Bubba54's Build

[Bubba54]

I've been on the sight for a short while now. Its been a great help to get me back on my project. In all I've owned the truck about 18 years. I hope I don't get to much abuse for dragging my feet.

When I got the truck it had a nova clip installed, and it had been wrecked. The frame and clip where in pretty bad shape, so I built my own frame. The only part of the original frame is the back section.

The front clip is from a 79 Camaro.

I boxed the back frame section And went with leaf spring setup.

Shot of my little guy. He wanted to play with the welder. I think, if I would of turned it on he would of tried it. LOL

He was always playing in the cab.

[Bubba54]

This is what it looked like in 1997.

[blue57]

You have a good start. Mine sat for a little longer then that, but thats because it was still my parents. Now its mine and i want to drive it so its getting done.

[Bubba54]

I'll try to get the build up to date. In 2004 I wanted to go with a pro street look.
I had drove the truck just around the neighborhood a little. I never worked on the body just left it in primer.

I was running 29x12.5's and went to 29x18.5's

I constructed the new rear frame section.



Frame installed.

[Bubba54]

Originally Posted by blue57

You have a good start. Mine sat for a little longer then that, but thats because it was still my parents. Now its mine and i want to drive it so its getting done.

Ok, good Im not alone. LOL

[Bubba54]

The trucks gettin older and so is the kid.

[blue57]

I have the 57 my dad started on, but he still has his 58 thats been sitting for at least 23 years. Definitely not alone.

[Bubba54]

The truck sat for another long time with no progress. 2012 I got it fired up, first time driving it with the backhalf change. I wanted to drive it again, before starting on the cab repairs.

I got the bed just sitting on the frame for mockup.


I built I frame for the bed floor. After seeing what others have done, I may just raise the bed floor up high.

[Bubba54]

Still working on getting the build up to date. This is where I started with the body repair.

This was the condition of the outer to inner cowls.
Attachment 1115023
Attachment 1115024
Started on the passenger side first. Removed the inner cowl and inner to outer cowl.
Attachment 1115026
Attachment 1115027
Trimmed parts to fit and prepped with weld through primer.
Attachment 1115028
Fit and welded.
Attachment 1115029
Attachment 1115030
I also replaced the lower section of the outer cowl. picture didn't show it, but the bottom was rusted and had a bit of bondo.


Not up to date yet, more to come. It takes me awhile to gather all the pics.

[Bubba54]

Well, Ill try again with the pics. I'm sure its something I did.

[Bubba54]

Ok, I think I have the pictures Figured out. Sorry about that.

Here is what the Cowls looked like, Before the repair.

[oldman3]

You've done some nice work on the truck over the years. Now that your back at it maybe some of us can keep you going. How old is you son now and is he into the build??...Jim

[Bubba54]

Thanks, Getting on this site has got me motivated, hopfully Ill keep moving forward. The son is 20 now, he's more into girls and video games.



Im sure when it gets on the road he'll get more interested.

Thanks Shawn

[Chris.]

Looking good!
Posted via Mobile Device

[oldman3]

Couldn't agree more, they come around in their own time....Jim

[xpickup]

Bubba54, looks great. Sheet metal so far looks is turning out great, next we can get the belt line fixed with those panels.


Shannon

[Bubba54]

Thanks Shannon, I still have more to post on the build. Just a pain to organize the pics.

Thanks Shawn

[Bubba54]

More sheet metal work.

[Bubba54]

I cross braced the cab. Made some legs to attach to the firewall to keep things in place while removing sheetmetal.

Here are some of the parts needed to repair the drivers side.

Replaced the inner cowl, inner to outer cowl, and lower section of outer cowl. Removed cab corner, rocker panel, and rear cab mount. The center of the rocker panel wasn't to bad, but both end where in bad shape. I had to replace the lower rear door pillar also.


In addition, fixed the front ot the rocker panel on the passenger side.

[Bubba54]

Installed the front half of the floor and lower half of firewall. I Got the floor kit from direct sheetmetal. It wasn't to bad a bit of trimming though. after seeing what others have done on this site, i think if i do it ever again I'll just make my own floor.

Remove the the crossbracing, Then hung the door to check on the door gap. When you cut the the pillar from the rocker, the cab will move a bit. I welded in this small angle, to hold the pillar and back corner of the cab for good door aligment.

[Bubba54]

Because the drivers side rocker was still in pretty good shape, in the middle, I was able to use a section to replace the lower rusted section on passenger side.







Still trying to get up to date on the build. getting closer with every post.

Thanks Shawn

[jmsaunders]

Man you've done a lot of work on the truck over the years. Keep up the good work, you'll be driving it soon!!!!!

[oldman3]

Lot of nice repairs, you will be glad you did it a few years now the road you won't have to make repairs, nice job....Jim

[Bubba54]

jmsaunders,oldman3, Thanks. Being on this site and checking out everyones truck builds is keeping me motivated.

Thanks Shawn

[Bubba54]

Did a little repair to the bottom inside of the passenger door. The outer skin was fine. I think the inside bottom rust is pretty common with these trucks. It looks like the bottom door seal must hold the moisture.