Project "Popeye" - Page 4 - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

**67cheby** · 05-17-2010, 09:34 AM

if you keep posting pics of working on your truck barefoot , they are going to know we are from Arkansas !!

**LEEVON** · 05-30-2010, 11:45 PM

Another boring frame update, doesn't look like much in the pics but it sure seems like alot of work. I would have gotten further today but I had a really big beer last night and it took me awhile to get going.

I have finished the trailing arm fabrication and the arms and crossmember are going to the blaster this week. I added 3" cut-outs in the crossmember for exhaust routing. I also finished the Mustang II install and boxed/notched the rear end. I've waited 4 weeks for CPP to send the correct boxing plates after they sent the wrong ones but couldn't wait any longer so I made my own. Unfortunately I had to cut them out of a full 4x8 sheet of plate. I also had to go on a mission for $15 worth of hardware that was missing for the front shocks. Minor annoyances but when you spend the big bucks it's because you don't want to be annoyed.

All that's left on the chassis is to fit the engine, rear bags/shocks and brakes. Tires and wheels should be here any day.

bjcaldwe · 05-31-2010, 11:59 AM

It is really coming together. What notch is that?

**LEEVON** · 05-31-2010, 04:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bjcaldwe

It is really coming together. What notch is that?

It's a notch from CPP, it came with boxing plates but they sent ones for 54-55 second series and I got tired of explaining/waiting so I made my own. The notches are very heavy though. I dressed the welds a bit.

**LEEVON** · 05-31-2010, 08:28 PM

Went for a drive today, I think Tanner is gettting the hang of the clutch!

54 jimmy · 05-31-2010, 08:39 PM

good thing he was the designated driver. we wouldn't want you to wreck it befor it is finished

**LEEVON** · 05-31-2010, 08:43 PM

That's how my wife learned to drive stick too.

**67cheby** · 06-01-2010, 09:30 AM

thats awesome.....although there is an awful lot of dust on the hood of the blue truck...shame on you !!

**LEEVON** · 06-01-2010, 02:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 67cheby

thats awesome.....although there is an awful lot of dust on the hood of the blue truck...shame on you !!

I know it's aweful but we're having an argument about leaks and she just won't give in.

The engine has about 2K miles and the trans about 500 miles but both are leaking I guess from lack of use. I replaced seals, gaskets, the rear main a couple of months ago and fired her up and....more leaks. So there she sits.

On a happy note, it is very apparent that the 5.3L oil pan is way too low in the '50 frame so I went in search of an LS1 pan figuring it would cost me another $2-300 for everything. Then I got in touch with a local guy who says I can have his for $20

so that kind of made my day!

**67cheby** · 06-01-2010, 03:06 PM

Score !!!

**CHIZZLER** · 06-02-2010, 12:26 AM

What axle are you using in the back.you going to a 4 link with bags.what brand.

**CHIZZLER** · 06-02-2010, 12:45 AM

Opened my mouth to soon.i am also thinking about using the rear suspension from a spare 63 pickup i have.keep us posted.front kit looks great.

**LEEVON** · 06-02-2010, 10:05 AM

That's alright, I'll have some more pics of the trailing arms soon to show how easy it really is. The rear end is a '79 camaro z28 3.42 posi, 8.5 ring gear. Cost me about $250 and they're about 61" wide.

solidaxel · 06-02-2010, 10:23 AM

I don't here any engine noises between shifts !!!!

I have a 61 2door BelAir I will trade you for that "old" truck that is making a mess of your garage floor!

hotrodsbyray · 06-02-2010, 05:23 PM

I am thinking of using the trailing arm suspension also. I thought about getting the used parts locally then using a CPP coil-over spring kit instead of airbags or original coils. From your measurements do you think that would work or do you think it would require a notch.

Keep up the great work!

**LEEVON** · 06-02-2010, 10:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by solidaxel

I don't here any engine noises between shifts !!!!

I have a 61 2door BelAir I will trade you for that "old" truck that is making a mess of your garage floor!

Don't tempt me!!! Good thing your across the country!

Quote:

Originally Posted by hotrodsbyray

I am thinking of using the trailing arm suspension also. I thought about getting the used parts locally then using a CPP coil-over spring kit instead of airbags or original coils. From your measurements do you think that would work or do you think it would require a notch.

