"Crewcab Jake" the 84 to 74 conversion

[N2TRUX]

I have searched and found several threads on how this is a bolt on swap. In all of those posts I only came across a couple that said they had to move the core support mounts. It looks like I may be in that elite group.

Before you ask, let me state that I know the 84 body mounts must stay with the truck. I have also determined that the tab on the fender at the front of the firewall will need minor modifications.

So, it looks like I get to move the front body mounts. Fortunately I just got a deal on a used Snap On air hammer. It looks like i'm going to test it out sooner than later.

[RADustin]

if you need any measurements from my '76 LMK.

[N2TRUX]

Originally Posted by RADustin

if you need any measurements from my '76 LMK.

I appreciate your offer. I'll let you know

[N2TRUX]

I couldn't resist playing with my new (to me) tool tonight. I sorted through my air chisel bits and found a good set. I sharpened them up a little and went to work. My goal was to get the back half of one frame rail stripped.

I fired up the air chisel and went to work on the rivets. I didnt bother making an X cut in the head. I went straight to it with a sharp V bit.
I wont say it cut like butter, but it did make the job much easier.

The frame rail is now clean all the way to the front hanger. Enough fun for one night.

[Devilman]

Originally Posted by N2TRUX

I have searched and found several threads on how this is a bolt on swap. In all of those posts I only came across a couple that said they had to move the core support mounts. It looks like I may be in that elite group.

Before you ask, let me state that I know the 84 body mounts must stay with the truck. I have also determined that the tab on the fender at the front of the firewall will need minor modifications.

So, it looks like I get to move the front body mounts. Fortunately I just got a deal on a used Snap On air hammer. It looks like i'm going to test it out sooner than later.

Sooo with my 78 crew body going onto an 86 k30 crew frame I'm guessing I'll have to move some body mounts as well correct?

[N2TRUX]

Originally Posted by Devilman

Sooo with my 78 crew body going onto an 86 k30 crew frame I'm guessing I'll have to move some body mounts as well correct?

Probably not, but maybe. Everything indicates it's a bolt on swap. Not sure why mine is unique.

[N2TRUX]

Last night I got another frame rail stripped down. I'm figuring out what chisel works best on my air hammer. The V shaped bit gets the rivet head off, followed by a clean up pass with the flat bit. With all the heads removed the punch but finishes the job

[N2TRUX]

The C20 rear suspension will be gone soon. Once it's out I'll install the Switch Suspension C notch. The rear of the C20 crewcab frame is the same as a C30. Consequently it requires a unique C notch. Switch Suspension offers a heavy duty notch that will ensure a strong frame after its modified.

[rustytruck50]

Glad to see its moving ahead for you!!
I've said before, but it's worth repeating....I really enjoy watching your builds...level of detail is top shelf!!!

[N2TRUX]

Originally Posted by rustytruck50

Glad to see its moving ahead for you!!
I've said before, but it's worth repeating....I really enjoy watching your builds...level of detail is top shelf!!!

The progress is baby steps, but it's better than sitting in storage. I made a call to my buddy Donny today. He is a squarebody scrounger that lives North of me that buys and sells 73-87 trucks and parts. I had asked him to find a 90s 10 bolt for me. He sourced a 91 Suburban with a 3.42 open carrier that's exactly what I wanted.

[N2TRUX]

In preparation for the new axle I finished removing all the rivets from the spring hangers on the 14 bolt. I wanted to pull the axle as an assembly so I could roll it on my trailer.

[N2TRUX]

Chris and I loaded the 14 bolt on my trailer and headed for my buddies shop. I picked up a 10 bolt with 3.42 gears and a set of 56" springs. We used a set of C10 hangers and put the 10 bolt in place.

[nlped]

I love the idea of a SWBCC like Jake so much that I guess I’m going to have to sell my Elwood starter kit...aka Vern

[N2TRUX]

Originally Posted by nlped

I love the idea of a SWBCC like Jake so much that I guess I’m going to have to sell my Elwood starter kit...aka Vern

I hope to take Crewcab Jake to a higher level than all of my previous builds. Its getting a slow start, and in some cases I will be doing things twice due to logistics.

