Matt's 56 3600 4X4 Build

[mvitale27]

Originally Posted by dsraven

when I did my hinges I took a pic to remember how they look, then dissassembled, sandblasted, welded up a few really oblong holes, drilled the holes to accept a common pin and bushing set, then primed and assembled. you really need to watch the pin and bushing set because they can be a poor fit from new. maybe better to find a tight fitting bushing and pin then ream them after they are installed.

I had a spare cab that was bent badly so I cut the eyebrow out of it and welded it into the cab I am using. the eyebrow part wasn't available at that time. not sure about now. drill through the spot welds and be aware there is lead filler on each corner at the top of the A pillar. I cut the inner panel and outer panel out and installed as a unit. there are also reinforcements in the cab corners in that area on each side so be careful of what you cut into there. they are around the visor mount holes and you will likely see the spot welds from the inside.

I havent been able to find a donor cab or a better cab. The only reproduction panels I can find are the entire outer roof shell and the entire inner roof. I'm yet to find a patch for the area both you and I require repairs of. Yours looks like it came out great.

[dsraven]

https://www.rustrepair.com/LOWER-OUT...UP-505590B.HTM

[mvitale27]

Originally Posted by dsraven

https://www.rustrepair.com/LOWER-OUT...UP-505590B.HTM

Im going to have to order that ASAP. My buddy from work is coming by tonight to start helping with metal work.

[mvitale27]

they also have the patch for the upper inner roof and the lower door hinge pockets that I need. $300 to my door in 2 days isn't bad at all

[dsraven]

aint it nice when a plan comes together?
check that hinge pillar closely, they usually rust more than a single part down there. mine was totally rusted out but looked sorta solid until I started shakin things out. solid now.

[dsraven]

there is an inner part,seen from inside with the door open https://www.classicindustries.com/pr...ts/t70968.html

there is an outer part, seen from outside with the fender off, the hinge bolt goes through it
https://www.classicindustries.com/pr...ts/cx1822.html

there is a filler part underneath that connects the two parts https://www.classicindustries.com/pr...ts/t70994.html

there is a front fender mount lower bracket that also attaches to the outer lower part https://www.classicindustries.com/pr...ts/t70921.html

gonna need some weld through primer as well

hope you got everything you need before the welder dude shows up.

[mvitale27]

Originally Posted by dsraven

there is an inner part,seen from inside with the door open https://www.classicindustries.com/pr...ts/t70968.html

there is an outer part, seen from outside with the fender off, the hinge bolt goes through it
https://www.classicindustries.com/pr...ts/cx1822.html

there is a filler part underneath that connects the two parts https://www.classicindustries.com/pr...ts/t70994.html

there is a front fender mount lower bracket that also attaches to the outer lower part https://www.classicindustries.com/pr...ts/t70921.html

gonna need some weld through primer as well

hope you got everything you need before the welder dude shows up.

I have the last 3 pieces for each side. I just need the first piece for each side, or the "face". I also have both front floor pan halves and both front cab mount supports. Also need the 2 roof panels mentioned above and rear cab corners.

In the meantime I have dissassmbled the bed. I have about 3/4 workable sides front panel and tailgate. All crossmembers good. Angle iron, wood, and sheetmetal welded on all sides was a nightmare. Ill post pics tomorrow.

[mvitale27]

[mvitale27]

[mvitale27]

Had to put a new filter seal in my 700r4. Painted the pan while I was at it. Thats sealed up for the last time. Shift kit installed and upgraded internals like the "beast" drum. I rebuilt it years ago when I was a student at NEIT. 2400 b&M stall converter. T-case getting installed next while I wait on fab work.

Also... heres a pic of my new k04-20 turbo for my mkIV GTI daily.

[mvitale27]

My buddy from work at Hurd Chevy came by today to look at the metal work to be done. We are going to start with the floors, then move to the hinge pockets.

Going to install my t-case today.

[mvitale27]

Threw the t-case up with a new gasket and bolts (3/8"-16x1.25 if you're wondering). I'm worried about front driveshaft clearance with the type on trans crossmember I'm using.