Keep up the great work!

I say go for it. I haven't fabbed bag mounts yet but I can tell you the coil spring locations are farther inward and don't fall right under the frame rails on these trucks. If you're comfortable fabbing some mounts it's very doable though for cheap. Coil overs would be nice and eliminate the extra shock mounts.

Thanks!

mylow53 · 06-03-2010, 05:38 PM

love what your doing there with your frame. i was wondering if you could tell me more about your sway bar up front. i have the same setup up front so i hope it tranzlates
GT

**LEEVON** · 06-03-2010, 07:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mylow53

love what your doing there with your frame. i was wondering if you could tell me more about your sway bar up front. i have the same setup up front so i hope it tranzlates
GT

Thanks! I'll get some better pics for you but I think it is supposed to go on top of the lower control arm instead of on bottom. As long as it doesn't interfere with the bags I'll move it. If you're retrofitting they're pretty simple I think you will just have to drill 2 holes on each side of the x-member and 1 in each lower arm.

I picked up an LS1 oil pan today and met another very nice car guy! He also threw in a bunch of usable parts, enough to convert to f-body accessories if I want to. I've met some great people buying, selling and trading parts on Craigslist of all places. Bill if you read this, thanks again!

Here's a little preview. The door graphic was borrowed from a very nice truck on the board, hope the owner doesn't mind and the wheels won't have center caps but they will be blue...you get the idea!

**CHIZZLER** · 06-03-2010, 09:37 PM

That looks awesome. I love the one piece windows. Any updates on the trailing arm rear. Looking forward to pics.

solidaxel · 06-03-2010, 11:49 PM

[QUOTE=LEEVON;4010889]Don't tempt me!!! Good thing your across the country!

I will drive the 61 half way and meet you !!!!!!!

**LEEVON** · 06-04-2010, 12:03 AM

It feels like I'm going soooo slow but I feel better when I take pics. I managed to get the rear suspension blasted yesterday, then painted and fit-up tonight. I attached some pics so you can see what I did. Basically just chopped the ends off the x-member and welded to some channels.

Right now it does not go as low as I want, mainly because the u-bolts are right under the notch. I think with a couple adjustments and maybe some 2" blocks I can get it close though. I'm pondering where to place the bags and shocks right now too.

The white walls came in tonight, my boy Tanner was digging them big time. I'm actually building the truck for him, hoping that he catches the bug. At first he wasn't into it much and now he wants to know about everything I do and how soon I can take him to school in it.

He's even made a couple of cool suggestions.

**CHIZZLER** · 06-04-2010, 12:32 AM

Suspension looks killer. What height do you think running boards will be sitting at aired out.

**LEEVON** · 06-04-2010, 12:43 AM

right now it looks like about 4" which is waaay higher than I planned. I've got to sleep on it but right now I'm not sure what to do. Any ideas?

**CHIZZLER** · 06-04-2010, 01:07 AM

It would be a lot of work to do a body drop. Do you have any room to cut some out of your air bag cups up front.sounds like your already up into yout notch in the back.bigger notch with blocks? Theres allways a way. It will come to you when you sleep.

**67cheby** · 06-04-2010, 09:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LEEVON

right now it looks like about 4" which is waaay higher than I planned. I've got to sleep on it but right now I'm not sure what to do. Any ideas?

yes i have an idea...... LAY IT OUT !!!! CUT CUT CUT WELD WELD WELD

05-17-2010, 09:34 AM	#76
67cheby 67cheby Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: siloam springs ar 72761 Posts: 17,890	Re: Project "Popeye" if you keep posting pics of working on your truck barefoot , they are going to know we are from Arkansas !! __________________ Check out Slosh Tubz, bolt-in inner fenders for frame laying C-10's Slosh Tubz Introductory Price $559 67 Cheby's Dropmember Build Thread Slosh Tubz on Facebook http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=554172

