Project PRPLHAIZ

[ccrane0044]

Hey guys, things are starting to come together for my (semi-budget build) '80 C15 build so figured I could start a thread to help out along the way and get some input.

Here's a few pictures during mock up to give you guys an idea of what its going to look like. In the end will be a deep purple, not multiple colors.








Here's the start of the mock up...



















After all the welding was done i got it blasted and threw some paint at the frame.

















Here's my 383 Stroker rated for 405 hp and 450 ft-lbs, nothing crazy but should be enough to get her moving. as for the trans its a 770R4 build by performance automatic.



As for the body I picked up a rust free box and cab from Georgia.











Also picked out some 22"s, got an amazing deal on wheels and rubber while in Carlisle, PA at one of the swap meets.



That's where I'm at for now, I will keep pictures coming while I make more progress. Feel free to leave feed back, this is my first build and this sort of thing is only a hobby so can always use help.

[CDNchevydude]

Suscribed! Love the wheels!

[ccrane0044]

Thanks Chevydude, they weren't what I was looking for at first, but got an amazing deal on them and now have no regrets. I wish the rear tires had more rubber, but tires don't last forever so my next set will have a little more meet on them.

[tinydb84]

I have always loved bright green on trucks

[ccrane0044]

Thanks Tinydb, I find the green accent will go good with the deep purple in the end. Just checked out your build thread, truly amazing, wish I had more money to do a few things that you did. Also, Loving the skulls on your welds.

[ccrane0044]

I've been looking at a few builds and I'm wondering... will have have to step my steering linkage or is that only necessary when you start doing body drops and what not?

[tinydb84]

You'll probably need one. The upper control arm gets in the way when airing out.

[ccrane0044]

Any good places to buy a kit that's not to pricey? I looked at Borgeson but I'm hoping they are on the expensive side since I'm running out of money. Also all the shafts I'm seeing are rectangular and the supports are circular, are the edges on the shafts beveled enough to slide through the support?

[slimneverdies]

What brand control arms are those up front? Looks like the give you some extra drop with way those bend upward like they are...

[ccrane0044]

The control arms are from Airbagit. I don't believe they provide any extra drop since I don't remember reading anything about that when I bought the parts but I may be wrong.

[tinydb84]

The astro van steering is what most people do. I couldnt do that because I have a C20 which doesnt have the same sized fittings.

[ccrane0044]

ok thanks, I will look into that. Thanks

[franky69c10]

Looking good bro

[ccrane0044]

Thanks Franky. It's been a long journey and still a long way to go but she's coming along.

[ccrane0044]

Not to much to add today but there's a bit of progress. Mounted the engine and trans, along with front wheel bearings and brakes. Also got the steering set up. After all that I started on the rebuild for the rear axle. Got the carrier bearings, rear wheel bearings and seals all on but was having trouble getting the pinnion race in place so might just end up getting someone to do the rest for me since I'm not to familiar with rebuilding differentials. Rather spend some money now than a lot later if i do something wrong. Other than that, I just painted a few other small parts and called it a day.

As for good news, I think I will have enough clearance on my upper control arm to run the stock steering shaft, the way upper control arms dips down allows a lot of room for everything to work out so not having to worry about that is a relief.

[mooseknuckles]

cool!

[txlowtrucks]

What brand are the wheels? I have been looking for quite a while. It seems like everything I like is out of budget.

[bbbc10]

they are mht wheels pricey forsure

[ccrane0044]

They are MHT wheels, usually they are pricey but I got a wicked deal a couple years ago in Carlisle. Rims and tires for $1000. made the whole trip worth it. The tires are Nitto NT 555. Not a scratch on the wheels and tires are practically brand new.

[ccrane0044]

Not to much progress since I last posted, its been slow going this winter since I was waiting on my diff. to get rebuilt for a few weeks. Also I don't have heat in the shop I'm in so that brings down the motivation. Anyways, here are a few shots with the Rear end in place and a few other loose ends.

[ccrane0044]

Here are a few more updated pics, Its slow going but starting to come together.













So far I have the cab in place and I am currently working on tubing the transmission tunnel. The bed is already cut as you can see and good to go on, still thinking of what I want to do to cover the cut out. I originally wanted to raise the bed but ended up being to much work for me at the moment. All air bags, valves and most of the plumbing is installed as well.

[NewType72]

Coming together quite well, looking forward to more progress brother!

[ccrane0044]

Thanks NewType72, I like how its coming together, there are a few flaws here and there but I'm pretty happy with it considering it's my first build and most of it has been done with hand tools and an angle grinder... also the fact that this is just a hobby and that I am mostly self taught makes me feel pretty accomplished.

[NewType72]

Gotta love being able to learn on your own projects at your own pace. I've enjoyed it many years already and im still young. Thanks for sharing!

[ccrane0044]

Finally built up the courage to cut up my cab on Friday when I had a chance to do a bit of work. Here are the results...















Still need to fill in where I had to clear the drive shaft, hoping to pick up a bit of 4" tubing Wednesday and get that done.