[mvitale27]

Also posted this in boxer's 4x4 steering thread, but does anyone know where the steering box from this ecklers kit mounts?\

[6BT 56]

I have used both systems in my build . Used a stock position non power box to a Dana 44 with a raised arm on it . Was a bear to stear but did work ok. I now have a dodge box , same as gm mounted up front . I followed Orri g's thread . He did this 20 years ago. I must admit tho I'm not happy with it . The box is up front , push pull. The springs are pinned on the rear and shackles on the front. This is opposite of how gm designed it on the k series trucks . It leads to a up and down movement in the front when you steer it. When I jam the gas on mine it really makes for a lot of correction in the steering to counteract the rise of the front end on acceleration. I'm taking mine appart to move the shackles to the rear and put solid mounts on the front springs up front . Just as the gm truck that used this box . Any questions ask away . Don't want to tie up too much of your thread here .

[mvitale27]

Originally Posted by 6BT 56

I have used both systems in my build . Used a stock position non power box to a Dana 44 with a raised arm on it . Was a bear to stear but did work ok. I now have a dodge box , same as gm mounted up front . I followed Orri g's thread . He did this 20 years ago. I must admit tho I'm not happy with it . The box is up front , push pull. The springs are pinned on the rear and shackles on the front. This is opposite of how gm designed it on the k series trucks . It leads to a up and down movement in the front when you steer it. When I jam the gas on mine it really makes for a lot of correction in the steering to counteract the rise of the front end on acceleration. I'm taking mine appart to move the shackles to the rear and put solid mounts on the front springs up front . Just as the gm truck that used this box . Any questions ask away . Don't want to tie up too much of your thread here .

thanks for your input. i appreciate it. Im going to try the p/s assisted box in the stock location and see if I can get a custom steering arm made.

[6BT 56]

I don't think that's a bad plan. Steering box in the rear , springs hard mounted in the rear. Mine being opposites is I think where most of my trouble is from. getting a steering arm made is a good idea. I used a raised arm for a gm truck. The arm from there to pitman are was very short. I think your on the rite track making a arm.

[mvitale27]

Originally Posted by 6BT 56

I don't think that's a bad plan. Steering box in the rear , springs hard mounted in the rear. Mine being opposites is I think where most of my trouble is from. getting a steering arm made is a good idea. I used a raised arm for a gm truck. The arm from there to pitman are was very short. I think your on the rite track making a arm.

Thankks alot! Im glad I feel like Im on the right track!! LOL

[mvitale27]

The dreaded rust repair has finally begun...



We might make our own toeboard/firewall nice and smooth. But we have alot to do. Total lower hinge pockets, inner and outer cowl bottoms, steps, Lower B pillars, Inner and outer cab corners, inner roof panel patch and inner to outer roof filler panel replacement. Plus door bottoms. I have good upper hinges. Trying to rebuilding lowers before Tuesday, then were moving the cab to my buddys fab shop.

[mvitale27]

Set of lower door hinge pillar patches came in today. Glad they cane with the oval shaped cage nuts

[mvitale27]

While Im waiting to move my cab to my buddys shop for metal work, I did get a box of goodies from Summit to bring to the machine shop and finally get my heads back.



Also I found cool toeboard patch panel which is going to make our metal repairs a lot smoother.

[mvitale27]

I bought a new cab. Its a '57 big back window. Its in better shape than my '56. I also got a bunch of patch panels, window regulators, door lock actuators, headlight buckets, and other stuff from the same guy.

[dsraven]

will changing the cab be a bother later on when you try to register and get tags? maybe check first? you heart lots of horror stories. different states do different things it seems. some use the engine serial apparently.

[rgunlock]

Looks like all the work is already done on the new cab. Should save you a lot of trouble.

[mvitale27]

New cab still needs some work but is in much better shape than what I had.

[Purcell69]

Nice find on the new cab! It looks to be in pretty good shape.

-Joe