05-30-2010, 11:45 PM	#77
LEEVON Moderator Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Ozark, MO Posts: 4,888	Re: Project "Popeye" Another boring frame update, doesn't look like much in the pics but it sure seems like alot of work. I would have gotten further today but I had a really big beer last night and it took me awhile to get going. I have finished the trailing arm fabrication and the arms and crossmember are going to the blaster this week. I added 3" cut-outs in the crossmember for exhaust routing. I also finished the Mustang II install and boxed/notched the rear end. I've waited 4 weeks for CPP to send the correct boxing plates after they sent the wrong ones but couldn't wait any longer so I made my own. Unfortunately I had to cut them out of a full 4x8 sheet of plate. I also had to go on a mission for $15 worth of hardware that was missing for the front shocks. Minor annoyances but when you spend the big bucks it's because you don't want to be annoyed. All that's left on the chassis is to fit the engine, rear bags/shocks and brakes. Tires and wheels should be here any day. __________________ '20 Silverado Trail Boss ~ '17 Tahoe ~ '79 K15 Sierra Grande ~ '76 Blazer 2wd ~ '71 Cheyenne swb ~ '55 Pontiac Safari ~'50 3100 bagged ~ '80 Wife ~ Late model kids

05-31-2010, 11:59 AM	#78
bjcaldwe Registered User Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: OKC, OK Posts: 1,169	Re: Project "Popeye" It is really coming together. What notch is that? __________________ My AD Truck Build Thread 52 GMC one day laying on the running boards 2004 Chevy Crewcab. 3/5 and notched

05-31-2010, 08:28 PM	#80
LEEVON Moderator Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Ozark, MO Posts: 4,888	Re: Project "Popeye" Went for a drive today, I think Tanner is gettting the hang of the clutch! __________________ '20 Silverado Trail Boss ~ '17 Tahoe ~ '79 K15 Sierra Grande ~ '76 Blazer 2wd ~ '71 Cheyenne swb ~ '55 Pontiac Safari ~'50 3100 bagged ~ '80 Wife ~ Late model kids Last edited by LEEVON; 05-31-2010 at 08:30 PM.

05-31-2010, 08:39 PM	#81
54 jimmy Registered User Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: pittston,PA Posts: 1,184	Re: Project "Popeye" good thing he was the designated driver. we wouldn't want you to wreck it befor it is finished __________________ There is nothing you can't fix with a BFH or a FIRE WRENCH. 1997 chevy k1500 ext cab z71 (daily driver) sold 1996 chevy k1500 reg cab 4x4(daily driver)totaled 2008jeep patriot (wife's daily driver 2008 chevy 1500 ext cab 4x4 sold 2011 chevy 1500 crew cab ltz (daily driver) 1996 chevy 1500 reg cab 4x4 project sold 2006 pontiac grand prix gxp (daily work commuter)

05-31-2010, 08:43 PM	#82
LEEVON Moderator Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Ozark, MO Posts: 4,888	Re: Project "Popeye" That's how my wife learned to drive stick too. __________________ '20 Silverado Trail Boss ~ '17 Tahoe ~ '79 K15 Sierra Grande ~ '76 Blazer 2wd ~ '71 Cheyenne swb ~ '55 Pontiac Safari ~'50 3100 bagged ~ '80 Wife ~ Late model kids Last edited by LEEVON; 05-31-2010 at 08:44 PM.

06-01-2010, 09:30 AM	#83
67cheby 67cheby Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: siloam springs ar 72761 Posts: 17,890	Re: Project "Popeye" thats awesome.....although there is an awful lot of dust on the hood of the blue truck...shame on you !! __________________ Check out Slosh Tubz, bolt-in inner fenders for frame laying C-10's Slosh Tubz Introductory Price $559 67 Cheby's Dropmember Build Thread Slosh Tubz on Facebook http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=554172

06-01-2010, 03:06 PM	#85
67cheby 67cheby Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: siloam springs ar 72761 Posts: 17,890	Re: Project "Popeye" Score !!! __________________ Check out Slosh Tubz, bolt-in inner fenders for frame laying C-10's Slosh Tubz Introductory Price $559 67 Cheby's Dropmember Build Thread Slosh Tubz on Facebook http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=554172

