Re: My 56 build
 

So I decided I’m not going to run the dod. This means I’m going to run a vacuum booster and master from a 82 corvette. I started the pedal bracket… yet to be finished. I’m waiting on the proportion valve and I can plumb the entire brake system. Next is a shifter and driveshaft. After that I should be able to drive it enough to get it to an alignment shop to make sure the frame/front end will work!

Re: My 56 build
 

Elegant work (as usual!). It appears that you scored the metal prior to bending up the brake pedal bracket. What's your trick for getting such nice clean score lines?

Re: My 56 build
 

No trick really. It’s just free handed. I do use these Lenox discs instead of abrasive cut off wheels. They last a lot longer, but be careful. I nearly took off a finger with one when I was building my frame.

Re: My 56 build
 

Um, when are you gonna clean and tidy things up?

Just kidding. The build looks awesome. Nice work, innovation and tidiness. Always good to do it right and completely the first time.

Re: My 56 build
 

:lol:

Thanks, it’s funny how often my OCD from my professional career overflows into my hobbies :lol:

Re: My 56 build
 

Finished hanging the brake pedal

Re: My 56 build
 

Pedal box looks clean, nice work!

Re: My 56 build
 

Thanks Dave, I think it turned out well. It really stabilized the lower dash where other column mounts.

Re: My 56 build
 

Here’s the finished pedal box. Had to make a new pin for the pedal from a cut down bolt. The original one was too short. Just have to mount the switch. I’m going to wait and see where the pedal falls with fluid/pressure.

Re: My 56 build
 

Also finished plumbing the brake system. I love working with ni-cupp tubing.

Re: My 56 build
 

While I was working on the back I’ve been kicking around the idea for mounting my coil overs vertically instead of on an angle. I believe you lose 30-50% of your spring weight when you mount on a 45. I was able to bottom out the frame with my body weight on the lowest height setting. So I’m going to try this. I haven’t set it on the ground yet, but I left the old shock mounts until I decide :lol: The second from last picture is how it was originally set up.

Re: My 56 build
 

Great work Jason, and I like what you did with the shocks. although I don't have coilovers I did what you did; stand em up. Your detail to the build will never been seen by the masses, but you'll know what it took. Good job Jason.

Re: My 56 build
 

i'm all-in on the more upright shocks! however if they are valved/sprung for a 45, they might be really stiff upright. i'd also move your lower mount out closer to the tire some too.

the ideal is to have the shock mounting perpendicular to the axle travel from the side at full compression, and perpendicular to the axle at full articulation (compressed side) from the back. this makes sure that your spring rate and shock damping is always getting progressively firmer (due to the angle change) under higher loads and compression. big angles will make the rate/damping digressive and you end up with less control over the suspension where ya need more. also the further outboard the more control they have over the leverage of the axle in a corner or bump at one tire. from there it's just getting the right spring/damping rate for your style and terrain.

Re: My 56 build
 

6DoF, that’s also what my research has told me. Not sure I like the higher rear stance??? I’ll have to see if it grows on me.

Re: My 56 build
 

I finished mounting the radiator today. Took a little fabrication, but it’s in. Just need hose clamps. I ordered my power steering reservoir and hose today. Just need to make some type of bracket to hang it and I should be able to idle the engine!

Re: My 56 build
 

Couple more pictures of the finished job. I ended up with about 3/4” clearance from fan to balancer :metal:

Re: My 56 build
 

Built this bracket to hold my power steering reservoir. Have more pieces for the hoses on order, then I should have the power steering done. Hopefully!

Re: My 56 build
 

Bought a new wiper motor and installed it after I painted the underside of the dash with Por-15. Made a bracket to stabilize the steering column. Also painted the pedal box and master cylinder.

Re: My 56 build
 

Pictures or the core support with the radiator support finished. My shifter and driveshaft are on order. The last 2 pieces to make it drive.

Re: My 56 build
 

your bracket game is on point!

