"Strapped For Cash"

[ArtMolina]

Started this build with $300.00, Bought a rolling chassis and went to work. The problem was, that I wanted a short bed and all I could find was long beds. So, I made my own.

[ArtMolina]

Welded and plate behind the cut and boxed it in to reinforce it.

[ArtMolina]

Had to find a donor for mock up. I used this truck to made sure everything was going to fit before I powder coated everything. The problem with this truck was, it was also a long bed.

[ArtMolina]

So I made my own.. I figured I could use this bed on my other truck that has a step side now.

[ArtMolina]

Next I had to pick and engine to work with. I came across a 5.3 with a 4L60E. Cleaned it up and mounted it.

[ArtMolina]

The rear end came out of a 2002 Camaro. Im also going with an air ride suspension.

[ArtMolina]

With all that in place, I had to make sure the bed fit and that I was going to be able to get some decent size wheels under there. These are not the wheels I'm going with. I'd like to get some 20X12 under there. I think I should be able to special order these. Everything fits good.

[ArtMolina]

I'd like to keep everything nicely tucked under so I had to make some room for the exhaust pipes.

[ArtMolina]

After I got everything mocked up, I took everything off and off to the powder coater.

[ArtMolina]

I mounted the transmission cooler under the bed with a fan.

[ArtMolina]

Here are some shots of the rear end after powder coating.

[ArtMolina]

I had to relocate the battery tray and I mounted the computer in the fender well. Also found a spot for my air compressor.

[ArtMolina]

Found a decent cab, the rockers needed replacing but other than that, it's a good cab.

[Jayschevy]

Originally Posted by ArtMolina

Started this build with $300.00, Bought a rolling chassis and went to work. The problem was, that I wanted a short bed and all I could find was long beds. So, I made my own.

When you cut your frame to shorten it, how did you make the rounded cuts with the cut-off wheel?

[ArtMolina]

I used the sawzall and then shaped the round edges with an angle grinder.

[ArtMolina]

Use the sawzall to get your way in there, enough to be able to get at it with the grinding wheel afterwards. Cut and fit, till it fits perfect. The first one I did took about 4 hours. The last one I did took about an hour.

[bobshotrodblazer]

Nice work .. it's going to be sweet

[Ozzy2013]

Hey if you dont mind saying what did they charge to sand blast and powdercoat your frame?Im looking to get mine done and was wondering what is a good price.Thanks oz

[ArtMolina]

$350 to sandblast and powder coat.

[nickv6266]

What wheels are in the pic? Coy C5s? Which wheels are you planning on running?

[ArtMolina]

Those are Torq Thrust. I haven't decided what to run yet

[nickv6266]

Sorry I forgot to tell you great work so far. I'm in for this build.

[68Gold/white]

Look'n Good in the Neighbor hood!!!

Did you just reverse the carrier bearing bracket?, or is that a new bracket you purchased???

[Rod Run]

Originally Posted by ArtMolina

$350 to sandblast and powder coat.

Wow!!

Last month I just spent $350 for just sandblasting on a clean frame and it took over 3 weeks for them to finish it

[ArtMolina]

Yes I flipped the carrier bracket. My shaft angle was way off.

There a guy here, near Temecula that I've been using that is good and cheap.