** YOUNG FRANKENSTEIN ** The truck Chevrolet should have built. - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

drewskiren · 10-17-2010, 12:03 AM

Lets build a 1972 Chevrolet Crew Cab from scratch.
I have been lurking here on the board for about a year and a half while formulating my ideas for the perfect truck for work and family. It all started when I was lying in bed for 2 months in January of 09 with a herniated disc and I found this site and saw that perfect gold crew cab that everybody goes ape over. Just the kind of challenge I love, lets see if I can stretch myself and pull this off.

I'll classify this build as a resto-mod, I want it to look like a restored factory truck, (that they never built) but want it to have many modern conveniences.

An update as of Feb. 10th 2011: Now I will be installing a complete Ride Tech air ride system with height controls, see page 22, 28, & 79.
Additionally we will have a 5.3 liter/4speed 4L60 combination. All of this will be mounted on a 2001 Chevy truck frame with rack and pinion steering, 4 wheel ABS disc brakes, etc.

Update 9-20-11: Painting section now done, see pages 66 - 71 to watch the progress.

Update 4-4-12: The truck is on the road!!!

Update 5-26-12: Go to page 130 for special video announcement. SPOILER ALERT.

Update 8-10-12: Our Crew Cab is in Hot Rod Magazine!!! October 2012 issue page 79.

I didn't want to start the thread right away because I knew that it would be on hold over the summer, (3 kids out of school, overseas mission trips, wakeboarding on the lake, etc.) I started the day after Easter and stopped Memorial day, 2010. I am just starting back now and hope to have a continuous build until finished.
The first ingredient happened to be a rust free California truck that I "borrowed" the perfect bed from. We bought it in March, but didn't pick it up and drive it home until June 2009. I replaced it with a semi rusty and dented, but repaired, bed I got for $100. My son and I drove it back to Memphis from California. The only trouble we had was a blowout. I drove it daily until January 2010, then I sold it after swapping the bed.

drewskiren · 10-17-2010, 12:16 AM

Next on the agenda was to figure out how in the world to go about grafting 2 trucks together to make a crew cab. 2 doner cabs??? Where to cut, how to make the roof right, how to make the doors right??. After much pen and napkin engineering I realized GM had already done most of the hard part for me. Suburban.
The next ingredient for the frankenstein project happened to be a pair of cabs and doors that were delivered to me for $200 bucks. Thanks to a board member in Brighton TN.
In these Pics are the family to haul around in the crew. The previous family cruiser is in the background, a 1974 Eldorado convertible. She has been sold and now lives in California, what an odd twist.

mrbigdino · 10-17-2010, 12:21 AM

a buddy of mine wants to build the same truck, he's says it been done with a Suburban body that they lopped the back off of and fused the back end of a regular cab to it. Add a bed and waalaa, a crew cab.

drewskiren · 10-17-2010, 12:43 AM

So the next piece of the puzzle I need is the Suburban. I will end up using the blue and white cab back since it is not rusty in that area, and the dark green truck is donating the back glass & molding and sheet metal from the roof for various patches and pieces.
Ahhhhh, where to find a rust free Suburban???? eBay by way of Colorado, that seems like a good idea!!! Um, hello doesn't it snow there?

Well yes it does, and salt on the roads there make our old trucks rust like crazy.
But what happens if you buy a Suburban from a 92 year old man who bought it new and only drove it in the summer on trips? Aha, no rust at all, and only 73,000 miles!!! I know you Burb guys are gonna hate me, but its not like I wrecked it and now it is going to the crusher. It will live on, just in a different form. This thing is amazing, but I did later find a tiny amount of rust on the drivers floor. You know, the drip rail leaks down the A pillar and it finally rots out a spot at the kick panel/floor.

drewskiren · 10-17-2010, 12:57 AM

Drove the Burb back to Memphis from Denver, and only had 1 hiccup. Blown water pump about 100 miles away. My friend driving it back for me called and so I grabbed a long chain and we flat towed it the rest of the way without getting caught with the green 70 model. It was a really long chain and I would crank the engine to repower the brakes each time I used them. Sorry, no pics of that sight! We drove it around for about 4 months before we pulled it in the shop to teardown. We got a few thumbs up, but mostly laughs and School Bus slurs. Not the best color!!!

drewskiren · 10-17-2010, 01:03 AM

Tearing down is fun and everybody can help. My cousin and his son came over. That's me with the sawzall.

drewskiren · 10-17-2010, 01:14 AM

The first step is to give the patient a lobotomy.

