project: what ya doin that for? - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

tswore · 01-22-2010, 10:06 AM

OK, here is my official build thread. I came up with the name cuz every time I tell someone what Im gonna do to this truck they say "what you doin that for?"

The story:
I bought this truck from a dude who owned a body shop in SLC, Utah. Its a 1991 Chev crew cab long dually with a Whipple charged 454. When the truck was new on the lot, it was stolen. The guy who stole it put all the stuff on it-the shell, the running boards, etc. He had it for about a year, then it was recovered. The details of how it was recovered, I dont know. The p.o. bought the truck in '92 to use a tow rig for his business. He put he whipple charger on it an pulled a trailer with it. When I bought it it had 75k on it, but the motor was replaced with a new crate motor 25k ago. Its in fantastic shape, with no rust in the bed, or the rockers,or anywhere. The interior is great, and it runs awesome. I think I scored a killer truck!

The plan:
I am gonna cut the frame, make it a short box.
Lose the dually
1/2 ton axles
a little lift, to clear my 33s
custom paint
bucket seats or complete interior overhaul
stereo system (my fam owns a stereo shop, its gonna rock)

Most, if not all work will be performed by me and a couple buddies. I have been around trucks my whole life, and I really enjoy this stuff. Constructive criticism is welcome, and tips and tricks too! On to the pics!

tswore · 01-22-2010, 10:18 AM

First up was strip all the stuff off it. I had the boards, flaps, shell, visor, and some trim off it within 24 hrs. I drove it for a couple weeks while I rounded up parts, then dug in! Here we are taking the bed off, and pulling the tanks, driveline, exhaust, and harnesses off.

tswore · 01-22-2010, 10:34 AM

next step: cut!!!!!

glock35ipsc · 01-22-2010, 10:46 AM

I'm very glad to see you used the safest method of cutting the frame. Sounds like a cool project!

I had a Whipple on an 03 Chevy ECSB 2wd with a 5.3L, no THAT was a fun little sleeper!

*BGRAFX* · 01-22-2010, 10:56 AM

Thank you for showing how you cut the frame....
Good Luck...only the guys on this forum understand "What ya doin that for"

joe231 · 01-22-2010, 11:00 AM

my thinking is "why wouldn't ya do that?"

this ought to be one sweet ride

and starting with a truck that is so clean will make the build go that much smoother!

what is that sitting out side? The other 89-91 grill...

tswore · 01-22-2010, 11:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BGRAFX

Thank you for showing how you cut the frame...I'm going to use the same method.
Good Luck...only the guys on this forum understand "What ya doin that for"

Yup. I plan on posting some good pics, I can also post some specifics on my cut measurements. I saw different measurements from different people, but I kinda changed them a little where I though they would work better.

Quote:

Originally Posted by joe231

my thinking is "why wouldn't ya do that?"

what is that sitting out side? The other 89-91 grill...

Totally! The other rig is my 91 Blazer. It was a rollover wreck rebuild my dad and I did (mostly my dad

) like, 17 years ago.

joe231 · 01-22-2010, 12:37 PM

Nice Blazer!
My oldest son wants a square Blazer BAD!
And I love the 89-91 Chevy grill, got one in my garage waiting on my "new" truck

JohnC · 01-22-2010, 07:11 PM

Looks like it's going to be a nice truck. Looking forward to updates.

tswore · 01-24-2010, 10:41 PM

Ok, I got the cuts dressed and all ready for welding. I had to wire a temporary 220 plug off the main panel to plug in the welder. My buddy came over (blue sweater) and taught me the ways of the welder

after a couple hours, we had it welded up and sitting on the ground!

tswore · 01-24-2010, 10:41 PM

Couldnt resist setting the bed on for a look!

*BGRAFX* · 01-24-2010, 10:56 PM

Nice! Looks like a couple more square bodies sitting outside.

*Stitch* · 01-24-2010, 10:57 PM

looks really good...

arkracing · 01-24-2010, 11:03 PM

Very nice. Did you add a "fishplate" on the inside of the chassis where it was welded back together? Nice to see a Crew 4x4 shortbed.

tswore · 01-24-2010, 11:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BGRAFX

Nice! Looks like a couple more square bodies sitting outside.

thanks! the suburban on my driveway is my parter, and the one across the street is my uncles.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fat Hoe

looks really good...

thanks

Quote:

Originally Posted by arkracing

Very nice. Did you add a "fishplate" on the inside of the chassis where it was welded back together? Nice to see a Crew 4x4 shortbed.

yes sir, fishplated, no pics of that.

