Kabwe's aka Bam's build

[Kabwe]

Originally Posted by chevyrestoguy

That looks excellent. I am also of the thought that the column cannot extend too far into the engine compartment. I cut mine off using the same method you used, and it turned out great.

Not too many people give much thought about the placement (and style) of the steering column. To me, the column, and especially the steering wheel, are one of the most important parts of the build because every time you climb behind the wheel, it's your connection to the truck.

Have you ever driven a vehicle where the column was mounted all funky and the steering wheel was crappy? It's a terrible driving experience, no matter how nice the rest of the truck is.

Yeah man I've been told I over think things too much and maybe I do but I just did not like it at all. I agree with you about steering columns being to long its very noticeable to me. I care about things that most people don't so maybe its just me, but I think it looks much better.lol

[Kim57]

Looks great Kabwe.
Kim

[Pop's C-10]

That looks a whole lot better..

[Kabwe]

Originally Posted by xpickup

Kabwe. That is the same way I just shortened the column in the truck I'm building. Excepted the Southern Rods column had 2 tubes in it besides the DD and I had to turn up a special bushing. I don't know what do if they would stop selling those .045 cut off wheels for a 4.5' angle grinder! I use them to cut alot. Look great.

Shannon

Yeah I'm kind of addicted to cutoff wheels, they are my heroin.lol But a pipe cutter would have been great for this job I could have gotten it done in 10 min. I wouldn't have to worry about squareness with a pipe cutter.

Originally Posted by hotrod1

Nice work on the column.

What radiator do think you are going to use? Any dimensions or ideas?

I just going with an aftermarket radiator made for our trucks there are companies that will put the inlet and outlets where ever you want them. You know JML55's 55 has the same engine as us and you may want to pull his ear as to what he used I know when the time comes I may have to.

Originally Posted by Pop's C-10

That looks a whole lot better..

Thank you man, the more I looked at the more disappointed I got. It looked like a elephant truck or a penis to me. At least now its circumcised.lol

[BC Toy chest]

Ok I see what you were talking about, it does look a lot better. I know you rather have it come out of the toe board of the firewall but it looks clean and neat. It doesn't look like an after thought it looks factory so thats good 'nough.

[jjjmm56]

As allways your doing a great job. Just a few thing to think about while your working inside. There are some bumps on the floor behind the seat, these are in the way if you want your carpet to lay down flat. They are also in the way if you plan to build any type of covers for behind the seats. You may want to look into removing them. Also if building a cover for behind the seats weld in any mounts and and supports before you do any painting in the cab. Looks like you'll be done in notime. LOL!!!

[candyx]

Kabwe

You should entertain doing a cable show on saturdays "This Old Truck" that way everyone can watch you work and pick up ideas for their rides.

[Kabwe]

Originally Posted by candyx

Kabwe

You should entertain doing a cable show on saturdays "This Old Truck" that way everyone can watch you work and pick up ideas for their rides.

No one would watched because it would take 5 seasons to finish the truck.lol

[troy54gmc]

Man i would watch it. it wouldnt be any different than anything they got on tv now. they get u interested in a project then they run reruns of it and never finish it anyways. im in, ill be ur comic relief helper.

[hammerdog57]

Originally Posted by Kabwe

No one would watched because it was take 5 seasons to finish the truck.lol

Wouldnt take five seasons. They pay you well enough to to quit your day job plus bonuses, have venders supply you with free parts. Allows you to work on truck full time. Only catch is truck must be done in one season.

[troy54gmc]

Not to mention a fully stocked garage with every tool you can imagine. Man this show is sounding better and better.

[Rods57]

What are you going to use for a brake booster? i am kicking around the under the cab type but lots of people are saying its a pain and they have issue with the fit. i just like the firewall clean but i want to work too.

[Kabwe]

Originally Posted by Rods57

What are you going to use for a brake booster? i am kicking around the under the cab type but lots of people are saying its a pain and they have issue with the fit. i just like the firewall clean but i want to work too.

