Newbie with a new build thread

[68chevy68]

I am thinking about going with a flat olive green with a white top. My bodywork skills are not good enough for clear coat yet, There is a truck on here that is flat green and I really like it. Hot rod flatz is what Im looking at.

Yeah, I have a ton of projects and found another one this weekend lol. I will be picking up a 1953 chevy two door. I don't know what model, but It really does not matter. I just like the body styles. It is supposed to be in ok shape with limited rust. We shall see.

[killer71]

Originally Posted by 72CSTC5

Damn bro, you should start pinstriping. I like it. The hardest part is the creativity to think the striping up. I also have the same chevy purple lowrider on your shelf!

Looks like a tatoo artist 2 me!

[68chevy68]

Originally Posted by killer71

Looks like a tatoo artist 2 me!

It is funny you say that, I have many many tatts and would love to do that. I draw all the time and most looks like tatto flash. I can not wait till my next one. I am ready to get my sleeves done.

[68chevy68]

Well, I don't have any pictures yet, but I put some primer on my truck tonight. I made a nice mess too. I have a friend who paints and he never spills a drop of anything. The cab and doors are all in one color now. Now I can see where all the dents and imperfections are. I have a lot of work ahead of me............

[68chevy68]

Sweet! like the new build thread site. I have some small progress and some picture to go along with it. Got some primer on the cab, It will mostly be sanded off when I start to do the final body work. The bottom of the can and the floor are painted with por 15. I kinda started running out when I did the floor. I will just scuff it and put some primer on it later.







This is just me wanting to see how the brake set up fits, I don't like it. Has anyone just mounted the booster straight to the firewall. Wouldn't an 80's model fit. I know you would have to modify how the petal assymbly mounts to the firewall, but it would look better I think....



Thought this was cool. It looks like a duel for space between my chevelle and the 68

[68chevy68]

Not much to report for now. I didn't realize till this thread was made that there were so many builds going on in this forum. I am currently trying to sell a truck to pay for some more of my build. There is still a lot I can do without money though. I think my cab is about ready to come off the frame so I can finish the cut I made when I z'd the frame. I want to make sure it is nice and welded solid and looks ok too. I think I will take the frame completely apart to finish the welds and repaint it. I am thinking of puting a notch in the back as well to come down a little lower. I know the trailing arms hit the frame at a certain drop but I will just have to watch that as I do the bags later on. Now that I have completely talked to much....later

[68chevy68]

Well I took the cab off the frame tonight so I can finish the "Z'd" part of the frame. The cab is up on a cart to make it easier to finish all the bodywork I have left on it. Still trying to sell another truck of mine to fund the wheels and tires for this sucka. I'm ready to get the drive train in so the exhaust can be ran. so much to do. The heat index was like 110 today or something. Even at night it is almost too hot to do any welding.


What do you guys think about this z I have done. Its not finished. What would you guys sugest to make it stronger. I am thinking some gussets above and below.

[68chevy68]

ttt........

[68chevy68]

Finally got some work done. Doesn't look like it since I took the frame apart again. I had to take it apart to be able to flip it over and get a good weld. I have repainted and will put it back together when its good and dry.














Also got a new toy. I have to build a stand for it or pick one up, but can't wait to try it out.

[Frizzle Fry]

That hammer should be fun. I'd love to get one. Some of the welds on your Z look like maybe you didn't clean the metal first? That's my only advice since I've never done a Z. I like where you're going with this one

What are your plans for the 61?

[68chevy68]

Yeah, my welds look like crap. A lot of that was just from being at a crazy angle. I weld best if its right in front of me. I guess thats why I took the frame apart so I could turn it upside down.

As for the 61, I bought that truck in california while I was in the marine corps and drove it home to arkansas. I love that truck and have big plans for it. I just did not want to mess it up so I chose to Build this other truck first to get some skills and know what goes into it. My 61 has no rust for the most part as it came from cali. Most of the work will be any custom stuff I can think of. Of coures now I have a 51 chevy truck looking me in the eye lol. I have a 51, 61 and a 71 although the 71 will be a 68 when finished.

[68chevy68]

Lots of progress today, The frame is back together, Fuel tank in, still have some small things here and there. The driver side engine mount is stripped, not sure how that happened as they are new, oh well, I will just return that one to the parts store later. It is on my list now though. The tranny was not installed cause the flywheel looks bent to me and I want to clean and paint it before it goes in. Well here are the pictures.










my shop helper lol

[BACKYARD88]

Lookin good! I have those valve covers sitting in my shop right now

[68chevy68]

I love those valve covers. I have a guy about 10 minutes from the house that sells it from his house. I can buy any part I need for the 67-72 trucks as well. He keeps most of it in stock. He also carries anything lmc has.

[BACKYARD88]

I got my valve covers from Big B auto. That's cool. The closest 67-72 parts to me is about 45 min. away. Better than having to wait on mail order though.

[68chevy68]

I agree, or having to pay those crazy shipping prices these days. This guy buys in bulk so his shipping is a lot cheaper. I am so happy to have my frame back together again. My welding is bad enough without having to lay on my back and try and weld.

[BACKYARD88]

I've got all of my welding finished too. Just got to get it all put back together now

[68chevy68]

It is amazing how fast it goes back together. I went from bare frame to what you see above in only a few hours time. There are still so many parts I don't have though. It won't be long till I have nothing left to do. who am I kidding, there is always something that needs something. Should have called this the never ending build.....or energizer bunny.......

[71tahoe]

Originally Posted by 68chevy68

I love those valve covers. I have a guy about 10 minutes from the house that sells it from his house. I can buy any part I need for the 67-72 trucks as well. He keeps most of it in stock. He also carries anything lmc has.

Willing to share your source? I'd rather pay sales tax than shipping and I'm in LR at least once each fall and spring for soccer tourneys.

[c10addict]

So what kind of b*lls did it take to whack the frame??? Lol! I am thinking of doing this myself but dont have the b*lls.. How far did you raise it? I guess you just have to raise the tranny cross member the same amount... What kind of complications are there?? Thanks...

[Frizzle Fry]

Originally Posted by c10addict

What kind of complications are there?? Thanks...

Steering, firewall/tranny-hump/floor, exhaust, fan to shroud (just go electric), pinion angel, inner fenders, hood hinges... the list goes on, and that's just from what I've read...

[68chevy68]

Originally Posted by 71tahoe

Willing to share your source? I'd rather pay sales tax than shipping and I'm in LR at least once each fall and spring for soccer tourneys.

No! you can't have it... just kidding, His name is Grady Parks and he lives in benton. You can give him a call at 1-501-316-2465. He keeps most parts for these trucks in stock as well as some billet stuff. He has intakes, breathers, valve covers, overflow tanks, thermostat housings, pulleys, oil pans, he has a lot of stuff.

[68chevy68]

Originally Posted by c10addict

So what kind of b*lls did it take to whack the frame??? Lol! I am thinking of doing this myself but dont have the b*lls.. How far did you raise it? I guess you just have to raise the tranny cross member the same amount... What kind of complications are there?? Thanks...

Just as frizzle fly said, there are several items you will have to think about. I myself have never done anything like this before. I probable jumped the gun when I did it and did not read all that i should have. I am just going to fix problems as I go on. Steering, tranny hump, and pinion angle are ones I have ran into so far. Not sure about the inner fenders yet as I have not made it that far. I will post pictures off all my problems as I get to them.

[BACKYARD88]

Originally Posted by 68chevy68

Just as frizzle fly said...

El typo

[68chevy68]

I spend too much time looking at computers, eye site kinda bad now. lol thanks for the catch.