Project: Slow Build - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

Rokcrln · 03-05-2006, 12:02 AM

While working on everyone elses trucks it has gotten me motivated to start back on mine as well. As teh name say's this will be a slow build due to my main focus needs to stay on customers trucks first. Right now I have one current customer and 3 waiting in turn for their trucks to be worked on. But I figure if I put in a few hours here and their it will get done some day. So here we go.

I bought this truck over 7 years ago and it was in great shape but mostly stock. The cab had alot of hidden rust that I did not see untill after I had it for abit. It was a totaly complete great driving solid truck. The first mod was an engine swap from a 350 to a built 327 I had from a past porject. The second thing to be done was the air ride Tech kit. Keep in mind this was 7 years ago and most car guys had not clue what air ride for a car was. Then I decided I wanted to put in a 700R4 and new gears (from 4.11 to 3.43's) and that led to a C notch. This was before notches were made for our trucks. Then I decided I better drop the front some more to match the back so 3" bell tecs went on and that put the front cross member on the ground and the rear still up in the air.

So to fix this I cut off the rear frame and did a 2" or 4" Z-step, its been to long to remember. This is when I started finding all the rust in the cab so off it went and I got a new cab from Early classic. It is a completly rust free cab, but does have a few dings and dents. So once the frame step was done and had the new cab set on it and was all back on the ground I had a problem. Their was a 2 1/2" gap between the gound and the bottom of the cab. So as only a normal thinking person would do I cut up a rust free cab and body dropped it 2". Now this with the stepped frame caused a small problem with the bed floor. It needed to move up 4" or get areal big cut out in the floor. I opped to raise the entire floor up 6" (2" extra for added room) by sectioning 6" out of the sides and the head board. I wanted the tail gate area to be at stock height so I came in 6" from the gate and angled the floor up 45* to meet the raised floor. Oh did I mention I wanted bigger tires out back so I bought a set of Dodge Vipper 335/35/17's and had to do a mini tub job to fit them. So this gave me two strips of bed floor that I cut into small pieces and filled in the bed ribs running up the 45* angel.

Next was the 93 LT1 vette motor and custom built 35 gal SS tank from Fat Fender Hot Rod that is set up for the vette in tank pump with a full sump cavity baffle so I won't runn out of fuel slidding onto the freeway. I slid the motor back 2" tward the firewall for a tighter look.

This is where things were left off about 6 1/2 years ago. I had been throw together twice for a trailer ride to new houses as I moved from a rental to my first house 5yrs ago and then to my current house last year. Since then it has been rolled round the shop (25x45) a few time to get it out of my way for other project but that time has come.

So anyways I have almost everything for the truck now but not much time so it will be a "slow Build" and remember it has not been worked on in over 5yrs now so some of the work done on it is not up to my standards today but is still well thought out and better then mosts trucks coming out today. So if you see a few things that does not look like my normal quality of work just remember we all have to start some where!

I hope you all enjoy as I tinker along.

Kevin

Rokcrln · 03-05-2006, 12:02 AM

And

Rokcrln · 03-05-2006, 12:06 AM

The last one for tonight.

Kevin

phantom dually · 03-05-2006, 12:12 AM

You have some AMAZING SKILLZ!!

gferris5 · 03-05-2006, 12:48 AM

Cool stuff-
That install looks really clean with the Vette motor. How does it run after sitting this long?
Also, how well does that anti-sway bar work? I've never seen one in that location.

Rokcrln · 03-05-2006, 01:49 AM

Not sure how the motor will be after this long but I will probably get it running then pull it apart and put in new bearings, rings and a GM hot cam kit. As faras the bar I have not driven it this way but it is a thicker bar then normally put on a rear end because it is half way up the trailing arms. I forget who I got it from but this is their old design. The new design is smaller and hooks to the rear end and extends out back tward the spare. With my rear tank I could not use that one so they bendt me this one up. I also have their front bar and I did drive it with that one and it was night and day.

Kevin

**Canadian694x4** · 03-05-2006, 02:08 AM

You Got Mad Skillz Yo! Slow progress is better than none...Keep the updates a comin'.

twotons · 03-05-2006, 02:53 AM

looks *****en man

Rokcrln · 03-05-2006, 10:50 AM

My plans are to build a roll around dolly that the cab bolts to that can also be tipped on to any side with out the cab touching anything. Then I can get the cab finished up and fire wall smoothed. After that I will run all the brake lines, fuel lines, exhaust and get it running then tear it all apart and finish the chassie. Once that is done and rolling I will paint the inside of the cab and door jambs, install windows, interior and what not. Than it will just be a matter of finishing the bed and sanding down the rest of the body parts for a new paint job and trim. I plan on this taking the next year to complete due to other projects being done as well. I think the only thing I am still missing for the truck would be the windshield, body rubbers and the material for brake and fuel lines.

