"Project Orangepeel" 52 A.D

[reaper71]

Pic 1. Started on my wheel tubs, I used trailer fenders to start.

Pic 2. Figured out the arch (using the new fender as template)
And cut the bedside.

Pic 3. Cut the fender to 3" wide and removed the stock flange and will reuse for mounting.

Pic 4. Bottom side showing the flange.

Mark

[reaper71]

Pic 1 all tacked together.

Pic 2 all metal finished and installed.

Pic 3 I used dyechem on the next fender and used the old cut piece as a guide.

Pic 4 Tubs all done

Next up the gas tank.

Mark

[Advanced Design]

Nice work Mark. Looks good!

[reaper71]

Thanks Doug

[lower50's]

That turned out real nice.

[reaper71]

Thanks Lower, Turns out I didnt need the tubs to be as wide as they are. (3") but I had one of the flanges already done before the wheels showed up so I just kept them at 3.



Mark

[joedoh]

nice use of trailer fenders!

[reaper71]

Thanks joedoh

[reaper71]

Just some quick shots I took of the truck to see what it looked like outside
The side shot does not represent the true ride height (dip in the gravel)

[mongocanfly]

Love the stance...but around here that lower grill would be like a dozed blade....

[Advanced Design]

Looks good outside. Makes a guy want to hurry and get it done.

[reaper71]

Thanks Greg and Doug.

Greg as I stated it is not the true ride height, the lumps and bumps in the gravel makes it way lower in the front than it is.
The bumper ends are 4 1/2 off the ground and the center bar is 5 1/2
but yes we have it pretty good around here with the smooth roads

Doug...Yes sir it does make me amped up to get it finished!

Mark

[joedoh]

that should be plenty of room, I had a 47 gmc that the bumper was only about 3 inches off the ground and it would rub the crown of the road!

[reaper71]

A friend of mine has a truck that sits super low,and after riding in the pickle wagon for a while it kinda beats you up!!

Thats why I chose to "Z" the front end to get the ride height with full travel.


Mark

[mongocanfly]

The plan for mine is 5 1/2" at the lowest body point....and around here im worried that may be to low....but thats about the same as a new vette ,but their approach and departure angle is minimum since the tires are at extreme front and back...they sit extremely low...

[99 to Life]

nice work

[RockinKees]

Just read a few pages back.
Awesome work as usual!
I really like the look of the front, the headlights and I love what you did with the front bumper, really cool!
As Doug said, it looks great outside

[reaper71]

Thanks everybody!
Its been fun finally getting back at this thing!

Mark

[reaper71]

Update:

Pic 1,2 here is the bottom side of the tank and the angle iron I used for the mounting system. all welded to the flange top and bottom.

Pic 3 This is the frame for the tank, its welded to the rear frame section and I used rivnuts to bolt the flanges down.

Pic 4 Tank mounted.

And for those who are wondering yes the tank comes out from the top,and the bed wood will be hinged so it will lift up to gain access if ever needed.

Mark

[Advanced Design]

Well that is a good mounting solution...one I’ve never considered. Outside my box.
Good idea!

[reaper71]

Thanks Doug, I try to make things easy to remove if needed. Always think to yourself....if needed how can I get to this or remove it to gain access with the least amount of work.


And another note: This is a 20gal. tank from a s-10 blazer and the stock pump (vortec 4.3) puts out the same psi the LS motors need, so I will be installing a in tank pump as well.

Mark

[99 to Life]

Nice work on the tank. I've used a blazer tank on last two builds, but made my own straps. I always cut it just close enough to have the filler exit behind DS rear fender, tricky to fill it as a gas station sometimes.

Nice to know on the pump. Last build went with carbed LS and blazer tank. Nice to have the option to switch over to EFI if we ever wanted, has electronic trans also for that reason.

I'm a big advocated of "how can I simplify" getting to something in case it needs fixed. having bed lift up is hands down one of the biggest advantages in these trucks.

[lower50's]

Looks great!! I love using common parts.

[reaper71]

Thanks Guys
As for the filler I plan on doing something creative

Mark

[rusty76]

Pic of the truck outside looks really good.