67 Plain Jane C10 396 build

[ghalperin]

The V8 crossmember positions the engine closer to the front, placing the front of the engine in similar position as the front of the I6 engine. The six cylinder engine is longer, therefore the crossmember is set towards the rear about 4 inches for the 6 cylinder. The crossmembers mount where the frame starts to rise for the front suspension and that is why the V8 crossmember is different than the I6 crossmember.

[ghalperin]

I broke out the torch this morning and dimpled the frame for the steering box. I used my special tools; an old lower control arm shaft and an old ball from a lower ball joint.





I also notched the core support mount.




Next on the list of frame mods is to notch the frame for the big block. I took these patterns off a 68 C10 short coil spring frame.




The X's are the bolt holes for the engine mounts, etc...

[ghalperin]

Here are my patterns drawn on the frame.




I'm ready to cut.

[54Caddy]

Yeah I know about the engine stands theM selves being different. I think what confused me is the picture, that's the trans crossmember correct.

[ghalperin]

Originally Posted by 54Caddy

Yeah I know about the engine stands theM selves being different. I think what confused me is the picture, that's the trans crossmember correct.

I just purchased the mounts from The Truck and Car Shop and they are listed as the rear motor mounts for 6 cyl. and V8. That crossmember actually supports the bell housing and is V8 specific.

[ghalperin]

I finally got my frame painted.





Last week I decided that I was going to spray the Chassis Saver Antique Satin Black paint instead of my original plan to brush it on. I knew it would come out much better if I sprayed it, but the reducer is banned in California. I had the paint, but had to order the reducer from out of state.

Check out all the frame holes in the shadow.

[Jason7121]

Looks really good you will have a roller in no time!

[ABQ-C10]

Beautiful build you have going there! Keep up the great work! Subscribing......

[ghalperin]

Originally Posted by ABQ-C10

Beautiful build you have going there! Keep up the great work! Subscribing......

Thanks, I really like your build as well and I'm subscribed. Our trucks are so similar, although our builds are going in different directions.

[ghalperin]

Originally Posted by Jason7121

Looks really good you will have a roller in no time!

Thanks, I'm going to give it another day to cure, then start putting it back together.

[ghalperin]

Getting there...

[Tx Firefighter]

This is a great build. Hard work and details trumps exotic parts in my opinion.

[ghalperin]

Originally Posted by Tx Firefighter

This is a great build. Hard work and details trumps exotic parts in my opinion.

Thanks. So far the most exotic parts are the yellow zinc nuts and bolts.

I was on the fence for replacing my brake lines, but I just cleaned them up instead. Some scrubbing with a stainless pot scrubber and a satin clear coat.

[Tx Firefighter]

Were you the guy that sent his hardware to a plating shop ?

[ghalperin]

Originally Posted by Tx Firefighter

Were you the guy that sent his hardware to a plating shop ?

Yea, I'm trying to get as much done as possible, while I wait for my clear zinc plated hardware to come back. I also had them plate all the bolts and U-bolts that hold the front suspension together, so that has been a slight hold up.

But, I decided to get the 9/16 U-bolts for the lower shafts and I have a good supply of new 7/16 grade 8 flange bolts and locking flange nuts in stock, so I'll use those to bolt the front suspension crossmember in. Those bolts are black and look normal when installed.

After the cross member is tight, I can do the final installation for the front suspension and get the engine and trans in. Then, I should be able to mock up the rear suspension and start mocking up the exhaust.

I plan to get a lot done this weekend.

[Jason7121]

Looking great so far. If you need exhaust pipe I have alot of 2.5" stainless pipe left over from my exhaust work.

[ghalperin]

Originally Posted by Jason7121

Looking great so far. If you need exhaust pipe I have alot of 2.5" stainless pipe left over from my exhaust work.

Thanks for the offer, I'll let you know.

[Jason7121]

Sounds good

[ghalperin]

Almost a roller. I got the front end all buttoned up.

[Jason7121]

Looking good that's a big step to accomplish.

[webberjames95]

sub'd

[ghalperin]

I had a busy week and installed a few parts.

[88Stanger]

nice work

[ghalperin]

I laid out the Pypes exhaust system, but it'll require too many mods to make it work. It probably would work on a leaf spring truck with an auto trans crossmember. I'm seaking out muffler shops to get it done.

I got my engine assembled and primed the oil. It took over half an hour before oil was weaping out of every rocker arm. The machine shop warned me that it may take 45 min. and to not give up.

All my parts came back from being zinc plated, so I reassembled my rear brakes and did the final assembly for the rear suspension.

As soon as the rear suspension was installed, I mocked up the transmission and measured for my driveshaft. It was about an inch too long. I had the driveline shop replace the u-joints, shorten and balance.

I resealed the 3 speed and mounted it to the engine. Then I installed them in the frame. It went pretty easy.



I mocked up the Camaro rear sway bar. I tried to get it to go on the rear end, but in the end I like it better on the trailing arms. It doesn't interfere with anything where I have it sitting. So far I haven't drilled any holes. What do you guys think of the location?




I also cleaned the firewall and set the cab on the frame. It's starting to look like a truck

[NewType72]

Big time progress! Just installed that POL trailing arm crossmember myself what a PITA that was with the cab on haha don't even get me started in what it took to squeeze the frame rails together as well.. nitemare. Great work, loved the power steering boxframe mod. Subbed for sure