Project: Reincarnation

[addicted2dunes]

OK, so I have posted and asked for all your thoughts on my 72 Jimmy project that I started and gave up on. From what most everyone said was to finish it! So now I will be posting progress as I restart from scratch on this project.

A little background: I acquired this vehicle when I was 18 and was my first legal vehicle. Then when I was about 20 I decided I wanted to make it two wheel drive and slam it. I took a longbed two wheel drive chassis and shortened it up for the Jimmy and C-notched the rear. As I am older now and this project has been sitting for about 5 years I've decided it's time for a make over.

Project basis: I've decided to scrap the frame I built years ago and start from scratch. I will be building a custom frame from 2x4x.120 tubing and running Corvette C4 front suspension along with the independent rearend. The power plant will be a supercharged big block 572 with a 4L80E or 4L100E transmission. I may also be swapping the Dana 44 rear differential for a custom made Ford 9" section, we'll see.

Progress so far: None. I will be picking up the Corvette front and rear sections next Sat. and plan to start stripping the Jimmy down once again.



The way it sits now:








And the modified frame under it now:






The biggest plus side is I am starting again with a completely, 100% rust free original body. Rockers had slight rust starting to show but were replaced the first go around.

[addicted2dunes]

My first question is: How do you do this front end?



I know it's 67-68 with the grill being welded to the roll pan and fenders but around the two slots in the grill, how do you smooth it all in like that? Do you weld the trim in some how and body work it out? Or is it just round stock welded there and smoothed in? I love this look, pretty sure I stole that pic from this board too :P

[addicted2dunes]

Well the weather was ****ty on Sat so I wasn't able to get the Corvette suspension. Got the rear suspension today and plan to get the front this Sat. Rear cost $250 and front he wants $200, gonna try to get the front for $150

[cvalcore]

nice i was thinking of doing the same suspension

[Big J]

That will be a cool setup.

[litebulblsc]

Originally Posted by addicted2dunes

My first question is: How do you do this front end?



I know it's 67-68 with the grill being welded to the roll pan and fenders but around the two slots in the grill, how do you smooth it all in like that? Do you weld the trim in some how and body work it out? Or is it just round stock welded there and smoothed in? I love this look, pretty sure I stole that pic from this board too :P

You sure that isn't a one piece fiberglass front end?

[addicted2dunes]

I doubt it, the hood isn't attached.

[ryanbenn1207]

the front clip appears to be 1 piece and the hood attaches as normal, but that is a fiberglas front end and one piece front clip

[addicted2dunes]

It's definitely sheet metal, not fiberglass. Just look at the tabs were the headlight trim mounts.

[ryanbenn1207]

didnt notice the tabs, but is it possible the front inside fenders are separate to the front clip? i just havnt seen a sheet metal job that well in ....... well i havnt seen one that good before lol

[addicted2dunes]

I have collected most of the pieces needed to finish this project and will pick back up on it far from now. After project Alter-K-Tion is almost done.

[lks dcvn]

Nice - looking forward to seeing this come together. I kept seeing it on CL for sale many months ago, but it will be good to see it completed.

Keep us posted.

[addicted2dunes]

And this project is now "canned". Jimmy was sold yesterday. I have way too many projects and I need to concentrate on other things right now. Sorry