Ivybilt Customs! Project #1

[CC69Rat]

It's 40yrs old .. you gotta expect some rust.

I'll be 40 in a few months, and I'm getting a little rusty too!

[bossmanivy]

I hear Ya! the rust doesn't bother me! I'll do my best to be the fountain of youth for this chevy. As far as you and I getting rusty, it's all about the maintenance! Have a great week!

[bossmanivy]

I got home from work last night and was surprisingly motivated to do something so I did this. I had my minions onboard for the little project we completed!






now I can roll it around and get to work on the frame teardown! Have a great day!
Chris

[bossmanivy]

Originally Posted by CC69Rat

Hey -- Check the number pad on the engine block, right behind the driver's side valve cover. Let me know the numbers ..

Is it 3970010 ? E'hem .. (kidding) Really, check it and see what you've got. If it's an 010 block, it's a 4 bolt main and high nickel content block. Very desirable block to build should you decide to go that route.

It'd pull it off those frame rails, get it cleaned up and checked .. +.. .0030 .0010/.0010 and a mild cam / intake painted up purdy and drive it!! Yeah, you've got some metal work to do, but I have seen far worse cabs saved before. If you got the skills bubba .. I say give it a shot.

You got the truck free right? What's the worst that can happen? You have $3k in a $6k running / driving SWB truck? I'm telling ya, everything you do to it makes it better. Don't look at the big picture, just one step at a time.

I gotta say, you knkow your stuff! Apparently I do have the goods you spoke of. but its 297, not 397. does that matter?

[RexDodge]

Originally Posted by bossmanivy

I gotta say, you knkow your stuff! Apparently I do have the goods you spoke of. but its 297, not 397. does that matter?

Sure looks like a 3 to me. Nice build...have fun!

[bossmanivy]

It was an absolutely beautiful day yesterday up entil 3 pm when the rains came and the 80 degree temps dropped by 30 degrees......I'm not sure whats up with that! but i was able to get alot done on the frame. just continueing with the teardown. I was considering not tampering with the frame and leaving the truck a LWB. but the rear hitch/bumper was cobble welded on and the was no way to surgically remove it. so off came the last 8 in. of frame rail and a SWB she will be. The first few pics are of the rear frame situation, the rest are just general teardown stuff.












The frame is really solid. I still have some small brackets and things to clean off of it before I de-rust and paint it. do you think their would be anyone looking for original 3/4 ton running gear, or is this stuff scrap? Thanks for checking in.

[bossmanivy]

Originally Posted by bossmanivy

I gotta say, you knkow your stuff! Apparently I do have the goods you spoke of. but its 297, not 397. does that matter?

It does! my bad, I had another pic I was looking at and it did look like a 2.

[racerx8413]

looking good, that's a ton of work over just a few days.

[bossmanivy]

Originally Posted by racerx8413

looking good, that's a ton of work over just a few days.

Thanks man! It's been more like a few weeks. I got a head start before I started this thread. I wish the build up would go as fast as the teardown. but I'm having alot of fun with it.

[CC69Rat]

Looking good ! Right now would be the perfect time to look for that SWB 1/2 ton 71-72 (5 lug) rolling frame.

Just sayin. If you're going to do the work to a frame, I'd do it to a real SWB frame (?)

But yes, you have a very highly desirable small block if you decide to keep it. The 010 blocks are really strong in the bottom end. Look for either 186, or 041 as the last casting number on the heads (under the valve covers) I'm doubting you'll have either but if so it makes it even better. That would be a good engine to freshen up either way. BUT, the 041s would increase compression due to the 64cc chambers. You can pick them up pretty cheap. It's basically the 350/300 hp head. 186 / 041 heads will give you accessory bolt holes for power steering, etc.

[CC69Rat]

http://evansville.craigslist.org/pts/3253068406.html

See this ?

[bossmanivy]

Originally Posted by CC69Rat

Looking good ! Right now would be the perfect time to look for that SWB 1/2 ton 71-72 (5 lug) rolling frame.

Just sayin. If you're going to do the work to a frame, I'd do it to a real SWB frame (?)

But yes, you have a very highly desirable small block if you decide to keep it. The 010 blocks are really strong in the bottom end. Look for either 186, or 041 as the last casting number on the heads (under the valve covers) I'm doubting you'll have either but if so it makes it even better. That would be a good engine to freshen up either way. BUT, the 041s would increase compression due to the 64cc chambers. You can pick them up pretty cheap. It's basically the 350/300 hp head. 186 / 041 heads will give you accessory bolt holes for power steering, etc.

thanks man! I will check under the valve cover. I have another 350 that I will check the numbers on as well. I am going to poke around for a SWB frame over the next month or two. I'll see whats out there. If I can't find anything by then I'll see how the shortening goes. The worst that can happen is I'm not happy with the results and it takes longer to find the frame I need. I can't wait to do more this sunday

[CC69Rat]

You can also run the later model Vortec heads with that bottom end and be easily in the 400hp range.

