J.M. Laflamme Build

[drivea55]

Well, Turkey weekend did not pan out the way we wanted. But, today we got a few hours in on her.

While the nose still on we made up some radiator support rods from 3/8 bar stock and welded 3/16 bolts on one end and washers on the other. This will make them adjustable for fitting the hood, fenders etc.

[drivea55]

With the rods in place, it was time to make sure the radiator still fit. Yes BTW, the hood does clear the radiator.

[drivea55]

With that fitted it was time to put the radiator away before something bad happens to it!

Now it was time to remove the fenders and get ready to cut pockets out of the firewall.

By doing this we will be able to put the stock hinge plates back in. This is going a tad backwards but I chalk it up to "learn as you go" mistake.

You can see with the last pic of the night, I cut out a pocket and tacked in the hinge part of the stock firewall.

I then lose fitted the drivers side hinge, noting I have more clearance than needed. This will be touched up at the next go day.

enjoy.

[waybad]

man,, I love this build!!! pure talent sir!!!!

[drivea55]

Originally Posted by waybad

man,, I love this build!!! pure talent sir!!!!

Thank you sir!, but you give me waay too much credit. I call it "luck" and "determination".

So far this is the first set back if you can call it that. I just wasn't sure what to do with the nose at first.

hopefully the firewall will be all prettied up by xmas for some nice finished pics. (again) lol!


Brian

[Kim57]

Your doing a nice job Brian.
Kim

[CURSED GEARS]

Just read the whole thing this morning. Interesting build. One me build I have to keep up on!

[drivea55]

Originally Posted by CURSED GEARS

Just read the whole thing this morning. Interesting build. One me build I have to keep up on!

Thank you sir,

Got the radiator mounted, I was able to use the donor radiator support. Trimmed the lower pan to fit and married it to the 55's radiator support.

Using one tie down in the middle of the radiator for now. Does anybody have a better solution?

[drivea55]

ok,

We got the hood mounted and the hinge pockets roughed out. Good thing for saving the old firewall. Just cut out the old sections and tacked them in.

Then Started boxing them in, but... it was time to go to work.

More pics when I get them all prettied up!

[waybad]

Genius!!!!!

[lowdownstar]

About time some one else in the great north east is playing with one of these old trucks! Looking good! your doing one hell of nice job.



Ray

ps i live in south hadley

[drivea55]

Originally Posted by lowdownstar

About time some one else in the great north east is playing with one of these old trucks! Looking good! your doing one hell of nice job.



Ray

ps i live in south hadley

Glad to here from you and thanks for your kind words!

I am in Easthampton. I'll shoot you a pm.

Brian
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[drivea55]

Got a little closer to finishing the hinge pockets today. Welded them up, smoothed them out and laid a skim of fiberglass jelly. Love this stuff, strong and easy to work with.
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[waybad]

Brian,,
I have looked this thread over at least 10 times,, and love it every time..
when you put the front fenders on for mock up, did the front wheels
fit centered in the opening?
I wish we were closer,, I'd love to help and learn form you!!
well done..
Tinker

[drivea55]

Originally Posted by waybad

Brian,,
I have looked this thread over at least 10 times,, and love it every time..
when you put the front fenders on for mock up, did the front wheels
fit centered in the opening?
I wish we were closer,, I'd love to help and learn form you!!
well done..
Tinker

Thanks!

No they didn't appear to be centered. They looked a tad forward. This worried me until I started looking at other peoples builds. I think the tire is supposed to look like it is favoring the front of the fender.

I do need to also do some rough alignment with the front end. The tires are toed out. Until I can get it aligned this fitment will have to do.

is there something you see I should take another look at?

Thanks,

Brian

[waybad]

Originally Posted by drivea55

Thanks!

No they didn't appear to be centered. They looked a tad forward. This worried me until I started looking at other peoples builds. I think the tire is supposed to look like it is favoring the front of the fender.

I do need to also do some rough alignment with the front end. The tires are toed out. Until I can get it aligned this fitment will have to do.

is there something you see I should take another look at?

Thanks,

Brian

most people move the wheelbase 3/4 to a 1" toward the front on lowered trucks from what I have read on here. is yours close to that much frontal move or more? even on the 4x4 trucks I think they need moved that much..my 2cts

[drivea55]

yes,

I would have to say it is about that amount. The rim and tire size play a role in this too. You have to make sure once lowered that full turn one way and the other that it will clear the fender.

[drivea55]

Ok,

Here we go, We were able to finish up the hinge pockets today and get them fitted. We then fitted the hood and she now shuts nice!

Everything has clearance, so not much to complain about.

enjoy the pics...

[daverod]

Love the chop look. Keep up the good work.

[Kim57]

Looking real nice. I like the stance.
Kim

[oldman3]

Nice job....Jim

[drivea55]

thanks guys!!!

Your kind words mean a lot!


Brian

[waybad]

I sure wish this was my truck!!
keep up the good work Brian!!

[drivea55]

thanks!

Now that the radiator is in and hoses connected, it was time to figure out what to use for an overflow container.

We decided that an old fire extinguisher would make a good candidate.

I'll get some brackets made up and mount it next to the radiator. Once painted and decaled it should be a good conversation piece.

here is a pic in its rough state. Added a spout on the bottom and poof! should work nice. I should add, I also took the pin out of the top so it will breath.

Brian

[lowdownstar]

now that is cool, something different






Ray