06-02-2010, 12:26 AM	#86
CHIZZLER SAVING ONE TRUCK AT A TIME Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: sherwood oregon Posts: 1,141	Re: Project "Popeye" What axle are you using in the back.you going to a 4 link with bags.what brand. __________________ 53-suburban (99% done) 40-pick up (99.9% done) 12-cc lb dually D-max (dd) 61-crew cab D-max "PAY LESS FOR WHAT YOU NEED PAY MORE FOR WHAT YOU WANT" 53 BURBAN BARN FIND:http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=404091 1940 PROJECT MOON SHINE:http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=551088 1961 CREW MAX: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s....php?p=6957999

06-02-2010, 12:45 AM	#87
CHIZZLER SAVING ONE TRUCK AT A TIME Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: sherwood oregon Posts: 1,141	Re: Project "Popeye" Opened my mouth to soon.i am also thinking about using the rear suspension from a spare 63 pickup i have.keep us posted.front kit looks great. __________________ 53-suburban (99% done) 40-pick up (99.9% done) 12-cc lb dually D-max (dd) 61-crew cab D-max "PAY LESS FOR WHAT YOU NEED PAY MORE FOR WHAT YOU WANT" 53 BURBAN BARN FIND:http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=404091 1940 PROJECT MOON SHINE:http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=551088 1961 CREW MAX: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s....php?p=6957999

06-02-2010, 10:05 AM	#88
LEEVON Moderator Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Ozark, MO Posts: 4,888	Re: Project "Popeye" That's alright, I'll have some more pics of the trailing arms soon to show how easy it really is. The rear end is a '79 camaro z28 3.42 posi, 8.5 ring gear. Cost me about $250 and they're about 61" wide. __________________ '20 Silverado Trail Boss ~ '17 Tahoe ~ '79 K15 Sierra Grande ~ '76 Blazer 2wd ~ '71 Cheyenne swb ~ '55 Pontiac Safari ~'50 3100 bagged ~ '80 Wife ~ Late model kids Last edited by LEEVON; 06-02-2010 at 10:06 AM.

06-02-2010, 10:23 AM	#89
solidaxel Registered User Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: Cactus Patch So. Az Posts: 4,749	Re: Project "Popeye" I don't here any engine noises between shifts !!!! I have a 61 2door BelAir I will trade you for that "old" truck that is making a mess of your garage floor! Attached Images __________________ 53 TuTone Extended Cab 350 4-Spd 3:08 (SOLD) 53 Chevy Moldy pearl green ZZ-4 4L60E 9" 3:25 55 GMC 1st Black Mll (ZZ4) ZZ6 TKO 600 5 sp 3:73 62 Solidaxle Corvette Roman Red (327 340hp 4spd 3:36) C4 & C5 suspension tube chassis LS 3 4L70E 65 Corvette Coupe 327 350hp 4spd 4:11 78 Black Silverado SWB (350/350) 5.3 & 4L60E 3:42 2000 S-Type 3.0 (wife cruiser) 2003 GMC SCSB 5.3 4L60E 3:42

06-02-2010, 05:23 PM	#90
hotrodsbyray Registered User Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: TN Posts: 164	Re: Project "Popeye" I am thinking of using the trailing arm suspension also. I thought about getting the used parts locally then using a CPP coil-over spring kit instead of airbags or original coils. From your measurements do you think that would work or do you think it would require a notch. Keep up the great work!

06-03-2010, 05:38 PM	#92
mylow53 Registered User Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: thousand oaks, California Posts: 732	Re: Project "Popeye" love what your doing there with your frame. i was wondering if you could tell me more about your sway bar up front. i have the same setup up front so i hope it tranzlates GT __________________ Greg 1953 chevy 1/2 ton 5 window, chevy 350 330 horse 700r tranz, lowering spindels mustang 2 frount. ford 9", airbags on 4 corners . purchased in 1983 for $325 while in high school http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...=215079&page=5

06-03-2010, 09:37 PM	#94
CHIZZLER SAVING ONE TRUCK AT A TIME Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: sherwood oregon Posts: 1,141	Re: Project "Popeye" That looks awesome. I love the one piece windows. Any updates on the trailing arm rear. Looking forward to pics. __________________ 53-suburban (99% done) 40-pick up (99.9% done) 12-cc lb dually D-max (dd) 61-crew cab D-max "PAY LESS FOR WHAT YOU NEED PAY MORE FOR WHAT YOU WANT" 53 BURBAN BARN FIND:http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=404091 1940 PROJECT MOON SHINE:http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=551088 1961 CREW MAX: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s....php?p=6957999



