Re: Project "Popeye"
 

if you keep posting pics of working on your truck barefoot , they are going to know we are from Arkansas !!

Re: Project "Popeye"
 

Another boring frame update, doesn't look like much in the pics but it sure seems like alot of work. I would have gotten further today but I had a really big beer last night and it took me awhile to get going. :mm:

I have finished the trailing arm fabrication and the arms and crossmember are going to the blaster this week. I added 3" cut-outs in the crossmember for exhaust routing. I also finished the Mustang II install and boxed/notched the rear end. I've waited 4 weeks for CPP to send the correct boxing plates after they sent the wrong ones but couldn't wait any longer so I made my own. Unfortunately I had to cut them out of a full 4x8 sheet of plate. I also had to go on a mission for $15 worth of hardware that was missing for the front shocks. Minor annoyances but when you spend the big bucks it's because you don't want to be annoyed. :smoke:

All that's left on the chassis is to fit the engine, rear bags/shocks and brakes. Tires and wheels should be here any day.

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4048/...bcac45e9_b.jpg http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4025/...36b9bf37_b.jpg
http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4017/...9d0609f7_b.jpg

Re: Project "Popeye"
 

It is really coming together. What notch is that?

Re: Project "Popeye"
 

It's a notch from CPP, it came with boxing plates but they sent ones for 54-55 second series and I got tired of explaining/waiting so I made my own. The notches are very heavy though. I dressed the welds a bit.

Re: Project "Popeye"
 

Went for a drive today, I think Tanner is gettting the hang of the clutch! :burnout:
http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4048/...e766cf8b_b.jpg

Re: Project "Popeye"
 

good thing he was the designated driver. we wouldn't want you to wreck it befor it is finished :haha:

Re: Project "Popeye"
 

That's how my wife learned to drive stick too. :lol:

Re: Project "Popeye"
 

thats awesome.....although there is an awful lot of dust on the hood of the blue truck...shame on you !!

Re: Project "Popeye"
 

I know it's aweful but we're having an argument about leaks and she just won't give in. :waah: The engine has about 2K miles and the trans about 500 miles but both are leaking I guess from lack of use. I replaced seals, gaskets, the rear main a couple of months ago and fired her up and....more leaks. So there she sits.

On a happy note, it is very apparent that the 5.3L oil pan is way too low in the '50 frame so I went in search of an LS1 pan figuring it would cost me another $2-300 for everything. Then I got in touch with a local guy who says I can have his for $20 :uhmk: so that kind of made my day!

Re: Project "Popeye"
 

Score !!!

Re: Project "Popeye"
 

What axle are you using in the back.you going to a 4 link with bags.what brand.

Re: Project "Popeye"
 

Opened my mouth to soon.i am also thinking about using the rear suspension from a spare 63 pickup i have.keep us posted.front kit looks great.

Re: Project "Popeye"
 

That's alright, I'll have some more pics of the trailing arms soon to show how easy it really is. The rear end is a '79 camaro z28 3.42 posi, 8.5 ring gear. Cost me about $250 and they're about 61" wide.

Re: Project "Popeye"
 

I don't here any engine noises between shifts !!!!

I have a 61 2door BelAir I will trade you for that "old" truck that is making a mess of your garage floor!

Re: Project "Popeye"
 

I am thinking of using the trailing arm suspension also. I thought about getting the used parts locally then using a CPP coil-over spring kit instead of airbags or original coils. From your measurements do you think that would work or do you think it would require a notch.

Keep up the great work!

Re: Project "Popeye"
 

Don't tempt me!!! Good thing your across the country!


I say go for it. I haven't fabbed bag mounts yet but I can tell you the coil spring locations are farther inward and don't fall right under the frame rails on these trucks. If you're comfortable fabbing some mounts it's very doable though for cheap. Coil overs would be nice and eliminate the extra shock mounts.

Thanks!

Re: Project "Popeye"
 

love what your doing there with your frame. i was wondering if you could tell me more about your sway bar up front. i have the same setup up front so i hope it tranzlates
GT

Re: Project "Popeye"
 

Thanks! I'll get some better pics for you but I think it is supposed to go on top of the lower control arm instead of on bottom. As long as it doesn't interfere with the bags I'll move it. If you're retrofitting they're pretty simple I think you will just have to drill 2 holes on each side of the x-member and 1 in each lower arm.

I picked up an LS1 oil pan today and met another very nice car guy! He also threw in a bunch of usable parts, enough to convert to f-body accessories if I want to. I've met some great people buying, selling and trading parts on Craigslist of all places. Bill if you read this, thanks again!

Here's a little preview. The door graphic was borrowed from a very nice truck on the board, hope the owner doesn't mind and the wheels won't have center caps but they will be blue...you get the idea!

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/a...1&d=1275011894

Re: Project "Popeye"
 

That looks awesome. I love the one piece windows. Any updates on the trailing arm rear. Looking forward to pics.

Re: Project "Popeye"
 

[QUOTE=LEEVON;4010889]Don't tempt me!!! Good thing your across the country!



I will drive the 61 half way and meet you !!!!!!!

Re: Project "Popeye"
 

It feels like I'm going soooo slow but I feel better when I take pics. I managed to get the rear suspension blasted yesterday, then painted and fit-up tonight. I attached some pics so you can see what I did. Basically just chopped the ends off the x-member and welded to some channels.

Right now it does not go as low as I want, mainly because the u-bolts are right under the notch. I think with a couple adjustments and maybe some 2" blocks I can get it close though. I'm pondering where to place the bags and shocks right now too.

The white walls came in tonight, my boy Tanner was digging them big time. I'm actually building the truck for him, hoping that he catches the bug. At first he wasn't into it much and now he wants to know about everything I do and how soon I can take him to school in it. :lol: He's even made a couple of cool suggestions.

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4046/...cc7272e93c.jpg
http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4007/...556903e1b5.jpg
http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1283/...ddb0933a_b.jpg
http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1275/...dacb9fec_b.jpg
http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4017/...69cfdb89_b.jpg
http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4056/...60211128_b.jpg
http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4013/...0432240e34.jpg

Re: Project "Popeye"
 

Suspension looks killer. What height do you think running boards will be sitting at aired out.

Re: Project "Popeye"
 

right now it looks like about 4" which is waaay higher than I planned. I've got to sleep on it but right now I'm not sure what to do. Any ideas?

Re: Project "Popeye"
 

It would be a lot of work to do a body drop. Do you have any room to cut some out of your air bag cups up front.sounds like your already up into yout notch in the back.bigger notch with blocks? Theres allways a way. It will come to you when you sleep.

Re: Project "Popeye"
 

yes i have an idea...... LAY IT OUT !!!! CUT CUT CUT WELD WELD WELD