Re: My 56 build
 

Lots of nice fab. work. Looking great. Keep up the good work. Steve

Re: My 56 build
 

Thanks guys. Slowly putting pieces together. Working on mounting the shifter today.

Re: My 56 build
 

Here’s the start to the shifter and a mock up of the center console. I just have to make a bracket to hold the cable on the transmission. Hopefully I won’t need to adjust/grind new detents to match up with the newer trans. Time will tell :lol: I won’t be finishing the dash until after I install the vintage air system. That won’t be shipped until October.

Re: My 56 build
 

Shifter appears to be fine. All the shifter detents Line up with the transmission. So hopefully that will work out.
Also ordered a driveshaft. The one I had was too short. Go figure, going from a 4 speed to an 8 the driveshaft needs to be longer. So more research and I found a bill of material list for gm driveshafts. It includes everything from length, u joint size, shaft material, Oem part number, etc. I found one the right length with the correct u joints, plugged the oem number in rockauto and ordered it. $300 direct from rock auto! Here’s a link to that bill of materials page.

https://www.demandaam.com/technical-...l-of-materials

I ordered a new pinion yoke to match the 1410 u joint and I should be able to drive this thing out of the garage. I made an appointment to see if it can be aligned for August 27. Mock up is nearly complete:metal:

Re: My 56 build
 

Nice build and good work with the Gen V swap. I am looking at your driveshaft info and that might save a whole lot of trouble. Thanks

Re: My 56 build
 

No problem, hope it helps

Re: My 56 build
 

Jason 56, are you using the Camaro SS fan with PWM control or did you find something else that fits the bill? If it is the Camaro fan, how deep is it from the rad to the back of the motor? I am looking for a compact solution that will move some air. Nice job hiding all the engine controls.

Re: My 56 build
 

Yes, it’s a Camaro pwm fan. I’ll have to measure the total length from back of engine to core support later when I get home. The radiator/fan are about 7”. Leaves me with about an inch between fan and engine. I used a 24” double pass radiator. Both my coolant inlet and outlet are on the left side so that worked for me.

Re: My 56 build
 

Pinion yoke arrived. Last piece of the puzzle needed to pull it out of the garage. Along with a couple trips to my local parts store for fluids etc. :lol: Now my alignment is only weather dependent. I actually drove it up and down the street, so it’s ready for the trailer in a couple days. I pulled it into the garage, put it in park, shut it off, got out and closed the door and realized what finally just happened. Couldn’t stop smiling. Great to finally have it driving! :metal: now I just have to finish everything else.

Re: My 56 build
 

Congrats, that first drive, no matter how far, will always remain with you...Jim

Re: My 56 build
 

Great feeling when you can drive it out of the garage. She looks great.

Re: My 56 build
 

Congrats. Looks awesome and the stance is bang on, in my opinion. Do you have a color picked out yet or does that change daily?

Re: My 56 build
 

Congrats! That is a Big deal to go from a pile of parts and ideas to a running, driving machine. Everything else is icing on the cake.

Re: My 56 build
 

NICE! that's a huge moment!

Re: My 56 build
 

Thanks everyone. I’m hoping it doesn’t rain tomorrow. I’m putting it on the trailer to bring it to be aligned. We’ll see. It’s forecasted to rain all day.

Re: My 56 build
 

I agree with the stance. I kept trying to level the rake and found these trucks just look better raked! As for color I’ve settled on a new infinity color. It’s called hermosa blue. It’s a midnight blue pearl. Should look really sharp.

Re: My 56 build
 

Trailered the truck back from the alignment shop today. Everything came out great :metal: They were just going to check to see if it could be aligned and it was looking good so they just tried to see how close they could get it. Turns out it aligned perfectly and I was told that it should drive great :burnout:

Re: My 56 build
 

Installed a one piece power window kit. I need to obtain the seals to confirm the shape of my templet. Otherwise the install was easy. Hopefully they seal nicely.

Re: My 56 build
 

Received my exhaust kit today. This is the next project.

Re: My 56 build
 

Man, it’s really coming along ����

What one piece window kit did you use? Is it power window?