Its all about the details, and part of the factory correct look of a pickup is the thin roof profile. Can't have that ridiculous looking Max Headroom roofline from the Burb.

drewskiren · 10-17-2010, 10:25 AM

Now THAT'S a sunroof!

I measured and marked and said a little prayer, then dove right in. The plan is to take out the one and a half inch rise piece that shoots the roof straight up, then weld it back down. Only problem with that is that part does slope in a little, so my left over roof section will be too small. Good thing GM made that section with too much crown. I will make some relief cuts and hopefully it will lay down and grow at the same time.

Time for church, I'll be posting more tonight.

suville · 10-17-2010, 11:51 AM

Nice burb !

Heavy Evy · 10-17-2010, 12:11 PM

i don't know where you guys get the money or space to do these projects but it most definitely is an awsome build!
Posted via Mobile Device
Posted via Mobile Device

Mr Pops · 10-17-2010, 01:33 PM

Subscribed! Nice clean Burb to start with!

drewskiren · 10-17-2010, 02:58 PM

Quarter panels??? We don't need no stinkin quarter panels.

Battery powered sawzall really makes nice straight cuts. Air grinder with cutoff wheel works nice too for finesse places.
All of the extra parts are going to rebuild other trucks, so please don't hate me.

jbclassix · 11-26-2010, 07:11 PM

I just realized, I owe you!

Quote:

Originally Posted by drewskiren

Quarter panels??? We don't need no stinkin quarter panels.

Battery powered sawzall really makes nice straight cuts. Air grinder with cutoff wheel works nice too for finesse places.
All of the extra parts are going to rebuild other trucks, so please don't hate me.

What have you done!?!?!

drewskiren · 11-27-2010, 12:29 AM

[QUOTE=jbclassix;4315229]I just realized, I owe you!

I was wondering when you were gonna catch that!
I knew I was about to do that to mine, it was reassuring to see I wasn't the only crazy one.

Maxxd07 · 10-17-2010, 03:11 PM

That burb is/was sweet! Gonna keep an eye on this build.

VA72C10 · 10-17-2010, 05:14 PM

Looking forward to this build!!!

And like how the family seems to be a big part of it!

drewskiren · 10-17-2010, 05:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by VA72C10

Looking forward to this build!!!

And like how the family seems to be a big part of it!

Thanks.
My youngest girl is the one that always wants to work on something with me in the shop. I just knew it would be the 15 year old boy. Wrong. Go figure.

drewskiren · 10-17-2010, 05:48 PM

OK, time to get serious. This frame thing and engine are in the way, I need more room in my shop.

Board member Thelonerife was nice enough to help by moving it to middle Tennessee for me. The cash to partially recoup my investment was a help too.

In the background is the blue and white cab being readied also.

**FRENCHBLUE72** · 10-17-2010, 09:21 PM

Dude Im so in....

VA72C10 · 10-17-2010, 09:29 PM

Looks like great progress so far...are we up to date yet? Are you planning to run a 4th door?

drewskiren · 10-17-2010, 09:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by VA72C10

Looks like great progress so far...are we up to date yet? Are you planning to run a 4th door?

We are almost up to date, but the project keeps growing in scope. Running a 4th door would only add to the complexity. I could do it, following the tech article on this site, but man I don't need any more on my plate. You noticed I no longer have a frame or powertrain, right?

SkullCandy · 10-17-2010, 10:36 PM

I think you will regret not doing the 4th door.

nickp51chevy · 10-17-2010, 10:43 PM

This looks like it's gonna be cool! Subscribed.

VA72C10 · 10-17-2010, 11:08 PM

So what are the plans for frame and powerplant? 4th door would be nice I'm sure and easier to get all the family in and out...but I understand it would be a TON of work!

classicchev · 10-17-2010, 11:52 PM

Looking good.
Did you keep the rear quarters of the burb???

