Project "Dream Truck"

[abadsvt]

Here i go again starting over. This is what happened. I was looking for an LS1 motor for my other project when i came across a complete rollin drivetrain from a 2002 Corvette (C5) for the basically the same price as a motor and tranny. So I decided to start over. Well kind of. I am using some of the parts (the cab, wheels and tires, shockwaves) from the other build.

This time i wanted to do things a little different. The first frame i built came out great but I think i was kind of lucky that everything ended up level and square so this time i didn't want to test my luck. So i decided to build a frame table and then build a jig on top of that. The frame table is roughly 15' long by roughly 66" wide. After it was built i got it perfectly level all the way around then bolted it to the floor so it can't move. Then i built a "jig" on top of it to hold the frame as i build it. It took a little while to get everything were i needed it to be and be squared and leveled but i finally got it. Building this jig was the best thing i have ever done. It only took me around 2 half days to completely build the new frame and have it fully welded. The best part is i didn't get any movement from welding. I moved around welding in different spots which helped but the jig kept it exactly were it needs to be. I plan on building the entire truck on this frame table. I have to remove a few support pieces after I am done welding on the gussets to allow room for the suspension parts and wheels. Anyways enjoy!

[abadsvt]

A few more

[abadsvt]

Here is a pic of the rollin chassis how i bought it. Someone tried to build there own frame for a 67 nova but didn't do such a great job.

[abadsvt]

The frame table represents the ground and the jig is setup at ride height which is 8 1/2" to the frame rails off the ground. That was the height to put the front fender just above the tire so i can turn the wheels easy without rubbing.

Josh

[kyull67]

This project is going to be AWESOME!

[Frizzle Fry]

That's the way to go! BTW I just read about the feature truck in the latest Classic trucks. All C5 including rear transaxle but with a driveshaft instead of a torque tube. Looking into it now

[abadsvt]

Originally Posted by Frizzle Fry

That's the way to go! BTW I just read about the feature truck in the latest Classic trucks. All C5 including rear transaxle but with a driveshaft instead of a torque tube. Looking into it now

Is that the current issue that is out or the one that is coming out? I wouldn't mind looking at that also.

Josh

[Frizzle Fry]

It's the Dec issue with the bare metal pre-55 truck on the cover.

[Spray-Bomb]

I think you should give me your old frame !!!

Sweet, can't wait to see it done this time around !!!

[72BlckButy]

That thing is going to be sweet. Can't wait to see the build on this thing.

[abadsvt]

Well i got a little more done today. I got all the frame gussets on and fully welded. It took longer than i originally thought it was going to take. I ended up spending a few hours on it so it wasn't too bad. I like the end result though. Definately stronger which equals safety. Anyways here is a few pics.

Josh

[Angelse68cal]

what are you doing with the old frame? Dibs if possible

[abadsvt]

Originally Posted by Angelse68cal

what are you doing with the old frame? Dibs if possible

Well i am not sure. I thought about selling it but there still are a few things that need to be done on it before i could let it go. Plus i have too much money in the frame for most people to be interested in it. If you are really interested send me a pm and we can talk.

Josh

[N2TRUX]

Nice welds...

[Frizzle Fry]

Looking good!

[ColoradoK5]

Nice project!! can't wait to see more.

[abadsvt]

I got a little more done yesterday. I was able to fab and install the cab supports and remove a few of the frame jig support pieces to allow room for the suspension. They took a few hours but got em done. Then i decided to install the cab on the frame to double check my measurements. I love it. It is looking like a truck again, well sorta. Early next week i am buying a hydraulic tubing bender so i can bend all the tubing that will be going inside the frame rails. I have already made all the front suspension brackets for the lower control arms and the rack and pinion so once i get the tubing bent the front suspension should go real quick. I am hoping by next weekend i can have the front suspension done or close to being done. Anyways here is a few pics

Josh

[Frizzle Fry]

You using the vette cradles?

[revn67]

thats awesome, i am in the middle of making a frame table out of i-beams and 1/4" sheets ontop of it, its not gonna really be a jig but everything will atleast be level.....that truck is gonna look freakin awesome when done though!!!

[abadsvt]

Originally Posted by Frizzle Fry

You using the vette cradles?

No i am building the suspension instead of using the cradles. I found a suspension program that gave me all the specs on the entire suspension. The only thing it didn't give me was the location of the rack and pinion so I ended up buying a front engine cradle so i can get the exact location of the rack. So far so good!

[abadsvt]

Originally Posted by revn67

thats awesome, i am in the middle of making a frame table out of i-beams and 1/4" sheets ontop of it, its not gonna really be a jig but everything will atleast be level.....that truck is gonna look freakin awesome when done though!!!

The frame table makes a big difference! Well worth the time and effort. Thanks for the complements!

Josh

[55dude]

Originally Posted by abadsvt

No i am building the suspension instead of using the cradles. I found a suspension program that gave me all the specs on the entire suspension. The only thing it didn't give me was the location of the rack and pinion so I ended up buying a front engine cradle so i can get the exact location of the rack. So far so good!

very cool truck build! what program did you find for the suspension. i have a 55' (belair & 3100 panel) that are being considered for c5 upgrades. do you have any more pic's of your c5 or that nova chassis.

[abadsvt]

Originally Posted by 55dude

very cool truck build! what program did you find for the suspension. i have a 55' (belair & 3100 panel) that are being considered for c5 upgrades. do you have any more pic's of your c5 or that nova chassis.

I don't have any more pics of the c5 nova chassis that someone built. They didn't do a very good job so there wasn't any reason to take some more pics. On my frame i have got almost all the round tube installed which makes up all of my mounts for the lower control arms and internal bracing for the frame. I will take some pics sometime this week.

A c5 drivetrain would be sick in that tri fives. I would like to build one in the future. Those cars look so nice when done right and they hold there value really well which is a big plus. Are you plan on building it? Anyways talk to you soon.

Josh

[FRENCHBLUE72]

Thats gonna be killer..

[pcorriveau951]

any updates? our chassis is sweet.