51 Chevy Half Ton Build

[maxdog51]

Originally Posted by 54 LS-3100

What is the width on the 3rd row seat? I really like the looks of the black cloth ones, but I thought they were too narrow. Yours looks like a great fit

I would have to get back to you on the overall width of the seat. The seat would work fine for a smaller person than myself. It is a bit narrow for the cab and didn't quite fit to my liking so, I am going back to the original seat. It just works better for me.
Thanks for the compliments.

Frank

[maxdog51]

Originally Posted by ADchevys

How much is your cab chopped. Truck looks good.

It's a 4" chop. I've been told that a 3" chop is easier to blend, so I thought I might as well make it harder on myself with a 4" chop.
Truthfully I love these trucks stock, chopped, channeled, rusted out, beautifully restored, wild or mild customs, it doesn't matter they're all awesome.
I will be back at mine tonight

[maxdog51]

Okay, here's where I'm at now. I'm ready for my new glass (front and rear for now) but, I've been searching the area with little to no success.

Anyone know a GOOD glass guy in the Chicago (south) area?

I would like to try to install them myself, but I'm not apposed to letting an experienced glass guy do the job. I hope to find someone this week as I am ready for the windshield and rear window now.

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

-Frank

[maxdog51]

Just an update on my build.
I ended up doing the glass myself. My neighbor worked with me installing the glass. It's finally on the road (licensed and insured) after 22 years!! I'm currently working on the running boards. I have had it at 2 cruise nights and plan to be at another one 2-night. It just feels GREAT to be driving it!!

-Frank

[maxdog51]

One more...

[Advanced Design]

Way to go. Looks good! Did you cut the glass yourself?

[maxdog51]

Thanks-I had Moore Glass in Joliet cut it for me with my templates.

-Frank

[maxdog51]

Here's one from last night's cruise night in Frankfort.

[maxdog51]

Note to self; NEVER buy another part from American Classic Truck Parts!!
They've sold me and who knows how many others a POS brake assembly. This piece of junk fit poorly under the dash, the proportioning valve leaked from day one, the check valve blow apart after a small back fire and the master cylinder/cover is leaking causing brake fluid to spray everywhere!!! I've had to buy a new prop valve and now it looks like I will be replacing the rest of this junk. What a waste of money and time, not to mention the damage it's done to my truck. I couldn't imagine if I actually had an expensive paint job and had this happen. I was told that they no longer use that manufacturer because they didn't know how to make the parts corrector and had received many complaints, but they will not replace mine knowing they sold me a POS. This just sucks.

[TypeSL2]

That really sux to see. I would hope that a company would stand behind what they sell. I know this sounds petty, but I would report them to the BBB. It's a shame that a company that big wouldn't do anything to even attempt to repair the situation.

James

[maxdog51]

Originally Posted by TypeSL2

That really sux to see. I would hope that a company would stand behind what they sell. I know this sounds petty, but I would report them to the BBB. It's a shame that a company that big wouldn't do anything to even attempt to repair the situation.

James

Yes it does. The issue is that I bought the part/assembly in 2012 while building the truck. After a couple years of metal fabrication, body, paint and assembly I finally had a chance to fill the braking system to test it. A 90 day warranty isn't worth much when your building a vehicle. It doesn't happen over-night folks. I wonder how many other folks purchased this junk and got burned like me?

[maxdog51]

Haven't posted in while so I thought I would catch ya'll up.
I drove my truck all summer and into fall of 2015. We put around 900 miles in it, hitting the local cruise nights.

[maxdog51]

I had some health issues that set me back last year but also has given me a new perspective on life in general. I ended up tearing my truck down to the bare chassis as I wasn't happy with the MII front end or the twisted frame.

[maxdog51]

Here are a few pics of the process of building my own chassis.

[maxdog51]

A few more photos

[maxdog51]

Just a few more

[maxdog51]

getting closer but there is still a lot to do before tearing it down for blast and powder coat.

[maxdog51]

current status
sorry about the rotated phone pics

[maxdog51]

99% of the plumbing is done at this point. I've received my new 700R4 trans and new ring and pinion (3.73), posi unit and rear end rebuild kit for my currently open (2.73) GM 12 bolt.
Along with a new to me mildly built SBC she should get down the road a little better than the 305/TH350 with that open highway gear.

[oldman3]

Great looking chassis, your doing great work...Jim

[maxdog51]

Originally Posted by 54 LS-3100

What is the width on the 3rd row seat? I really like the looks of the black cloth ones, but I thought they were too narrow. Yours looks like a great fit

Not sure what the width dimension was. I no longer have the seat, it's the third row seat from a 2014 Tahoe.
I felt it was too narrow also. I would like to put in a bench seat from a 88-99 Chevy truck if I can locate a decent one near me.
I used the original seat and didn't care for that, especially with the 4" chop.

[maxdog51]

Originally Posted by oldman3

Great looking chassis, your doing great work...Jim

Thank you Jim. Your custom convertible top is some amazing work.

[oldman3]

Originally Posted by maxdog51

Thank you Jim. Your custom convertible top is some amazing work.

Thank you...Jim

[Advanced Design]

Nice work on the chassis. Wow, lots of hours! I like the detail for the exhaust cut outs in the cross members.

[maxdog51]

Still hitting it hard every chance I get. Here are some pics of my progress.