Fiftee3's suspension & bagging project

[hillshooter]

Digging the build. I too am at the air management point of my build. Still need to get shocks for mine, what shocks did you use up front and back?

[Fiftee3]

Thanks guys. I think when I get around to re painting the interior, it will look pretty good.

Shooter: I used these up front...
http://www.jwrodgarage.com/catalog-o...nt-suspension/
The front shock kit with mounts. I also used their IFS, but that really shouldn't matter. Rears, I used a Monroe part number. I lowered body all the way, measured, then raised to ride height, measured. You need to find a shock that has the correct travel for where you decide to mount.
You need enough travel so when aired out your not sitting on a bottomed shock.
Hope that helps... Enjoy, and good luck! You are in the right place to search tons of great info. Everyone on here is great, best of all, love doing what we are doing now!

[hillshooter]

If you have FB you can check out my "1951 GMC 150 Long Bed Build Page". And thanks for the info on the shocks.

[Fiftee3]

Hello all, still moving along slowly...
Got the front clip back on, sits nice at ride height shown here. Actually will probably be about 1-1.5 inches higher...



Made a template and traced onto a 2x4 sheet of 1/8 Aluminum. Mounted with 5 bolts thru firewall. Sits 1/2" off, hides holes, wires and the look of the old firewall. Bought some chrome nuts and washers to mount. Used a round wizz wheel scrungie by hand to burnish many circles, then polished. Overall, I like it...
Oh, also got my new aluminum radiator in there to...

[Fiftee3]

Here' the radiator, going out today to get hoses...



Also got the rear bed mounted. On hinges to tilt up to see, and work on...

[Fiftee3]

Gauges are coming along. Some cheapo Bosch ones, Autometer speedo and Fuel...

[Fiftee3]

Lastly, I know the purist's on this site won't like this, but I have a question.
Am thinking of chopping my hood on the sides to make a kinda removable panel on each side. Like an old coupe if you will. My drawing in the paint program is not steady, but something like this...



The hood metal seems pretty thick. Question is, when removed, do you think this will be too weak? Want to make some vertically louvered panels to mount in there. With 4 twist type fasteners on the inside...I know, this is probably stupid, but would be different...be gentle guys!

[Fiftee3]

Sorry, that fist post has wrong picture...Here's the ride height pic...

[gabbin]

That's just *****in' great job so far!

[Fiftee3]

Thanks! I just wish I had the know how, or the patience to do sheet metal body work. A lot here are amazing!
This past weekend I am finally sitting on air all around. No leaks. Airs up and down perfect. Need to do wiring harness and Lokar e brake cables and I'm done!
Going to leather the bucket seats next year. May go a different route. So no hurry. I will post more pictures soon.
One thing I learned... They say put front end on to check where front crossmember goes. I measured over and over, then welded. I don't have a lot/ any help so I didn't put front clip on. Turns out my front wheels are a little more foreward than I might have liked, but overall, I'm happy. I gave plenty of turning with no rubbing. I would tell anyone to put front clip back to check fitment.
Looking foreward to my 1st ride!!! Well, 1st ride sice upgrades!!!

[lower50's]

Great job you will be driving soon. Having no leaks is a great piece of mind.

[gigamanx]

Holes in the hood would be unique. I would imagine some bracing would be necessary, but there is plenty of room in an engine bay that clean! Are you legal if you just drive with no hood sometimes?

Bagging my own build someday, subscribing to see what you think of the ride. What's your ride height at the moment and what kit did you decide on?

[Fiftee3]

Final Post on this Thread!

So, I am done!!! Are we ever? Not really, but for now. So, Im back on the road.
235, dual carbs, T5, F*** 323 rear end.
Runs, TERRIFIC!!! So pleased with how air bags ride. Must have done something right. Have heard horror stories.Tracks straight, no bump steer. Airs out on frame. Seems like you never hear the final outcome. So many start these projects and never finish. I thought I was going to report bad news, but SOOO happy. I will answer any questions thru PM if anyone has questions. Here's some final pix...

[Fiftee3]

Thanks everyone, for watching, adding, commenting, and just being into what I, and we, are all into...These AWESOME trucks!!!

[oldman3]

Truck turned out great, thanks for taking us along...Jim

[MIKESAD50]

Very Nice, Enjoy

[Advanced Design]

Congratulations, truck looks great!

[iowaboynca]

Konga Ratz!

[joedoh]

gorgeous!

[Desert1957]

Real nice build, Great job.

[ChuckDriver]

Great looking truck!

[Dan in Pasadena]

I agree with everyone - truly a good looking truck.

May ? ask?: Is that galvanized pipe for your shift lever? What's the story behind its use?

[Fiftee3]

Thanks all of you! Most all of you have been with me since my first post.

I realize my build is/was not as complex as most here. I hate body work! Probably could do it, pretty good to, just don't have time or patience. Mine was frame/suspension oriented. And wiring harness, gauges, some paint etc.
I will say, most of us probably don't have a planned budget, or, if we do, it's not correct. Many trips to the hardware store for nuts, bolts, rattle paint, tie wraps, clamps etc add up! I tried to add everything I spent since my first post here, and the truck was fine then! Just under 10,000!!! Of course, it's over a time period so it doesn't seem like much. Best advise here...Don't tell your wives, Lie, send packages to friends house!!! Ha Ha...
But really, thanks all...

And yes, Dan, It is pipe...I know, but I wanted that Big Elvis mic in there real bad. Got it to work great and everyone loves it. Going to have a piece of round stock made and maybe chromed when I'm ready. Need to get a shorter throe shifter for the T5 also. Until then, it works great!

[lower50's]

Very nice congrats on the good ride. Now drive it and enjoy it!!!