*Stitch* · 01-24-2010, 11:46 PM

pm sent...

menace121978 · 01-25-2010, 08:40 AM

nice job! going to be sweet!

STOCKISH · 01-25-2010, 09:12 AM

Thats going to be a sweet truck. Good luck with the build.

Hottrucks · 01-25-2010, 09:50 AM

LEAVE IT A DUALLY.....short bed dually's kick ars!!!

tswore · 01-26-2010, 05:23 PM

lift kit will be here friday! that will be this weekends fun!

tswore · 01-31-2010, 11:52 PM

Friday the lift kit showed up. A 4 inch rough country. Pulled out the front axle from the parter burb and got it installed with the lift springs. I think I am gonnal get some long brake lies instead of using the bracket relocater. Put the wheels from my 04 on it, and took a step back. I think I need bigger tires. The tires I have to put on it are 305/55/20 which is a 33/12.50. I am gonna go with a 35. Moving on to the back, I think they sent me the wrong leafs. My hangers measure about 56, but he springs I got measure 53 inches, which is probably for the 52 inch hangers. I will get it straightened out tomorrow. Then I pulled out the tank from the burb to use in the truck, and its HUGE! I think it may be too big. I dont know how many gallons, but it is about 33 inches long, which will put the front of the tank right above he axle. Coould this be a problem?? Pics wont load, I will try again in the morning.

tswore · 02-01-2010, 12:10 AM

Pics!

Driveway Dreams · 02-01-2010, 12:12 AM

Cool progress. What are you welding with? And have you completely ruled out a short dually? I too love that look and have thought it would be cool with the lift and all. I think it would really stand apart.

Kenbo-Slice · 02-01-2010, 12:14 AM

Shortbed dually..... Stop giving me ideas! Haha, looks good man. Looks real good!

joe231 · 02-01-2010, 12:18 AM

Seems to me that 53" springs are going to be too long for a truck with 52" springs.
That would over extend the shackles. With weight on the springs the shackles should be close to vertical.
I believe the 52 and 56" measurements are with weight on them.
So the 53" springs might, once there is weight on them, extend out close to 56"

just my thoughts on it
I'm sure that if you talk to whoever you got them from, they can enlighten us all

I think the 'burb tank is over 40 gallons
I was wondering if it would fit, I have heard it will. I haven't measured yet though.

01-22-2010, 10:06 AM	#1
tswore built not bought Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: pocatello, idaho Posts: 160	project: what ya doin that for? OK, here is my official build thread. I came up with the name cuz every time I tell someone what Im gonna do to this truck they say "what you doin that for?" The story: I bought this truck from a dude who owned a body shop in SLC, Utah. Its a 1991 Chev crew cab long dually with a Whipple charged 454. When the truck was new on the lot, it was stolen. The guy who stole it put all the stuff on it-the shell, the running boards, etc. He had it for about a year, then it was recovered. The details of how it was recovered, I dont know. The p.o. bought the truck in '92 to use a tow rig for his business. He put he whipple charger on it an pulled a trailer with it. When I bought it it had 75k on it, but the motor was replaced with a new crate motor 25k ago. Its in fantastic shape, with no rust in the bed, or the rockers,or anywhere. The interior is great, and it runs awesome. I think I scored a killer truck! The plan: I am gonna cut the frame, make it a short box. Lose the dually 1/2 ton axles a little lift, to clear my 33s custom paint bucket seats or complete interior overhaul stereo system (my fam owns a stereo shop, its gonna rock) Most, if not all work will be performed by me and a couple buddies. I have been around trucks my whole life, and I really enjoy this stuff. Constructive criticism is welcome, and tips and tricks too! On to the pics! Attached Images Last edited by tswore; 01-22-2010 at 10:28 AM.

01-22-2010, 10:18 AM	#2
tswore built not bought Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: pocatello, idaho Posts: 160	Re: project: what ya doin that for? First up was strip all the stuff off it. I had the boards, flaps, shell, visor, and some trim off it within 24 hrs. I drove it for a couple weeks while I rounded up parts, then dug in! Here we are taking the bed off, and pulling the tanks, driveline, exhaust, and harnesses off. Attached Images Last edited by tswore; 01-22-2010 at 10:18 AM.

