Sorry for putting this in two posts; but the other thread was getting kind of long and I wasn't sure if people would keep checking it.

Anyway; I went down to the other factory this morning. Some of you should recognize this:

http://i134.photobucket.com/albums/q94/jb4short513/DSCF1775.jpg

http://i134.photobucket.com/albums/q94/jb4short513/DSCF1774.jpg

Here's someone's old truck sitting on the third floor of the factory for measuring and test fitting parts:

http://i134.photobucket.com/albums/q94/jb4short513/DSCF1776.jpg



Anyone in South Carolina remember owning this?

We got the cowl sample here and discussed making a stock replacement and a modified smooth one. The modified would be less antenna hole and the vent slots would be turned to face front to back, like the old Camaro, and would only go from the washer nozzle outboard about 5-1/2". This would really smooth out the look but retain some functionality. Thoughts?

We also discussed making a complete replacement shortbed frame. Do you think this is worth doing? Would it be worth the money to start your project on a brand new frame vs. finding/cleaning up an original?

Any suggestions are appreciated and the LWB bedsides should ship to us within a month.

Kool :metal:

Any suggestions are appreciated and the LWB bedsides should ship to us within a month.

BOY OH BOY. Talk about timing. Any guestimate on what a pair of LWB bedsides are going to run me? And when you you will be ready to ship them out?

I was planning on buying a stud gun and ATTEMPTING to straighten out my sides this spring but it sure would be a whole heck of a lot easier AND QUICKER to bolt a new pair on.

BOY OH BOY. Talk about timing. Any guestimate on what a pair of LWB bedsides are going to run me? And when you you will be ready to ship them out?

I was planning on buying a stud gun and ATTEMPTING to straighten out my sides this spring but it sure would be a whole heck of a lot easier AND QUICKER to bolt a new pair on.

no pricing yet; but they are supposed to ship to us within a month....then a month on the ocean so they should be in stock in May

Also; if someone has a damaged or unuseable 6' bedside we cold use the lower rear corner for development. If you think you could supply it PM me and I'll hightlight where to cut it out.

Thanks for the quick response. And please keep us posted. Not long ago there was a thread about what parts folks would like to see. LOTS of people were screaming for LWB bedsides.

That is totally awesome. Do I see a first generation camaro or bird on the other side of that truck?:c2:

YES!!:metal:
http://i134.photobucket.com/albums/q94/jb4short513/DSCF1775.jpg

are these LWB bedside going to be like the SWB and be the inner and outers?
or are they going to be just the outer skins?

I'm sure they won't be cheap - but they look like a quality product :)

Finally someone steps up for the lwb guys...

That is totally awesome. Do I see a first generation camaro or bird on the other side of that truck?:c2:

Yes...looked like an RS.

The bedside will be the complete bolt on with the inner and outer just like the original. I asked him to also run some without the marker holes for the '67 guys.

Freight will definately be expensive on these. As soon as I get back I'll talk to the local pallet manufacturer to see what we can construct for safe shipping.

20 years from now someone is going to purchase one of these trucks that has had these sides put on it and they are going to cut em down cause they wanted a short bed :lol:

20 years from now someone is going to purchase one of these trucks that has had these sides put on it and they are going to cut em down cause they wanted a short bed :lol:

LOL!

Any thoughts on the complete SWB frame?

We got the cowl sample here and discussed making a stock replacement and a modified smooth one. The modified would be less antenna hole and the vent slots would be turned to face front to back, like the old Camaro, and would only go from the washer nozzle outboard about 5-1/2". This would really smooth out the look but retain some functionality. Thoughts?

We also discussed making a complete replacement shortbed frame. Do you think this is worth doing? Would it be worth the money to start your project on a brand new frame vs. finding/cleaning up an original?

Any suggestions are appreciated and the LWB bedsides should ship to us within a month.

That cowl panel sounds interesting :cool:

replacement frames would depend on price to the end customer. Often SWB rolling chassis are available for under $300 complete, but it is usually a location issue.

If it was priced right, I would have ordered a complete new SWB frame for my project truck :D

Very awesome!

would the swb frames be available for both 4wd and 2wd? not sure how you would go about doing that cause i don't know the differences if there are any. also, what ballpark would the price range be in? i think the frames would sell becuase they are not an easy find and the prices of swb's are only going to increase.

would the swb frames be available for both 4wd and 2wd? not sure how you would go about doing that cause i don't know the differences if there are any. also, what ballpark would the price range be in? i think the frames would sell becuase they are not an easy find and the prices of swb's are only going to increase.

