‘62 Long Low Fleet

[clarsen]

I have not done a good job of taking pictures, let alone compiling them over the years with previous OT projects so I figure if I start a build thread, that might change things. Picked this truck up over the winter and have been anxiously waiting to tear into it as I finished up other more pressing projects. Finally drug it into the shop two weeks ago and have made some good progress so far.




Knowing that the rear was going to be more difficult to lower, I started there and will match that drop up front. Off with the bed and removed the 10 bolt

[clarsen]

Got the notch boxed in and the 12 bolt mocked up. I’ll plate the notch once I decide if I need to keep the bump stop brackets and figure out a location for the shocks



Pulled the seat and hump to extract the 4 speed through the floor then pulled the motor.
The front cross member was next to go.

[jcramsey]

Good progress! Looks like our plans are very similar for our 62's. I've swapped in a new front crossmember and want to pull the bed and notch the frame. Keep it up!

[DPowers]

Final plans?

[clarsen]

End game includes a 383, TKO600 and a Truetrac. The interior will get cleaned up with a new seat and carpet. I don't have intentions of doing any body work or paint. I'll need to raise the bed floor because of the notch and maybe make more room for wider rear tires.

[LVPhotos]

Here is my '62 shock location. If stock arms the rear push forward as it goes up. Use blocks to help. Mine is a pipe notch bit you looking to lay frame?

[clarsen]

Update from the last few weekends. Finished up the rear suspension. Installed rear bags, fabricated upper and lower shock mounts, made brackets for the panhard bar. I still need to finish weld the trailing arm brackets and panhard but I'll wait until i get the trans installed and know what my pinion angle needs to be.



Got it all squared up and sitting on 4 wheels again.

[clarsen]

Almost forgot, finished the front end swap ('84).
Installed the steering shaft and box with CaptainFab's kit

[packrat42]

Looks good. I plan on swapping the front end and rearend of a 82 into my 62.

[Bomp]

Nice work so far. Welcome

[clarsen]

Back to work on the truck. Got the bed sitting on the frame once again.



Started to work on raising the floor. Couldn't find many pictures (thanks photobucket) on how others have done it so this is what i came up with.



I welded 1x1 angle around the perimeter so the flooring will mount similar to the original. Notch is 4" so i just used 2x4 tubing where it mounts to the frame. Building the area up at the tailgate is next.

[clarsen]

Made a bit more progress recently. Got the tailgate area of the floor sorted out. Used 4 different pieces to create a shape that was close to stock design




I sectioned the wheel wells a few inches so the proportions look better with the shallower bed.




I'm going to hold off on the wood until the truck is on the road. Having access from above is priceless.

[rmvlt1100]

Very nice build. I have been looking for a way to raise my bed. Hope you don't mind if I use your ideas. Will follow your progress.

[KY5Oh]

Would you mind to pm me some more info on the power steering install? I’ve got a 62 as well and about to do that same thing, without instructions or measurements. Awesome build!

[clarsen]

Got back to work on the truck after collecting parts during the colder months and taking care of things around the house this spring.

Borrowed an old block for mock up which allowed me to make the engine and trans mounts.





That also allowed me to figure out my pinion angle so the trailing arm brackets could be welded up. Pulled the rear end and loaded it with goodies. 4.10 gears, a TrueTrac and new brakes.



Finish welded the trailing arm and track bar brackets before installing the axle permanently.

[jchav62]

Lookin' great!

[clarsen]

Also got the exhaust from the cab back fabricated. Ill finish the front half once the motor/headers are installed.





Got a rear sway bar from Performance Online. Might have to shorten up the end links a little more as they hang down a little further than i like



Been trying to figure out a way to utilize the forward pedal pivot point and i think i got it. Used a second set of pedals and some rod ends to connect the two. The master cylinder push rods still connect in the original location so there are no issues with angle or arch. I can move the rod ends up or down to manipulate the pedal ratio to dial it in once i get it on the road. Pedals are now lower and push more towards the floor not the firewall

[jcramsey]

Looks like you've been doing good work!

[doug_p]

So this will sound like a terribly basic question . . . is there anyway you could identify the bolts you had to remove to get the bed off? I will need to pull my bed also, and have no idea which bolts actually hold the bed to the chassis . . .
Thanks -
Doug

[clarsen]

The big day finally arrived! Took a road trip to meet up with the father in law and load the motor that I've been waiting on for what seems like eternity.



Dropped it in the hole and ordered everything needed to start making noise. Should be busy for the next few weeks throwing parts at it as they come in

[jimmythompson1964]

Start up is always a milestone, what's the motor Stock? Mild? or Hot?

[clarsen]

.30 over, flat tops, big cam, RHS heads, solid lifters and roller rockers. Not what we had originally planned but its the only way i stand a chance of getting it on the road before summer is over.

[jimmythompson1964]

Originally Posted by clarsen

.30 over, flat tops, big cam, RHS heads, solid lifters and roller rockers. Not what we had originally planned but its the only way i stand a chance of getting it on the road before summer is over.

Hot Rod truck...a man after my own heart lol. I love the old hot rod trucks...sounds like you are in for a good time...I'll be watching

[doug_p]

Any chance you made patterns for the notch you might consider sharing? I have a 62 also, and your notch looks awesome!
Thanks,
Doug

[clarsen]

Thanks....I didn't save any patterns but if you PM me your email address, I'll trace the plate and send it to you