Hi,
I'm new here to Post but have been reading a lot!
Great info! Quality work! Tons of ideas!
So I decided to start my work up. Here's what I have to start with.



http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b350/stevehsd/truck009.jpg
http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b350/stevehsd/truck008.jpg
http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b350/stevehsd/truck007.jpg
http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b350/stevehsd/truck006.jpghttp://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b350/stevehsd/truck005.jpghttp://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b350/stevehsd/truck004.jpghttp://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b350/stevehsd/truck003.jpghttp://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b350/stevehsd/truck002.jpghttp://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b350/stevehsd/truck001.jpg
And a pic of my last project that I abandoned in favor of the truck
http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b350/stevehsd/modela013.jpg

Good solid truck to start with. What are some of your plans? Any modifications coming? Welcome to the board and keep us posted!:metal:

Where did you abandon it? I'll go pick it up.

Sold the 29 model A for what I paid for the truck!
My plans are Must II IFS , 350, 700R, Triangulated 4 bar rear, all bagged.
I want the truck to sit on the floorboards with the air out.
Tell me how? C notch the rear? 2 in dropped spindles ? I need to know!
Here are some pics that did not fit the first time.
http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b350/stevehsd/truck012.jpg
http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b350/stevehsd/truck011.jpg
http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b350/stevehsd/truck010.jpg

Here's what I've done.
Replaced side glass
Did headliner
pounded out rear fender
Got old plates registered!
Got an old cooler for the bed
Took off frount end
Am preppeing for the Must II
http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b350/stevehsd/P1010023.jpg
http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b350/stevehsd/P1010024.jpghttp://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b350/stevehsd/P1010025.jpghttp://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b350/stevehsd/P1010026.jpghttp://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b350/stevehsd/P1010027.jpg

http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b350/stevehsd/P1010025.jpghttp://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b350/stevehsd/P1010026.jpghttp://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b350/stevehsd/P1010027.jpg

http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b350/stevehsd/P1010026.jpg
http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b350/stevehsd/P1010027.jpg

Nice project man

The cooler is a nice touch!

the cooler is as rough as the truck
Thanks:aw:

I like the plate an vintage frame! Are you going to "rat rod" it or go for the finished look? Sounds like between the suspension and frame work you have a good size budget! It all adss up quick. I'm up to $25k without paint, interior or sound!

Looks like a solid start! I think you will need more than a C-notch to lay frame.
May need to Z it in the rear to get it that far down. Welcome aboard!!

Thanks

I plan to leave it alone paint wise
It's all the same color so I'm fine with it.
I like the look of the rat rods
I may paint an old shop logo on the door if I can make it look old

How many inches do I need to Z the frame to get it that low?

please man instead of going to hack the frame up make a new one and keep the original in storage for another resto job , it will probably too weak for the job anyway

Took off the bed today.
PO had welded the fender to the running board on the right side
Had to grind that off.
All bolts rusted, broke em all
Plan on removing all of the old suspension and rear end

What's that bar behind the crossmember?

Have a Camero 10 bolt rear end I'm planning to use
lots of grinding to do

http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b350/stevehsd/truck016.jpg
http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b350/stevehsd/truck015.jpg
http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b350/stevehsd/truck014.jpg
http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b350/stevehsd/truck013.jpg

Hack it up?
too weak?
you think so?
These frames are being given away on the HAMB
I may bolt on a front end
have to see how low the rear will be before I z it
If I take the cab off I may go with another frame
know of one with must II welded in already for 100
I am learning as I go
I just feel like I'm tearing it apart but that has to happen to improve the stance.
Thanks for your input!

Steve, Are you talking about the solid metal bar with a hump in it? If so that is your emergency brake. I pulled out the one in my dads truck because we went with a different rear end and it uses cable type e-brakes. If that is not what you are talking about then post a picture and I will see if I can help you out.

Bernie

Here's what the front looks like with no springs, just sittin' frame on axle.
Will a must II get it this low? lower?? I like it!!!
http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b350/stevehsd/truck019-1.jpg

PGF no not the brake one, there's one behind the rear cross member.
Bolted on. Also the rear cross member , tire hanger, is bolted at the top with what looks like adjustable slots? I'll try to post pics.

