50 3100 5 window with Vette suspension

[skymangs]

This is a truck I'm building for my buddy Ernie. I apologize, I h 've early photos as well. I'll post them later. This build is using complete C4 suspension, stock vette front cross member, stock 50 chassis, 84 Vette motor with 92 Vette TPI, 700R trans, and 18" Camaro wheels. Here's some pics.

[skymangs]

Here's some more shots of the frame work. It was boxed the entire length from front crossmember to rear suspension mounts. The front frame rails were notched and the C4 crossmember integrated into the existing chassis.

[skymangs]

Here's some detail on the rear suspension. The stock lower control arms were pitched in favor of custom made adjustable lowers with 3/4" Heim joints. Much easier than cam bolts that way!

[iowaboynca]

Sounds like a really cool build! Should handle like its on rails when done.

[skymangs]

Here's what we used for a gas tank. 69 Mustang 20 gallon. Framing was built out of 11ga. 1.25" square tube. Sway bar was relocated above the frame to circumvent clearance issues in the rear.

[skymangs]

Work continues

[crossfire84]

I would move that sway bar to beneath the frame were it belongs, your going to run in to rubbing on the frame. I have my tank in the back also and made room for sway bar.

[skymangs]

In the pic the sway bar is loose, so it looks a lot closer to the frame than it will be when it's finished.

[skymangs]

Here's some shots as the driveline was getting set up for initial startup. The lower intake was modified to fit the pre-86 heads.

[skymangs]

Ernie decided to go ahead and run a mild cam, so an Energizer 242/242 (at .050) with matched lifters was selected. Stainless headers, gunned alum. Valve covers, and a double roller timing set finish it out. Serpentine setup is donated from a 92 Camaro.

[Advanced Design]

Nice, neat work. Everything looks good. Ernie must be happy!

[oldman3]

Hey Chris, all I can say is you sure keep busy. Nice job on the chassis, etc....Jim

[FarmerSid]

Nice! Looks like you have your motor mounts welded to the frame and your not using the stock mounts on the vette K member. How did you determine engine placement?

[skymangs]

Thanks guys. Motor placement was done the same way I do my s10 swaps. Set the cab on, position the driveline so the distributor has about 1" or so of fired clearance, then fab mounts.

[joedoh]

you have just a great job haha

[skymangs]

I do love my job!

[skymangs]

Sorry that it has been so long since I've updated this thread. This one was safely at home when my shop burned down. Disregard the 1st 2 pics they are a mistake. pic 3 is the chassis ready to go home.pic 4 is the cab being worked on. And pic 5 is the AC vents in the dash.

[skymangs]

up next, is the firewall. Got to clean it up some. The last one is a very happy Ernie next to his finished chassis. The 2nd to last one is my idea to dress up the firewall a little bit.

[skymangs]

What I did was to use an old 283 valve cover. I just cut out the script portion of it and weld it (very carefully) to the firewall.

[skymangs]

Here is some additional pics of the firewall, and it's finished appearance.

[skymangs]

Here are a couple more pics. pic one is the wiring mess I had to deal with in order to get it running. pic 2 is my awesome lower links. pic 3 is the finished gas hole.

[skymangs]

And of course, here is the stance at ride height on its own weight. Now it is sitting in a shop waiting for paint. It will probably stay there until my recovery is complete.

[oldman3]

Chris, so glad to see you posting again. Firewall is a cool ideal with the script, truck is looking good this far. Be safe, and take it easy...Jim

[Advanced Design]

Chris, the truck is looking really good. I like the Chevrolet script too.

Like Jim said, it is great to see you posting again!

[skymangs]

It is good to be finally posting again, definitely better than the alternative. Apparently I actually died a couple of times in the hospital. Definitely glad to be here today. A whole lot of time to think about one's priorities in life. I think I'll actually be stronger because of this.