55 in NH build

[dsraven]

I recommend to do dimensions of existing before cutting apart, assuming it fits now, then ensure the dimensions are correct when you replace the parts. tack parts then operate door to ensure things are right bfore welding in. remember the welding process needs to be done slowly to avoid deforming from excessive heat affected zone

[71'tahoe]

This is a cool project! I just read through the whole thread. I like the new wheels. Where those original front wheels by chance centerlines? Those looked very cool also. Congrats on the new shop,too!

[Kevin_C]

Thanks dsraven I had planned on welding up cross bracing like i did on the driver side but you bring up a good point about measurements. the PO had replaced the A pillar and roof. I'll spend some time aligning the door and document before I do anything.

71'Tahoe yes I think there were 7" up front. The PO was going more or a race theme I think. It came with matching rears but the tires were 31.5" wide. Truck originally had a decent stance but the suspension was sitting on the bump stops.

[dsraven]

tyr to start with some tight hinges that don't allow a bunch of slop. ensure the door is also not floppy from cracked or broken internal bracing etc, then install and adjust. those wooden paint stir sticks make good gap checkers, some sticks are thicker than others though. I like to use a 1/8' drill to make a small hole through door and hinge, when all done, so that the door can be placed back into that same position again if taken off for other work.

[71'tahoe]

Do you still have the wheels?

I like where you are headed with this truck. The corvette suspension and the engine/transmission combo will make for an awesome driver!

[Kevin_C]

Well I started exploring today. Not sure buying a truck that "had the cab corners replaced" really got me that far ahead but I'll make it right in the end. soo it looks like they cut the inner cab corner off an installed a replacement panel but didn't attach it to the original inner. It was tack welded at the bottom. After cutting the tacks it still wouldn't come off. it was being held in with spray foam. Also appears that they didn't remove the leaves before spray foaming. the outer replacement panel was overlapped 8". I was thinking i could install a smaller patch but the leading edge was cut to push the panel in so Full panel it is... supposed to get a couple feet of snow tomorrow so should be a good day to do some grinding.

[dsraven]

amateur hour, lol.
I plan to use some sort of spray foam as a sound and heat barrier once the inside of the cab is painted, but will use a plastic bag style containment method to capture the foam but also to keep moisture from finding a hiding spot.
Looks like you have it figured out as to a fix. I recommend to keep the door hung so you have a reference for getting the door opening gap consistent.

[Kevin_C]

on my 67 Camaro I sprayed the inside with Lizard skin to help with the heat from the BBC and used dynamat on top. I know they now make a sound deadener as well but wouldn't want to have to remove that stuff. Curious what people are using on their roof or had any issues with deadener delaminating in hot temps.

[dsraven]

nice looking camaro. did you rebuild/restore it as well?

[6DoF]

Originally Posted by Kevin_C

on my 67 Camaro I sprayed the inside with Lizard skin to help with the heat from the BBC and used dynamat on top. I know they now make a sound deadener as well but wouldn't want to have to remove that stuff. Curious what people are using on their roof or had any issues with deadener delaminating in hot temps.

i sprayed the 55 outside the firewall and floor with the lizardskin heat sheild, then the inside with the sound control. i actually did the roof where the headliner goes with the sound control too, after the interior paint the texture was a nice contrast without having to make a headliner.

on a 93 dodge, i found some cheap stick on sound control that had lots of good reviews for the roof since it had a full headliner.

[gsinon]

Originally Posted by Kevin_C

on my 67 Camaro I sprayed the inside with Lizard skin to help with the heat from the BBC and used dynamat on top. I know they now make a sound deadener as well but wouldn't want to have to remove that stuff. Curious what people are using on their roof or had any issues with deadener delaminating in hot temps.

On my build, as well as past builds I have sprayed the entire inside with epoxy. After really making sure it was good and cured I then applied Dynomat and have never had it fail. Now I live in CT. Yes it gets hot here, but not like it does down south. So not sure how well it would hold up in that climate.

Having the Dynomat on the roof has made a huge improvement for both sound and heat.

[Kevin_C]

Ya I miss that Camaro. I did the drivetrain and interior. it had a Strato bench seat (bench seat with bucket backs) was a bit of a weird rare option. not many people wanted to pay $43 to have the bucket seats replaced with a bench in a camaro. Was comfortable though. Car got around 7mpg

[dsraven]

still own the license plate? cool logo.

[Kevin_C]

I have the old plate but not registered to anything anymore. Vanity plates are pretty popular in New Hampshire. I haven't thought of anything for the 55

[Kevin_C]

All the snow storms have been slowing my progress but starting to get there. Had to cut the inner cab corner into two pieces to install and then welded back together. step and outer cab corner are all prepped and hope to weld this weekend.

[gsinon]

Any progress is good progress. I do agree, this New England weather has been something this year.

[Kevin_C]

And now its 74 outside! Gave me a chance to open all the garage doors and get some welding done. still have to grind the step welds and a little more hammer and dolly but its back to being one piece..

[Rickysnickers]

Job well done!

[Jason 56]

Amazing how much time goes into getting aftermarket sheet metal to fit correctly. Looks great!

[dsraven]

great job. it is worth all that extra time it took to modify the new stuff to fit up against the old stuff and get it to fit.