The "Frankenstine" build;

[T-P Auto]

For the past couple of years I have given a lot of though in to building a "Rat Rod"
This build is a "VERY" low budget project. I'm retired as well as disabled.
So on a fixed income to do this build on.
Over the past years I have gotten together several different "Chevy n GM" autos for this project.
Here is the list:

1951 Chevy cab
1953 Chevy 3/4 t long bed
1978 Chevy 305sb v8 carbed
1987 200r4 trans (pontiac)
1988 S-10 frame
1992 Olds 4x4 Bravada
1992 Chevy custom 1/2t van

This is the reason for the name "Frankenstine"

I had started a post on this site called "Starting my new build"
I just didn't know how to set up the build to make it read and show what I was doing.

So here goes the revised post.

[T-P Auto]

I'm a retired Auto Repairman (45yr).
I'm doing this project on a "VERY" low budget.
I'm also doing this to give me something to keep my mind and body going.
Don't want to just set in front of the TV all day.

I started with a rolling Olds 4x4 frame. (150.00)
Did not like the looks of the frame once it was cleaned up with out the motor an trans. Just to many curves in it. (UGLY) pic

Found the 1988 S-10 frame, it was stright and all ready had the 3" lowering blocks in the rear(nice) pic (100.00)

Had the 3/4t bed from a trailer that was given to me afew years ago. pic

Got a hold of a1951 Chevy cab. (200.00)
Tryed to get this whole truck for the project(pic) just could not get it for the price I wanted to give. He wanted (900.00) which is not a bad price just more then I wanted to give. pic.

[T-P Auto]

How that I have given some back round on my project.

I started with the rear end out of the 4x4 to replace the S-10 rear end.
The 4x4 is 5" wider then the stock S-10.
This saved me on the bed install.Didn't have to make tubs for the bed to clear the tires.Used the springs from the 4x4 as they had one less spring,did use the lowering blocks that were in the S-10 frame.
Then cut off the rear cross brace from the 4x4 behind the spring shackles,to use the gas tank and mounting straps to locate the tank in the rear of the frame. pic

Then got the cab placed on the frame with clearence for the motor n trans. pic
The cab had to have the tunnel cut higher to clear the trans. pic
With the cab set on the frame I leveled the cab to get the look I was wanted.
I used 1x4 s to raise the cab a total of 2" in the front n 3" in the rear of cab. pic
With the cab set where I wanted it. I made cab mounts from the old cab mounts off the S-10 n 4x4 frame (no pic)

[OrrieG]

Frank is looking good....keep the updates coming.

[STOCKISH]

Low (NO) budget builds are awesome. Keep it up!

[T-P Auto]

Once the cab was mocked up where I wanted. I set the motor n trans in the frame to see where I had to place the trans cross frame at.Will show pic at later date.Used the steel frame mounts from the 4x4 on the S-10 them got NEW 4.3 Olds rubber mounts to bolt to the 305 V8. This set up worked out for the right engine clearence on the exhaust manifolds,which by the way come off a Vertex 350 motor(hugs the motor better) pic

Once the cab was mounted n the floor pan looked at closer I found that the valley on the floor pan was papper thin. So I took the bed I had off the S-10 n made the cab floor. I just got lucky n the bed surports lined up with the S-10 frame rails for the extra surport need in the cab floor. pic

Once the cab n motor/trans was at ride height I have to trim out the firewall of trans clearence n trans cover. pic

[T-P Auto]

Want to at this time say "Thanks" to both;
Orrie G
n
Stockish

For their reply on my project.

Once the cab n motor/trans was set on n in. I went back to the bed where I had to cut to fit. pic
The old bed was just to long plus I didn't like the spare tire looking mount.
It is a "rat rod" project. build it my way. ha ha
Once the bed was cut to fit the frame, I had to build a New front bed pan to go between the bed n cab, pic
Then once the bed was level on the cross frame I went n build a bed frame out of 1'sq tubing to set the wood floor on. (no floor yet)

[T-P Auto]

I would like to use the "bear claw latch" n the power door lock system n the power window reg from the van. I just need to look into what trouble I'll have with this project. no pics

I need to cut out the floor pan for driveline clearence. still need to measure for drive line also. pic

Have made a cadrboard tunnel for the cab. Hope to get the 1" tubing cut n welded up in the next few days.

Got the bucket seat n power adjustment on the driver seat. Have the pass seat also mounted on the van seat frame. pic

Have to get the tunnel built first,then set in the foot feed pedal,then set in the brake pedal assy, then set in the steering wheel assy n make the shaft to the power steering pump. no pic yet

Will be using the tilt wheel from the Van.

Was going to try n use the 10" wheels but they will not clear the rear
wheel fenders. So looking for a different set of wheels.