The rear suspension is a good example of that. I plan to install a RideTech weld in 4 link, but I'm waiting for some revisions. Until then, I need it to be a roller so I'm putting the C10 springs and hangers on.

[N2TRUX]

The original fittings on the brake distribution hose were frozen in place. I was able to free them enough to get the rubber hose off. Now I have to pick up replacement lines to get the rear brakes connected. Since I was at a stopping point last night, I decided the borrowed 15" rallies needed to go.

I have a spare set of 22s I use for mock ups, so they went on just to see how it would look. Its starting to look like what I have envisioned if I squint real hard.

[nlped]

I actually didn't even realize that you'd sold Elwood until just now. I just completed all 27 pages of the 77 Remix thread.

That makes this build even that more exciting knowing how meticulous you were with Elwood. I'm confident it'll be bigger, badder and sexier!

[N2TRUX]

Originally Posted by nlped

I actually didn't even realize that you'd sold Elwood until just now. I just completed all 27 pages of the 77 Remix thread.
That makes this build even that more exciting knowing how meticulous you were with Elwood. I'm confident it'll be bigger, badder and sexier!

At the request of the new owner, I didnt go public till the transaction was complete. I won't have any distractions, which will be a blessing. Jake came to me with a solid set of bones, but in dire need of a complete update. Its going to take a season or two for all of my plans to be completed. I do hope to have him presentable by Lonestar Throwdown.

[rustytruck50]

This is really getting good!!!
I'm excited for you!!

[N2TRUX]

The package arrived from Switch Suspension today. Switch is the only company that makes a traditional style C notch to fit a 73-91 C20/C30

Seth assured me it was a sturdy piece and he wasn't kidding. They used 3/8" plate to ensure it will be much stronger than the section of frame its replacing.

[N2TRUX]

I was pleased to see a quality piece of product in the box. I was expecting to find instructions or a template as well. Unfortunately that was not the case. Not that I read instructions, but I do like to look at the pictures. I suppose if you're installing a C notch you should probably know what to do anyway. My first step was to make a template.

[N2TRUX]

With the template made I was able to mark my cut lines by taping the pattern in position. Once the pattern was squared and secured I marked the frame.
I drill holes at the intersecting points to eliminate potential fatigue points. A 4" grinder with a cutting disc was used to make the cuts quickly.
I purposely made my opening tight so I could grind to fit. It may not be necessary, but I plan to add tack welds at the point of contact inside the frame. With the thickness of material used, I'll speculate the notch is stronger than the frame, but adding some additional insurance can't hurt.

Sorry, I failed to take pics of the drivers side cuts. Ill add some when I do the passenger side.

[N2TRUX]

With the cuts made and the notch fitting tight, I started drill holes. I used a 1/2" bit to mark the center, then drilled a 1/8" pilot. With the pilot hole drilled I stepped up till I was at a 1/2" hole.
Since I was working by myself I tightened the first bolt snugly and checked my alignment position before drilling the next hole. Once I had two done I tightened them down to ensure the notch was in proper alignment before drilling the remaining holes.

It's a bit more time consuming using this process but the fit is more accurate. With all the holes drilled I could tighten the bolts in a crisp cross pattern. When I get the other side done I will take it back apart and paint everything before final assembly.

[N2TRUX]

It's been a busy week with at work, so I didn't spend much time in the shop. I had used my last cut off wheel and finally got a minute to pick some up.
Tonight I layed out the passenger side and marked for my cuts. Once again I drilled holes at the corners to eliminate any potential stress points. I made my cuts with the 4" grinder then cleaned up with a flapper disc.

[N2TRUX]

With the cuts made and dressed clean I went to work drilling holes. I held the notch up tight in place then used a 1/2" bit to mark the centers. With all the holes drilled I dropped the notch out and scuffed the frame with Scotch Brite and brake cleaner.

To protect all the raw metal I laid down a couple of coats of satin black. Once it dried I assembled the C notch and torqued all the bolts.

[N2TRUX]

I did a bit of Christmas shopping this morning. While I was out I picked up the conversion U joints and a new brake line that I'll need. I decided to pull the axle and get started on cleaning it up. The stock shock mounts were deleted along with several lumps and bumps on the axle housing. I ground all the rough edges and followed with a flapper disc on all the rough cast surfaces. It's far from flawless but it's much better than it was.