A New 68 Build Thread

[ccracin]

Got the drivers side tacked together. Time to put the cab back on and get the bed mocked up. Progress, I love it when a plan comes together!





Later,

[VA72C10]

Sweet!

nice progress

[Rokcrln]

Your project looks great! I am sure you will be glad you made the swap to a LS motor in the long run and nice job on the headers. Were did you get the V-band clamps, is their a gasket of some sort in their or is it a machine finish? I have always been a sucker for a vehicle on a frame table, just looks cool.

Kevin
LFD Inc.

Here is a 41 chevy I am doing for a customer, finally got around to finishing my frame table so I could play on this build. It just makes it so easy to get things just right the first time.
[IMG][/IMG]

[ccracin]

Originally Posted by Rokcrln

Your project looks great! I am sure you will be glad you made the swap to a LS motor in the long run and nice job on the headers. Were did you get the V-band clamps, is their a gasket of some sort in their or is it a machine finish? I have always been a sucker for a vehicle on a frame table, just looks cool.

Kevin
LFD Inc.

Here is a 41 chevy I am doing for a customer, finally got around to finishing my frame table so I could play on this build. It just makes it so easy to get things just right the first time.
[IMG][/IMG]

Thanks Kevin. The V-Bands and Mandrel Bends are from Columbia River Mandrel bends. Go here http://www.mandrelbends.com/index.php?cPath=36_103. They are a machine finish. NO GASKETS! Man are they tight when you clamp them down.

The LS is going to be nice. Newer technology and big power. We are getting it from Wegner Automotive. They do some nice work.

The frame jig was left over from our circle track days. It just makes things so much easier. Everything is square, plumb and level. That looks like a cool project. You do some nice work. The compliments mean alot coming from you. Thanks again.

Later,

[Rokcrln]

Thanks for the link, I have some shopping in my future! I wonder if they sell SS header flanges for Brigs

[IMG][/IMG]

Kevin
LFD Inc.

[ccracin]

Originally Posted by Rokcrln

Thanks for the link, I have some shopping in my future! I wonder if they sell SS header flanges for Brigs

[IMG][/IMG]

Kevin
LFD Inc.

Kevin,

Is that a kit? I'm assuming that is what you are implying the Briggs motor is for. I need to know more about that!!!! Please let me know. Thanks. Oh and I don't see them listed here, but they may be able to help with the flanges. http://www.spdexhaust.com/Header-FlangesB.html# That is where I got my flanges. Nice stuff.

[Rokcrln]

I was kidding about the brigs but I do need a set of flanges for a 4.6L DOHC Aluminum motor I will be using in a project so thanks for the link all the same they have what I need. As for the 1/2 size body no that is not a kit, it is a roadster pick up I am building from scratch for my son in my spare time. I have not decided if it will be gas, elect or just push/pull (wagon style) for going through the car shows.

Kevin
LFD Inc.

[ccracin]

Very Very nice. I would like something like that for my girls. But no time and not enough talent! I'm just starting to dabble and learn metal shaping. Great work!

[Rokcrln]

Originally Posted by ccracin

Very Very nice. I would like something like that for my girls. But no time and not enough talent! I'm just starting to dabble and learn metal shaping. Great work!

They say their is not better way to learn the art of metal shaping than to just to it and build a project. But I know what you mean about not enough time. I have about 40 hours into this already and still have the bed, hood and grill to build. I was going to do fenders but I think it will stay fender-less unless I really want to punish my self

Kevin
LFD Inc.

[ccracin]

Here is more to look at.

It's time to get the bed on the truck so that some more of the chassis mounted components can get mocked-up. Check it!





The front bed panel is about as flat as the ocean during high tide! Since the bed floor will have to be moved up, this is a piece I will be recreating myself. There is no way I could do worse. Well, I say that now!





This is a 275-45/20 we had laying around. The actual tire will be a 295-45/20 so this is close. It's coming together, I really like the position of the tire in the wheel well. This is really the first time all these pieces are getting mocked up and I see I didn't blow it with the chassis layout.



more......

[ccracin]

Next, I get to start figuring out the correct bed floor placement and then on to the fuel tank design. Tail pipes can be roughed in as well. Thanks for watching!

