Nina Patina 1953 3100 project.

[Homebuilt Hotrods]

Nice looking truck! Did you order direct from CPP? And did it come with the tubing spacer for the full lower control arm like yours or was that purchased separately? Cant wait to see more. Good work.

[Advanced Design]

Moving right along. Very nice!

[robozride]

Originally Posted by Homebuilt Hotrods

Nice looking truck! Did you order direct from CPP? And did it come with the tubing spacer for the full lower control arm like yours or was that purchased separately? Cant wait to see more. Good work.

I actually bought it on sale from Ebay but it came directly as you see it from CPP with the tubing spacer, power rack, 2"dropped spindles, drilled and slotted rotors and swaybar for $1400.00. Pretty good deal now that I see how well it installs.

[robozride]

So the front end is all installed. Overall im pretty happy with all of the components, the only issue being the springs. They are probably to long as everything is bottomed out and they were a ***** to get in there. I have not installed the steering ends or sway bar links yet as I cant with everything fully extended. Ill wait till I get all of the weight in there but right now.. they don't look good.

So, I installed the shift kit and started readying the trans and motor for merger and installation.

[oldman3]

Before you cut your springs, you need to know what weight range they are,
they go from 250# up to 375#, if you don't know check where you purchased them. I would make up an adjustable piece to put in place of the spring, get your lower "A" arm level. Then you can install engine, trans, etc to set up the chassis, before doing anything with the springs

Here's a couple pics showing what I mean. Hope this helps...Jim

[northern 49]

Nice project. You work fast. Looking forward to seeing how it sits with some weight on it.

[robozride]

Originally Posted by oldman3

Before you cut your springs, you need to know what weight range they are,
they go from 250# up to 375#, if you don't know check where you purchased them. I would make up an adjustable piece to put in place of the spring, get your lower "A" arm level. Then you can install engine, trans, etc to set up the chassis, before doing anything with the springs

Here's a couple pics showing what I mean. Hope this helps...Jim

Thanks for the reply and photos Jim. Yeah ive been here a few times in the past and wouldn't cut the springs until the weight is on. The only problem ive had in the past with changing the spring rate is that it also changes the rebound. I should have gone with coilovers but am cutting costs where I can.

Thanks again,

[robozride]

Motor and trans are in. The springs have some rebound now, but are still topped out. On to cab and floor repairs! then steering and breaks!

[STOCKISH]

Nice work man, everything looks killer.

[Homebuilt Hotrods]

looking great!

[joedoh]

here is to hoping your rust repair isnt a slippery slope!

[robozride]

Originally Posted by joedoh

here is to hoping your rust repair isnt a slippery slope!

Thanks. front half of floors a couple patches on kick panel are all it really needs but im thinking I will do minor cab corner surgery because they are a bit punky. Everything else is solid and I don't plan to disturb the patina any more than what it takes to make it sound and sturdy.

[Homebuilt Hotrods]

I just purchased the CPP front crossmember like yours. Well some of the parts anyways. On the boxing plates did you squeeze them inside the c channel frame rails or weld them to the outside of the c channel frame? Haven't had time to mock mine up yet just was hoping to save some time and see how you did it first. Thanks and can't wait to see more of your project.

[robozride]

Originally Posted by Homebuilt Hotrods

I just purchased the CPP front crossmember like yours. Well some of the parts anyways. On the boxing plates did you squeeze them inside the c channel frame rails or weld them to the outside of the c channel frame? Haven't had time to mock mine up yet just was hoping to save some time and see how you did it first. Thanks and can't wait to see more of your project.

Actually I trimmed the bottom of the existing frame so it was flush with the top and then I trimmed and ground the boxing plate until it was flush mounted both top and bottom. then I ground a 45 degree angle on both pieces ( frame and plate) so there was a good area for the weld to burn in and be relatively smooth.

I hope this helps?

[Homebuilt Hotrods]

Originally Posted by robozride

Actually I trimmed the bottom of the existing frame so it was flush with the top and then I trimmed and ground the boxing plate until it was flush mounted both top and bottom. then I ground a 45 degree angle on both pieces ( frame and plate) so there was a good area for the weld to burn in and be relatively smooth.

I hope this helps?

Thank you for the reply. I think I do understand. I just wasn't sure if you were supposed to mount it to the side of the existing frame channel which would make the rail thicker or trim the frame/boxing plate to keep the rail the same width and squeeze it between the channel itself. Thanks!

[lv2tri2]

Very nice progress.

[robozride]

I always sloe down a bit when I get to a part of the build that I dred or don't like, but finally lol, the floors are in and ive moved on. I also received the correct springs from CPP and it now sits and rebounds as it should, they sent the kit with 425lb springs that should have been 350. On to brakes, steering and exhaust.

[Advanced Design]

Floor looks good!

[DeanTX]

Yes nice job on the floors.

[lower50's]

Nice is the hump removable?

[robozride]

Originally Posted by lower50's

Nice is the hump removable?

Yes it is. I need to get some nut zerts as it is only screwed down now but yes it removes and gives full access.

[Donnie Lee]

Your build looks great, wish we could move as quick as you are. I have a question, whose motor mounts did you use?

Thanks

[robozride]

Originally Posted by Donnie Lee

Your build looks great, wish we could move as quick as you are. I have a question, whose motor mounts did you use?

Thanks

Those were a kit that I bought on ebay, not sure of manufacturer.

[robozride]

Today was a good day in the shop, things are starting to come together. I installed the firewall booster/column mount, console, booster and finished up the steering shaft. I had to switch to an old set of headers I had as the steering wouldn't clear the coated ones I had planned. the booster mount is a nice piece but the brake pedal comes down on the right side of the column and wont work with the tranny hump, ill need to move it on the shaft or extend it over to the other side as there isn't room for a gas pedal. All in All though im happy with it all and now have steering. I think ill do the exhaust next? then I can throw the box back on.. stay tuned.

[robozride]

Totally slipped my mind that the fuel tank would need to be done before the box can go on? done now.