01-22-2010, 10:34 AM	#3
tswore built not bought Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: pocatello, idaho Posts: 160	Re: project: what ya doin that for? next step: cut!!!!! Attached Images __________________ MY BUILD THREAD "project: what you doin that for?" http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=382503

01-22-2010, 10:46 AM	#4
glock35ipsc Next project: 1970 K10 Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Fort Collins, Colo 80524 Posts: 6,684	Re: project: what ya doin that for? I'm very glad to see you used the safest method of cutting the frame. Sounds like a cool project! I had a Whipple on an 03 Chevy ECSB 2wd with a 5.3L, no THAT was a fun little sleeper! __________________ *Bob* 1970 Chevy K10 LWB "Goldie" 350/TH350 *next project!!* 1981 Chevy C10 LWB 355/TH350 - My son's truck LS SWAP FORUM! Tons of LS swap info here! PLEASE CLICK HERE TO SUPPORT THE GREATEST BOARD ON THE NET! CLICK HERE FOR THE FAQ INDEX by KRUE

01-22-2010, 10:56 AM	#5
BGRAFX Account Suspended Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: kansas city Ks Posts: 1,970	Re: project: what ya doin that for? Thank you for showing how you cut the frame.... Good Luck...only the guys on this forum understand "What ya doin that for" Last edited by BGRAFX; 05-25-2010 at 09:31 AM.

01-22-2010, 11:00 AM	#6
joe231 Registered User Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Palmer, Alaska Posts: 13,821	Re: project: what ya doin that for? my thinking is "why wouldn't ya do that?" this ought to be one sweet ride and starting with a truck that is so clean will make the build go that much smoother! what is that sitting out side? The other 89-91 grill... __________________ *CHEVY ONLY* Last edited by joe231; 01-22-2010 at 11:03 AM.

01-22-2010, 12:37 PM	#8
joe231 Registered User Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Palmer, Alaska Posts: 13,821	Re: project: what ya doin that for? Nice Blazer! My oldest son wants a square Blazer BAD! And I love the 89-91 Chevy grill, got one in my garage waiting on my "new" truck __________________ *CHEVY ONLY*

01-22-2010, 07:11 PM	#9
JohnC Registered User Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Oklahoma Posts: 7,461	Re: project: what ya doin that for? Looks like it's going to be a nice truck. Looking forward to updates.

01-24-2010, 10:41 PM	#10
tswore built not bought Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: pocatello, idaho Posts: 160	Re: project: what ya doin that for? Ok, I got the cuts dressed and all ready for welding. I had to wire a temporary 220 plug off the main panel to plug in the welder. My buddy came over (blue sweater) and taught me the ways of the welder after a couple hours, we had it welded up and sitting on the ground! Attached Images __________________ MY BUILD THREAD "project: what you doin that for?" http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=382503

01-24-2010, 10:56 PM	#12
BGRAFX Account Suspended Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: kansas city Ks Posts: 1,970	Re: project: what ya doin that for? Nice! Looks like a couple more square bodies sitting outside. Last edited by BGRAFX; 01-24-2010 at 11:04 PM.

01-24-2010, 10:57 PM	#13
Stitch Account Suspended Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Where I come from, it's cornbread and chicken... Posts: 3,122	Re: project: what ya doin that for? looks really good...

01-24-2010, 11:03 PM	#14
arkracing Weekend Warrior Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: CT Posts: 1,787	Re: project: what ya doin that for? Very nice. Did you add a "fishplate" on the inside of the chassis where it was welded back together? Nice to see a Crew 4x4 shortbed. __________________ -'07 GMC Sierra K2500HD -'66 C10 Suburban -'68/'71 K20 Service Bed Project -'69 Chevy C30 Mason Dump -'33Ford P/U 396ChevyPowered

01-24-2010, 11:46 PM	#16
Stitch Account Suspended Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Where I come from, it's cornbread and chicken... Posts: 3,122	Re: project: what ya doin that for? pm sent...