Kevin

jsbgump · 03-05-2006, 11:44 AM

Man your just an awsome fabricator.

meathead95 · 03-05-2006, 04:48 PM

where did you get those wheels? what size are they?

Rokcrln · 03-05-2006, 05:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by meathead95

where did you get those wheels? what size are they?

I had them made in Stockton 5+ yrs ago. They are 17's x 9 and 11. And please do not ask the back spacing, my sumtimmers is starting to kick in!

Kevin

CPNEJR · 03-05-2006, 05:55 PM

man that thing is SWEET!!!! you are an awesome fabricator! cant wait to see that thing when it is done

Frizzle Fry · 03-05-2006, 07:27 PM

Looks excellent. It's easy to sit back and take it all in at once, but I know we're looking at many hours of work. What are the notches in the cab corners for? And what brakes are you running in the rear?

Rokcrln · 03-05-2006, 08:28 PM

The notches in the cab corners are left over unfinished work from the body drop. The black paint accross the rear of teh cab had a 2" section removed out of it and then welded back together. The rear brakes is a set up I build using 1/2ton front 4x4 parts.

Kevin

Frizzle Fry · 03-05-2006, 08:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rokcrln

The notches in the cab corners are left over unfinished work from the body drop.
Kevin

I see now. Nice! That's a clean way to do it!

powell72 · 03-05-2006, 11:19 PM

I can't wait to see that off the jack stands with a bed on it, looks good.

Rokcrln · 03-05-2006, 11:48 PM

Here is a pic before and one as of today. I worked on it for an hour or two just to strip it down. I also worked on the crew cab for a bit and then started on my new cab dolly. Once it is done I will be able to bolt a cab to it and rollit on to any side to work on. So if I need to coat the bottom of a cab or what ever else it will be easy to do. The dolly is built perfictly flat so once the cab is bolted to it it will not twist or rack while welding rockers or anything else.

Kevin

LUV2XCLR8 · 03-05-2006, 11:57 PM

taylorde · 03-06-2006, 12:17 AM

That is a excellent job on all of it. Can't wait to see it done. SCRAP IT EASY !!!!!!

Rokcrln · 03-28-2006, 11:13 PM

Well I have the cab ready to come off this weekend and get bolted to the Tip & Flip dolly were it will stay until the frame is done and the cab is blasted.

Well I just picked up a 70 2wd blazer that is my next company build. We will be doing a DVD how to set. I talded the two builds over with the wife and this is what she wants to do,

Take the 71 truck sheet metal and put it on the 70 blazer because. She likes th elook of the 71 grill and the blunt front end goes with the block style of the blazer. Then she wants a 67 front end on my 71 saying it will flow better with the look of the truck.

So what do I do? I like the thought of the 67 front end on the blazer since they were no built untill 69 for 4x4s and 70 for the 2wds. But if she shows and interest in the projects and like what we are doing than I think I will give this one to her and go with it.

Anyways it will be time to start completing the frame and running gear in the next few months so stay tuned!

Kevin
LFD Inc.

vk_chevy · 03-29-2006, 12:59 AM

i really dig your wheel/tire combo

**Yukon Jack** · 03-30-2006, 01:03 PM

Looks like a great project - do keep us posted on this one.

Karl Hoh · 03-30-2006, 01:56 PM

Kevin, all your work is totally amazing!!!!!!! Note: I have found that if my wife is happy about something I'm doing, my life is soooo much easier.

Rokcrln · 03-30-2006, 10:46 PM

Well any progress is good! Cab came off tonight and it all got shoved in the corner untill I get some more customer work done and get the 55-59 dolly built now that the cab was dropped off. Funny thing is the customer I am doing the crew cab for keeps finding me more work that takes away from completion of his project

But I sure can not complain, he is helping bring me more buisness and lets my do alot of cool stuff on his truck!!

Thanks EXTD56!

Kevin
LFD Inc.