He's going to work up a calculation on the cost. I was thinnking a 2WD coil spring rear frame. As far as differences there are experts on here that can answer that question...I'd like to know also. I am not so familiar with these trucks that it would be anything but a guess for me. I know there's a SWB frame already sitting there....so we wouldn't need to find one.

The natural extension of this would be a LWB conversion kit; I.E, frame and bed components for those who want to build one from a LWB truck.

It's like a dream come true. :o

Finally someone steps up for the lwb guys...

You should talk to the Suburban guys about complete Suburban quarters. WES www.ClassicHeartbeat.com

I like the idea of an antennaless cowl, I know at a minimum you'd have at least one buyer (me obviously :-P)

where in nj are you at. and yea that cowl would be a cool idea.

As far as the SWB frames are concerned - they don't seem to be in too much demand - and for any fabricator it isn't that hard to cut down a LWB frame - as done in a tech thread here on the board. As mentioned you can ususally get a SWB frame for $300 or less in rolling condition.

Maybe in a few years prices will go up on them - but unless a re-pro SWB 2x4 Coil Frame is less than $600-$700 I they would be a tough sell.


Hmm A Re-Pro Frame, Re-Pro Beds, Re-Pro Doors, Re-Pro Front Clips (lets get a complete cab made (like the '47-'53) and we can have a "kit truck" :lol:

Wow I was going to convert to a SWB because they didn't offer new LWB bedsides, but this might change my mind! Man I didn't think I'd live to see the day those would be repopped.
In my opinion, even if you made only the SWB frame rails I would buy those and use my LWB frame crossmembers.This would maybe keep the price down for those wanting to do a conversion and simplify shipping and storage issues.
Dano

SWB 4x4 frames are the hardest to find and bring more money when you do find one. Maybe do a pole on this subject and see witch frame would be the most desirable and what people would be willing to pay for each type of frame.

Gary

You should get an award!:gi:

Any idea about the cowl itself? not just the cover?

This is awsome.You are going to save the lives of thousands of trucks and maybe create some new ones. If you do the short frame,I would consider the straight rail 4WD version as it could probably be used for 2 &4 wheel drives. Dont forget about blazer bedsides and floors for all.

I think I just found my Christmas present.

OK....here's good news for the '67-'68 guys

http://i134.photobucket.com/albums/q94/jb4short513/DSCF1825.jpg

Here's the outer panel

http://i134.photobucket.com/albums/q94/jb4short513/DSCF1826.jpg

Here are some of the inner peices

http://i134.photobucket.com/albums/q94/jb4short513/DSCF1832.jpg

And this is what half of the front panel tooling looks like.

Should be ready to have assembled, primed and shipped by the end of the month!

IMO this has to be a very smart business decision for you guys. Willing to take the time and come on here to get our opinions and take that input to heart. This could create a few loyal customers. All I know is that these trucks are very popular, and I stress the word popular. Everywhere I look around here is a truck of this style. Everything from show quality to some beat up junker pushing snow with the seat about to fall out of it. Way to go and I hope this pays off for you guys, I know it will for us. :) :)

As far as parts I would like to see, upper cab stuff for me would be nice. I have some damage behind the passenger door on the upper half. I am trying to decide how to fix it. The PO fixed it with some thick bondo and now it is coming apart. Also, the ceiling of the cab above the doors. The problem is this seems like an isolated problem that only I have and I don't know how much of a demand these parts have. Anyway, that is my $.02. Thanks for listening...:metal:

you are killin me, how about those suburban upper hatches sure would be nice huh! keep up the good work thanks for listening to us board members.

i think all of the products your in the process of building and contemplating are wonderfull for us, and you really have an edge on the compition! just wondering where these are made, that they have to spend a month on the water to get here??????

i think all of the products your in the process of building and contemplating are wonderfull for us, and you really have an edge on the compition! just wondering where these are made, that they have to spend a month on the water to get here??????

This feedback is for the manufacturer; so there's no "Edge on the competition" with this. Most vendors you already know will purchase and distribute these products. We would like to use these boards to help make decisions about developing more products.

I sent the cowl before coming here and they're actually working up drawings as we speak. I like the idea of rolling the different suggestions into a poll format to try and judge demand.

figures, they come out after I pay to get mine fixed.....next time

John, Is that my 67-68 grill. Looks like it made a trip south! Thanks for stripping it for me.
Can't wait to the different cowl flavors.
I, for one, would purchase a fresh swb frame. I have a perfect arizona cab sitting in my garage waiting for a perfect frame. . . or maybe to be used as the sample when you decide to repro the 67-72 cab!
Regards,
Mike D.

Where are these parts being stamped?

And ... do you have a pic of the ventless cowl that you can share?