[ccracin]

Well here are are some photos of the latest project. We are working on raising the floor so that it won't have a hump over the rear clip. Not sexy, but necessary. Enjoy and as always comments good and bad welcome.











..............more

[ccracin]

That is all for now. Thanks for looking!

Later,

[VA72C10]

Looking good!

[Newtz67]

Wow! Great job on the frame, the headers look amazing, and I really like that you are using original fenders for tubs! An amazing build! Can't wait to see more!

[ccracin]

Well the wheel tubs are stretched and the interior bed sides are sectioned to raise the bed floor. It's all tacked together. Now I just have to figure out how I want to attach the wheel tubs to the bed sides. I had to remove the stock bolt in flange to raise the tub and allow the wheel/tire to be moved out toward the wheel well lip. I'm considering welding it together? HMMMM The only reason I can see it was bolted in to begin with is for production reasons. Oh well, looks like I'll be laying awake at night some more to figure this out. Anyway, here is how it is coming together.







Once I figure the wheel tub mounting out, I can move on to building the bed supports and the fuel cell. I love progress and as always, thanks for looking!

[VA72C10]

Looking good!!!

[Newtz67]

Are you going to weld the tailgate shut, if not what's your plan for matching the bottom of the bed to the tailgate? I've seen several different ways to do it, just wondering.

[ccracin]

Originally Posted by Newtz67

Are you going to weld the tailgate shut, if not what's your plan for matching the bottom of the bed to the tailgate? I've seen several different ways to do it, just wondering.

The tail gate will remain functional. I'm not a fan of the welded look. We will leave the original rear cross sill as the rear bed mount. We will then add a new support for the rear of the wood. Once that is in we will make a sheet metal cover for that will cover the the ends of the wood all the way down behind the roll pan. Hope that makes sense. Thanks for looking.

[SactoJim]

Incredible fab skills.....what a project for all of us to drool over!

Quick question.....I use ACAD on a daily basis for work (learned it many years back and have mainly used it in bldg/architectural type applications). What's the learning curve for solidworks or similar programs?

[ccracin]

Originally Posted by SactoJim

Incredible fab skills.....what a project for all of us to drool over!

Quick question.....I use ACAD on a daily basis for work (learned it many years back and have mainly used it in bldg/architectural type applications). What's the learning curve for solidworks or similar programs?

Thanks very much. I am doing my best and learning as I go.

I think Solidworks is by far the easiest 3D modeling package to pick up with the capabilities it has. Autodesk's Inventor is also not bad, but I think Solidworks edges it out. I evaluated both before ending up with Solidworks. The learning curve is not bad, but you have to forget about 2D drawing. You create the models first and then generate the drawings. The best thing to do is take a class at a community college and then you can get a student version of the software to start. I need to check your truck out. Your avatar looks cool.

Thanks for the kind words.

Later,

[Newtz67]

Originally Posted by ccracin

The tail gate will remain functional. I'm not a fan of the welded look. We will leave the original rear cross sill as the rear bed mount. We will then add a new support for the rear of the wood. Once that is in we will make a sheet metal cover for that will cover the the ends of the wood all the way down behind the roll pan. Hope that makes sense. Thanks for looking.

Right on! Can't wait to see it!

[ccracin]

We have purchased another truck project that is very similar to this one, but further along. We are going to finish it so that my Dad can have something to play with next summer. We will then get back to this project while he has something to drive unless he gets an offer he can't refuse. Check out the new project at the link in my signature. Enjoy!:cheers:

[caviness]

nice build.

[chevy_mike]

Originally Posted by ccracin

The tail gate will remain functional. I'm not a fan of the welded look. We will leave the original rear cross sill as the rear bed mount. We will then add a new support for the rear of the wood. Once that is in we will make a sheet metal cover for that will cover the the ends of the wood all the way down behind the roll pan. Hope that makes sense. Thanks for looking.

An idea I was just thinking about was, from the back of the wheel wells to the tailgate, way not keep your raised floor all the way to the back AND put a lower, stock hight floor in. Basically you build a cubby hole area that you can put cleaning supplies, folding chairs, etc. in that is easy to get to but is completely hidden when you have the tailgate up. Keeps the smooth floor up top yet gives you some storage.

Just an idea to use some wasted space. Nice build.