03-05-2006, 12:02 AM	#1
Rokcrln Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Winters Ca. 95694 Posts: 4,843	Project: Slow Build While working on everyone elses trucks it has gotten me motivated to start back on mine as well. As teh name say's this will be a slow build due to my main focus needs to stay on customers trucks first. Right now I have one current customer and 3 waiting in turn for their trucks to be worked on. But I figure if I put in a few hours here and their it will get done some day. So here we go. I bought this truck over 7 years ago and it was in great shape but mostly stock. The cab had alot of hidden rust that I did not see untill after I had it for abit. It was a totaly complete great driving solid truck. The first mod was an engine swap from a 350 to a built 327 I had from a past porject. The second thing to be done was the air ride Tech kit. Keep in mind this was 7 years ago and most car guys had not clue what air ride for a car was. Then I decided I wanted to put in a 700R4 and new gears (from 4.11 to 3.43's) and that led to a C notch. This was before notches were made for our trucks. Then I decided I better drop the front some more to match the back so 3" bell tecs went on and that put the front cross member on the ground and the rear still up in the air. So to fix this I cut off the rear frame and did a 2" or 4" Z-step, its been to long to remember. This is when I started finding all the rust in the cab so off it went and I got a new cab from Early classic. It is a completly rust free cab, but does have a few dings and dents. So once the frame step was done and had the new cab set on it and was all back on the ground I had a problem. Their was a 2 1/2" gap between the gound and the bottom of the cab. So as only a normal thinking person would do I cut up a rust free cab and body dropped it 2". Now this with the stepped frame caused a small problem with the bed floor. It needed to move up 4" or get areal big cut out in the floor. I opped to raise the entire floor up 6" (2" extra for added room) by sectioning 6" out of the sides and the head board. I wanted the tail gate area to be at stock height so I came in 6" from the gate and angled the floor up 45* to meet the raised floor. Oh did I mention I wanted bigger tires out back so I bought a set of Dodge Vipper 335/35/17's and had to do a mini tub job to fit them. So this gave me two strips of bed floor that I cut into small pieces and filled in the bed ribs running up the 45* angel. Next was the 93 LT1 vette motor and custom built 35 gal SS tank from Fat Fender Hot Rod that is set up for the vette in tank pump with a full sump cavity baffle so I won't runn out of fuel slidding onto the freeway. I slid the motor back 2" tward the firewall for a tighter look. This is where things were left off about 6 1/2 years ago. I had been throw together twice for a trailer ride to new houses as I moved from a rental to my first house 5yrs ago and then to my current house last year. Since then it has been rolled round the shop (25x45) a few time to get it out of my way for other project but that time has come. So anyways I have almost everything for the truck now but not much time so it will be a "slow Build" and remember it has not been worked on in over 5yrs now so some of the work done on it is not up to my standards today but is still well thought out and better then mosts trucks coming out today. So if you see a few things that does not look like my normal quality of work just remember we all have to start some where! I hope you all enjoy as I tinker along. Kevin Attached Images

03-05-2006, 12:02 AM	#2
Rokcrln Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Winters Ca. 95694 Posts: 4,843	Re: Project: Slow Build And Attached Images Last edited by Rokcrln; 03-05-2006 at 12:05 AM.

03-05-2006, 12:06 AM	#3
Rokcrln Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Winters Ca. 95694 Posts: 4,843	Re: Project: Slow Build The last one for tonight. Kevin Attached Images

03-05-2006, 12:12 AM	#4
phantom dually Project92 SWB stepside Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: Louisville KY Posts: 4,792	Re: Project: Slow Build You have some AMAZING SKILLZ!! __________________ 92 C1500 stepside 496 Stroker Competiton Engineering Ladder bars/QA1 coilovers. Dana 60 rear with 4.10 gear and posi. Bonspeed Palisade 20x12 in rear w/335/30/20 and 20x8.5 front w/245/40/20. 5/8 drop with Belltech springs/DJM spindles/drop shocks. WWS Progress thread http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=140448

03-05-2006, 12:48 AM	#5
gferris5 Registered User Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: The land of fruits and nuts Posts: 193	Re: Project: Slow Build Cool stuff- That install looks really clean with the Vette motor. How does it run after sitting this long? Also, how well does that anti-sway bar work? I've never seen one in that location. __________________ Have mercy, I'm recovering from my 4x4 addiction.

