bwilli2's 51 5 window

[bwilli2]

Burned in the front boxing plates for my soon-to-be-built new radiator cross-member/support. Still need to build some rear cab mounts. The plan is to get the templates made this weekend.
After that it's position the cab, the figure out where I need to put my motor-mounts. THEN paint the frame. (Wow... I work slow...)
The transmission cross-member is a bolt on, so I can do that post paint, if needed.

[bwilli2]

Been a while.
Built a cardboard template for my rear cab mounts




Then had my nephew convert my template to steel!

[bwilli2]

Should work out pretty smooth. I'll post a comparison of the old and new...

[bwilli2]

The new cab mounts fit in the factory locations for this style. I didn't have my nephew cut holes for bolts as I wasn't 100% sure they'd line up on both sides.

I'll get them drilled then check passenger vs driver side.

Then I'll figure out how tall of a bushing I'll need to accommodate for the difference in height between the old one on the right I'm not going to use.

[bwilli2]

So, 2.5 years later and I can pick this back up... Hopefully. Been insanely busy.

My near-term goals, get my engine and trans on the hoist, and positioned. I have the cab sitting on the frame, not locked down, but sitting in position. Once I get the engine where I want it with the cab, I'll be able to get the trans cross member in, and the engine mounts placed. THEN I can paint and seal the frame.

I'm not 100% sure if I want to use SBC mounts, with adapter plates for the LS1, or just go LS1 native mounts. Arguably SBC mounts give more flexibility if I want to change power plants, but realistically, that's not super likely.

Next is to replace the rusted out front floor boards and toe kicks. I have some square tubing I am going to us to cross brace the cab before I cut the flooring out. I'll post pictures when I get to that stage.

[iowaboynca]

That's good you're still on it.

[bwilli2]

Reading the thread, I realize that I've done quite a bit that I've not updated on. I need to go out with my camera...

I've got the new radiator support in. I cheated a bit, and purchased one from Speedway motors. "Radiator Support Brace for 1947-54 Chevy Pickup" technically it's for their frame, and not the factory. I measured, and measured, measured again, cut the ears off and welded it in. It looks like it should work fine.

Got the rear cab mounts drilled. I'll need work in some more modern cab isolators down the road, and box in a bit of the underside of the cab cross brace.

The front and rear ends are fully welded in, and I've drilled the vette arms. I am thinking about sleeving the holes though... I'm very slightly concerned about the bolts doing a number on the aluminum. I bought a rebuild kit to replace all of the bushings and such on both the front and rear. Aged rubber.

One thing I am glad I waited on is the gauges. I've been leaning toward the Dakota Digital VHX units, but didn't like the white face or the faux carbon fiber look. NOW they have other clean options, including a nice semi-flat black.

[bwilli2]

As an aside, one good thing about Utah weather (at least for this) is virtually no humidity. My frame is still rust free, despite being in raw steel for well over a year.

I'll give it a good cleaning and inspection before any paint hits it though.

[bwilli2]

Originally Posted by iowaboynca

That's good you're still on it.

Thanks!

It's surprising how easily you can get distracted... then look up and it's been how long?!?