Frankentruck - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

asphaltburner · 12-20-2008, 04:02 AM

Yo!
Got my '78 3/4 ton 4x4 FRANKENTRUCK back today from the only other mechanic I'd entrust anything to, Bill Warren in Galeton, Colorado! 14.5 hours worth of work and $1200 later, the brakes, bearings, and steering are finished and functioning like a brand new truck. Glad I didn't attempt it myself! Without a heated garage, and the amount of work necessary, it would've taken me a month to bring the '73 axles and steering back to new condition. The truck brakes and steers smooth and straight now.
The front is a '73 Dana 44 with Warn locking hubs and the rear is a '73 5560 lb rated 14 bolt full floating GM axle, both with 4.11:1 gears. The axles came from a 1973 donor 3/4 ton 4x4 flatbed.
FRANKENTRUCKs TH400 and machined, twin-stick NP205, transfer the 350hp/411ft lb torque from the 9.2:1 compression 350V8 that I built for it QUITE nicely!
The cow-pasture truck (origonally) is now entirely functional except for the pegged fuel gauge that is obviously showing an open circuit, and I'll troubleshoot it later when the weather permits me to work in one of my unheated garages.
It has taken me since January last to finally achieve this goal, but it's been worth it! I now have an essentially new 3/4 ton 4x4 P/U truck (except for some bodywork and paint) and have only about $8000 total into it. It even has some entirely unique abilities (such as front wheel drive capability) that few trucks do. Now it's insured, registered, and plated to terrorize the roads (and off-roads) of Colorado!
I REALLY want to thank all of the folks on this forum and the other great sources that I've depended on to help me with this huge project. 67-72 chevytrucks.com, offroaddesign.com, LMC truck, and Classic Industries are of particular mention.

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Name: 110208 001 (Custom).jpg
Views: 234
Size: 93.8 KB

This is one magnificent truck. Thank you, Todd.

Cherub · 12-20-2008, 08:26 AM

sweet always nice to get the truck back on the road.

**LEEVON** · 12-20-2008, 01:37 PM

still one of my favorite builds. more pics please!!!

mitch1965 · 12-20-2008, 01:45 PM

Nice ride! I am also in a long term project on my '85 K20. Mainly, long term because of sparadic funds for extras. I recently picked up Hooker Ceramic coated headers off of ebay for $220. I'll install Cherry Bomb Pros to complete the exhaust when I can take the time to do it. Need to tighten up the steering first. Something in the steering column, so it's a pita.
You gonna paint and body work yourself?
Good job, keep up the good work!

asphaltburner · 12-20-2008, 02:40 PM

Yo! mitch1965!
Dude, we're neighbors!! I'm just 20 miles east of you, and I work in Ft Collins, out at the Harmony campus! Cool to see you here posting in the truck forum! We'll have to get together at some point when the weather is better in the spring.
Yeah, I'm trying to get some bodywork done right now, but the lack of heat has made it near to impossible,...it'll come soon.
Paint will also be a future project 'cause I've got a couple other vehicles that I'd like to get painted first,...mostly my '76 Camaro. FRANKENTRUCK will get a basecoat/clearcoat of it's factory green,...it's the perfect color for a FRANKENTRUCK!
I'll PM you with my phone number,...you'll have to let me know if I can help you in any way,...sources, etc,...I've accumulated alot of valuable knowledge during this (and my nine other projects) over the past 17 years!
Todd.

**lolife99** · 12-20-2008, 05:40 PM

Cool build. I also followed this one.
Only better way to thank the board is to,... turn your name BLUE,... by becoming a subscribing member.
I know you just spent $1200,... but when you recover from the holidays and such,... remember the board!

PhilaTruck · 12-20-2008, 05:52 PM

That's great advice lolife. Todd, that is one great truck! Sounds like you're ready to enjoy it.

spudz · 12-20-2008, 07:17 PM

I love that truck... its the kind of truck that says I'm a man....and I'll kick your ass if you make me...... haha

dammitmitchell · 12-20-2008, 08:47 PM

just a heads up....
the name mitch is the best damn name ever!!
and you drive and build chevy's..
thank you for not tarnishing our beautiful name..
hahahha..
and that's a damnned good looking truck

asphaltburner · 12-20-2008, 08:47 PM

Yo! Y'all!
My truck is just perfect! Still need to finish the w/s washer plumbing to squirt the windshield, and find the open in the fuel guage circuit. Otherwsie it's like a brand new truck!
And I've done it,...subscribed,...so I hope to be showing some blue color now! This forum has been fantastic, not only to provide me with a tremendous amount of information, but to allow me to provide others with the same. Just wish I could find the five year subscription,...
FRANKENTRUCK pics to follow soon! Todd.