10-17-2010, 12:03 AM	#1
drewskiren Lucky Teter at the wheel Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Memphis, TN Posts: 1,896	YOUNG FRANKENSTEIN The truck Chevrolet should have built. Lets build a 1972 Chevrolet Crew Cab from scratch. I have been lurking here on the board for about a year and a half while formulating my ideas for the perfect truck for work and family. It all started when I was lying in bed for 2 months in January of 09 with a herniated disc and I found this site and saw that perfect gold crew cab that everybody goes ape over. Just the kind of challenge I love, lets see if I can stretch myself and pull this off. I'll classify this build as a resto-mod, I want it to look like a restored factory truck, (that they never built) but want it to have many modern conveniences. An update as of Feb. 10th 2011: Now I will be installing a complete Ride Tech air ride system with height controls, see page 22, 28, & 79. Additionally we will have a 5.3 liter/4speed 4L60 combination. All of this will be mounted on a 2001 Chevy truck frame with rack and pinion steering, 4 wheel ABS disc brakes, etc. Update 9-20-11: Painting section now done, see pages 66 - 71 to watch the progress. Update 4-4-12: The truck is on the road!!! Update 5-26-12: Go to page 130 for special video announcement. SPOILER ALERT. Update 8-10-12: Our Crew Cab is in Hot Rod Magazine!!! October 2012 issue page 79. I didn't want to start the thread right away because I knew that it would be on hold over the summer, (3 kids out of school, overseas mission trips, wakeboarding on the lake, etc.) I started the day after Easter and stopped Memorial day, 2010. I am just starting back now and hope to have a continuous build until finished. The first ingredient happened to be a rust free California truck that I "borrowed" the perfect bed from. We bought it in March, but didn't pick it up and drive it home until June 2009. I replaced it with a semi rusty and dented, but repaired, bed I got for $100. My son and I drove it back to Memphis from California. The only trouble we had was a blowout. I drove it daily until January 2010, then I sold it after swapping the bed. Attached Images __________________ Drew YOUNG FRANKENSTEIN (Finished with MAJOR Surgery - IT'S ALIVE!!!) The Bride is currently under the knife! Last edited by drewskiren; 08-11-2012 at 03:12 PM.

10-17-2010, 12:16 AM	#2
drewskiren Lucky Teter at the wheel Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Memphis, TN Posts: 1,896	Re: YOUNG FRANKENSTEIN The truck Chevrolet should have built. Next on the agenda was to figure out how in the world to go about grafting 2 trucks together to make a crew cab. 2 doner cabs??? Where to cut, how to make the roof right, how to make the doors right??. After much pen and napkin engineering I realized GM had already done most of the hard part for me. Suburban. The next ingredient for the frankenstein project happened to be a pair of cabs and doors that were delivered to me for $200 bucks. Thanks to a board member in Brighton TN. In these Pics are the family to haul around in the crew. The previous family cruiser is in the background, a 1974 Eldorado convertible. She has been sold and now lives in California, what an odd twist. Attached Images __________________ Drew YOUNG FRANKENSTEIN (Finished with MAJOR Surgery - IT'S ALIVE!!!) The Bride is currently under the knife! Last edited by drewskiren; 02-14-2011 at 10:32 AM.

10-17-2010, 12:21 AM	#3
mrbigdino Registered User Join Date: May 2010 Location: Tucson, AZ Posts: 54	Re: YOUNG FRANKENSTEIN The truck Chevrolet should have built. a buddy of mine wants to build the same truck, he's says it been done with a Suburban body that they lopped the back off of and fused the back end of a regular cab to it. Add a bed and waalaa, a crew cab. __________________ "nothing like an Old Skool cruise"

10-17-2010, 12:43 AM	#4
drewskiren Lucky Teter at the wheel Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Memphis, TN Posts: 1,896	Re: YOUNG FRANKENSTEIN The truck Chevrolet should have built. So the next piece of the puzzle I need is the Suburban. I will end up using the blue and white cab back since it is not rusty in that area, and the dark green truck is donating the back glass & molding and sheet metal from the roof for various patches and pieces. Ahhhhh, where to find a rust free Suburban???? eBay by way of Colorado, that seems like a good idea!!! Um, hello doesn't it snow there? Well yes it does, and salt on the roads there make our old trucks rust like crazy. But what happens if you buy a Suburban from a 92 year old man who bought it new and only drove it in the summer on trips? Aha, no rust at all, and only 73,000 miles!!! I know you Burb guys are gonna hate me, but its not like I wrecked it and now it is going to the crusher. It will live on, just in a different form. This thing is amazing, but I did later find a tiny amount of rust on the drivers floor. You know, the drip rail leaks down the A pillar and it finally rots out a spot at the kick panel/floor. Attached Images __________________ Drew YOUNG FRANKENSTEIN (Finished with MAJOR Surgery - IT'S ALIVE!!!) The Bride is currently under the knife! Last edited by drewskiren; 12-25-2010 at 02:59 AM.

10-17-2010, 12:57 AM	#5
drewskiren Lucky Teter at the wheel Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Memphis, TN Posts: 1,896	Re: YOUNG FRANKENSTEIN The truck Chevrolet should have built. Drove the Burb back to Memphis from Denver, and only had 1 hiccup. Blown water pump about 100 miles away. My friend driving it back for me called and so I grabbed a long chain and we flat towed it the rest of the way without getting caught with the green 70 model. It was a really long chain and I would crank the engine to repower the brakes each time I used them. Sorry, no pics of that sight! We drove it around for about 4 months before we pulled it in the shop to teardown. We got a few thumbs up, but mostly laughs and School Bus slurs. Not the best color!!! Attached Images __________________ Drew YOUNG FRANKENSTEIN (Finished with MAJOR Surgery - IT'S ALIVE!!!) The Bride is currently under the knife!

