53 3100 - complete rebuild and upgrade . . . .

[big_dan]

Originally Posted by bennylava

Question - Was fully boxing the frame necessary? I understand the benefits in terms of rigidity, but would the truck be fine without it? Say you just added a couple new supports. Maybe some beefier cross members. Would that be enough? What are some other reasons to fully box the frame?

Stock frames are pretty much a limp noodle, but i wanted the rigidity and cleaner look to be honest. I'm sure a few added cross members would help though.

Dan

[big_dan]

A little more progress the last few afternoons getting the body back on for good back space measurements. More later-

Dan

[big_dan]

So at this point it's looking like all the tape measure work paid off. Front and rear track width is 58"; plenty of room. I'll be able to run a 10" wheel/ tire combo up front and a 12" in the rear with no worries.

I've looked high and low for a decent set of steel running boards with no luck, so I ordered a set today. We'll be able to tinker around with those by next week hopefully.

More later - thanks for looking -

Dan

[mongocanfly]

Mock up looks great Dan

[big_dan]

Originally Posted by mongocanfly

Mock up looks great Dan

Thanks, mongo.

Here's one of how I hung the exhaust while I'm waiting on running boards -

Dan

[big_dan]

Rainy day here so figured I'd check another to-do off the list.

Moving the engine back and down brought the sump fairly low (or at least not protected by the crossmember) so I've been plotting on "insurance" for a little speed bump protection. What I decided on was more tube, 1-3/4 × .120 wall as usual. The bottom of the oil pan will be about 6-1/8" off the ground, so I bent/ fitted the tube to bottom out at just under 5" off the ground, which keeps the "oil pan roll bar" just above the running board brackets. I pointed it forward to the high part of the pan so if it did hit hard and bend it's 2" off the pan there. Overall it provides about 1-1/8" of protection without being cumbersome, and bent like it is it won't interfere with oil changes at all. I'll weld it out and gusset it at the frame when the chassis comes off the jig.

More later - thanks for looking-

Dan

[6DoF]

the speed bump plow! there is something elegant about the function and form of that tube.

[youngrodder]

Great forward thinking and protection. I like the shape of the solution as well.. Another well thought out solution my friend.

Marc

[big_dan]

Wow - thanks for the compliments, fellas.

I'm just trying to put a little thought into every step. No rush, and I'm enjoying it way more than past builds. I picked up firewall steel today and the running boards are here, so possibly a little more progress this week.

I did start making some room for the big 20's out back this weekend also -

More later. Thanks for looking!

Dan

[big_dan]

Firewall. I want a smooth one, of course, but nice and rigid for the booster, etc, so I'm using 1/8". The trans/ engine bump in the cab will be sheet metal though. Traced out my first piece, then dug a 2" aluminum round out of the machine tool bin for column mock up, then started playing with the plasma. I'm leaving the outside of the cab where the hood hinge bolts and just smoothing from the "window" shape down. Still have to make room for the intake; this is just initial fit up.

More later - thanks for looking -

Dan

[Rickysnickers]

I'm curious, and I like to gt different opinions. How are you going to attach the smooth panel to the existing firewall?

[big_dan]

Originally Posted by Rickysnickers

I'm curious, and I like to gt different opinions. How are you going to attach the smooth panel to the existing firewall?

The existing panel is doubled up at the top and sides. I'll weld to the existing sheet metal and brace inside. Hope that clarifies it-

Dan

[big_dan]

Spent a little time on the firewall this weekend. Of course, all of these old projects have secrets it seems. Found some poor rust repair in the toe board area, so I'm having to cut back a little further than I thought to find good metal. But, it'll be done soon enough.

More later - thanks for looking-

Dan

[joedoh]

thanks for catching us up! nice work as usual

Originally Posted by big_dan

all of these old projects have secrets it seems.

forget secrets mine scream. but I dont start with the best donors anyway.

[big_dan]

Thanks, joedoh. A few more little pics to throw out -

After fully removing the toe board started making the patch. I'm using steel plate (~1/8") for the toe boards and fire wall for the rigidity; I'll use 16 ga for the tunnel and other plans.

Wheels (front) showed up. I decided on smoothie steel wheels; I think they match the look of the 50's trucks best IMO. 18x8 front with 4-1/2" BS. Rear will be 20x11 with 6" BS, but still waiting on them. I grabbed the US Wheel smoothies (bare, I'll have them powder coated) and was super stoked to discover they actually come with the center caps. Of course, I had to slap them on, but can't tell much without the fenders.

More later, thanks for looking -

Dan

[youngrodder]

Looking good Dan...

Marc

[big_dan]

Originally Posted by youngrodder

Looking good Dan...

Marc

Thanks, Marc. Weekend distractions aside, we're moving along. Kiddo got in the way a little rebuilding brakes on his 2500. Love to see them doing their own work!

Dan

[youngrodder]

Originally Posted by big_dan

Thanks, Marc. Weekend distractions aside, we're moving along. Kiddo got in the way a little rebuilding brakes on his 2500. Love to see them doing their own work!

Dan

Looks like you taught him right...all the way down to throwing down some cardboard so he doesn't stain up his dads concrete....

Happy Fathers Day!

Marc

[57FleetsideC4]

Everything is coming along great! I use carboard a lot when working on my cars/trucks. It really helps keep the floors nice and a buffer if you have to lay down. Your welding is amazing. Keep up the good work. Steve

[big_dan]

So, as it always seems to go, make a little progress here and there and try to dodge side projects.

Unless. ...... They're really cool. Here's the latest side project has been distracting me a little - 1974 Clausing-Colchester 15x50. Excellent shape, just a little dirty. Should clean up beautifully.

More later -

Dan

[mongocanfly]

me and my tiny lathe are jealous..!!!!!!

[8man]

Wow! Nice project, and what Mongo said!

[big_dan]

Don't be jealous, fellas! I was really fortunate (or lucky) to grab it up; one of those right place - right time deals for sure. I'll have to set up a phase converter, get tooled up with some larger tooling, etc. but I'm looking forward to it. Definitely adds to shop capabilities though!

More later- thanks for looking -

Dan

[mongocanfly]

i really like those clausing lathes....spent many a day standing in front of one

[olcarguy]

Puts my little 1952 South bend 9"x36 to shame