[CC69Rat]

Incase you decide to try and shorten it..

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=123624

[bossmanivy]

I got out to work on the truck yesterday and Man!!! was it cold. I removed the engine crossmember and started to cleans some brackets and such off the frame. I'm a little stumped. I cut the rear springs to remove the rear axle assembly. I went to undo the bolts and spring retainers and the bolt head is recessed in the spring retainer. I can't get a socket on it to get it loose. Any suggestions!! I need to buy an air hammer to make wuick workof the rivets on the frame. So, I lost my ambition for the day. I also need to set up my portable garage so I can stay out of the snow that I know we will get this winter. here are the pics of what I did. Thanks fella's!!

[CC69Rat]

Picture of your rear spring cups?

[bossmanivy]

I'll get it, I'll have to wait until I get home and snap one!

[bossmanivy]

here are some pics of the spring retainers. I just knocked them off with an air chisel then cut the bolts with a cutoff wheel.

[bossmanivy]

It was a beautiful day here in St. Louis yesterday. I got a full day in on the truck. i was a little disappointed that I didn't get more done. Those factory rivets do not give up without a fight. I came armed with my air hammer, air chisel, grinder, cutoff wheel, and a big hammer! I think I went through about 8 grinding wheels, but I got all the mounts and brackets off the frame and I removed the frame reenforcements in the rear.

that crossmenber at the top of that pic was the 2nd one from the rear of the frame. it was mounted in there at an angle. it was over an inch crooked. It was mounted in the frame at the rear of the frame stiffeners which are on the right side of the pic. you can see there is a difference in length. Has anyone seen this before. is it common. I measured the frame and I know it is square. but that cross member was in there crooked. here are some more pics of the frame after all that work.





i started to clean up the frame with a flap wheel. after a 2 foot section of the top and outside of one frame rail I realized this is going to be an enormous amount of work. I am curious if anyone knows what I could expect to pay to have it blasted. after cleaning the frame bare I shot it with some primer. It sure looks and feels so nice. I can't wait till the rest of the frame looks like this.



I get a whole nother day to work on this tomorrow. i can't wait. more pics and posts to come. thanks for checking in!

[gdavis]

Originally Posted by bossmanivy

Alrighty! this is the condition I got the truck in. My father in law was going to pull the motor and scrap the truck. I stopped by and he had removed the grill, radiator and and the front bumper. He used a sawzall to remove the bumper along with the front 4 in of frame rails. I was like, what the hell are you doing, you can't scrap a classic! he told me it was my problem then!! Sweeettt! So I'm sitting there looking at it and was wanting to get it driving, then go from there. I noticed that the trailing arms had become swiss cheese, the brakes needed completely replaced (lines, hoses, MC, WC's......everything!) and the wiring was a mess. And if I did get it running, I would not be able to drive it in the rain, unless I needed a shower!



So I said to myself, "Let's Teardown!"
I started with the obnoxious rear bumper

first off is the spare tire carrier

then the bumper

whoever put this thing on, never intended it to come off!



All done, finally! After all that, My father in law wanted me to move the truck so I would have some more room to work and he would have more room to park!
So after I had the truck in its new spot I went back to work. He had installed some saddle tanks a long time ago to triple his fuel capacity. I don't thing I will be reinstalling these!


Then I ground down the rusty bed bolts, shook the bed loose, and walla!!! I now realize the value of a helping hand, and some strong backs!

After some help



Here's what the frame looks like.







That's all for now. I have to get some work done at work. I'll be back!

You got your work cut out for u. B

[bossmanivy]

It's been a lot of work so far, but I'm loving it. Plenty more to go! I think that it's going to be worth it in the end............ Gee, I hope there's an end!
Posted via Mobile Device

[CC69Rat]

One bolt at a time..
Posted via Mobile Device

[bossmanivy]

Originally Posted by CC69Rat

One bolt at a time..
Posted via Mobile Device

Or rivet
Posted via Mobile Device

[VA72C10]

Nice progress! That rear crossmember is crooked from the factory on all trucks I've seen so you're good there. definitely agree on cc69rat @ looking for a swb roller frame...no need cleaning that frame up unless your state checks the frame vin stamp....

[bossmanivy]

I really appreciate you guys following along. I would love to have a Swb roller, a little clean up and proceed to build. I know they're out there. But I'm enjoying the process right now. I don't know if Missouri checks frame vin's but I don't think so. It's taking time to clean up the frame, but its solid and straight as an arrow and I figure if it goes south or I screw up, I can initiate a plan B. don't get me wrong, I really appreciate your comments and suggestions. But with working on it 2 days a week, money being a little tight riht now (I'm saving money for sheet metal) and working on it at my father in laws house, working on this frame will suffice for now. Thanks guys!
Posted via Mobile Device