Re: Mr. Simpson Build Thread
 

I'm waiting on my rear end to get back from getting narrowed, so I've been kind of stalled on progress, but I got the front end assembled and my front brakes mocked up. The Big Brake Kit from AZ Pro Performance is REALLY nice! It comes with everything to easily bolt them on to factory, or stock style dropped, spindles. Plus they're 14.5" front and rear and made be Baer Brakes!

I painted the power rack to match the A-arms too. It just looked out of place in that stock silver color.

The steering joints in the Choppin Block kit do not disapoint either. They're beautifully machined and hard anodized. Super tight tolerances on these parts too. I really like that you don't have to notch your frame for the steering too.

Re: Mr. Simpson Build Thread
 

Man, those are some beefy lookin rotors. Nice and thick. The whole kit you're using looks good. Should be a sweet looking/handling truck. Rock on!

Re: Mr. Simpson Build Thread
 

The more I see of the Chopin Block front suspension, the more I am liking it.

Can you give your thoughts on it over some of the others out on the market today?

Re: Mr. Simpson Build Thread
 

There were a couple of things that made me choose the Choppin Block kit.

I discussed the fact that I'd like to be able to track the truck and that I'll be daily driving it pretty hard with Vince at Choppin Block. He explained to me how much time they put into making the steering geometry perfect for the truck and the fact that they have some very cool computer programs to do so.

Pair that with the fact that they're the only ones offering a Torsion style front, and rear, sway bar that I've seen on a lot of cars and trucks specifically built for racing and I knew their kit would make my bagged truck handle amazingly.

The other factors for choosing this kit were the cammed bolts on the lower A-arms to adjust the caster/camber, rather than having to use shims on the upper arms like most do. Choppin Block went out of their way to make sure the engine and transmission stay as low as possible in the chassis. They only had to lift the engine roughly 3/4", rather than 2+" like others. The fact that you don't have to cut and notch your chassis to clear the steering was a big plus to me. It's cleaner and saves a lot of time. Lastly, all of their joints have zerk fittings and Delrin bushings, which in my experience with aftermarket suspension makes a BIG difference in longevity of the parts.

Re: Mr. Simpson Build Thread
 

I can't believe I missed this thread. The Choppin block stuff looks great!

Re: Mr. Simpson Build Thread
 

Great looking products all around, its looking killer, too bad it'll be a shame to cover it all up right?

Re: Mr. Simpson Build Thread
 

I got my narrowed 12 bolt housing back with new narrowed axles!

Spent some time last night getting it set up and the Choppin Block 4-link axle mounts tacked onto the housing. I'm getting close to getting this thing on the ground!

Re: Mr. Simpson Build Thread
 

Yeah, I know I'm going to have to cover it, but I kind of want to make the bed floor hinged to be able to show the chassis off. If I can find a clean way to do it that won't be obvious, I'm going to.

Re: Mr. Simpson Build Thread
 

I got the axle brackets welded up last night and got the rear caliper brackets bolted on. I'm waiting for a buddy to help me set up the gears. That's something I've never done myself, but always wanted to learn.

I'm going to start working on getting all the brake lines run and I ordered my in tank fuel pump so I can mount the Choppin Block gas tank and start running the fuel line and return line as well.

Re: Mr. Simpson Build Thread
 

Spent last night buttoning up the fuel cell.

I used Holley's in tank universal fuel pump. This thing is really easy to install, sits really low to the tank, and looks pretty good too!

I got the fuel cell bolted in so I can get the fuel lines run up to it. It's starting to look like a vehicle again.

Getting the motor ready to mate to the trans as well. I got a flywheel from McLeod that fits the Gen 1 SBC and works with the T56.

Re: Mr. Simpson Build Thread
 

Looks great so far! Good work!

Re: Mr. Simpson Build Thread
 

Cool build. I'm really digging it. I'm totally digging the drive it like you stole it mentality going on here.

Re: Mr. Simpson Build Thread
 

Just came across this build thread, and looks great Derek! I am subscribed to follow along on progress.

Re: Mr. Simpson Build Thread
 

I've been slowly plugging away on little things on the truck.

I got the rear end back from getting narrowed and got the new axles, Auburn posi, and 4.56 ring and pinion installed. I got it back under the frame and welded the mounts for the rear sway bar.

I started running the rear brake lines too. I found these hard line mounts made by a company called Notchead. They're amazing! Super easy to mount and allow you to easily pop the hard line in and out. Great for bending and fitting the lines, but these would make the lines really easy to service too. I'm going to use them for the fuel lines as well.

Re: Mr. Simpson Build Thread
 

I dig those line mounts. Those are rad.

Re: Mr. Simpson Build Thread
 

Those line mounts are nice, and super clean! It's getting closer to wheel time.

Re: Mr. Simpson Build Thread
 

The line mounts really do save a lot of time compared to all the ones I've used in the past.

The wheels are on their way! I should have them in the next couple weeks! As soon as I have them I'm going to get them mounted and lay this thing on the ground.

I'm also supposed to get the engine back next week so I can start painting it and getting all the accessories hung off of it.

Re: Mr. Simpson Build Thread
 

I got the majority of the plumbing from the rear of the truck to the front and got the air springs, diff cover, rear brakes, and sway bar installed. I got everything tightened up as best as I can and I'm ready to get moving on wrapping up the front. I should have the engine back this week to get assembled, painted, and in the truck.

What do you guys think of my NOS GM performance brakes? ;)

The Raceline Nitros are on their way too!!! I got some Toyo tires ordered to get them wrapped in and bolted on as soon as they arrive.

Have I mentioned how excited I am to get the cab on and get this thing back on the ground?!?!

Re: Mr. Simpson Build Thread
 

New Old Stock GM performance front brakes too!

Re: Mr. Simpson Build Thread
 

Derek, it's cool to see all the progress. This is going to be a pretty intense truck when you're done. Saw that you went with your chassis component color on the calipers, and I think that's a good call. I tend to go with silver so that with the rotors it presents a consistent background for the wheels. But I can understand wanting to differentiate the calipers from the rotors. Your truck is going to be fun to drive. Was thinking about you wanting to hinge the bed floor and if you are going to use it to haul things sometimes that might be difficult. Maybe you can hinge the whole bed? Still presents difficulty with the gas filler and probably some other things. But hinging it to the side like a grand piano would help people understand that it was to display the undercarriage, and not like a dump bed. Just a thought. Really enjoy watching this go together.

Re: Mr. Simpson Build Thread
 

Well, I've been slacking on posting here, but I've still been able to make progress on Mr. Simpson.

I got all the brake and fuel lines in and tightened up. I got the rear end bolted in, the girder style diff cover on, and the front end all buttoned up.

I got my motor back and got it and the T56 painted. I've never painted an engine with a base coat clear coat type paint before and I'm not sure I'll ever do it again, but I think it turned out really nice. I got my Mcleod flywheel and clutch mounted up and got the trans bolted to the engine. Got it all bolted in the chassis. I did have to cut the transmission mount up and lower the mounting point though, because it was originally for a 700R4.

Next is cutting the floor out to clear the T56 and get everything hooked up to the engine and trans from the cab. Then it'll start to look like a truck again!

Re: Mr. Simpson Build Thread
 

Couple more pics.

Re: Mr. Simpson Build Thread
 

That engine turned out great. Looks like it is well worth the aggravation.

Re: Mr. Simpson Build Thread
 

Any updates?

Re: Mr. Simpson Build Thread
 

In for updates