Have had to really think thur almost all the fab that I"m doing. I think it thur several different tills I get a plan fixed in my head. Then I go for it.
Sometimes it works n sometimes it doesn't.

That is why it is called a project! ! !

[T-P Auto]

So here are a few more pic of the project that I hope you all will enjoy.

Here are my other daily runners,all chevys. Ha Ha

[ghettoluxury]

It looks like you are moving along vary well.

[T-P Auto]

Hello everyone;

I know it has been a while since I posted anything new on my project.
The weather here has been rough windy n cold.

Well on with the lasted.
I got the trans tunnel built n installed. pic
Then went to work on the driver side floor set up.
Got the foot feed marked in.
Had to reset the brake pedal n booster assy. pic
With the trans yoke in the trans n the drive linein .
I was hitting the lower cab cross member with the drive line.
Had the 3' lowering blocks in the rear springs. see pic about 4 pic back
Took the lowering blocks out which raised the rear up quite a bit, see pic.
Once the trans tunnel was installed I also installed the center console. pic
With these in place it gave the look n feel n feel for the pedals n steering assy.
I have the lower mount on the steering in place. pic
How just have to make the upper mount for the steering assy.
Going to try to get the seat installed today along with the upper steering mount.
Will have to build some seat braces to put under the cab to help hold the seat n reinforce the floor.
Will post what pic I how have of the work that has gotten done.

Thank all
Tim

[T-P Auto]

Here are some more pic to look at.
Thank you.
Tim

[T-P Auto]

Hello again;

Well I got back on the build.
I got the trans cover in.
Got the gas pedal in.
Got the brake booster,brake pedal n M/C installed.
Got the steering Assy in with the steering shaft to gear box installed.
Got the motor redone.
Used a 305 vortex block,350 crank,305pistons,350 cam,double timing chain,new freeze plugs.
Got in set in the frame in hooked up to the 200r4 trans.
Got the drive line n u joints installed.
Have pic of what I got done.

[T-P Auto]

Hope that you all enjoy what I have posted so far.


Tim
T-P Auto

[Russell Ashley]

Looking good. I love to see low budget builds going on. Keep the progress and the pics going on.

[oldman3]

Moving right along...Jim

[made2drag]

nice build

[T-P Auto]

Hello again:

Just a quick update;

Have had to wait for some funds to get back on the project,most likely after the 1st of the month.

Want to say a Thank You to the following people;

oldman3
made2drag
&
Russell Ashley

I really do appreciate the feedback from everyone.

Tim
T-P Auto

[T-P Auto]

Hi Again;

here are a couple of new pic that I took of the project out side, so I could clean the shop up an get started again.

[T-P Auto]

Hi Again;

Got a change to get a complete set of used wheels for the project,(pic) will need to have a spacer on the rear wheels to clear the bed on the inside. Have about 3' of clearance to the outside of the rear fenders.

Got around to try in my hand at gas welding on the fender filler's(looks like hen scrash) but that is what grinders are for (ha ha) .

Put the rear bumper off the Olds on the project,that way I can push in back in the shop.

Working on the battery box also,plus going to use the Radiator n fans out of the Olds for now, just to get the motor running.

Will start on the brake lines after the 1st of the month, also need to drop the gas tank n replace the fuel pump n install the line from the tank to the carb.

Found an old style points dist for the project.

Heard about a swap meet in the area later this year (AUG/SEPT),will look for a grille set up at that time.

Still need to get the lites,wiper,starter,guages installed.

Tim
T-P Auto

[hopped up]

Great work! I love a low buck build, I like those cragars on your truck. I'd personally go with a mid 90 s Chevy truck bench in there.

[T-P Auto]

Hi Hopped up;

I would have used the cragars if I could have used the 10' rear wheels, would not fit under the fenders.

Not able to use a bench seat due to the way the trans set up high in the body.

I did not go the way of everyone with the tall cab mounts, I set my cab down on the frame with just 2" of clearance, made for a tall center cover.
Thats the reason for the use of bucket seats.


Tim
T-P Auto

[T-P Auto]

Hello again;

I have not posted any NEW pic lately.
I have been trying to get the air vent to working.
Then got to get a wiper mt installed n working,
then get the heater core assy installed,
then get a glove box made.
Been working on brake lines,fuel lines,radiator n hoses.
All this takes alot of thinking n planing before fading anything together.
Once I get some of this figured out I'll post more pic I I go thur the project of each part.

Just wanted to give you all n update on where I'm at on the build.
Looking forward to trying to get it together n running by Aug, in time for my B-day as a reward to myself on that Day.

Tim
T-P Auto

[Advanced Design]

Really like your build Tim!

[flashed]

Just found your build ,look forward to seeing more .