Solid truck to start with.Looks like your making good progress.Hey... I like the rod also ,Nice !!:metal:

My TCI Mustang II front end came in this last week. I'll see if I can get some pics up with it installed soon. Be watching for it in my build thread.

It should be close to that with drop spindles

Got the rear springs off last weekend to see what it looks like.
About 4" off the ground front and rear, looks cool.
Researching Mustang II and Triangulated 4 link
Zigs has a special for $3000 front and rear with bags plus brake booster
Suisidedoors.com has some good stuff too
http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b350/stevehsd/truck027.jpg
http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b350/stevehsd/truck029-1.jpg

The easy work is almost done ! Then on to the fun stuff.Keep us posted on the progress...................:metal:

Welcome to the board from central Califorina!:metal: Looks like a nice truck to strart your project with!

http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b350/stevehsd/truckbed.jpg

here's the bed back on
I had to enlist all of the nephews on Christmas eve to put it right!
I just got the wheels, I'm gonna use some '70 Z28 Rallys.
http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b350/stevehsd/wheels.jpg
got to hope for some cash from santa to get any farther!

You are literally "in the weeds" low! I like that look man. I personally think if you like it that low, you'll have to bag it. I, myself, will be using the drop springs on my Mudstane II front end.

I like the plate an vintage frame! Are you going to "rat rod" it or go for the finished look? Sounds like between the suspension and frame work you have a good size budget! It all adss up quick. I'm up to $25k without paint, interior or sound!


Daniel - that makes me not feel so crazy about asking $39K for mine. People don't realize how much you can tie up any these things. Even at that price, I'm probably only making about a nickel an hour for my labor! :lol:

SteveHSD, do you have any picture of the front end set up on your old project? A friend of mine is building a chassis from scratch similar to that and any pics we be a big help. Thanks,

Rob

Here's a picture of my 48 with Heidt's Mustang II crossmember, stock spindles and 25" tires. I don't know that I would want it much lower, especially if you drive it a lot. The second pictures is my 52, Mustang II crossmember (TCI??) bagged, 2 1/2 dropped spindles -- definitely will not be an every day driver.

Rob

Thanks for the pics...keep em coming!

No suspension at all right now.
Just the stock frame laying on original axles.
I plan on Must II front
4 link rear , bagged.
I guess this is as low as I can go with a stock bed.
About 4 inches off the ground at the floorboard.
http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b350/stevehsd/truck034.jpg

HartRod
I mistook your suspension question
I Had to cut the frame horns off the 29
Had some split wishbones and attached them
tried some coil over springs but conflicted with headlights
and didn't look right
just chained it up to sell it
wanted to spring it like tke this one.
http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b350/stevehsd/cool.jpg

HartRod
I mistook your suspension question
I Had to cut the frame horns off the 29
Had some split wishbones and attached them
tried some coil over springs but conflicted with headlights
and didn't look right
just chained it up to sell it
wanted to spring it like tke this one.
http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b350/stevehsd/cool.jpg

Thanks for the photo, do you have any of yours before you sold it?

R

here's all I have
http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b350/stevehsd/modelaphoto.jpg
http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b350/stevehsd/modela012.jpg
http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b350/stevehsd/modela001.jpg
http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b350/stevehsd/modela002.jpg
http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b350/stevehsd/modela003.jpg
http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b350/stevehsd/modela004.jpg
http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b350/stevehsd/modela005.jpg
http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b350/stevehsd/modela006.jpg
http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b350/stevehsd/modela007.jpg
http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b350/stevehsd/modela008.jpg
http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b350/stevehsd/modela009.jpg
http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b350/stevehsd/modela010.jpg
http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b350/stevehsd/modela011.jpg
http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b350/stevehsd/modela013.jpg
http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b350/stevehsd/modela014.jpg
http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b350/stevehsd/modela015.jpg
http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b350/stevehsd/modela016.jpg
http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b350/stevehsd/modela017.jpg
http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b350/stevehsd/modela021.jpg

That one loooks like some fast/cheap fun!

got the rear end changed today
chevy 10 bolt

What are you using for engine/trans?

