53 3100 - complete rebuild and upgrade . . . .

[big_dan]

Oldman3 -

That looks slick; I definitely like it. My current running boards are fiberglass reproductions, so I'm not sure what exact direction I'll go yet, either glass or sheetmetal. Still in the pondering stage currently - but thanks for the pics!

Dan

[MiraclePieCo]

I'm digging the Falcon too. Love those 64-65s! I once owned a midnight blue one with side pipes.

[big_dan]

Originally Posted by MiraclePieCo

I'm digging the Falcon too. Love those 64-65s! I once owned a midnight blue one with side pipes.

That 65 was the first project I completed that was 100% what I wanted - no compromises. That's why it took 6 years to finish. Not sure how this forum works being a new guy, but I can give a few details sometime if it's allowed.

Thanks for looking -

Dan

[mongocanfly]

sure its allowed dan....you can start a thread in the alt tinkering section if you want

[big_dan]

Outstanding! I may drop a few pics if anyone is interested.

Dan

[oldman3]

Originally Posted by big_dan

Outstanding! I may drop a few pics if anyone is interested.

Dan

Sure we are, just lets us know the thread number, or post a link, so we know where...Jim

[big_dan]

Originally Posted by oldman3

Sure we are, just lets us know the thread number, or post a link, so we know where...Jim

I'll see what I can come up with. Thoroughly impressed with this forum after just a few days on board!

Dan

[big_dan]

So lately I've been pulling a tape and deciding my exact next move on the step notch. I tend to ponder things for a little while to try to avoid rework . . .

But, as luck would have it, another project has cruised in alongside the 53 so I'll work them together - the price was RIGHT, and it'll help bring things up a level . . . . .

Dirty? Yes. But here's 5 minutes worth of work . . . A few bearings and we'll be 100%.

Dan

[mongocanfly]

nice..!!! you got 3ph power?

[big_dan]

Originally Posted by mongocanfly

nice..!!! you got 3ph power?

No 3 phase here. Just electrician buds. Will most likely run it off of a VFD.

Dan

[duramax55]

hi i run my brigeport n vdf not that expensive and work great . they also give you variable speed in all gears. I would rather go through vdf than three phase .

[slammed57]

doin it right!. I'll be watching

[big_dan]

Originally Posted by slammed57

doin it right!. I'll be watching

Thanks! Somehow got roped into an 8.8 rear rebuild for a buddy and a side project for momma, but the 53 will be front and center again in a week or so.

Thanks for looking -

Dan

[big_dan]

So the side projects are almost done; bud's 8.8 is shimmed and in reassembly and bearings/ belts/etc for the Clausing are on the way. Hope to be cutting in the step notch within the week. More later -

Dan

[MNchevy]

Awesome build so far. Looking forward to more!

[big_dan]

Well, finally caught back up on side work a bit and back on the chassis. Working on the step notch currently, hope to have the chassis finished enough to start mocking up the body soon. More later-

Thanks for looking,

Dan

[big_dan]

A little more chassis work. Tying in the rear of the frame so building my own frame section with the plasma and the brake.

And for those wondering, the bottom of the notch is 6" above the axle at ride height.

More later -

Dan

[big_dan]

Step notch done, started mocking up shock mount crossmember, and sway bar. Still a long way to go . . .

Dan

[Gregski]

I don't usually build trucks, but when I do, I like to build me a shop first, ha ha, this is going to be an epic thread, can't wait to follow all the progress

dumb question on the shop, is your floor flat or does it have a slant for water run off, some day I want to build me a shop but I am tired of all my work benches along the side walls being 3" crooked, ha ha

[big_dan]

Originally Posted by Gregski

I don't usually build trucks, but when I do, I like to build me a shop first, ha ha, this is going to be an epic thread, can't wait to follow all the progress

dumb question on the shop, is your floor flat or does it have a slant for water run off, some day I want to build me a shop but I am tired of all my work benches along the side walls being 3" crooked, ha ha

Gregski -

Shop floor is flat. Really messy stuff gets done outside in the gravel. Thanks for looking -

Dan

[84blaze]

You are moving right along and it is looking incredible. Keep it up!

[big_dan]

A little progress. The fall of the year is hunting time, so I dont get as much done. Started disassembling the truck and checking fit of the cab for a final idea of ride height.

More later -

Dan

[youngrodder]

Originally Posted by big_dan

A little progress. The fall of the year is hunting time, so I dont get as much done. Started disassembling the truck and checking fit of the cab for a final idea of ride height.

More later -

Dan

Looking good...I don't hunt but my kids fall sports tend to take my time.

Marc

[mongocanfly]

Cab looks right at home on new frame Dan.....stupid deer are slowing my progress as well....

[big_dan]

Thanks for following, fellas. Continuing along, my next step is to verify if ride height is where I want it. I'll be running an 18x8 with a 245/40 up front and a 20x10 with a 275/40 in the rear. So, I snipped out a set of mockup "wheels" to see where we're at. I'll ponder on it a bit, but it looks like I'll end up going about 2" lower. There's a few ways to get there, but right now I'm leaning towards dropping the cab and core support to get there. Yes, the front looks like ride height is higher, but it's even. But, pic's or it didn't happen, so .......

Thanks for looking -

Dan