03-05-2006, 01:49 AM	#6
Rokcrln Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Winters Ca. 95694 Posts: 4,843	Re: Project: Slow Build Not sure how the motor will be after this long but I will probably get it running then pull it apart and put in new bearings, rings and a GM hot cam kit. As faras the bar I have not driven it this way but it is a thicker bar then normally put on a rear end because it is half way up the trailing arms. I forget who I got it from but this is their old design. The new design is smaller and hooks to the rear end and extends out back tward the spare. With my rear tank I could not use that one so they bendt me this one up. I also have their front bar and I did drive it with that one and it was night and day. Kevin

03-05-2006, 02:08 AM	#7
Canadian694x4 Born To Lose Club Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: Calgary, Alberta/Oxenden, Ontario, Great White North Posts: 13,307	Re: Project: Slow Build You Got Mad Skillz Yo! Slow progress is better than none...Keep the updates a comin'. __________________ Brian Smith - "Born To Lose" 1969 Chevrolet K10 LWB Fleetside - Proud Owner For 22 Yrs - 1 of 208 Built & Sold In Canada!- 283 V8/350TH/NP208, 2" All Spring Lift, 32" Good Year MT/R's. 1972 GMC K2500 Custom LWB Fleetside - Proud Owner For 3 Yrs - 1 of 571 Built & Sold In Canada! - 350 V8/SM465/NP205, 4” Rough Country Lift, 33” Interco TSL Thornbirds 2007.5 GMC Sierra SLE 2500HD 4x4 - Proud Owner For 17 Yrs- 6.6L V8 Duramax Diesel/Allison 1000, 2" Lift, 33" Mickey Thompson MTZ's. 2008 Yamaha Raptor 700r - Proud Owner For 15 Yrs - ITP Mud Lites. 2015 John Deere 1025R - Proud Owner For 8 Yrs - 24HP Diesel/H120/54D/260B/SB1154.

03-05-2006, 02:53 AM	#8
twotons Registered User Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Otis Orchards Posts: 132	Re: Project: Slow Build looks *****en man __________________ 66 Chevy P/U 1/2 ton (new best Oct 09 9.78 @ 139 w/1.3760ft) http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a41...erdd5d5045.gif

03-05-2006, 10:50 AM	#9
Rokcrln Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Winters Ca. 95694 Posts: 4,843	Re: Project: Slow Build My plans are to build a roll around dolly that the cab bolts to that can also be tipped on to any side with out the cab touching anything. Then I can get the cab finished up and fire wall smoothed. After that I will run all the brake lines, fuel lines, exhaust and get it running then tear it all apart and finish the chassie. Once that is done and rolling I will paint the inside of the cab and door jambs, install windows, interior and what not. Than it will just be a matter of finishing the bed and sanding down the rest of the body parts for a new paint job and trim. I plan on this taking the next year to complete due to other projects being done as well. I think the only thing I am still missing for the truck would be the windshield, body rubbers and the material for brake and fuel lines. Kevin

03-05-2006, 11:44 AM	#10
jsbgump Gone Fishing Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Fort Worth, Texas 76135 Posts: 12,361	Re: Project: Slow Build Man your just an awsome fabricator. __________________ 68 Chevy Short Fleetside LSX Swap Under Way 3.73 posi 2.5/4 drop Frame of resto has been started 2022 Hyundai Tucson Limited 2019 Chevy Traverse Redline Edition Wifes Ride Build Thread http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...=1#post3483616

03-05-2006, 04:48 PM	#11
meathead95 computer illiterate Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Des Moines, IA Posts: 6,440	Re: Project: Slow Build where did you get those wheels? what size are they? __________________ 72 2wd blazer 72 swb 4x4

03-05-2006, 05:55 PM	#13
CPNEJR Registered User Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: Franconia,N.H. Posts: 1,029	Re: Project: Slow Build man that thing is SWEET!!!! you are an awesome fabricator! cant wait to see that thing when it is done __________________ (Only) Member of the CPNE Fan Club Aint that the truth 67 C-10 350 with 3-speed tranny and 308 gears swb step 82 Z28 Camaro 355 small block over 350 hp and a borg warner super t-10 (blown engine) 72 Chevy K20 Suburban (future project) 70 Chevy K20 now 68 GMC K2500 2003 Chevy 2500hd ccsb 4X4 (daily driver)

03-05-2006, 07:27 PM	#14
Frizzle Fry Registered User Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Hillsboro Oregon Posts: 6,449	Re: Project: Slow Build Looks excellent. It's easy to sit back and take it all in at once, but I know we're looking at many hours of work. What are the notches in the cab corners for? And what brakes are you running in the rear?