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06-03-2010, 11:49 PM	#95
solidaxel Registered User Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: Cactus Patch So. Az Posts: 4,749	Re: Project "Popeye" [QUOTE=LEEVON;4010889]Don't tempt me!!! Good thing your across the country! I will drive the 61 half way and meet you !!!!!!! __________________ 53 TuTone Extended Cab 350 4-Spd 3:08 (SOLD) 53 Chevy Moldy pearl green ZZ-4 4L60E 9" 3:25 55 GMC 1st Black Mll (ZZ4) ZZ6 TKO 600 5 sp 3:73 62 Solidaxle Corvette Roman Red (327 340hp 4spd 3:36) C4 & C5 suspension tube chassis LS 3 4L70E 65 Corvette Coupe 327 350hp 4spd 4:11 78 Black Silverado SWB (350/350) 5.3 & 4L60E 3:42 2000 S-Type 3.0 (wife cruiser) 2003 GMC SCSB 5.3 4L60E 3:42

06-04-2010, 12:03 AM	#96
LEEVON Moderator Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Ozark, MO Posts: 4,888	Re: Project "Popeye" It feels like I'm going soooo slow but I feel better when I take pics. I managed to get the rear suspension blasted yesterday, then painted and fit-up tonight. I attached some pics so you can see what I did. Basically just chopped the ends off the x-member and welded to some channels. Right now it does not go as low as I want, mainly because the u-bolts are right under the notch. I think with a couple adjustments and maybe some 2" blocks I can get it close though. I'm pondering where to place the bags and shocks right now too. The white walls came in tonight, my boy Tanner was digging them big time. I'm actually building the truck for him, hoping that he catches the bug. At first he wasn't into it much and now he wants to know about everything I do and how soon I can take him to school in it. He's even made a couple of cool suggestions. __________________ '20 Silverado Trail Boss ~ '17 Tahoe ~ '79 K15 Sierra Grande ~ '76 Blazer 2wd ~ '71 Cheyenne swb ~ '55 Pontiac Safari ~'50 3100 bagged ~ '80 Wife ~ Late model kids Last edited by LEEVON; 06-04-2010 at 12:04 AM.

06-04-2010, 12:32 AM	#97
CHIZZLER SAVING ONE TRUCK AT A TIME Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: sherwood oregon Posts: 1,141	Re: Project "Popeye" Suspension looks killer. What height do you think running boards will be sitting at aired out. __________________ 53-suburban (99% done) 40-pick up (99.9% done) 12-cc lb dually D-max (dd) 61-crew cab D-max "PAY LESS FOR WHAT YOU NEED PAY MORE FOR WHAT YOU WANT" 53 BURBAN BARN FIND:http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=404091 1940 PROJECT MOON SHINE:http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=551088 1961 CREW MAX: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s....php?p=6957999

06-04-2010, 12:43 AM	#98
LEEVON Moderator Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Ozark, MO Posts: 4,888	Re: Project "Popeye" right now it looks like about 4" which is waaay higher than I planned. I've got to sleep on it but right now I'm not sure what to do. Any ideas? __________________ '20 Silverado Trail Boss ~ '17 Tahoe ~ '79 K15 Sierra Grande ~ '76 Blazer 2wd ~ '71 Cheyenne swb ~ '55 Pontiac Safari ~'50 3100 bagged ~ '80 Wife ~ Late model kids

06-04-2010, 01:07 AM	#99
CHIZZLER SAVING ONE TRUCK AT A TIME Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: sherwood oregon Posts: 1,141	Re: Project "Popeye" It would be a lot of work to do a body drop. Do you have any room to cut some out of your air bag cups up front.sounds like your already up into yout notch in the back.bigger notch with blocks? Theres allways a way. It will come to you when you sleep. __________________ 53-suburban (99% done) 40-pick up (99.9% done) 12-cc lb dually D-max (dd) 61-crew cab D-max "PAY LESS FOR WHAT YOU NEED PAY MORE FOR WHAT YOU WANT" 53 BURBAN BARN FIND:http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=404091 1940 PROJECT MOON SHINE:http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=551088 1961 CREW MAX: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s....php?p=6957999

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