Ordered the parts pkg from Zig's
Must II with bags
4 Bar Rear with bags (triangulated)
firewall brake booster
brake lines
Next week it's off to the shop!
http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b350/stevehsd/truck055.jpg
http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b350/stevehsd/truck060.jpg

700R4
350 I guess.

i dig how it sits with no suspension :metal: looking good keep it up!

how low you going? Im going to the 'board on 20's and its at alot of work....basically too much.

Either way it looks good, ask me questions if you have any, Im pretty sure I'll know them because I paved the road your about to start going down...

I wanted it to go to the boards but I'm thinking about keeping the bed stock.
So with 15 rally wheels and pumpkin to the bed I'm about 3-4 inches off the boards. I guess I could air out the wheels if I want it any lower, easier than dealing with the bed. I got the parts today, Heidt's crossmember, disks, brake booster but the rear is a straight TCI 4 link rather than the triangulated. What do you guys think? What is the advantage of each? Should I return it?

a triangulated 4-link will bind some in corners, but rubber bushings can give it enough compliance to deal with that. if set up properly you can put the instant center (the imaginary point where the upper and lower links meet when looking from the side of the vehicle) right on the anti-squat/anti-rise line so the rear of the vehicle will remain still when launching and not waste power moving the suspension. a longer SVSA (side-view swing arm, the distance the instant center is from the axle) will result in less pinion angle change and generally better ride/handling characteristics. it will not require a lateral restraint if the converging links are set close to 45 degrees

a four bar has the bars parallel in side view and plan view (view from the top) and will require some sort of lateral restraint like a panhard bar or watts link. (not necessarily a bad thing) there is generally no change in pinion angle if the links are the same length. these tend to squat on launch, but if you angle them up some, you can eliminate some of the squat. i have read that if you mount the right side frame bracket higher than the left that it can help launch characteristics also (dynamic rear tire load equalizing)

here is some reading here to explain some of this further:
http://home.earthlink.net/~whshope/id8.html

i would definitely suggest to build some adjustability in the system so you can dial it in once the truck is running and driving.

Off to the shop

Heidt's MustII installed
http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b350/stevehsd/truck105.jpg

looks great so far....keep up with the pics pls!

Good work!

The rear end is boxed now, awaiting suspension.
I'm reconsidering the lowered height
I've gone this far why not 3 1/2 " more to get the boards on the ground.
I guess I'll deal with the bed height later.
Here's the bad side of the truck that never gets photo'd
It could use another 3 1/2" drop!
http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b350/stevehsd/truck101.jpg

Here's the TCI 4 link installed, I think I'll add a 3 1/2" c notch next.
http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b350/stevehsd/truck111.jpg

Looks great Steve. Keep up the good work. Should be rolling in no time.

Bernie

thanks pgf
this is my first chevy build (was into vw's) built my Harley
I'm learning as I go
As far as a motor I'm questioning a $500 used 350 or a rebuilt 350 for $1250.
What do you think?

if the engine is out of a low milage car i would buy the used engine
that way you can get some dress up stuff , drive for a year or 2 maybe 3 before pulling the engine out again and do with it wat you want done with it ...... chainge it intoo a 383 for instance

I would take a look at the used motor and maybe run a compression and cylinder leak check if possible. I am alway leary of buying used motors because you can't really verify everything. If it will start and run then you can usually get an idea of the shape. If you can't start it then it is just a gamble. But I agree with watahyaknow with the extra money you save you can get some dress up stuff and save some money for a later preformance rebuild.