10-17-2010, 01:03 AM	#6
drewskiren Lucky Teter at the wheel Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Memphis, TN Posts: 1,896	Re: YOUNG FRANKENSTEIN The truck Chevrolet should have built. Tearing down is fun and everybody can help. My cousin and his son came over. That's me with the sawzall. Attached Images __________________ Drew YOUNG FRANKENSTEIN (Finished with MAJOR Surgery - IT'S ALIVE!!!) The Bride is currently under the knife! Last edited by drewskiren; 10-17-2010 at 01:21 AM.

10-17-2010, 01:14 AM	#7
drewskiren Lucky Teter at the wheel Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Memphis, TN Posts: 1,896	Re: YOUNG FRANKENSTEIN The truck Chevrolet should have built. The first step is to give the patient a lobotomy. Its all about the details, and part of the factory correct look of a pickup is the thin roof profile. Can't have that ridiculous looking Max Headroom roofline from the Burb. Attached Images __________________ Drew YOUNG FRANKENSTEIN (Finished with MAJOR Surgery - IT'S ALIVE!!!) The Bride is currently under the knife! Last edited by drewskiren; 10-17-2010 at 10:17 AM.

10-17-2010, 10:25 AM	#8
drewskiren Lucky Teter at the wheel Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Memphis, TN Posts: 1,896	Re: YOUNG FRANKENSTEIN The truck Chevrolet should have built. Now THAT'S a sunroof! I measured and marked and said a little prayer, then dove right in. The plan is to take out the one and a half inch rise piece that shoots the roof straight up, then weld it back down. Only problem with that is that part does slope in a little, so my left over roof section will be too small. Good thing GM made that section with too much crown. I will make some relief cuts and hopefully it will lay down and grow at the same time. Time for church, I'll be posting more tonight. Attached Images __________________ Drew YOUNG FRANKENSTEIN (Finished with MAJOR Surgery - IT'S ALIVE!!!) The Bride is currently under the knife! Last edited by drewskiren; 06-29-2011 at 11:24 PM.

10-17-2010, 11:51 AM	#9
suville Registered User Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Mtn. Home, Idaho Posts: 906	Re: YOUNG FRANKENSTEIN The truck Chevrolet should have built. *Nice burb !*

10-17-2010, 12:11 PM	#10
Heavy Evy born to lose Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Salt Lake City, Utah Posts: 842	Re: YOUNG FRANKENSTEIN The truck Chevrolet should have built. i don't know where you guys get the money or space to do these projects but it most definitely is an awsome build! Posted via Mobile Device Posted via Mobile Device __________________ _____________________ '67 Chevy Belair Wagon 283 Powerglide '68 Chevy II Nova 2 door 350 TH400 Sold!! '71 Chevy C20 350 TH350 '71 Chevy C10 Burb 350 TH350 stolen totalled gone.... Burb Build http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=475155 Nova Build http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=498979 Wagon Build http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=543052 Not giving a truck.

10-17-2010, 01:33 PM	#11
Mr Pops Ridin' Dirty Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Ardrossan Alberta Canada Posts: 2,193	Re: YOUNG FRANKENSTEIN The truck Chevrolet should have built. Subscribed! Nice clean Burb to start with! __________________ 1978 C3500 Crewcab (Project) 1979 C2500 Crewcab (Driver/project) 1988 R2500 Crewcab (Driver) 1988 V3500 Crewcab 1988 R2500 Crewcab (Mint, Ex Fire Dept) 1968 Chev Suburban (4x4 conversion) LINK 1970 Chev C20 Suburban (driver/cruiser)LINK 2005 Impala (Incognito vehicle) 2004 Yukon XL Denali (Kid hauler) 1947 Case tractor Facebook Page(1000's of pictures of GM cars and trucks organized into albums) YouTube Channel

10-17-2010, 02:58 PM	#12
drewskiren Lucky Teter at the wheel Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Memphis, TN Posts: 1,896	Re: YOUNG FRANKENSTEIN The truck Chevrolet should have built. Quarter panels??? We don't need no stinkin quarter panels. Battery powered sawzall really makes nice straight cuts. Air grinder with cutoff wheel works nice too for finesse places. All of the extra parts are going to rebuild other trucks, so please don't hate me. Attached Images __________________ Drew YOUNG FRANKENSTEIN (Finished with MAJOR Surgery - IT'S ALIVE!!!) The Bride is currently under the knife! Last edited by drewskiren; 10-17-2010 at 03:03 PM.

