Homebuilt "C"notch kit.?.?.?.
 

I was wondering if anyone here had ever made their own C-notch kit for the rear of an 80 model chevy step, 1/2 ton. I have the materials to do this with but would rather hear from someone that has actually done it...
As always, thanks for any help, and advice...
PLEASE post pics if you have them.....

Re: Homebuilt "C"notch kit.?.?.?.
 

Search N2TRUX's posts. His is a 'home-made' c-notch.

Re: Homebuilt "C"notch kit.?.?.?.
 

Will do...

Re: Homebuilt "C"notch kit.?.?.?.
 

Well the C-notch on my 77 Cheyenne is actually "shop made" rather than "home made". The guys at Stoked Out Specialties make thier C-notch rather than buy a a pre-fabbed piece.


Here are a few pics to explain the process...:)

The mock up is started by removing the bed and cutting the exhaust out of the way. The axle centerline is located, and the frame is measured for boxing. The cardboard on the frames will be used as a template-

Re: Homebuilt "C"notch kit.?.?.?.
 

Once the measurements are correct, the boxing plate is welded in side the frame rails. This is done before the notch is cut to prevent the frame from sagging.

Re: Homebuilt "C"notch kit.?.?.?.
 

Once the boxing plate is welded solid the axle is lowered, and the frame supported on both sides of the notch. Now the notch can be cut out, and a piece of tubing welded in place.

Re: Homebuilt "C"notch kit.?.?.?.
 

Here is another view of the completed notch. To add additional strength a cross brace was added. The brace was used as a mounting point for the air tank rack.

Re: Homebuilt "C"notch kit.?.?.?.
 

Once the brace/tank rack was welded solid, the tanks could be mounted.

Re: Homebuilt "C"notch kit.?.?.?.
 

The angle of the pics make it appear that the air tanks hang low, but they actually tucked up quiet nicely in the frame. We considered trying to keep the stock spare tire rack, but realized the tire would hang to low.

Re: Homebuilt "C"notch kit.?.?.?.
 

Here are a few pics of the "almost" finished product.

Re: Homebuilt "C"notch kit.?.?.?.
 

And a final shot showing the compressor location.

Re: Homebuilt "C"notch kit.?.?.?.
 

What brand flip kit is that? Nice pics!

Re: Homebuilt "C"notch kit.?.?.?.
 

N2TRUX,
I believe that I can work with that information. WOW...that is a regular how too.
Thanks for all the pics, they always help a lot.

I am always curious to see any other methods of doing this too. If anyone else has something similar, Please feel free to post it here. Mine is only going to be a static drop, no bags for me. I just want to be as low as possible without riding like a goat wagon...

Again, Thanks for the pics and help N2TRUX...

Re: Homebuilt "C"notch kit.?.?.?.
 

Thanks. I believe we used a DJM kit on this one.

Re: Homebuilt "C"notch kit.?.?.?.
 

The 73-87 trucks have a different style frame then the 67-72 trucks that was shown above. The images and process posted do give you an excellent idea of how to do a mini notch and strengthen the frame by boxing it. You would be able to do something similar to your truck if you're looking for a mini notch. If you wanted to go with a larger notch then you can always purchase an 8 piece kit like this one and section it down to the exact heigth that you wanted it. This style notch will be have to be welded together on the truck.
http://www.kplinks.com/images/P/SN-1-01.jpg

If you are looking for something in a bolt-on version then we do offer a 100% bolt-in notch kit that is specifically designed for the 73-87 style frames. It's designed to be a two piece notch for each side of the frame. By doing it that way, you can bolt the outside plate completely on without having to cut the frame section out. This will allow you to keep the frame straight and secure before cutting. Once the outside plate is secure you can then cut out the inside of the notch, then bolt our center section in and call it a day. This notch is tall and deep enough to allow you plenty of suspension travel and to lay out on 20 inch wheels.
http://www.kplinks.com/images/P/SNBO73-87C10-01.jpg
http://www.kplinks.com/media/7387/KP_73-87rear3.jpg


If you have any other questions that I might be able to help you with please let me know. I can email you images of our notch installed on the truck at several angles to help you get a better idea. I also have images of the complete rear system that we sell for the 73-87 trucks.

Good luck with your project.

Clint Petree

Re: Homebuilt "C"notch kit.?.?.?.
 

How big is that notch? looks like maybe 6"?

Re: Homebuilt "C"notch kit.?.?.?.
 

how well does the bed fit with that notch?

Re: Homebuilt "C"notch kit.?.?.?.
 

Kontrol Phreaks,
Thanks for the reply. That bolt in kit is more what I'm looking for. Plaese take note of the screenname though.:o My goal is to use whatever I have on hand whil spending the minimum amount of money, If any at all. I would love to see those pics you were in refrence too though.

If anybody has any other ideas please feel free tp post away. I am here to learn what I missed out on since I lost touch with custom trucking several years ago...:confused: Don't worry bout threadjacking this one as long as it stays on topic...

Almost forgot, front tires are 235-70-15 and rears are255-70-15.......I think...

Thanks

Re: Homebuilt "C"notch kit.?.?.?.
 

I'm betting it won't without cutting.

Re: Homebuilt "C"notch kit.?.?.?.
 

Shane is probably right. I want to be as low as possible without too much cutting on the bed.

I would like to be able to cut the portions out of my frame and leave the top of the factory fraim rail. I have installed the 2in. lower shackles and have trimmed the cross sill for clearence. The c-notch will be the next step for me..

Re: Homebuilt "C"notch kit.?.?.?.
 

Search Western Chassis or Bell tech for a 73-87 'bolt-in' c-section. These do not require much cutting of the bed (the WC requires notching one of the bottom bed rails).

They offer about the same amount of clearance as the notch on N2TRUX's 77. I have pics of the WC notch if you need to see what I'm talking about.

Re: Homebuilt "C"notch kit.?.?.?.
 

Thanks for the information SCOTI. I will check it out.

Re: Homebuilt "C"notch kit.?.?.?.
 

I'm home now so here's those pics. . ....

Re: Homebuilt "C"notch kit.?.?.?.
 

Thanks for postin those pics. That piece looks real solid. I'm going to see if I can built something For myself with what I already have laying around. I will take some pics from start to finish and see how it goes. Thank to all who posted...

If anyone else has anything to add or show off, please feel free to post it...

Re: Homebuilt "C"notch kit.?.?.?.
 

Well I've been contacted by forum moderiators that I'm no longer allowed to post useful information for the members of this community unless we pay to be a advertiser. So I will need to keep my post plain and simple with no images, signatures, and what not until we are able to work something out.

Yes the notch pictures originally post would require the bed to be cut out, as do all step notch kits. That modification is required for those individual who are looking to get the truck down really low. The under bed C sections look like a really nice piece.

Clint