1965 c10 build

[rusty matheny]

Building a 1965 c10 short bed.
Frame seems to be out of square 1/2 inch. Local frame shop says this isn't an issue on these trucks but, I am concerned .

Fairly decent hp and torque going back in ( 420 hp/torqe ) , tremec 5sd, lowered ( not bagged ) , sway bars etc.
Concerns are not as much about lining up body panels as fit and finish can be adjusted for, my concern is it pulling straight and steering correctly- really need advice from someone well experienced with these frames, proper checking, tolerances and where to look for/find issue.

Can not locate single area where frame is out, ALL cross measurements are pretty close to 1/2 inch out over every section of frame ( three x measurement areas) - it almost seems as if frame was "out" from factory.
Cannot find any apparent bends or creases in C channels.
Im just stuck , no frame shops in my area want to deal with bare frame and all seem to think 1/2 out on square with 50 year old truck is ok.
Please advise/help/direct.

Thanks ahead of time.

[aggie91]

1/2" is not to bad, but I would think you could get it better. Is the frame twisted any? Set up the frame with the center section (area under the cab) level side to side and front to back. Does the rear section look twisted when viewed from behind? How about the front section when viewed from the front? Is it just out of square using cross measurements on the top side of the frame?

I would have thought that Owen's Frame shop in Tyler could have checked it out and squared it up better than it is now.

[rusty matheny]

does not seem to be twisted, at least not much.
Yes to measuring across frame point to point( squaring ).
Owens only does collision repair. However, they are supposed to call me back to see if any way to help. Just seems no one has frame jigs anymore- just work on fully assembled vehicles .

[rusty matheny]

I keep trying to figure out how to pull it back in myself without twisting it or, how to compensate to i know this thing will "leave straight " , "turn correctly" and still not look stupid.

[dougf]

I would personally just reinforce the frame as it is, most all of these are off by around 1/2 inch.

[rusty matheny]

Originally Posted by dougf

I would personally just reinforce the frame as it is, most all of these are off by around 1/2 inch.

Thanks.
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[aggie91]

Originally Posted by rusty matheny

does not seem to be twisted, at least not much.
Yes to measuring across frame point to point( squaring ).
Owens only does collision repair. However, they are supposed to call me back to see if any way to help. Just seems no one has frame jigs anymore- just work on fully assembled vehicles .

Originally Posted by rusty matheny

I keep trying to figure out how to pull it back in myself without twisting it or, how to compensate to i know this thing will "leave straight " , "turn correctly" and still not look stupid.

Did not know Owens only did collision repair now. They did frame work back in the day when I lived in Tyler.

You could use a porta power ram between cross corners on two riveted in place cross members at one of your short side cross measurements to push that spot square. Don't use the front suspension cross member since it is bolted in place.

[rusty matheny]

Thank you all.

Found a frame shop near me that will pull it in for less than 300.00.
Has a laser machine etc, can get it within a couple mm.

I cant beat that deal, only have chassis 1 to 2 days.
Does want it a rolling chassis that way he can make sure all axel spacings, geometry is exact.

Really appreciate you all.

Now, recommendations on patch panels, sills etc- whose fit best, best quality?

I "may" need a roof on this, certainly need panel above windshield so, important to get best fitting patch panels i can to lessen fab work.

Could really use some good quality firewall picks- this firewall has been abused by poor installations of big blocks and i need to reshape dents, bends etc correctly.

Thanks again.

[jtrichard]

That sounds like a winner to me ..... With him wanting it rolling you will have GOOD straight tracking

[rusty matheny]

Thanks again for all the help so far.

Next question:
I'm cleaning up firewall- dents removed/ repaired, filling in holes etc.
I have substantial rust where firewall rises above cowl.
Can this inch of material be removed/ shaved?

Seems like a drip edge, extends all the way down to near bottom of cab.

Any help appreciated- pics of shaved firewalls will be very helpful as well.

Thanks again.
Rusty
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