Thanks!

Whoohooo! I'm getting a new bed!! :metal: :D

Mike

Blazer bedsides would definitely be a good seller..:cool: 60-63 doors and 60-66 fleetside short bed sides and hoods are not reproduced either.

how much? :D

Tri-ProAutomotive here are some pic's that were supplied to me by 1969k10stepside showing the difference between 2wd and 4x4 swb frames. As stated before 2wd coil spring frames still seem to be able to be found with some looking as well as 4x4's but they are harder IMO as this is my current problem. BUT As stated before the price would be the determing factor. I have the fabricating skills to shorten the lwb frame that I have in my sig. but would definatly consider new swb 4x4 frame if on were availible. I like the idea mentioned about the polls being set up for more practical reasons also. In closing I would like to thank you again on behalf of all of us here in listening to us the consumer. This is one of the best things I have seen from a manufaturer in quite sometime. I'm sure all the Long bed guys would vote for you if you run for president.

That being said I vote SWB 4x4 frame and complete cab.

If you restamped those smoothed cowls, I would buy one, I've been looking for one for eons now, or even a factory-shaved one (no antenna hole, that is), and I've had three different board members screw me over on a wild goose chase for it. I would really love, love, love to see pictures of that unit, and get a price estimate along with a release estimate. Also, who is a vendor for the shaved cowl product? I have a can of paint to match my truck already, and would love to get my hands on one and install it like ... yesterday :D

IMO...
67-68 Grilles... Good choice...
Smooth Cowl... Also Good choice...

I don't need or have this problem, But... Don't you guys down South have a inside the cab, above sun-visor rust issue. So, a inner roof/ceiling panel. I believe the 47-54 guys have a replacement panel. Is that a needed thing for our trucks? OOPS JUST CHECKED THE WEBSITE, ALREADY HAVE THEM. GOOD JOB...
Bed Floors...SWB & LWB, also a rear of bed, under floor, rear-most boxed beam thingy. Every bed I have that piece is rusty
Also, a Complete Cab (affordable that is, U.S.Body Source has a 'Glass cab) A cab I believe would be the only thing left to Re-pop, isn't it?
As far as a Frame, I'm not sure it would be cost effective to produce. By the time you got the frame affordable enough, the shipping costs would kill the deal (IMO). Although, the straight leafspring type rear rails look interesting for us die hard old school pro-street guys.

You've made an excellent decision to research future products on these forums. We all appreciate it and there's no question that it will pay off for Tri-Pro.

Your pic thread seems to be turning into another "what's not out there" thread, so I'll just chime in and agree with Kyle about the 60-66 short/fleet bedsides. Those are not easy to come by and would probably be one of the highest demand items for that bodystyle. I also have to say that the Burb liftgates (upper hatch) would be a great seller.

I would buy a 2wd swb frame or 2. There are none up here and anything that could be found would be rusty.

Are those passenger side inner fender patches ready yet? I will take two right now! PayPal ok with you?

I'd take a pair of the LWB bedside for sure..:c2:

I don't have pictures of the smooth cowl because we were only drawing it out yesterday. Once the original cowl we sent is digitally scanned they can do a few designs a decide which to manufacture. I had another thought while we were screwing with the pictures yesterday; maybe we could laser cut a standard washer nozzle hole and adapt a set of late model nozzles. Then you could cut down the metal nozzle and run a piece of plastic tubing....then the cowl wouldn't need the regular nozzle holes.

a repro cab would be worth it. are these products metal or glass? the bedsides look like metal.

I second the 69-72 blazer bed sides even if it was just the outer skins!

Kevin
LFD Inc.

Repro the cab top skin. That would be a big seller if you could nail that one down with a good quality piece.

Sonny

The 67-68 grill is being made in a Tri-Plus warehouse, the grille you see is made from an NOS 67-68 grill that Paul sent 2 years ago.
We are supposed to receive the sample, and be test fitting it within the next few weeks and we'll post a report at that time.

Les
@GMCPauls

Ok ... so where is this Tri-Plus warehouse located? China?

All the Tri-Plus manufacturing facilities I know of are in Taiwan.

wheres my short wheel base metal bed floor? iv been checking the mail box each day!!!!!!!!! no floor lol no kiddin hopefully they will come soon

All the Tri-Plus manufacturing facilities I know of are in Taiwan.

Thanks!

The 67-68 grill is being made in a Tri-Plus warehouse, the grille you see is made from an NOS 67-68 grill that Paul sent 2 years ago.
We are supposed to receive the sample, and be test fitting it within the next few weeks and we'll post a report at that time.