I will be running a hydroboost system under the cab with a remote fill reservoir. I also like the look of a smooth firewall.

[Kabwe]

I'm leaning towards a bumper of some sort, but it will not be stocked. I never liked how the stock bumper looked unfinished on these trucks. The stock bumper looks like an after thought. I don't know but I need to start thinking about it.lol

[VDOG]

Originally Posted by Kabwe

I'm leaning towards a bumper of some sort, but it will not be stocked. I never liked how the stock bumper looked unfinished on these trucks. The stock bumper looks like an after thought. I don't know but I need to start thinking about it.lol

Knowing you, it will be tricked out to the point that some of us will line up to have you customize our trucks. You do need a show.

[Kabwe]

Originally Posted by VDOG

Knowing you, it will be tricked out to the point that some of us will line up to have you customize our trucks. You do need a show.

Flattery will get you no where my friend. This is not a nightclub.lol Try those lines on someone else.lol

[VDOG]

Originally Posted by kabwe

flattery will get you no where my friend. This is not a nightclub.lol try those lines on someone else.lol

lmao!!

[OKGMC4]

I don't like the stock bumpers ether. I like the 70's stepside bumpers better but only a little. I really like the one on the Ironworks 57 but it's a one off custom and I don't have those skills. I don't even like how my homemade roll pan looks and it may come off. I keep looking at the 56 Ford bumper and thinking that being square it fits the rear of these trucks better than the chevy version. I also like the look of the last truck but if you look there is a ton of metal work in that, not just the pan but the whole tail section.

[kmdracer]

Very nice build. As a newbie around here, I missed the first go build thread. Glad I found this one!

[Kabwe]

Originally Posted by OKGMC4

I don't like the stock bumpers ether. I like the 70's stepside bumpers better but only a little. I really like the one on the Ironworks 57 but it's a one off custom and I don't have those skills. I don't even like how my homemade roll pan looks and it may come off. I keep looking at the 56 Ford bumper and thinking that being square it fits the rear of these trucks better than the chevy version. I also like the look of the last truck but if you look there is a ton of metal work in that, not just the pan but the whole tail section.

I thought about the ironworks truck but with some variation.

Originally Posted by kmdracer

Very nice build. As a newbie around here, I missed the first go build thread. Glad I found this one!

I'm glad you enjoy it. Thanks for the compliment its much appreciated.

[yukon ratrod]

hows things going over here??? the snows almost melted and my 57 is starting to reappear from the snow pile. I had my father plow the driveway in such a way that I couldnt get to it until spring. great way to take a break! Been building a 72 roadrunner pro touring car for the last month and making good headway, but missing the trucks. got my 72 almost to the point where shes looking closer to finished, but still got to spend a few more thousands yet. didnt plan on getting this carried away with it. spent some big money on parts and there piling up and awaiting my return.

[yukon ratrod]

in regards to your bumper issues, what about using a 65 mustang front bumper and nip and tuck it for a super clean look! clean, simple to look at, and the only down fall is the hours its going to take! but your crafty.

[chevyrestoguy]

Kabwe-
The next time you're at Pick-A-Part, take a look at the early 70s Chevy and Dodge van rear bumpers. They are perfectly flat from side to side, and the edges are usually square and parallel, which makes them a very good candidate for our trucks. They don't have the recess for the license plates either, because the plates were always bolted to the rear doors. They are too wide to be used in stock form, but you can make a slice in the middle and cut them to size.

Alex

[Kabwe]

Well she's here, my new Miller Diversion 180 Tig Welder. Its so nice getting a new toy to play with. It only weights about 50 pounds which is cool because I need something small and mobile, I simply don't have much room. I never weld anything thicker than 3/16 and thats what its rated for, if I have to weld something thicker I will mig it. Oh happy days.

[hotrod1]

NICE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Welcome to the world of TIG. Whole different creature. I'll bet that you are already good at it.