Bernie

We are back from the shop!
I've got a new stance.
4 air bags plus motor and tranny mounts installed.
Stock bed still intact.
Had a hard time getting past the transition from sidewalk to driveway (aired out)
http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b350/stevehsd/truck009-1.jpg
http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b350/stevehsd/truck006-1.jpg
http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b350/stevehsd/truck214.jpg

Putting in any skid plates?;) Looks low!:metal:

I'm sure I should consider it.
the lowest point is the board supports.
What would you suggest?
Where are you in central Cal?
you'll be at Paso?
Steve

I'm sure I should consider it.
the lowest point is the board supports.
What would you suggest?
Where are you in central Cal?
you'll be at Paso?
Steve
I'm in Paso. If you're going to be there, PM/email me and maybe we can meet up. I know with bags, I'd want skid plates for insurance. A few budddies of mine have had accidents with a burst line or valve. Besides the cool sparks you can make:metal:

I hate the board supports. My truck lays them all on the ground and they bow out a little...not to mention I still need to cut the front two down so the board lays flat.

I think im going to build ski's that hang down from the frame and sit on the ground.

Never realized the supports needed to be clearanced to lay boards. Mine are still 1" off the ground and would be the first thing to hit only with air bag and tire failure together. I guess I've got built in skid plates. (speed bumps are another story) BTW my nephew came by tonight and told me a story about his S10 that would lay frame, that lost air for some reason and the sparks and carnage weren't pretty.
http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b350/stevehsd/truck008-1.jpg

The real cool skid plates have different types of metal for a multi color spark. In your case, the plates would be for function, not fashion. How high will you fuel tank sit from the botom? My buddy went through 3 plastic tanks and 1 fuel pump before replacing his bags/lines/compressor.

My tank is still in the cab.

That truck looks sick man!

Got the 350 + 700R4 in today
everything went smooth!
Gotta laugh at those Holly valve covers and the Rotchester carb!
The seering column needs to be shorter, otherwise it fit perfect.
http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b350/stevehsd/truck217.jpg
http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b350/stevehsd/truck219.jpg
Good to GO!

lookin real good!

Thanks Cal,
Paso is this weekend, will you go?
I'll be there and my truck'll be in the garage. Maybe next year!
I've got a lot done, rear brakes and e brake, drive shaft, master cylinder, steering column, actually I'm still working on that. What headers or exh. manifold can I use with a 2 point streering shaft? I've got the third one and pivot, if needed, but I feel it would be more solid if I could leave it as just 2. Yet there is no room for the stock ram horn! Does anyone know what is the best?
Thanks again,
Steve
http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b350/stevehsd/truck224.jpg
http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b350/stevehsd/truck223.jpg
http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b350/stevehsd/truck225.jpg

For exhaust manifolds I am using Camaro rear dumps that have been ground smooth and jet coated and some slowmasters!

We are back from the shop!
I've got a new stance.
4 air bags plus motor and tranny mounts installed.
Stock bed still intact.
Had a hard time getting past the transition from sidewalk to driveway (aired out)
http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b350/stevehsd/truck009-1.jpg
http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b350/stevehsd/truck006-1.jpg
http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b350/stevehsd/truck214.jpg

The stance is awsome. Is this will all of the air out? Are you running drop spindles? Looks great.

yes, aired out, 2" lowered spindles, stock bed height, 265/50-15 tires

Got the steering, shifter, and gas pedal in.
There is no room for the steering with stock exhaust.
need to adjust the TV cable for the 700 r 4 and lock up next.
http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b350/stevehsd/truck004-1.jpg
http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b350/stevehsd/truck003-1.jpg

My 59 has the 2nd joint and has work fine for 4 years. Lots of clearance for exhaust. Has headers now.

Brian ..:cool:

awesome truck,i love how it sits! are you planning on painting it or leaving it like it is? IMO i'd leave it and just clean up the inside, less worries about scratches and dents. it just looks mean! :)

Thanks for the props!
I hate when people ask me what color I'm going to paint it!
I appreciate your opinion, that was one of the reasons I bought it, it's all one color and is presentable as is. It's just gonna get old. So I'm gonna leave it.
The interior is another part I like. It's a 20 yr old restoration on a 2000's suspension with a classic 350/700r4/10bolt driveline.

i love 'em low... and thats low, nice job, keep them pics coming!

............ Looks finished too me!!!

what engine mounts are those? Are they just towers welded to the frame boxes?