Les
@GMCPauls

That is excellent news. Any idea what the 67/68 grille shell will retail for?

No pricing yet. Gotta make sure it fits first. :)

Tri-Pro to answer your question on the cowl. If you are going for the shaved/clean look I say GO FOR IT on the late model washer nozzels. It would just clean things up that much more. Keep up the good work. :metal:

Blazer bedsides Please!!!

I would love to see a completely smooth cowl: no antenna, vents or washers. Save a lot of time shaving all of it.

I would love to see a completely smooth cowl: no antenna, vents or washers. Save a lot of time shaving all of it.

What would you do for washer nozzles? Does anyone else think completely smooth is ok; or would you prefer the nozzles?

i would definetly buy a cowl! I'd prefer completely smooth with the exception of the nozzles.

richard

I would buy the smooth cowl, leaving only the holes needed for the wiper arms and the one center nozzle like you suggested:gi:

What would you do for washer nozzles? Does anyone else think completely smooth is ok; or would you prefer the nozzles?

There is a simple mod that puts the nozzle on the wper arm itself. It has been discussed here before. Similar to the way a lot of late model vehicles have it on the wiper arm itself. I say smooth the cowl completely. If people want washer nozzles they can add them themselves. JMO.
Shawn

I don't have pictures of the smooth cowl because we were only drawing it out yesterday. Once the original cowl we sent is digitally scanned they can do a few designs a decide which to manufacture. I had another thought while we were screwing with the pictures yesterday; maybe we could laser cut a standard washer nozzle hole and adapt a set of late model nozzles. Then you could cut down the metal nozzle and run a piece of plastic tubing....then the cowl wouldn't need the regular nozzle holes.

That sounds like a great "option", at least include a template to do this. Personally, I'm trying to retrofit late model truck wipers that have the nozzle on the wiper arm, so I wouldn't need anything like that.

I would love to see a completely smooth cowl: no antenna, vents or washers. Save a lot of time shaving all of it.

The sad fact is, nobody makes one, and there IS no easy way to shave it. If you don't leave it bolted in while cutting out the vents, it will twist and warp on you and you'll never get it back to the right shape.

I really look forward to this product, and would happily test it for you :D

Any chance you can R&D this thing and get a press within the next 90 days? :D:D

Ok ... so where is this Tri-Plus warehouse located? China?

I noticed that too :D

Good work on the 67-68 grill!
Looks NICE!

Will the 67-68 inner panels be available with out buying the whole grill?

If you want me to make sure the lwb bedsides fit correctly, i can come by and pick up a set and will let you know......as stated earlier, having lwb sides available will save many trucks, inlcuding mine. good work..

I'm really interested in the shaved cowl. Maybe save me some time. I'm in the "no nozzle club". Leave wiper openings though. BTW how do you plan to anchor down the back edge (nearest front glass)? I have a couple of ideas on how I planned on doing it, but just curious what route you plan on taking. Thanks for being an innovator.

Ok; after, what seemed like, a three day flight I have returned to a winter wonderland in NJ.

Here's a quick photoshop by the factory on the shaved cowl with a late model nozzle opening. What we are thinking is that we would pick a set of nozzles from GM and make the openings specific to that part number. Then decide whether to include them or just give a reference number for people to purchase them locally.

Pardon the color of the cowl....genuine GM.

All this is Awesome.....more more!!! I bet a steel SWB fleet bed floor would sell like sliced bread, heck even a LWB steel bed floor for that matter.

Jon,
The cowl looks awesome. I think every truck we build will wear one. Thanks for the quick work. Include the washer nozzles in the package.
Welcome back to the snow!
Mike D.

Ok; after, what seemed like, a three day flight I have returned to a winter wonderland in NJ.

Here's a quick photoshop by the factory on the shaved cowl with a late model nozzle opening. What we are thinking is that we would pick a set of nozzles from GM and make the openings specific to that part number. Then decide whether to include them or just give a reference number for people to purchase them locally.

Pardon the color of the cowl....genuine GM.


:bling2: All I have to say is :phat: and when and how much?!?! :D

I like it. I still vote for completely shaved without nozzles. It will be easier to cut holes and add nozzles than to close up holes. JMO. I do like it though!!!

Thanks Mike...I should've extended my stay until my wife got the driveway clean...LOL

Cutting nozzle holes is not easy. Not that long ago the company I was working for received 100 Toyota Camry hoods that has missed the process step to cut the nozzle holes. We thought we could cut them and salvage the lot....getting the shape and size exactly right proved to be impossible. The tolerances on the nozzle opening are pretty tight and it's easy to either make the nozzle want to fall out or have a visible air gap once installed.