My Blue 1957 build

[blue57]

Originally Posted by Dan in Pasadena

Whew, spent the evening re-reading the entire thread again. I'm truly impressed, truly inspired, thanks.

Can you give us a few references? Contact info for the electrician that wired it up?

When you posted the photos of the AC lines inside the fender I kinda thought you were planning to do that. I've been planning to run mine in there since I saw a guy do it years ago but now I'm wondering if there's a reason I shouldn't? I planned on welding elevator bolts onto the inner fender, then I realized I can just use longer stainless button head bolts where the inner & outer fender join along the top so I can use some kind of strap/loop. I DO get that road debris could damage the lines so that's a consideration. Anything other reason I've not considered?

Any chance you used Elegance Auto Interiors in Ontario? The work looks like some of theirs I've seen and everything of theirs is beootiful! Congrats on a GREAT truck. Can't wait to watch your Dad's come together.

PS: I forgot to ask about the TCI rear leaf kit. I've been planning on flipping my rearend on top of the stock leafs and C notching. But I'd truly rather NOT notch it if the TCI kit will lower it enough all by itself. I know their leaves are parabolic and supposedly smoother riding. Any more info? Mine would be with a Chevy 10 bolt.

A buddy of mine wired it up. If you want his info shoot me a PM and i can send it to you.
The picture of the lines on the inner fender were on another truck. Those have actually been completely redone in polished stainless lines. My dad has his lines run down the inside of his inner fender. Not sure if you can run a loop and have the bundle of four lines hanging there. However i did use longer bolts on the drivers side and clamped the electrical up to them so its tucked away. I would think it would be more secure being clamped to a strap or tab welded to the fender.
As far as the interior, I was referred to a guy that has worked from a couple of the big name shops and still does interior work as a fulltime job, but takes on projects on the side out of his home.
The TCI leaf kit i have isnt the same kit they sell now. There new kit is only a 2 leaf pack i believe and mine was originally there 4 leak pack so i wouldnt be able to help you out on that one.

[Dan in Pasadena]

Thank so much for the response. I will drop you a PM and my rewire is probably a year off as I don't expect my truck out of body & paint til near December.

I'll call TCI and see what they quote about the amount of drop from their old kit versus their new kit, but thanks for making that clear.

If you think the interior guy is available I'll ask you for his info in the PM too.
Good call on the AC lines. I'll go back to my elevator bolts welded to the inner fender about every 12-18".

I forgot to ask you: do you recall how much you modified your wheel base when you installed your IFS? I keep reading anywhere between 3/4" to almost 2". Right now I'm thinking about 1" or maybe 1-1/4"

[blue57]

Originally Posted by Dan in Pasadena

Thank so much for the response. I will drop you a PM and my rewire is probably a year off as I don't expect my truck out of body & paint til near December.

I'll call TCI and see what they quote about the amount of drop from their old kit versus their new kit, but thanks for making that clear.

If you think the interior guy is available I'll ask you for his info in the PM too.
Good call on the AC lines. I'll go back to my elevator bolts welded to the inner fender about every 12-18".

I forgot to ask you: do you recall how much you modified your wheel base when you installed your IFS? I keep reading anywhere between 3/4" to almost 2". Right now I'm thinking about 1" or maybe 1-1/4"

i didnt alter from the instructions. i placed it where the instructions said to

[dsraven]

on the rear leaf kit, the springs only position the axle, the amount of drop before a notch is determined by how much space you have between the axle tubes and the frame when it is at the ride height you want. you must leave some room for when you hit a bump or the axle will hit the frame. then it depends on what you have for spring rates or if you have air bags etc. not good for your teeth/spine/truck if you bottom out. look around and see if there is a "look" you like, then contact that owner and see what the space is on his/her truck. also if it bottoms out on the frame if they have no c notch. you could always fab up some heavy duty rubber suspension snubbers from a later model vehicle so they help out with the bottoming factor but in the end, if it is low and no c notch you may bottom out anyway.

[Dan in Pasadena]

Originally Posted by dsraven

...contact that owner...

I did. It's "blue57".

That's why I'm asking him about his TCI kit and he has no frame notch on his truck - which I'd prefer if I can do it and get his stance.

I also like Ogre's stance and his setup is very nearly like mine, a Fatman IFS kit but he flipped his rear axle on top of his leafs and had to notch. I'm setup to do that but when I noticed blue57 HADNT notched and I wanted to ask him about it. Since TCI's kit has changed I'll have to get a read from them on the lowering effect their new kit provides and if they recommend the installation without a frame notch still.

[dsraven]

I think if you read through ogre's stuff he says he does bottom at times. or contact him.

[Hblee]

I just bought a Heidt's crossmember and their instructions don't mention moving it forward either. The instructions also don't mention the need to have 1.5 degrees of tilt to help with anti-dive but the videos I've watched of the MII installs always mentions the 1.5 degree angle.

Originally Posted by blue57

i didnt alter from the instructions. i placed it where the instructions said to

[blue57]

Originally Posted by Dan in Pasadena

I did. It's "blue57".

That's why I'm asking him about his TCI kit and he has no frame notch on his truck - which I'd prefer if I can do it and get his stance.

I also like Ogre's stance and his setup is very nearly like mine, a Fatman IFS kit but he flipped his rear axle on top of his leafs and had to notch. I'm setup to do that but when I noticed blue57 HADNT notched and I wanted to ask him about it. Since TCI's kit has changed I'll have to get a read from them on the lowering effect their new kit provides and if they recommend the installation without a frame notch still.

I didnt notch mine, but i dont plan on hauling stuff in the bed and i try to avoid crappy roads. I have hit a few bumps in the road and it has hit the bump stops a couple times.

[Dan in Pasadena]

Originally Posted by blue57

I didnt notch mine, but i dont plan on hauling stuff in the bed and i try to avoid crappy roads. I have hit a few bumps in the road and it has hit the bump stops a couple times.

Ok, so you're saying it MIGHT bottom out on rougher roads. I don't have any intention of carrying loads either. The most would be a couple folding chairs and an ice cooler for a show. I'll see what TCI says but sounds like a mild notch is likely necessary. Thanks guys.

[dsraven]

Hey, after all that work, what is a little notch.

[blue57]

Originally Posted by dsraven

Hey, after all that work, what is a little notch.

dont feel like cutting through fresh powder coating and moving fuel lines just yet. Thats why.......

[ptc]

Originally Posted by blue57

dont feel like cutting through fresh powder coating and moving fuel lines just yet. Thats why.......

Sometimes its like ... STOP THE INSANITY OF BUILDING PROCESS!!!!

and enjoy .....

[blue57]

Man, its been awhile since i have been on here. Working out a few bugs before hitting the shows and cruising again. Just about have dads 58 done. His should be going to interior shop here soon, then its just a few little things. Should have it 100% by fathers day weekend for the Pismo show. Then in July we will both be at the brothers truck show.

[blue57]

Went to a show yesterday. First show out with both trucks. Just finished up dads 58 last week.

[oldman3]

Very nice...Jim

[Kim57]

They look great.
Kim

[ChuckDriver]

A great pair!

[RockinKees]

Yes, those are beautiful!!

[dug224]

Wow! dug

[VDOG]

Very nice

[youngrodder]

They look great together...

Marc

[blue57]

Great day at the brothers truck show. Dad won best paint in his 58 and i won best in class.

[ChuckDriver]

Awesome, congrats!!

[oldman3]

Congrats to both of you...Jim

[Kim57]

Congrats.
Kim