I guess you would call my farm truck a sleeper. 400+hp, modern suspension, 4 discs...

[ebernst]

Here's the build thread so far. She's not done yet!

[mr48chev]

I'm saving that photo to show idiots that think rust is "patina" There is genuine patina. faded chalky old paint that a bit of CLR and a bit of rubbing compound and polish will bring back to a soft glow with no real rust of defects showing.

Sounds like a fun truck to drive.

[69chevytrucker]

I'm saving that photo to show idiots that think rust is "patina"

i think you should keep comments like that to yourself.
this is a truck forum for all types of truck people some like lowered some like jacked some like $30,000 paint jobs some don't. i am not a authority figure on this site but when your wrong you are wrong.

[xaircav]

ebernst, What is your wheel and tire size? What you have looks great. I want to get way from my current big and little look to equal all around ( I'm thinking 235/75-15). This will fill the wheel wells and allow me to rotate tries as needed.

[BIGglaSS]

...don't be sleepin' at the light if this thing pulls up beside you! Great looking truck. More details?

[TogglesSA]

Hi,

Very nice truck, I've checked out your build thread on Project Racal. Would you be willing to share some info on how you got the LS in there ? (what you did and what you would have changed?) It looks super tight between the rails. would like to know the height from top of frame rails to center of crank pulley if you willing to share :P. and what steering box configuration you ran to get past the headers.

Thanks
Togs.

[xaircav]

Originally Posted by xaircav

ebernst, What is your wheel and tire size? What you have looks great. I want to get way from my current big and little look to equal all around ( I'm thinking 235/75-15). This will fill the wheel wells and allow me to rotate tries as needed.

You guys know I meant tires not tries. I like the Impala in the background too.

[ebernst]

@xaircav Wheels are 15 x 7 GM wheels that I tack welded on some hubcap clips on so that I can run stock style hubcaps. Tires are Coker Classics 2 3/4 Inch Whitewall - 225/75R15 all the way around.

@BIGglaSS Check out my build thread for all the details and more pics!

@TogglesSA It was definitely a tight squeeze getting the LS to fit with those headers. I had to trim back the frame rails a bit to get it to work (but then boxed the rails in to add strength) I'm actually working on the next post in the build thread which will have some photos of the fitment issues and solutions. I haven't measured that frame top to center of crank, but I have some photos that should give a better idea of what is going on. Steering is a power rack & pinion setup with the linkage routed just outside the headers (see last photo).

[TogglesSA]

Haha, that tight chassis/headers cleareance are just begging to run the headers straight up into 2 turbo's... :P Very nice job so far. Please keep posting so I can copy you :P

Togs

[ebernst]

Ha, believe me I thought about it.

[Katrina/10]

I bought an IFS from Scott's also, but it came with a c-notch for the rack. I did not use that, I installed the crossmember so that the rack went under the frame without cutting, as you did. Did you specify that yours be made that way?

[STOCKISH]

I like it man, truck looks great.

[ebernst]

@Katrina/10 - I didn't really specify "no C notch for the rack", but Justin asked me if the plan was to build the truck to lay frame, and if I was going to C notch the rear end. I told him it wasn't, and that I didn't even need drop spindles, so I suspect he figured I wouldn't need it for up front either. I'm really happy with the stance. I think it's about a 4" drop all the way around, so it isn't too extreme but looks really good, in my opinion.

[dsraven]

hey ebernst, nice work and fast. just curious, by the pics it looks like the headers run very close to the steering shaft u joints. is that just a pic thing or are they that really close? just asking because you may have clearance issues when engine torques up, that would mean your steering jams against the headers. also, the ujoints will cook over time. not being critical, just asking.

[mr48chev]

I'm liking that truck better all the time now that I see the work you did on the chassis. That should be one good running good driving truck when you get it all squared away.

[ebernst]

@dsraven Yeah, I thought about that a bit. I think I should be ok because they are heat treated ceramic coated headers, so they won't run as hot as some other headers. And, I've got the engine mounted on poly bushings, not rubber, so movement should be minimal. I'll keep a close eye on it thought and adjust if necessary.

@mr48chev Thanks! I really appreciate it!

[Jesse Z]

Wow, that thing is perfect. Looks like a genuine old truck, a concept that many "patina" trucks miss completely.

[ebernst]

Thanks guys! I put on my caps and beauty rings and shot this short vid this morning.