IMPOSTER! ( or hey guys I got a little jimmy!)

[OKGMC4]

While I was at the salvage, I was geekin out about some of the stuff they had. A 65 Mustang, a 50s Mercedes, and this ultra cool International with aftermarket tool box fenders on the step side bed. Those would be cool on a Delmo style build.

[OKGMC4]

This is the seat pattern I want to copy, just in a different color scheme. I've had this photo in my pc for years and years, I'm not even sure where it came from anymore.

[OKGMC4]

Working on building a bed wall / cubby hole behind the seat. Could be a great place for the battery or subwoofers or who knows what. Also got one back inner fender notched around the tire and putting the tub back in. I had bad luck trying to make the 1.5” wide splice to fill the gap when I moved the tub in. I couldn’t get the bead line correct at all with the tools and skills I have. I looked and found Summit had a rear tub by AMD for $60. Sold! I trimmed it to fit all the way to the bed, cut the excess part off the bed wall, and started fitting the tub. The part I cut off I can use to patch the other side, although I almost want to get another cheap tub from Summit. Much much faster.

[OKGMC4]

Splicing the other tub in.

[OKGMC4]

Just hammer and dolly work now.

[raggedjim]

Nice! Rg

[72 tigger]

You’re good at fabricating!

[jjzepplin]

Awesome work! I am in!

[OKGMC4]

Thanks for the kind words!

The dash will be body color, but not the door panels. In an effort to have the door meet the dash and flow together better, I used some 5/16 rod and some sheet metal to rework the lines.

[dec010974]

Awesome.
"If I had your hands I would cut my hands off"

[OKGMC4]

Been waiting 16 weeks for the drop member. Looks awesome! Have not even had a chance to get in the garage for 2 months. Online classes and work and grandkids. I’ll get there though. Got tired of fighting the stock crossmember, specifically steering. Could not make a Dakota rack work, and the Porterbuilt stuff should get me back on track.

[dec010974]

@OKGMC4
Tha's gonna be a sick ride. I am definitely down for the ride, subscribed.

[FRENCHBLUE72]

Sweet build i fought the front crossmember as well and finally ordered the p.b. set up...

[Ol Blue K20]

Nice metal work! I'm subbing to watch...

[OKGMC4]

Originally Posted by FRENCHBLUE72

Sweet build i fought the front crossmember as well and finally ordered the p.b. set up...

I try to save cash where I can but this seems like an area that it’s best to not skimp on. I’m still not going crazy with touch screen automated bag systems. Manual switches will be simple and cost effective (cheap).

[loudchevy]

Awesome build! You have some amazing metal working skills.

[OKGMC4]

Having some issues with fit. The lower arms would not fit the crossmember. The bushings go in individually but you could only get one side in at a time. Measured the crossmember and got 13 5/16” and outside of the bushings measures 13 7/16”. I think the sleeves were welded slightly off. Rather than calling and arguing with Porter built about this and have to potentially ship parts back and wait even longer, I had my father in law mill 1/16” off each outer bushing face and just installed shims on the inside bushings. Passenger side bolts wouldn’t even go in without drill reaming. These are beautiful parts but for what they cost and how long you have to wait, I think the least they could do is test fit this stuff before shipping it. I also don’t think I should have to print my instructions myself, but also a minor issue.

[loudchevy]

Sucks you had to modify a brand new part, but at least you had the access to a mill to get it done correctly. I would also be upset about having to print the instructions out. That setup does look pretty sweet though.

[OKGMC4]

More fit issues with Porter built, maybe. My tires used to be centered in the wheel well. Now it looks like they are about 1.5 inches forward. I’m not sure it’s a deal breaker but would like to know why. Maybe some movement when it’s aligned? I think I need to talk to Porter built about my issues.

[OKGMC4]

Also didn’t want to pay $300 for motor mounts so I built my own. Bushings with sleeves were $30

[OKGMC4]

The 5.3 I’m installing is basically stock except a stock ls1 cam I got for $25. I don’t think it will need my spare Doug’s 1 7/8” full length headers so I’m going with cast manifolds. I tried my center dump 99 Vette manifolds and they didn’t fit.

And I got a response from Nate at Porter built. He says the wheel movement forward is completely normal. I feel better about that now.

[OKGMC4]

I didn’t want to spend $350 for a sway bar so I went to the bone yard with a tape measure. I ended up with a 1999 S10 1 1/8” bar for 20 bucks. With the new links and bushings I’m in for about $70. It looks close to the tie rods but I turned the wheels lock to lock and aired it up and down and nothing touches. I’d call it a win.