Building this C5 5 Window for my Wife

[Tuned55]

I started this project in November. I've had this cab for about 10 years and always thought I would build it just after I finished my 55 BelAir. Didn't realize it would be this long to get to it.

I started with a 98 C5 Vette and modified the frame rail width of the Vette to fit under the AD cab.




http://pic60.picturetrail.com/VOL172.../394679247.jpg

Mocking up for the bed


Cell Phone pic, One bed Side tacked on


I cut down a tailgate I had from a 67. I made the stake pockets similat to stack with just a little more detail






The dash was pretty beat up so I tried my skills and made this one


That's about it. The wheelbase is about 10'' shorter that a stock short bed AD
. I'll be keeping the drivetrain mostly stock. Wife really dosen't want a HotRod. Just a "Cute" old truck.

[Kabwe]

Its looking great.

[Wheelie]

Cool, Nice restomod!

[duwem]

Could you give more details on what you modified to make that tail gate work?

What latchs and straps are you using. Looks good on there!

[Tuned55]

Originally Posted by Wheelie

Cool, Nice restomod!

Thanks! vettes make GREAT parts cars

[Kim57]

This is a really cool build.
Kim

[Tuned55]

Originally Posted by duwem

Could you give more details on what you modified to make that tail gate work?

What latchs and straps are you using. Looks good on there!

Well lets see. I narrowed it about 1 1/4''. I used the plug type pivet hinge from the 67. I only used the vertical ribe bottom and inserted it into the gate. I'll used some small square tubing to stiffen up the xertical sided. for latches I have two from the Vette hatch I plan on useing. Their spring loaded when closed. Remind me to post a pic when there are done.

I also plan on using the vette gas strut for the gate if it works out

[Pop's C-10]

nice

[pinecrest]

Looking good, but wasn't it tempting to just play with the 'vette? :-) Or was it hot. haha.

[Tuned55]

Originally Posted by pinecrest

Looking good, but wasn't it tempting to just play with the 'vette? :-) Or was it hot. haha.

Thanks and no. Maybe if it were a ZO6 and definetly if it were a ZR1 but it was just a run of the mill Vette. I've got a red one with a 6 speed and a 3 window I'm doing next for myself. I don't plan on trying to keep it cute looking or running like my wifes.

[Tuned55]

It seems I have a lot done on the build since last posting.


Bed is done with the exception of some final welding, grinding and floor



Gas door is mounted and plumbed to tank



http://pic60.picturetrail.com/VOL172.../395023766.jpg





I came up with this to hold the tail gate in open posistion. Stainless steel rods retract into a nylon bushing



Here's a shot of the spring loaded gate latch I made

[Tuned55]

I got the seat base made and seats in also

[Fat Mike]

Very nice build. Do you have any picture of how you built your spring loaded gate latch?

[JimmyFloyd]

Wow. Looks great. Aside from widening the frame, did you have to do anything else to it?

[no moa]

subscribed.

[Kim57]

Looking real nice.
Kim

[Tuned55]

Originally Posted by Fat Mike

Very nice build. Do you have any picture of how you built your spring loaded gate latch?

You know I didn't take any pics as I was making it. This is how I made it. I used a piece of SS tube and milled out a J type slot about 1'' from the end. I welded a plug on the end. I then made a rod on the lathe to slid inside that with a smaller dia. to fit inside the spring. Just down from that I tapped a hole and threaded in a a small handle. So, spring goes in first then plunger, than the handle gets screwed. Tack weld it in the gate. Used some persian blue on the end of plunger to mark where to drill the hole in bed side. That's about it. An evening project.

[VA72C10]

very nice work....love all the details and it should be a super nice drive!!!

[Kabwe]

You the man tuned55, another great build. Great work.

[R.A.D]

i'll be watching this one.details and pictures!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[1lo67]

That's cool man!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Tuned55]

Originally Posted by JimmyFloyd

Wow. Looks great. Aside from widening the frame, did you have to do anything else to it?

I actually narrowed the width of the frame about 10'' each side. The wheelbase remains stock C5 just over 10'' shorter than an AD short bed. As far as anything else I had to add to the lenght in the rear and shorten the front. The usual stuff like core support. cab and bed mounts. The next one will go much faster

[Tuned55]

Thanks for all your kind words and interest!

[R.A.D]

there's always a reason for interest. could it be what your doing is appreciated?

[Hart_Rod]

Sweet build!