01-25-2010, 08:40 AM	#17
menace121978 Registered User Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: orangevale, ca Posts: 3,626	Re: project: what ya doin that for? nice job! going to be sweet! __________________ "Dennis the Menace" 1978 Silverado (2wd, 1/2 ton, short bed)complete nut & bolt frame off restomod LQ9/4L80E MY LS SWAP/FRAME OFF BUILD BOOK 2006 TBSS way too much to list

01-25-2010, 09:12 AM	#18
STOCKISH Formerly- 1972SuperCheyenne Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Wake Forest NC Posts: 5,782	Re: project: what ya doin that for? Thats going to be a sweet truck. Good luck with the build. __________________ --Josh My Build Thread:http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=799218 A good crossthread is better than Loctite any day. Life is not about what you have, but who you have to share it with.



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01-25-2010, 09:50 AM	#19
Hottrucks Redefining LowBudget Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: lebanon Cow Hampshire Posts: 4,538	Re: project: what ya doin that for? LEAVE IT A DUALLY.....short bed dually's kick ars!!! __________________ 1970 C10 CST fleetside 472 ....big dreams little cash... http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=335721 SunShine Syndicate.. Mikes Sandwich Fair Run OCT 8th 2011 http://www.thesandwichfair.com/html/...auto_show.html

01-26-2010, 05:23 PM	#20
tswore built not bought Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: pocatello, idaho Posts: 160	Re: project: what ya doin that for? lift kit will be here friday! that will be this weekends fun! __________________ MY BUILD THREAD "project: what you doin that for?" http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=382503

01-31-2010, 11:52 PM	#21
tswore built not bought Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: pocatello, idaho Posts: 160	Re: project: what ya doin that for? Friday the lift kit showed up. A 4 inch rough country. Pulled out the front axle from the parter burb and got it installed with the lift springs. I think I am gonnal get some long brake lies instead of using the bracket relocater. Put the wheels from my 04 on it, and took a step back. I think I need bigger tires. The tires I have to put on it are 305/55/20 which is a 33/12.50. I am gonna go with a 35. Moving on to the back, I think they sent me the wrong leafs. My hangers measure about 56, but he springs I got measure 53 inches, which is probably for the 52 inch hangers. I will get it straightened out tomorrow. Then I pulled out the tank from the burb to use in the truck, and its HUGE! I think it may be too big. I dont know how many gallons, but it is about 33 inches long, which will put the front of the tank right above he axle. Coould this be a problem?? Pics wont load, I will try again in the morning. __________________ MY BUILD THREAD "project: what you doin that for?" http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=382503

02-01-2010, 12:10 AM	#22
tswore built not bought Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: pocatello, idaho Posts: 160	Re: project: what ya doin that for? Pics! Attached Images __________________ MY BUILD THREAD "project: what you doin that for?" http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=382503

02-01-2010, 12:12 AM	#23
Driveway Dreams I have car A.D.D. Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Greeley, Northern Colorado Posts: 4,147	Re: project: what ya doin that for? Cool progress. What are you welding with? And have you completely ruled out a short dually? I too love that look and have thought it would be cool with the lift and all. I think it would really stand apart. __________________ -Gerald Building vehicles in memory of the first "car guy" I ever knew, my Grandpa. Bob Dunham 1935-2009. Rest in peace. 61 GMC Suburban SOLD The 86 build thread SOLD Are you a Colorado member?Click here. Last edited by Driveway Dreams; 02-01-2010 at 12:13 AM.

02-01-2010, 12:14 AM	#24
Kenbo-Slice Registered User Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: Poughkeepsie, N.Y. Posts: 108	Re: project: what ya doin that for? Shortbed dually..... Stop giving me ideas! Haha, looks good man. Looks real good! __________________ It's a Jeep towing machine! (at least it will be)

02-01-2010, 12:18 AM	#25
joe231 Registered User Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Palmer, Alaska Posts: 13,821	Re: project: what ya doin that for? Seems to me that 53" springs are going to be too long for a truck with 52" springs. That would over extend the shackles. With weight on the springs the shackles should be close to vertical. I believe the 52 and 56" measurements are with weight on them. So the 53" springs might, once there is weight on them, extend out close to 56" just my thoughts on it I'm sure that if you talk to whoever you got them from, they can enlighten us all I think the 'burb tank is over 40 gallons I was wondering if it would fit, I have heard it will. I haven't measured yet though. __________________ *CHEVY ONLY*

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