68 Chevy LB cut down to SB

[RhatterNTatter]

Will have more build threads but starting here with this one. Got 2 weekends and this last 4 day weekend in this to this point.
Started with a 68 Chevy long bed that was definitely project truck, strong 327 Edelbrock aluminum intake manifold, Holly 600 CFM double pumper, TH400 auto.

started to dismantle this truck to be able to cut the frame down to short bed size, do coil overs in rear, cut coils and lower in front, media blast the frame and all body parts, do patch panel repairs to rust, prep for paint.

[RhatterNTatter]

First tear down pics from 3 weekends ago....took everything apart.

[RhatterNTatter]

next the frame was measured for a 68 short wide bed box, cut, welded and then "fit" with box and bed in place. Also mocked up the front fenders and setup for the lowering....went as low as possible over those American Racing wheels but couldn't drop it over those tires....not enough offset to the inserts...did drop it considerable and allowed for some rake to the front once all the tin is added on.

[RhatterNTatter]

We took everything back off, broke down the bed, used the back panel and steel floor off the original long bed box (cut down), and started to use my dustless blaster to take off all surface junk no matter what it was....BTW, we hit it from all angles, including top and bottom.

[RhatterNTatter]

This is where we are as of 5/28/2014. We will begin our 4 weekend on this on Sat....we are also tearing down a 54 5 window GMC 1/2 ton, and hauled two more vehicles to the shop....slowed us down some....this 68 also has power disc brake conversion on the front, tilt steering, power steering, headers with flowmaster 40's. new cab mounts, new aluminum radiator, American Racing wheels, new B&M shifter, etc. She will be fully metal repaired, prepped, high build primer, hot rod flatz sublime green for outside and classic white for inside of cab....will post more as we move along...

[1stchevy]

Nice start, looks like you have a good plan in place. Keep those progress pics coming!

[kgmunro]

Nice job so far!

[RhatterNTatter]

Making some progress....mainly do metal repairs to bed....coming along really great though...we are also doing stage two metal cleanup...media blasted it first and we are using a 2nd dry media blast to do clean up that makes it smooth as a baby's cheeks

Getting close to primer time....then that hot rod flatz topcoat but have to finish the frame clean up...will do POR15 on it. Will do POR15 on both side of steel bed bottom....bed coating on the top side as well....will re-install the motor and transmission once the frame is ready and the coil overs are complete. Will most likely have this one back together during June....still got some major work but getting a lot closer to turning wrenches again and leaving off the welding for a while. And, yes...we are making all of those body work changes to the bed...just forgot to take all the pics this weekend that I should have. And, made a new friend....lowmaster....have one pic of his rat rod...all his work and kudos to him!!!