11-27-2010, 12:29 AM	#14
drewskiren Lucky Teter at the wheel Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Memphis, TN Posts: 1,896	Re: YOUNG FRANKENSTEIN The truck Chevrolet should have built. [QUOTE=jbclassix;4315229]I just realized, I owe you! I was wondering when you were gonna catch that! I knew I was about to do that to mine, it was reassuring to see I wasn't the only crazy one. __________________ Drew YOUNG FRANKENSTEIN (Finished with MAJOR Surgery - IT'S ALIVE!!!) The Bride is currently under the knife!

10-17-2010, 03:11 PM	#15
Maxxd07 Registered User Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: ND Posts: 520	Re: YOUNG FRANKENSTEIN The truck Chevrolet should have built. That burb is/was sweet! Gonna keep an eye on this build. __________________ Name: Les ---------------------- Couple 80s Couple 70s One 68

10-17-2010, 05:14 PM	#16
VA72C10 VA72C10 Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Midlothian, VA Posts: 25,269	Re: YOUNG FRANKENSTEIN The truck Chevrolet should have built. Looking forward to this build!!! And like how the family seems to be a big part of it! __________________ Looking for a 67-72 swb or blazer project in or around VA.



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10-17-2010, 05:48 PM	#18
drewskiren Lucky Teter at the wheel Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Memphis, TN Posts: 1,896	Re: YOUNG FRANKENSTEIN The truck Chevrolet should have built. OK, time to get serious. This frame thing and engine are in the way, I need more room in my shop. Board member Thelonerife was nice enough to help by moving it to middle Tennessee for me. The cash to partially recoup my investment was a help too. In the background is the blue and white cab being readied also. Attached Images __________________ Drew YOUNG FRANKENSTEIN (Finished with MAJOR Surgery - IT'S ALIVE!!!) The Bride is currently under the knife! Last edited by drewskiren; 10-17-2010 at 06:12 PM.

10-17-2010, 09:21 PM	#19
FRENCHBLUE72 PROJECT 7DEUCE Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: GRANTS PASS OR Posts: 21,608	Re: YOUNG FRANKENSTEIN The truck Chevrolet should have built. Dude Im so in.... __________________ GO BIG GREEN GO DUCKS MEMBER #6377 72 k-5 daily driver 6'' lift 35'' 350-350-205 slowly getting rust free. Project "7DEUCE" check out my build http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=267665 Tim Powell..R.I.P EastSideLowlife..... R.I.P..

10-17-2010, 09:29 PM	#20
VA72C10 VA72C10 Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Midlothian, VA Posts: 25,269	Re: YOUNG FRANKENSTEIN The truck Chevrolet should have built. Looks like great progress so far...are we up to date yet? Are you planning to run a 4th door? __________________ Looking for a 67-72 swb or blazer project in or around VA.

10-17-2010, 10:36 PM	#22
SkullCandy Registered User Join Date: May 2008 Location: Ontario, Canada Posts: 81	Re: YOUNG FRANKENSTEIN The truck Chevrolet should have built. I think you will regret not doing the 4th door. __________________ 1990 Dodge Ram D250 Cummins

10-17-2010, 10:43 PM	#23
nickp51chevy Registered Chevy Owner Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Snohomish, wa Posts: 1,557	Re: YOUNG FRANKENSTEIN The truck Chevrolet should have built. This looks like it's gonna be cool! Subscribed. __________________ Love is fleeting, but Chevy trucks are forever!!!! 1970 Chevy CST C10 long box 350/400 2008 Chevy Silverado short box 4x4 Had; 1951 Chevy short box 307/T5 1988 Chevy shot box 4x4 350/350 1971 Chevy C10 long box 4x4 350/350 1971 Chevy C20 long box 350/350 1971 Chevy C10 long box 350/350

10-17-2010, 11:08 PM	#24
VA72C10 VA72C10 Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Midlothian, VA Posts: 25,269	Re: YOUNG FRANKENSTEIN The truck Chevrolet should have built. So what are the plans for frame and powerplant? 4th door would be nice I'm sure and easier to get all the family in and out...but I understand it would be a TON of work! __________________ Looking for a 67-72 swb or blazer project in or around VA.

10-17-2010, 11:52 PM	#25
classicchev Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Calgary Alberta Posts: 1,936	Re: YOUNG FRANKENSTEIN The truck Chevrolet should have built. Looking good. Did you keep the rear quarters of the burb??? __________________ 67- 72 Parts collecter

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