03-05-2006, 08:28 PM	#15
Rokcrln Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Winters Ca. 95694 Posts: 4,843	Re: Project: Slow Build The notches in the cab corners are left over unfinished work from the body drop. The black paint accross the rear of teh cab had a 2" section removed out of it and then welded back together. The rear brakes is a set up I build using 1/2ton front 4x4 parts. Kevin

03-05-2006, 11:19 PM	#17
powell72 Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Loveland Co. Posts: 3,098	Re: Project: Slow Build I can't wait to see that off the jack stands with a bed on it, looks good. __________________ Chris 74 Custom Deluxe SWB 350/350/3.73’s 99 2wd Silverado RCSB 5.3/4L60/3.90’s http://www.classictrucks.com/feature...short_bed.html



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03-05-2006, 11:48 PM	#18
Rokcrln Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Winters Ca. 95694 Posts: 4,843	Re: Project: Slow Build Here is a pic before and one as of today. I worked on it for an hour or two just to strip it down. I also worked on the crew cab for a bit and then started on my new cab dolly. Once it is done I will be able to bolt a cab to it and rollit on to any side to work on. So if I need to coat the bottom of a cab or what ever else it will be easy to do. The dolly is built perfictly flat so once the cab is bolted to it it will not twist or rack while welding rockers or anything else. Kevin Attached Images

03-05-2006, 11:57 PM	#19
LUV2XCLR8 The LuvShack Garage Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Maple Grove, TN (West Side) Posts: 30,468	Re: Project: Slow Build __________________ Owner/Op: "TN Classic Transport Carriers" The Toy: "Square Vette" 72 Hybrid Blazer Toy Barn: "LuvShack" 40 x 60 x 20 Shop Tow Piggy:"Maddy" 88 Silverado 3500 Hauler: "Feathers" 14 Aluma 8218T

03-06-2006, 12:17 AM	#20
taylorde Just A Tool Hand Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Lovington,New Mexico Posts: 70	Re: Project: Slow Build That is a excellent job on all of it. Can't wait to see it done. SCRAP IT EASY !!!!!! __________________ :hit:

03-28-2006, 11:13 PM	#21
Rokcrln Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Winters Ca. 95694 Posts: 4,843	Re: Project: Slow Build Well I have the cab ready to come off this weekend and get bolted to the Tip & Flip dolly were it will stay until the frame is done and the cab is blasted. Well I just picked up a 70 2wd blazer that is my next company build. We will be doing a DVD how to set. I talded the two builds over with the wife and this is what she wants to do, Take the 71 truck sheet metal and put it on the 70 blazer because. She likes th elook of the 71 grill and the blunt front end goes with the block style of the blazer. Then she wants a 67 front end on my 71 saying it will flow better with the look of the truck. So what do I do? I like the thought of the 67 front end on the blazer since they were no built untill 69 for 4x4s and 70 for the 2wds. But if she shows and interest in the projects and like what we are doing than I think I will give this one to her and go with it. Anyways it will be time to start completing the frame and running gear in the next few months so stay tuned! Kevin LFD Inc. Attached Images Last edited by Rokcrln; 03-28-2006 at 11:14 PM.

03-29-2006, 12:59 AM	#22
vk_chevy Registered User Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Olympia, WA Posts: 231	Re: Project: Slow Build i really dig your wheel/tire combo __________________ 72 Chevy C20 Longhorn 72 Chevy, K20 Custom Camper 67 Chevy, LWB, C20, 350/350, PS, PB, 65 Jag MKII

03-30-2006, 01:03 PM	#23
Yukon Jack Post Whore Join Date: Feb 2000 Location: Rose Hill, KS, USA Posts: 12,686	Re: Project: Slow Build Looks like a great project - do keep us posted on this one. __________________ 1970 Blazer with a 400 sbc and 4" lift 1980 Pontiac Trans Am, 455 Oldsmobile 2012 Kawasaki Concours 14

03-30-2006, 01:56 PM	#24
Karl Hoh A little east of nowhere Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: LaBroquerie,Manitoba Canada Posts: 168	Re: Project: Slow Build Kevin, all your work is totally amazing!!!!!!! Note: I have found that if my wife is happy about something I'm doing, my life is soooo much easier. __________________ 68 C10 250 4spd 69 C20 327 4spd 69 910 250 3spd 80 K10 350 4spd 76 C60 366 5spd school bus "THERE'S NOTHING YOU CAN BREAK THAT SOMEONE CAN'T BE PAID TO REPAIR"

03-30-2006, 10:46 PM	#25
Rokcrln Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Winters Ca. 95694 Posts: 4,843	Re: Project: Slow Build Well any progress is good! Cab came off tonight and it all got shoved in the corner untill I get some more customer work done and get the 55-59 dolly built now that the cab was dropped off. Funny thing is the customer I am doing the crew cab for keeps finding me more work that takes away from completion of his project But I sure can not complain, he is helping bring me more buisness and lets my do alot of cool stuff on his truck!! Thanks EXTD56! Kevin LFD Inc. Attached Images

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