Hotrodelrods 54 build

[hotrodelrod]

Originally Posted by ChuckDriver

You can also check my thread to see how I did mine. Starts on page 10, post #246.

Post your pic's!

How do you make the flange? Those look real nice!

Rick

[ChuckDriver]

A good friend made them for me with a shrinker/stretcher.

[crakarjax]

Hey Rick, I was looking at that same center section! The trans mount looks funky to me though, does it seem like it will hold up? Any clearance issues? Looks like a great low cost alternative to a PB center section!

[InvalidConflict]

Awesome build man!

[Donnie Lee]

Just found your build & will be following along, I wish my son & I could make the progress you have.

[ptc]

Rick where are You? ---- missing your build updates!

[hotrodelrod]

Well, its that time of year again where work slows and I get the time to pick back up on the truck. Not much has changed since last year. I have gathered some parts and am thinking about changing direction with regards to powertrain. Originally I liked the idea of a gen 1 SBC roots blower set up that would take me back to the days of high school. Recently I started exploring the idea of GMs GM Performance LS3 480 HP Connect & Cruise Package Engine. There are $800 in rebates through year end and I believe I would get much more use/drive ability out of this package. Also, by the time a buy the heads, supercharger, carbs, etc. for my 406 shortblock the cost is negligible. Turning 50 this year must have changed my way of thinking! lol. As for the parts I've gathered (mostly sheetmetal) I picked up the recessed firewall, core support, inner fenders, and floors from Absolute sheetmetal. Nice folks there. I guess thats it, time to get started again! Happy Holidays to all!

[iowaboynca]

are you thinking full drivetrain or just the motor? If the budget allows may want to add the trans as well, so then hopefully everything is plug n play.

[Advanced Design]

Welcome back Rick! I like the connect and cruise idea and am looking forward to updates.

[hotrodelrod]

Originally Posted by iowaboynca

are you thinking full drivetrain or just the motor? If the budget allows may want to add the trans as well, so then hopefully everything is plug n play.

Was thinking of the complete package. Might also look at "take outs, drop outs," or whatever there called.

[hotrodelrod]

Originally Posted by Advanced Design

Welcome back Rick! I like the connect and cruise idea and am looking forward to updates.

Thanks Doug, good to be back! I hope all has been well for you and yours! Like the peanut gallery setup in your shop! lol All that is missing is a tv and recliner.

[hotrodelrod]

Originally Posted by crakarjax

Hey Rick, I was looking at that same center section! The trans mount looks funky to me though, does it seem like it will hold up? Any clearance issues? Looks like a great low cost alternative to a PB center section!

Crakarjax,

I have not mounted an engine /trans to it yet but I see no reason why I wouldn't like it. Should function very well as far as far as I can tell.

[hotrodelrod]

Earlier in my build I had an issue. I am using a 99 Explorer rear with 4.5 bolt pattern and the front clip is a Metric GBody with a 4.75 bolt pattern. I already had a set of wheels and tires from a 66 Coronet convertible I sold and they were like new with a 4.5 bolt pattern. I was trying to find a "easy" solution but kept running into dead ends. So I ponied up and bought the Wilwood kit with everything I needed to make it work. All that was required was to cut the ears off of the Gbody spindles and drill/tap the dust cover holes to accept the new caliper mount. Wilwood makes nice stuff. Problem solved.


http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/a...1&d=1483197551

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/a...1&d=1483197551

[RockinKees]

Looks good.
Nice wheels!!

[hotrodelrod]

I decided on a complete dropout from a 2011 Camaro SS with 31k miles. I wanted a true LS3 (430hp) and an automatic trans but GM never offered this. If you wanted the auto trans. you got the L99 (400hp) with the variable valve timing etc. I did not want that. I found a guy who salvages many of these Camaros, GTOs etc. and he sold me a true LS3 from 1 car, and a 6l80e 6 speed auto from another car. Package comes with computer, shifter, gas pedal, etc.
I then called Jeremy at PSI Conversions in New Jersey and he assured me they can sell me a harness to make everything work together. While waiting on the engine/trans to get here I figured I would set the cab on the frame and start figuring out how to mount it, the new core support, inner fenders, etc. since I made no notes when tearing everything apart. I even went as far as boxing the frame and welding up most holes, including where the rear cab shackle mounts bolt to the frame! Never was a good planner.

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/a...1&d=1483198820

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/a...1&d=1483198820

[hotrodelrod]

This brings me to a few questions.
1) Do most of you use the rear cab shackles for mounting cab to frame?
2) Up front where the cab floor mounts to the frame outriggers do you modify this mount at all? Not sure a long bolt through the floor seems all that great.
3) Are there any bushings or pads used between the frame and the cab?
4) Any tips on locating the new core support? Of course I took no measurements here either!

Thanks for your help!

Rick

[hotrodelrod]

Originally Posted by RockinKees

Looks good.
Nice wheels!!

Thanks Kees!

[Advanced Design]

Originally Posted by hotrodelrod

This brings me to a few questions.
1) Do most of you use the rear cab shackles for mounting cab to frame?
2) Up front where the cab floor mounts to the frame outriggers do you modify this mount at all? Not sure a long bolt through the floor seems all that great.
3) Are there any bushings or pads used between the frame and the cab?
4) Any tips on locating the new core support? Of course I took no measurements here either!

Thanks for your help!

Rick

Hope this helps. You chassis is looking good!
1- I did on my black truck.
2 - No, I use it as is.
3- Yes, you can buy them though I am cutting up a truck mud flap for the pads.
4- install cab on frame square. Loosely attach front fenders, inner fenders and radiator support in front of cab with radiator support on a support (bottle jack with board, or hanging from a cherry picker) and adjust up down sideways for alignment. Tighten attachment bolts as you get closer to where the radiator support needs to be. Build a crossmember under the radiator support. Be sure to include fore and aft adjustment.

Probably a better way out there....just my thoughts.

[hotrodelrod]

Thanks Doug! Can always count on you for help. Happy 2017 to you and your family!

Rick

[Advanced Design]

Originally Posted by hotrodelrod

Thanks Doug! Can always count on you for help. Happy 2017 to you and your family!

Rick

Same to you and yours Rick!

[MIKESAD50]

Very cool build. Like the garage, wish i had a garage like that. will continue to watch your build.

[hotrodelrod]

Started trying to figure out the core support so that I can move on to floors, firewall, and inner fenders. What a pita! lol Lots of trial and error.I can't imagine trying to attach a painted front clip without doing damage!

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/a...1&d=1483658787

I think everything is lined up pretty well so I can secure core support in place. Heres a pic with front end in place.

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/a...1&d=1483659434

[Advanced Design]

Good work Rick. Front is coming together.

[iowaboynca]

Stance is starting to look nice!

[hotrodelrod]

Originally Posted by iowaboynca

Stance is starting to look nice!

Thanks!