1950 5 window project

[Tntruckguy]

Hi ya'll! Im gonna add pics of my project here for everyones comments and advise as I move this thing forward. Any help is appreciated. This is my first AD truck and I love it! It has a 71' Nova Clip and all original parts (so far).

[Tntruckguy]

So we finally got the Chassis done and started on the Cab. We ordered floor pans and cowls from LMC Truck and started in on that. We found a 1980 Chevy SB 350 from a local junkyard with a rebuild tag on it. After repainting and a little chrome, it came out looking pretty good.

[Tntruckguy]

So after all that and floor pans almost complete, we mocked up the cab on the chassis and found out we had a clearance problem with the radiator. This 71 Nova clip( rear steer) and its mounts could not move far enough back. Looks like about 4.5 or 5 inches from Distributor to fire wall. I found a local hot rod fab shop so the truck is on its way to them this coming week. They are going to raise them up a little and move back, set the trans crossmember I bought from Brothers Truck and mount Radiator and Electric fan. I have found out also that because I lowered the truck I will have to use 14 inch 4.5 Rallys that came stock on this Nova. Just to keep all the clearance issues in check that I have created. I think once I get them on I will be happy with the look.

[Tntruckguy]

The tires in the pic above are 205 70R 14's with 4.5 centers. I had to remove the single piston calipers to get these rims on to check clearances. They will come off and get sold when I get the 14 Rallys.

[Tntruckguy]

The Truck is now at the Fabricator and as you can see by the pics, the motor needs to move back several inches.

[Tntruckguy]

With this truck sitting on a 71 Nova Clip, I thought it only fitting to find a set of orginal 71' Nova Rally Wheels. After a little bit of elbow grease I got them looking pretty sporty. I did have to find a set of two 6" Rallys so I could get the clearance that I need. 195's on the front for sure and looking at 60 series 235 or 245's on the back.

[Tntruckguy]

BTW, I used Duplicolor Silver Wheel Coating from Advance Auto. It has a little bit of flake in it and dries rather quickly. The wheels look great in the sunlight. This stuff was only about 6.50 a can and one can would do it.

[sgtusmc]

Looks really good man. I like the way the engine and rims turned out. Good luck on those floor boards.

[av8tr33337]

Looking good. I'm subscribed!!!

[Tntruckguy]

Thanks Y'all! I should have more pics up this weekend! I have the new floor pans in just no pics yet. We had to mock up the cab when we noticed the motor mounts were in the wrong spot. So...once we fix that and set the Trans mount, back on the cab I go.

This is a great forum and full of lots of great info and innovation. Should have been here a long time ago!

[Root2812]

Originally Posted by Tntruckguy

BTW, I used Duplicolor Silver Wheel Coating from Advance Auto. It has a little bit of flake in it and dries rather quickly. The wheels look great in the sunlight. This stuff was only about 6.50 a can and one can would do it.

Keep and eye on them. I used that same stuff on the aluminum wheels on my wifes car. The paint was pealing so I sanded them, etched primed them, painted them with the same wheel enamel and the matching clear. It went on and looked great just like you said but less than a year after it started to crack and look bad. I'm looking to repaint the wheels again.

[Tntruckguy]

I did not use the clear. Do you recomend to use it? I see you (root2812) are in MN. Thats a rough winter up there....maybe in TN I might get a little longer out of the paint. This truck is also garage kept and only will be allowed out on the weekends!

Thanks

[_Ogre]

mmmmm, yellow engine, i like it
why didn't i think of that?

[Tntruckguy]

Well the truck is at USA Chassis in Maryville, TN. getting a upgrade on the clip and a few other items addressed. I will post pics this week. I have attached pics of what I am shooting for on my finished product. I guess this is kinda like hanging a Farrah Fawcett poster on your wall.....if your from that generation!!!

This is the link to USA Chassis's new under construction website:

http://www.usachassistn.com/#

[Tntruckguy]

Worked all night on the stock grille.whew! Now its in pieces on the garage floor. Off to the sandblaster and chrome shop.

[skymangs]

Hey TNtruckguy, great project! Could you post some pics of the Nova clip where it attaches to the stock frame? I'm considering my options, and wanted to see how well it all lined up.

Thanks

[Tntruckguy]

Originally Posted by skymangs

Hey TNtruckguy, great project! Could you post some pics of the Nova clip where it attaches to the stock frame? I'm considering my options, and wanted to see how well it all lined up.

Thanks

Sure will! I will be down at the Fab shop today. I had planned to but up some pics of the clip.

Tntruckguy

[xpickup]

Tntruckguy, Looks like a great project. Keep up the great work.

Shannon

[Tntruckguy]

Hey Skymangs! Here are the pics you asked for. Sorry the detail is not great! (bad lighting). I spend alot of time in the Northwest corner of your State. Im actually from there! I really miss it!

[skymangs]

TnTruckguy, thanks for the pics. Looks like the frame width is pretty close, and the wheel track width looks like it is pretty good. This may be the option I go with. Is that 2x4 boxed steel used to connect the two? 1/8th wall? Do you by chance have any of your measurements still?

My son turns 14 in about 2 months, and we'll start his first truck. Ironically, he chose to build my first truck (the '47). It's been in storage for going on 20 years! Makes a father proud.

I'm PCSing to MO this fall, maybe we'll see each other at some of the same events!

[Tntruckguy]

Originally Posted by skymangs

TnTruckguy, thanks for the pics. Looks like the frame width is pretty close, and the wheel track width looks like it is pretty good. This may be the option I go with. Is that 2x4 boxed steel used to connect the two? 1/8th wall? Do you by chance have any of your measurements still?

My son turns 14 in about 2 months, and we'll start his first truck. Ironically, he chose to build my first truck (the '47). It's been in storage for going on 20 years! Makes a father proud.

I'm PCSing to MO this fall, maybe we'll see each other at some of the same events!

Skyman, I checked with USA Chassis and it is 2X4 boxed steel but it is 3/16ths thick. They said this is the best to use. I will post pics of the finished product soon.

[Tntruckguy]

Looks like we got the clip work all done and gonna finish out next week by cleaning up the chassis, a little paint and then on to the motor and trans mounting. Here is the website and facebook site for USA Chassis! They are doing a great job! I will post pics this week.

http://www.usachassistn.com/
https://www.facebook.com/USAChassis

[Tntruckguy]

Posting pics of the Chassis! As promised

[Tntruckguy]

Hey guys, any input on installing a power rack steering system. Make/Model, etc! I should have pics up this weekend!

[Tntruckguy]

Well the project is making some headway this week. The cab is getting its final welding. The mustang II power rack system is waiting for installation. Master and booster out of a mid eighties camaro is waiting to be installed also. Work is complete on the chassis! Motor and trans set. Custom motor mounts fabricated and installed by USA Chassis and Metalworks of Maryville, TN. A little final welding and its ready for the mock up of the front clip. I will post more pics when we get there.

Enjoy!