**lolife99** · 12-20-2008, 09:58 PM

CONGRATS on subscribing!
Man,... you don't waste any time.
This is the best forum for info and knowledge and access to parts and trucks.
Thanks for supporting the board!

asphaltburner · 12-20-2008, 11:20 PM

Yo! lolife99!
I'd threatened to support the site WAY before this, and this was my opportune moment! With all the support and encouragement from all these members and supporters, how could I not?!
I started this truck ignorant as to what it would take to accomplish, but I got the support I needed from this forum and recommended sources to allow me to finish what I'd hoped I could build.
My finished product is SUCH a nice truck, as you well know, and I'll be enjoying it for many years to come. It will outlive me (and I KNOW that waltsrestoration is waiting for me to will it to him,...not likely! Haaha!). Still have lots of little stuff to do, and I'll provide pics and updates as I go.
Most importantly, I'd like to be able to provide the knowledge that I've acquired during this project to other folks so that we're not constantly re-inventing the wheel!! I'm always available via PM! I visit this forum as much as my regular email!!
Todd.

asphaltburner · 12-20-2008, 11:31 PM

Thanks to each of you too, PhilaTruck, Spudz, LEEVON, dammitmitchell, mitch1965, and Cherub! I cannot express how much it means to me for you to take intrest, and express your appreciation, for FRANKENTRUCK! And I know there's a tremendous number of folks out there that have been watching (and I hope, learning) as I've built this truck. Thanks!!
Now the FRANKENTRUCK is loose, terrorizing the highways, cities, and offroads of northern Colorado,...and beyond!!
It could just sneak up behind you,...AND THEN,...

84 400 · 12-21-2008, 02:27 AM

Todd,
Good work on the truck man. It came out really nice and I know it is not finished but it sure looks good to me. Any ideas on the final paint color combo?

asphaltburner · 12-21-2008, 03:29 AM

Yo! 84 400!
Thanks to you too, dude! I really appreciate your support and encouragement all this time!
Final paint will be the factory color, medium green, in basecoat/clearcoat acrylic urethane,...it's the perfect color for a FRANKENTRUCK!
I'll keep everybody updated,...I'll HAVE to now that I've spent my $25!!
REALLY wish I could find that five year support plan!! hardyharhar!! Todd.

12-20-2008, 04:02 AM	#1
asphaltburner Registered User Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Ault, Colorado Posts: 862	Frankentruck Yo! Got my '78 3/4 ton 4x4 FRANKENTRUCK back today from the only other mechanic I'd entrust anything to, Bill Warren in Galeton, Colorado! 14.5 hours worth of work and $1200 later, the brakes, bearings, and steering are finished and functioning like a brand new truck. Glad I didn't attempt it myself! Without a heated garage, and the amount of work necessary, it would've taken me a month to bring the '73 axles and steering back to new condition. The truck brakes and steers smooth and straight now. The front is a '73 Dana 44 with Warn locking hubs and the rear is a '73 5560 lb rated 14 bolt full floating GM axle, both with 4.11:1 gears. The axles came from a 1973 donor 3/4 ton 4x4 flatbed. FRANKENTRUCKs TH400 and machined, twin-stick NP205, transfer the 350hp/411ft lb torque from the 9.2:1 compression 350V8 that I built for it QUITE nicely! The cow-pasture truck (origonally) is now entirely functional except for the pegged fuel gauge that is obviously showing an open circuit, and I'll troubleshoot it later when the weather permits me to work in one of my unheated garages. It has taken me since January last to finally achieve this goal, but it's been worth it! I now have an essentially new 3/4 ton 4x4 P/U truck (except for some bodywork and paint) and have only about $8000 total into it. It even has some entirely unique abilities (such as front wheel drive capability) that few trucks do. Now it's insured, registered, and plated to terrorize the roads (and off-roads) of Colorado! I REALLY want to thank all of the folks on this forum and the other great sources that I've depended on to help me with this huge project. 67-72 chevytrucks.com, offroaddesign.com, LMC truck, and Classic Industries are of particular mention. This is one magnificent truck. Thank you, Todd. __________________ '78 3/4 ton 4x4 custom "Todd-built" FRANKENTRUCK!

