56 pro touring build

[hotrod1]

here is the end cap of the rear of the frame. Strong enough to protect that tank. Overkill yes, but better that than sorry.

[butchp]

Originally Posted by hotrod1

We have a 21 gal tank that sits in the back to help distribute weight. It slides in from the back. Wanted to make sure that it is protected from steep driveways so we build nerf bars to drag before the tank. Not an easy thing to bend a bar to match up with the frame tubes. You have to be right on. Scrapped a couple of pieces getting them correct.

What tank is that?

[hotrod1]

Originally Posted by butchp

What tank is that?

It is from No Limit Engineering. Rob does a great job. In fact, I have to bring it back because I need to update it with an internal pump. I did not consider that before initially ordering it. http://www.nolimitparts.com/

[hotrod1]

Well, its been a while. Been too busy to do much. Finally, we had some time.

Went to mount the bed and found that the passenger side was lower than the drivers side. The back part of the frame was the culprit. Tried to straighten it. Wasted a lot of time and effort. Got to a place where we just cut it off and got rid of it; both sides. Built a new back part of the frame. What a difference working with new and straight metal. That 57 year old frame has been fighting us from the beginning. The new stuff went so smooth, predictable, and nice to work with. If we had to do it all over again, would have started from scratch and thrown the old frame away. I know like it looks like it would save you time starting with one, but it does not. It just frustrates you and nothing really works well. It also has years and years of oil soaked into the metal which does not weld that good.

So here is what we came up with. The cross member has a cut out for the nascar style sway bar. We also like speed holes as you can see. Reduces weight and strengthens.

Still needs to be welded up.

[Kim57]

Looking good. I think the holes are a nice touch.
Kim

[hotrod1]

Thanks for the look.

I like lightening holes. The weight of the plugs compensates for all the tubing that we have back there. Just kidding. We are trying to achieve the proper weight balance for the vehicle (50% front, 50% back) for handling. I imagine that we would have had to add weight to the back anyways to achieve this as trucks do not have a good amount of weight back there. We are going to move the motor back 3 1/2 inches and try to get it lower as well. After all the nonsense in the back is done and the cage is complete, we will be recessing the firewall for the engine accommodation.

[69CST-V]

Nice work. Great progress.

[Fleet '66]

Pretty Amazing build! Subscribed.

[hotrod1]

Built some pillow blocks for the rear 3 piece sway bar.

[hotrod1]

Got the blocks all finished and mounted, bar ends all aligned, and links made.

[69CST-V]

Any updates?

[hotrod1]

Still trying to figure out how to mount the bed without using cross sills. Not going to be putting any wood or metal down on the floor of the bed. It will be open. Want to do something different. In addition, may be doing something a little different with the tubs as well.

Any ideas? Want opinions.

[BC Toy chest]

Maybe these pictures might help. Just an idea.

[BC Toy chest]

Just an idea.

[hotrod1]

BC Toy Chest: Pictures like that always help. They put a smile on my face. Beautiful! Thanks.

[chevyrestoguy]

It's been awhile since I've looked at this build, and I have to say that it's looking awesome! Nice fab work!

One option on mounting the bed would be to build mounts off of the frame common to the four corners of the bed and use a biscuit-style mount similar to a cab mount. Maybe build some slick 90 degree angle gussets on each corner of the bed with some cool lightening holes in them like you did on your frame. I'm thinking of a similar design when it's time to mount my bed. My air-ride stuff and cantilever arms have taken up all of the area where the original cross-sills used to be, and there's no good way to even try to make the cross-sills work. You have all that awesome chassis work back there, and it would be a real shame to cover it all up!
Alex

[hotrodrookie]

The work is looking great. Could you give some more details on the rear sway bar?

[69CST-V]

hotrod1......you could try triangulating the corners with a shear plate to make the bed rigid, then you could place your mounts alone the bottom edge where they would fit. Just an idea.

[hotrod1]

Thanks Chevyresoguy and 69-cts-v. I appreciate it. Hey 69 cts-v, do you have a build on this site? I want to see it.

BC Toy Chest: Do u have any more picts of that gray truck? I want to see more, way more. It is something. I have seen ironworks, and they are over the top.

[69CST-V]

[QUOTE=hotrod1;4911259]Thanks Chevyresoguy and 69-cts-v. I appreciate it. Hey 69 cts-v, do you have a build on this site? I want to see it.

Which truck are you wanting to see? I have pictures of all my builds. I just haven't got into the hole daily build posting thing.

Let me know what you're looking for and I will post a picture if I have a good one.

[hotrod1]

Just looking at the one in you avitar get me going. I like anything that is cool. I especially like metal fab or anything out of the ordinary.

[69CST-V]

Originally Posted by hotrod1

Just looking at the one in you avitar get me going. I like anything that is cool. I especially like metal fab or anything out of the ordinary.

I have a small album started in my profile that needs updated. I'll see if I can find something for ya. LOL

[Kim57]

The frame is looking real nice.
Kim

[Kabwe]

Looking good, looking really good.

[69CST-V]

Any updates?