, combined with the ride height means that even with 1.25 spacers it would hit the outer fender lip.

Thank you for the kind words. I take great pride in my work, something a lot of shops seem to have forgotten. The 48 Plymouth is another customers car. I am re-doing all the scary wiring and welding from the last "mechanic".

Re: Cecil the 1953 5 window / S-10 / 5.7 TPI
 

SKYMANGS:

"Final cuts made for tire clearance with a cutoff wheel. Next the bed will get mocked up. "

Re: Cecil the 1953 5 window / S-10 / 5.7 TPI
 

SKYMANGS:

Bed in it's final resting place. Me likes!

I like as well Chris!

Re: Cecil the 1953 5 window / S-10 / 5.7 TPI
 

SKTMANGS:

Bed cross sills welded in. Tomorrow I'll center, shim, and bolt it in.

Re: Cecil the 1953 5 window / S-10 / 5.7 TPI
 

SKYMANGS:

Core support modifications in progress. Once it's cut down and trimmed out, it gets mocked up on the front end. Tomorrow the hood will get set on and used to square the front end before the core support brackets are mounted. Then the hood comes off and the radiator gets mocked up and lower mounts built.

Re: Cecil the 1953 5 window / S-10 / 5.7 TPI
 

Really taking shape...Jim

Re: Cecil the 1953 5 window / S-10 / 5.7 TPI
 

Skymangs:

both of the bed sides had stress cracks from previous spare tire carriers. I cleaned them up, filled the holes, welded the cracks, and started the re-patina process

Re: Cecil the 1953 5 window / S-10 / 5.7 TPI
 

More Pics:

Re: Cecil the 1953 5 window / S-10 / 5.7 TPI
 

Thanks Shawn for taking the time to post these. Thanks Jim.

Re: Cecil the 1953 5 window / S-10 / 5.7 TPI
 

SKYMANGS:

Final fitment of body complete. Now to make those running board brackets.

Re: Cecil the 1953 5 window / S-10 / 5.7 TPI
 

SKYMANGS:

Here is how I make sure everything is true. Level and measuring tape. Gaps are very important to the finished product, especially running board to cab.

Re: Cecil the 1953 5 window / S-10 / 5.7 TPI
 

Looking better each time...Jim

Re: Cecil the 1953 5 window / S-10 / 5.7 TPI
 

Thanks Jim... I'm really enjoying this build!

Re: Cecil the 1953 5 window / S-10 / 5.7 TPI
 

SKYMANGS:

Picked up some 36" trailer fenders today to cut up and create inner wheel houses with.

Pic #2 Drivers side welded in.
Pic #3 Right side inner wheelhouse in place.

Re: Cecil the 1953 5 window / S-10 / 5.7 TPI
 

SKYMANGS:

Running board brackets built and welded in. Next the truck comes all back apart to finish seam welding, paint the frame, test fire the engine, and build the exhaust.

Re: Cecil the 1953 5 window / S-10 / 5.7 TPI
 

Here's a sneak peek at Cecil's new threads. Love this color combo!

Re: Cecil the 1953 5 window / S-10 / 5.7 TPI
 

Sorry to jump back a week.... Wondering about your bear claw (Altman) latches? Seems like everywhere they are $350... Any tips for picking them up for a less? Any other solution?

Re: Cecil the 1953 5 window / S-10 / 5.7 TPI
 

Sorry to jump back a week.... Wondering about your bear claw (Altman) latches? Seems like everywhere they are $350... Any tips for picking them up for less? Any other solution?




(How did that post twice???? Sorry guys!)

Re: Cecil the 1953 5 window / S-10 / 5.7 TPI
 

I found them at a place called "Dreamers Hot Rods" for around $250. Still expensive, but not as bad. It is more cost effective for my customers than the labor for the fitment and fab required for bear claws. I really like the Altman latches.

Re: Cecil the 1953 5 window / S-10 / 5.7 TPI
 

For those of you that forgot what the seat looked like before here it is.

Re: Cecil the 1953 5 window / S-10 / 5.7 TPI
 

SKYMANGS:

Got Shawn's truck mostly back apart today. Seamed in the running board brackets too, Also the steering shaft mocked up to check clearances and angles. Looks good.

Re: Cecil the 1953 5 window / S-10 / 5.7 TPI
 

Super work ... love the way this has been heading.

Re: Cecil the 1953 5 window / S-10 / 5.7 TPI
 

Wow how did I miss this?....Love the build and the teamwork with posting. Great work as usual Skymangs! Tagging along for the rest-

Re: Cecil the 1953 5 window / S-10 / 5.7 TPI
 

I am amazed at how fast and GOOD Chris' work is. Here is what he has done today:

SKYMANGS:

Gas filler hole welded in and smoothed.

Re: Cecil the 1953 5 window / S-10 / 5.7 TPI
 

SKYMANGS:

Passenger side cab corner finished up.

Re: Cecil the 1953 5 window / S-10 / 5.7 TPI
 

Thanks Ratty_46 and Advanced design... This one has been challenging. Those huge tires required lots of alterations to my normal build specs. I'm enjoying attempting to live up to Shawn's expectations!

Re: Cecil the 1953 5 window / S-10 / 5.7 TPI
 

SKYMANGS:

Drivers side cab corner done. Beginning the "rusting" process.

Re: Cecil the 1953 5 window / S-10 / 5.7 TPI
 

man I been missing alot of new builds. looking good, nice new shop and work. congrats.

Re: Cecil the 1953 5 window / S-10 / 5.7 TPI
 

Thanks 99. Buried my mom this weekend, but I'm back on the '53 tomorrow.

Re: Cecil the 1953 5 window / S-10 / 5.7 TPI
 

Sorry to hear that. Prayers for your family.

Re: Cecil the 1953 5 window / S-10 / 5.7 TPI
 

Chris, sorry to hear about the lose of your Mother, prayers to all....Jim

Re: Cecil the 1953 5 window / S-10 / 5.7 TPI
 

damn, why does it seem when some nice good positive things come to most people something bad happens. I couldn't imagine the dealing with that. I worry everyday about my kid. Gotta make the best of this short time we have. You seem to be doing that well.
sorry for your loss.