67 SWB build thread

[kevncar]

Managed to spend a little time on the truck today. Mocked up the power steering box to get ready to dimple the frame. I also notched the frame to accept the motor mount towers. I'll smooth out the cuts more once I mock up the motor and see what kind of clearance I'll need for the headers. I tried to take some good pictures of the frame before clearancing for the PS box and how some talked of the box hitting the radiator support bracket. I clipped the corner off the bracket to clear.

[Deuce]

I was told when cutting a frame to drill holes on the corners to prevent the 90* cuts from cracking?? Don't know if it's true but it makes sense?? Get the new parts installed and post some more pics!!

[Frankentruck]

Originally Posted by Deuce

I was told when cutting a frame to drill holes on the corners to prevent the 90* cuts from cracking?? Don't know if it's true but it makes sense?? Get the new parts installed and post some more pics!!

You are absolutely correct. A frame builder taught me that many years ago. He always recommended when possible to drill holes at your corners then make the cuts. You can always clean up the cuts with a grinder.

In the case where the cuts have already been made a carbide bit in a die grinder will make quick work of a 90* corner.

[byrd]

Where did you get the sanding disc, are you using air or electric grinder?

[kevncar]

I actually work in the structural steel industry (buildings) and you are absolutely correct about the corners. If made to a corner, it's a excellent place for a crack to start. I actually didn't cut all the way to the corner. I cut just short of it and then grinded a very tight radius in the corner. It doesn't really matter though. I am just trying to get the motor in so I can see what else is going to need to be narrowed for header clearance and things. I plan on cutting much more out, more like the smooth arched cut the factory put in the 68-72s. The 67 frames don't have the narrowed frame.

As for grinding discs, the majority of the cleaning was done with a "Sandblaster" grinding wheel that I bought at Lowe's which fits on my 4-1/2" angle grinder. (electric)





Works great and seems to be lasting a very long time considering the really sharp edged stuff I've been cleaning. I've heard claims you can strip an enitre car with one of these things. I think it's quite possible.

As for cutting and aggressive grinding, it's stuff a buddy gave me, a cut-off disc and some kind of metal grinding disc.

[Flat 67]

Originally posted by Kevncar.
I now have the bed and front clip off, and am debating taking the cab off. If I could find a good big window cab, it's coming off in a heartbeat. The 350 and four speed have been pulled and sold and I have a 454/TH400 to replace them with.

Kevncar,
Are you still looking for a big window cab? I saw one in a junkyard today and it's only a few miles down the road from where you are........Flat 67

[Hart_Rod]

Good thread, keep the pics coming!

[LONGHAIR]

Before you get much more intense............it would be a very good idea to put an empty block on those mounts. Modifications like that can bite you if you don't check things as you go..............do ask me how I know this.

I probably would have tried it before even cutting what you have

[kevncar]

Thanks for the heads up longhair. That's exactly what I'm getting to. I just got those mounts in and now I need to get the manual trans crossmember out, and I'm going to drop the motor and tranny in and see how everything fits. The thing about the cuts that I've made is...I'd have to cut the frame even if I went with the stock BB mounts. If you look at any 68 and later frame, the top flange is narrowed already. They didn't do that on the 67s. I plan on making the cuts more like the factory cuts later, after I know how much I need to take out for header clearance and everything. See the following picture for an example of the factory cut.


Flat67, hit me with a PM on the cab, I'm still looking. What year was it? I think I have a guy locally here on the hook, but you never know. Thanks

[Flat 67]

Kevncar......check your PM's for a good deal on a cab.
Flat 67

[67_CST]

I agree that the small window is worth keeping. It was a one year only feature and looks really "vintage" to me. Heck, I looked for several years to find a decent small window cab so that I could build my "dream 67". I finally found a solid small window cab and it is just awaiting the rest of the parts now.

[67Step]

How did you dimple the frame for the power steering pump?

[kevncar]

A buddy came over with his torch and we heated the frame and bumped it out with a hammer and dolly. It isn't the prettiest, but the box is on there.

[Palf70Step]

I moved this to our build area for you. Glad you are making progress withit.

[sergio rios]

whats wrong with the small window,,,they are cool i got one too i love it..........

[kevncar]

[kevncar]

[67chevy1series]

hey i didnt no you had a thread or was amember of 67 72 chevy/gmc .com i used to live real close by it was vann terrace st on the corner my dad had a 68 chevy burb and has a 70 chevy 4by4 used to be a flat bed but we moved i used to see ur 67 around until you started progress now im doing a 67 to swb fleet

[Newtz67]

Hey where you been? Time to get that truck on the road! Haha. I've learned a lot from your thread concerning the motor mounts! Thanks!

[67chevy1series]

x2