82 SWB GMC cruiser with an attitude

[haybale]

I got the rearend under the frame this afternoon. After wrestling the engine lift out of the office, it's 39in wide with the legs collapsed and the door is 36in wide, installing the rearend was easy. I am leaving the brackets on the frame tacked for now, I will weld them out when I make sure everything is set right and I finish the mock up. I think it looks pretty good. I also called Wilwood and I think we have a brake setup figured out. Hopefully I have that in my next days off.

[63chevyll]

Cool. I cant wait to see how this will turn out

[haybale]

Ok it's only been 8 or 9 months but I thought I should do an update anyway. I have been working on the truck slowly. I cut boxing plates out of 12 gauge sheet metal and tacked them in place after welding nuts to the inside of the frame or all the suspension. They are tacked for now incase they need modification further down the road.





I also made the crossmembers for my new fuel cell. I went with a 20 gallon Aeromotive aluminum cell and pump. The original rear crossmember had to go so I could put the tank farther back in the frame. Since I don't have access to a press brake I welded a piece of strap that was cut to the correct width between two pieces of angle iron to form the rear crossmember. The allthread in the picture was there to keep the frame set while I cut out the old crossmember and made the new one. And yes it is needed, the frame springs out about 3/8ths of an inch when I take out the crossmember now. so having those in place until all the holes where drilled makes sure the frame goes back correctly.


I then mocked the tank in and made the front crossmember out of a piece of 1x1x1/8th angle iron and a couple 1/8th in tabs. I was able to use existing holes in the frame to mount it.


I have begun making the straps that will hold the tank in place and welded the brackets to the front cross member that will hole the adjusters. I am still working on finishing that. You might notice the pieces of rubber in between the tank and crossmembers. It is 1/16th of an inch and when done will cave the crossmembers and the straps.

[haybale]

When I took the cab off the frame one of the cab mount bolts hade to be cut off. I fixed the passenger front cab mount by cutting out the floor to get the nut out, then placing the nut in a vice and heating it with a torch till the remainder of the bolt screwed out easily. Then reinstalling the nut and welding the floor back in.




I then was able to set the cab in place so I could check engine and trans clearance.


The trans hit the cab even with the slider mounts in the forward most position so I decided to cut the trans tunnel a little more to get the engine back farther.


As it sits the engine is 2in to the rear on the sliders and the engine and trans is sitting with a -3degree angle the match the pinions +3degree angle. and the transmission has about 3/8ths clearance to the cab.

[haybale]

After the motor was in I installed the trans 3 in drop crossmember from Trans Dapt with an energy suspension mount. I also cut some 1/4in plates to mount between the frame and the mounting flanges to allow for easier install and removes. Sorry no pictures of that for some reason. I then set up my steering column and linkage using the parts recommended by nolimit. I used a Ididit column with a double D shaft and joints from Flaming river. I had to notch the frame and boxing plate and it is very close to the A arm. I may have to grind the A arm a little for clearance when I get the alignment set on the truck.


I also set the bed in place to check the fitment of the fuel cell and had to modify the rear cross brace under the bed as it was directly over the pump and filler.


And that is where am at now. I am getting ready to start hanging the front sheet metal back on so I can get the wheel clearance issues worked out then start mocking up the engine including a turbo.

[haybale]

I figured I would give a couple more pics that show stance and progress.

[Hankster]

Sweet truck! I just read the whole thread, i really like it!

[bh86]

awesome work and progress

[Country705]

Very nice I just went through and read your build so far!

[DBLSPRT68]

Very nice build. You got some skillz bud! Will look forward for the next update!

[franky69c10]

Wow its coming out nice love the work

[haybale]

Thanks for the compliments gentlemen I really do appreciate them. I finished the fuel tank straps the other day but don't know if I like them or not. They fit the corners good and tight but I was thinking that a frame around the bottom might work better. I don't know what I'll do, it's something I'm thinking on.

[Corts60]

Really cool build!

[z71se]

Any updates?