Ivybilt Customs! Project #1

[CC69Rat]

Bossman --

Just so you know, I'm with you man. When I make suggestions, it's merely for thought process, .. what if I did this? .. Or, Have you thought about this? While yes, a SWB frame will save you time, it just might cause issues at the DMV like you said, plus if you have clean rails and you're a good welder, you could always cut that one down should you decide to make it a SWB. Just keep plugging at it man. There are good reasons to keep that frame, .. even stay with a LWB ? Regardless it is up to you.

Money is tight for everyone right now. You definitely have a big job ahead of you but as I stated before I have seen much worse saved with effort. It's a little rusty, but it can be fixed. Just keep at it. Those rivets suck ! All it takes is time and a little determination.

Are you doing 67-68 front sheet metal, or 69-72? I have an extra 68 Chevy (68-72 GMC is the same) OE driver's side front fender that's pretty good if you need it. I'll make you a great deal on it. It's the light green one on my stepper now. It was just a test / practice fender dad and I painted just to have something to do.

Is your original 69+ core support pretty decent now?

[bossmanivy]

The core support seems ok. I haven't thoroughly checked it out. I might take you up on that fender down the road. I really appreciate all you guys! I want you all to know I take all your suggestions and inpu very seriously! And I'm stoked you have been checking in and that your along for the ride! Tells your pops I said howdy!
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[bossmanivy]

hey fella's,

I was swondering if you all could help me out. I was curious if anyone could identify this rear axle I have. I have never seen anything like it. It has a center section like a ford 9" but it also has a rear diff cover like a 10 or 12 bolt. I don't plan on reusing it. My father in law says that you have to remove the axles to get the drums off. I was also curious if it might be worth some money or if i need to buy a boat because i have an anchor.

Thanks!

[CC69Rat]

Eaton HO52.. friggin bomb proof.
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[Katrina/10]

it's an Eaton, predecessor to the GM 14 bolt. Good strong axle, are you looking for something lighter?

[CC69Rat]

Theyre hard to seal, and are going to be an odd length if I had to guess. Plus I think they were 4:10 if Im not mistaken
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[bossmanivy]

Weight, width, I'm fine with all that. I don't think you can convert to 5 lug with disc brake...... Can you?
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[CC69Rat]

For what youd spend converting that one, Id think you could find a 71-72 5 lug half ton rear end and not have all the work busting that one apart. Ex the location of your track bar might be a little different?

Measure the inside width between the backing plates. A 71-72 rear end is 57" from plate to plate. How wide is the Eaton? Were you going to narrow it anyway/ custom length axles?
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[bossmanivy]

I'm not planning on re using it. I am going to look for a different axle. I was just curious what it was. I just asked about the ease of converting it because you said it was bombproof. My bad! Is it worth some money or is it scrap?
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[CC69Rat]

Its a very strong rear end, usually in trucks that do a lot of hauling. Ive never seen one fail. But, for a 1/2 ton 5 lug setup Id look for a good 12 bolt. As far as value, I have seen them in misc rat rods and stuff.. you might try Craigslist.. as heavy as it is scrap value might offset the trouble? Hard to say.

If you're doing Swb and 5 lug.. I dont think Id use it. Just my opinion. Ease of gear ratio changes, backspacing should you decide to use say 8 in rallys.. the wheels might stick out a little further?

Im not sure really. I am kinda curious how wide it is though.
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[bossmanivy]

I'm wanting a 12 bolt. I'll measure the width and let you know what it is. I don't need a rear end immediately, I'm just thinking ahead!
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[bossmanivy]

I'm at work....... but I'd rather be working on my Chevy!!!!! My boredom has peaked!

[CC69Rat]

Wait. .. dont you drive a semi? Why are you online?
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[bossmanivy]

I used to. I'm a cars salesman!
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[bossmanivy]

I'm a little late posting these pics. I got back to work cleaning the frame. I got a wire wheel on an air grinder and it worked pretty well. I need a couple different wheels to reach certain spots. My father in law has a sand blaster, so I searched around for some blast media that was cost effective. I found a place I could buy a 100# bag of fine sand for a little over 10 bucks. I want to try this because after wire wheeling and sanding, there are some fine pits with the smallest amount of rust in them. I even wiped it down with solvent and it is still there. I primed and painted the area to protect it for now. I am curious to see how blasting it works. If its not what I think it should be ill go over it with por-15. Then paint it with this heavy duty farm tractor paint I found at my local farm and ranch store. I love this place! It has all kinds of hardware and oddball stuff you don't find anywhere else. I only worked on a 6 or 7 ft section of the outside of the frame. Some of these pics are real close up. Let me know what you think. Any suggestions on getting rid of the rust without losing any metal would be Great. Thanks guys!












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[CC69Rat]

You got that truck finished up Bossman?
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[bossmanivy]

Just putting the 2nd coat of wax on her now.....lol
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[bossmanivy]

Ready for winter.......kinda


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[Alan's Classic]

You have a big project ahead of you, but with your ambition you will complete it. Have a plan and stick with it. Your making some great progress!!

[bossmanivy]

Originally Posted by Alan's Classic

You have a big project ahead of you, but with your ambition you will complete it. Have a plan and stick with it. Your making some great progress!!

Thanks Alan! It is a big project, but one I am so excited about. It's nice that my family is behind me too! I am also excited about driving this 63 I just bought. I am upgrading the front crossmember with a 73-87 one to make it safer on the road, then drive it till I get the 69 going.





I was at Sears the other day with the kiddo's and we came across these!

My 7 yr daughter Emma


My 5 yr old son Collin


I can't afford the toolchest's, but we had a great time with the photo op.

I have done more to the truck, welded on the front peices of the frame my father-in-law wacked off. not bad for a rookie welder




Thats all for now, I have more progress, but I'm being kicked out! We are closed at work

[bossmanivy]

Let the surgery begin. I studied, I inquired, I read tech articles, I grabbed some tools and got after it. took all my measurements and grabbed some cutting tools.






I enlisted my father-in-law Jim to help with the welding........He sits and thinks about stuff alot




He can weld too




All clamped together and measured



Now we got it all tack welded and it is square. I'll finish welding it up, weld in some brace plates, clean it up and paint it. Thanks for checking it out.

[gdavis]

Originally Posted by bossmanivy

Let the surgery begin. I studied, I inquired, I read tech articles, I grabbed some tools and got after it. took all my measurements and grabbed some cutting tools.






I enlisted my father-in-law Jim to help with the welding........He sits and thinks about stuff alot




He can weld too




All clamped together and measured



Now we got it all tack welded and it is square. I'll finish welding it up, weld in some brace plates, clean it up and paint it. Thanks for checking it out.

so that is how you make a long wheel base a short whell base.I really like the way it is done.

[CC69Rat]

Yeah! I love sparks! . Thats how you do it right there". Looks great man. Just finish weld and fish plate it and youre done. Great job buddy.
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[NoNeck]

Hello Bossman from the big city of Chattanooga, Tennessee. I like your attitude on this build. Make it fun and enjoy the sparks, 40 year old grease and busted knuckles.

POP

[Bomp]

Read the whole thread. Dig your motivation. Makes me want to run out to get working on mine some more.
I'll keep checkin back.