Re: Project: Big Grapefruit
 

I think I may change my frame plans and rob the 4x4 pieces off mine now to this one.

Re: Project: Big Grapefruit
 

Long wheel base 1 ton frame would get my vote! Would you build a dually 4x4 going this route?

Re: Project: Big Grapefruit
 

Comin' along nicely, nice idea on the frame.....

Re: Project: Big Grapefruit
 

It will still be a crew short bed 1 ton srw.... Looking it over I might be able to get away with chopping the frame at the back end and scooting the up the spring perches. It will be close. Trevor

Re: Project: Big Grapefruit
 

Your doing awesome Trevor!!!!!!!!

Re: Project: Big Grapefruit
 

Did you decide on what your going to do for the headliner(s) Trevor? Project is looking good man! Nice work!:metal:

Re: Project: Big Grapefruit
 

Hey jamie, thanks for your pics again. The way you have yours is how I had it imagined in my head, but I have also thought about stretching the cab to 2 full doors on each side and finishing off both doors in the truck curve but have the squared off burb front. That way you could use factory trim and I could run two front door panel setups. If I go that route, I may stretch the headliner to one larger single headliner and fab up the custom factory looking trim. Trevor

Re: Project: Big Grapefruit
 

Awesome work on your cab! I think my next project for the winter will be the same thing. But I'm thinking DRW and using my 72 for the rest. :lol: Going with that 1 ton frame is a good idea too.

Re: Project: Big Grapefruit
 

Looking like a super start ...... !!!! I vote for full size rear doors.... That is how I want to do one.

Re: Project: Big Grapefruit
 

Man, I love these crew cabs!

Re: Project: Big Grapefruit
 

X2, that is how I plan to do mine or like a mega cab.

Re: Project: Big Grapefruit
 

Great Start,Along for the ride............

Rick

Re: Project: Big Grapefruit
 

I'll ride along. What size lift and tires are you going with this one?

Re: Project: Big Grapefruit
 

No new pictures yet, but did acquire my new c30 157" frame and my new srw axles. Progress will be slow between working on my brother in laws 76 k5 converted to a 73-75 convertible, this truck, and my busy season at work. That's what you get when you are your own fabricator and body man. Trevor

Re: Project: Big Grapefruit
 

The full size (or nearly so) doors do change the look visually a lot.
The 157" numbers out very close for a 42" stretch cab (Scott-Bilt style) and a short bed. Need to remember that the axle kickup is higher on a 157" frame than a 133", 3" IIRC. Something I had looked into wanting a 149" wb C30 frame. PM me you email for a couple of drawings to reference.
Now here is an unknown assumed period crew cab conversion I found that appears to have the modifications you are debating. IIRC it was on the board here, my thought is it might be a Stageway and if I can locate the post I'll link it.
Finally here is a quickie "what if" chop I did years ago before we out grew a shortbed.

Re: Project: Big Grapefruit
 

Thanks Tim, after measuring the kick up, the top of the rails measure about 1 1/2" above the half and three quarter ton frames. I still think it is the best platform to use for length and strength for a diesel crew. This one is huge. Those 8" rails are massive and the frame is every bit of 20 ft.

Re: Project: Big Grapefruit
 

Can't agree more. The 157" frame is the king of the LD truck frames (8.18" section height, 2.97" flange width, 0.224" thick, 7.29 section modulus).
Numbers work out to about 99% stiffer than a K20 frame, but then even a C20 (127") frame is about 8% stiffer than a K20. Don't remember the kickup being that minimal but go with what you see. If you are doing a 4x4 conversion I have some thoughts I'd like to run by you.

Re: Project: Big Grapefruit
 

Hey Tim, I'm all ears, so shoot away or pm me. I ran a straight board across the top of the highest part of the rear frame and measured down to the middle portion of the frame. It was about an 1/8" from being 7" of kickup and measured my 3/4 and it was if I remember right, 5-5 1/2". I'll remeasure that tomorrow. Trevor

Re: Project: Big Grapefruit
 

what level of effort will go into this frame to make it work for your needs? the reason i ask is from my own experience. if i was to start over and i wasnt working on a truck that was of some sentimental value, i would just scratch build the frame. i dont know if you have looked at mine or not, but i have boxed the K20 frame front to rear. given the amount of work that was vs the end result of building a frame, i would go full custom fab next time.

Re: Project: Big Grapefruit
 

Hey Ryan, I'm going for more of a stock build with my truck. Trying to incorporate the strongest parts offered. I don't plan on doing any unnecessary boxing of the frame. The drive train will be a stock duramax, after much back in forth thinking, and tied to a nv4500 and np205. I feel pretty confident this frame will withstand my light abuse and be more than capable to tow with. My modifications will include removing all 4x4 specific brackets and rereviting them to this frame and if I need to add any cross members along the way. This is definitely more beef of a frame compared to a longhorn c30 frame or 3/4 ton frame. Trevor

Re: Project: Big Grapefruit
 

sounds good! what are you plans for hooking the 4500 to the duramax? i have no idea if they offer that BH, or what pattern the Dmax used or any of the details there.

Re: Project: Big Grapefruit
 

I'd reconsider riveting the frame back together. I'd use grade 8 bolts and bolt it together. Grade 8 bolts are stronger than those rivets they use in these frames. I'm sure you're going for a stock appearing look, but you blew that out of the water when you said crew cab and duramax. :lol:

Re: Project: Big Grapefruit
 

Actually that sounds real close. Showing 5.46" on a C20 (127") and 7.18" on a C30 (157").

Re: Project: Big Grapefruit
 

I'm on board. Great looking work so far!

Re: Project: Big Grapefruit
 

Got my attention here too.