12-20-2008, 08:26 AM	#2
Cherub Registered User Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Houston Posts: 970	Re: Frankentruck sweet always nice to get the truck back on the road.

12-20-2008, 01:37 PM	#3
LEEVON Registered User Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Ozark, MO Posts: 4,887	Re: Frankentruck still one of my favorite builds. more pics please!!! __________________ '20 Silverado Trail Boss ~ '17 Tahoe ~ '79 K15 Sierra Grande ~ '76 Blazer 2wd ~ '71 Cheyenne swb ~ '55 Pontiac Safari ~'50 3100 bagged ~ '80 Wife ~ Late model kids

12-20-2008, 01:45 PM	#4
mitch1965 Registered User Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Fort Collins, Colorado Posts: 376	Re: Frankentruck Nice ride! I am also in a long term project on my '85 K20. Mainly, long term because of sparadic funds for extras. I recently picked up Hooker Ceramic coated headers off of ebay for $220. I'll install Cherry Bomb Pros to complete the exhaust when I can take the time to do it. Need to tighten up the steering first. Something in the steering column, so it's a pita. You gonna paint and body work yourself? Good job, keep up the good work! __________________ '99 K1500 Tahoe, 2dr, barn doors - 350/ 4L60E, 3.73 '01 K2500HD Silverado Ext Cab - 496/ Allison, 4.10

12-20-2008, 02:40 PM	#5
asphaltburner Registered User Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Ault, Colorado Posts: 862	Re: Frankentruck Yo! mitch1965! Dude, we're neighbors!! I'm just 20 miles east of you, and I work in Ft Collins, out at the Harmony campus! Cool to see you here posting in the truck forum! We'll have to get together at some point when the weather is better in the spring. Yeah, I'm trying to get some bodywork done right now, but the lack of heat has made it near to impossible,...it'll come soon. Paint will also be a future project 'cause I've got a couple other vehicles that I'd like to get painted first,...mostly my '76 Camaro. FRANKENTRUCK will get a basecoat/clearcoat of it's factory green,...it's the perfect color for a FRANKENTRUCK! I'll PM you with my phone number,...you'll have to let me know if I can help you in any way,...sources, etc,...I've accumulated alot of valuable knowledge during this (and my nine other projects) over the past 17 years! Todd. __________________ '78 3/4 ton 4x4 custom "Todd-built" FRANKENTRUCK!

12-20-2008, 05:40 PM	#6
lolife99 67-72 parts collector,… Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: Mid-MO Posts: 22,695	Re: Frankentruck Cool build. I also followed this one. Only better way to thank the board is to,... turn your name BLUE,... by becoming a subscribing member. I know you just spent $1200,... but when you recover from the holidays and such,... remember the board! __________________ Keith Convert to disc brakes. http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=444823

12-20-2008, 05:52 PM	#7
PhilaTruck Right on the line, baby! Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: Phila, PA 19130 Posts: 1,486	Re: Frankentruck That's great advice lolife. Todd, that is one great truck! Sounds like you're ready to enjoy it. __________________ 83 GMC 406 th400/3.73 Eaton Truetrac posi, headers, x pipe, & racePros. Tubular control arms, lowering rear springs, caltracs. Still ugly, but getting built right, although slowly Click and scroll down for site vendors! Subscribe here!

12-20-2008, 07:17 PM	#8
spudz Registered User Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Branchville SC Posts: 1,647	Re: Frankentruck I love that truck... its the kind of truck that says I'm a man....and I'll kick your ass if you make me...... haha __________________ 2004 z71, 96 z71 on 38s, 88 Chevy k5 blazer, 4in lift. 84 swb project, 82 SWB project , 84 chevy 4x4 lwb project, 88 Jimmy beater/highschool ride. 79 c30. 99 tahoe 4x4 project. and a bunch of parts trucks..

