Project - '69 4x4 named "Patches"

[sdailey]

Well here is my new project that I bought June '07. It's a 1969 C/10 on a 4x4 shortened lwb frame. It has factory air, ps, and pb. The truck has 3/4t running gear with a 350 and a 4spd tranny. Upon further inspection it has 2wd Nissan springs under the front end or at least that's what's written on them with a paint pen. (Notice how the front wheels are "tucked" in the wheel wells) Anyway, I'm just now starting to strip it down to the frame to see exactly what "Patches" is made of and I figured I might as well start a build thread to show what pictures I have so far. Thanks to everyone for the advice so far on my new project, especially Mike and Dustin. Enjoy!

[sdailey]

[sdailey]

"Ingenuity" at it's finest. The po used sockets for shims under the seat.




Driver's floor


Passenger floor

[sdailey]

Here is my '76 donor truck after I took the cutting torch to it. I'm swapping out the 3/4t axles for the ones off the '76 so I can get disc's up front. (Notice the new Warn hubs.)

[sdailey]

Please feel free to chime in with any advice or tricks you learned while doing your projects.

I'm hoping to have the cab and front clip off this weekend so I can tell how bad "Patches" really is. My goal (one day) is for it too look like this one.

VA_TLC I hope you don't mind me using your truck as a reference. It just looks so good. I envy you.

[kyoung]

I love the name.."Patches" Great start and good luck with the project. I'll keep an eye out for updates.

[RedZ71]

excellent project... and you sure picked a nice one to look up to too!!

[prg machine]

A lot to be said about the shortening of the frame here. Some may not agree with me , but I would have prefered seeing a diaganol or double section or Z for the shortening . I would get the weld checked out by a pro and possibly re-done. Then plate over it with a "fishplate" for strength a fair distance front to back . Welds about an inch long and spaced 2-3 inches apart along the sides of the plates.
Looks like a good project for sure. The cab looks like a lotta work.

[sdailey]

Strengthening the frame is on the top on my things to do list first. I already have some 3/8" plate to weld in there when I finsh stripping the frame.

[sdailey]

I made a little progress over the weekend on Patches. I got the front clip and cab removed with some help from my neighbor Alan (user name here Alan's Classic). The last picture is one more reason for the name Patches.

[1969k10stepside]

I am fairly positive the frame is also from a 69 K20 chopped down.If those axles were the originals from the chassis than the axles and the frame are pre 70.70 they went to open knuckle axles with drum brakes.The rear spring hangers are also a pre 70 or 71 item.The front spring hangers are another give away-69 was the first year they used those style front spring hangers.The power steering..if the frame is dimpled for the power steering than it's a 69-72 frame.69 is when they first put the power steering box on that wasnt ram assist power steering.If the frame is flat around the steering box its a 67-68.So,I am 99.9% positive the frame/chassis is a 1969 due to the power steering,front and rear spring hangers,and the closed knuckle front axle.So,there you go..The frame VIN will confirm the year.

Dustin

[jerry moss]

if you plate the frame do not off road it much. plating will eliminate the ability of the frame to "flex" and it will break at one end or the other of the plate. the Z cut is the proper way to shorten a frame.

[1969k10stepside]

Here are the pics of a non dimpled frame


And a "dimpled" frame:

[royo]

any updates

[jkade]

That is gonna be nice when finished and I like the Kubota also.

[sdailey]

No updates as of yet. I found a factory SWB 4wd frame that I'm going to use once I start work on it again, which will probably be after the first of the year.

Stay tuned. Work in progress.

[1969k10stepside]

I hadn't heard anything from you so I wondered about the truck.Glad that you found a good frame..

[NEVERENOUGH]

Nice project I love the look of a lifted short bed 67-72 body style. They are getting hard to find and expensive but have a look like no other. Glad you found a good frame start with a solid foundation.

[FRENCHBLUE72]

Keep us posted...

[72BlckButy]

keep us posted...

[sdailey]

As you all know, doing a build takes plenty of time and lots of money and I like most everyone else have little of both.

As of late I've been trying to acquire parts as money allowed. I had to do a little work on the frame before taking it to the sandblaster. The frame had some stress cracks coming off the bolt holes at the rear leaf spring hangers.




Off to the sandblaster...


I'm swapping the closed knuckle drum brakes axles for a set of disc brake axles from a '72 Blazer. (Thanks Tim)



In the meantime, I tried to save money by cleaning the axles myself. What a mistake that was and what a chore.

Before...


After...


Tool used...

[sdailey]

Parts have been slowly arriving every week.

Tires...Goodyear Wrangler MTR's 33x12.50x15


Lift....4" Tuff Country


Heavy Duty Shackles from ORD


Back from the blaster....


Paint and Primer from PM Industries. I'm going to try their satin black finish chassis paint. I chose them after reading about them in msgross's build and speaking with them on the phone.

[sdailey]

After a coat of PMI's silver primer...


The frame is still bare metal, it will have it's first coat of primer this afternoon.



I'm still working slowly but surely on Patches. Once I get the chassis done I'll worry about the body. I'm trying to take baby steps through this process and not get too overwhelmed, but it's real easy to do at times. Anyway, thanks to everyone on this board for the wealth of information, support, and parts.

A special thanks to the 4x4 guys that have been helping me through this process. You know who you are.

Stay tuned.

[orange72blazer]

Lookin good. I like your tire choice. Have you made any more progress?

[1969k10stepside]

Have any pics of the new front springs for it? I was wondering how much arch they have.It's gonna be sweet when it's done.