12-20-2008, 08:47 PM	#9
dammitmitchell the pollock Join Date: May 2008 Location: abilene, texas Posts: 4,423	Re: Frankentruck just a heads up.... the name mitch is the best damn name ever!! and you drive and build chevy's.. thank you for not tarnishing our beautiful name.. hahahha.. and that's a damnned good looking truck __________________ Jack of ALL trades, Master of none.. (but one... procrastination) Army vet 02-08 RIP El Jay! Miss you brother! http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=343538 http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=386042

12-20-2008, 08:47 PM	#10
asphaltburner Registered User Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Ault, Colorado Posts: 862	Re: Frankentruck Yo! Y'all! My truck is just perfect! Still need to finish the w/s washer plumbing to squirt the windshield, and find the open in the fuel guage circuit. Otherwsie it's like a brand new truck! And I've done it,...subscribed,...so I hope to be showing some blue color now! This forum has been fantastic, not only to provide me with a tremendous amount of information, but to allow me to provide others with the same. Just wish I could find the five year subscription,... FRANKENTRUCK pics to follow soon! Todd. __________________ '78 3/4 ton 4x4 custom "Todd-built" FRANKENTRUCK!

12-20-2008, 09:58 PM	#11
lolife99 67-72 parts collector,… Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: Mid-MO Posts: 22,695	Re: Frankentruck CONGRATS on subscribing! Man,... you don't waste any time. This is the best forum for info and knowledge and access to parts and trucks. Thanks for supporting the board! __________________ Keith Convert to disc brakes. http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=444823 Last edited by lolife99; 12-20-2008 at 09:58 PM.

12-20-2008, 11:20 PM	#12
asphaltburner Registered User Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Ault, Colorado Posts: 862	Re: Frankentruck Yo! lolife99! I'd threatened to support the site WAY before this, and this was my opportune moment! With all the support and encouragement from all these members and supporters, how could I not?! I started this truck ignorant as to what it would take to accomplish, but I got the support I needed from this forum and recommended sources to allow me to finish what I'd hoped I could build. My finished product is SUCH a nice truck, as you well know, and I'll be enjoying it for many years to come. It will outlive me (and I KNOW that waltsrestoration is waiting for me to will it to him,...not likely! Haaha!). Still have lots of little stuff to do, and I'll provide pics and updates as I go. Most importantly, I'd like to be able to provide the knowledge that I've acquired during this project to other folks so that we're not constantly re-inventing the wheel!! I'm always available via PM! I visit this forum as much as my regular email!! Todd. __________________ '78 3/4 ton 4x4 custom "Todd-built" FRANKENTRUCK!

12-20-2008, 11:31 PM	#13
asphaltburner Registered User Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Ault, Colorado Posts: 862	Re: Frankentruck Thanks to each of you too, PhilaTruck, Spudz, LEEVON, dammitmitchell, mitch1965, and Cherub! I cannot express how much it means to me for you to take intrest, and express your appreciation, for FRANKENTRUCK! And I know there's a tremendous number of folks out there that have been watching (and I hope, learning) as I've built this truck. Thanks!! Now the FRANKENTRUCK is loose, terrorizing the highways, cities, and offroads of northern Colorado,...and beyond!! It could just sneak up behind you,...AND THEN,... __________________ '78 3/4 ton 4x4 custom "Todd-built" FRANKENTRUCK!

12-21-2008, 02:27 AM	#14
84 400 Sb 400 club Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: NH / MA Posts: 2,741	Re: Frankentruck Todd, Good work on the truck man. It came out really nice and I know it is not finished but it sure looks good to me. Any ideas on the final paint color combo? __________________ 1984 chevy c10, built 400sb,.(SOLD) 77 K10 Project / daily driver "The Grinch" http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=318363 1956 Willys Wagon (327 chevy) Project (Now Buick 225) 1980 Corvette L-48 4 speed 1992 Mustang GT built 5.0 5 speed 1985 C10 LWB Sold 1982 K10 SWB plow truck Parted out 1986 D30 M1028 fire brush truck Parted out

12-21-2008, 03:29 AM	#15
asphaltburner Registered User Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Ault, Colorado Posts: 862	Re: Frankentruck Yo! 84 400! Thanks to you too, dude! I really appreciate your support and encouragement all this time! Final paint will be the factory color, medium green, in basecoat/clearcoat acrylic urethane,...it's the perfect color for a FRANKENTRUCK! I'll keep everybody updated,...I'll HAVE to now that I've spent my $25!! REALLY wish I could find that five year support plan!! hardyharhar!! Todd. __________________ '78 3/4 ton 4x4 custom "Todd-built" FRANKENTRUCK!



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