Re: TCI to start new R&D Project with a C10!
 

Getting to the engine would be like a van if you use a removable dog house or engine cover. The engine could be offset to the passenger side slightly if you needed a little more leg room.

Re: TCI to start new R&D Project with a C10!
 

Haven't made much progress lately. Ed and I have been discussing the chassis center section and engine placement at length. There is no physical way to lower the engine in place so we've decided to build a removable lower section of the chassis. It will have 6 attachment points and allow the body/chassis to be lowered over the top of it. I've built this over and over in my head so many times that I get disappointed when I walk into R&D and see that it isn't physically built yet. I should start on it today though.

Much like the engine placement, cab placement is still up in the air. I had read and spoke to a few C10 builders that if you body drop .75" the bottom of the pinch weld will be dead even with the bottom of the frame. That's not the case on this truck. I am currently using our Camaro 3/8" spacers(which are roughly.75" less than the stock rubber mounts) between the cab and frame mounts and the pinch weld is still well below the bottom of the frame. On top of that the rear of the cab is lower than the front, using the frame as reference. This kind of works to my advantage though. I had kinda wanted to tilt/rake the whole body down a degree or two in the front. My plan is to make the bottom of the cab parallel to the bottom of the frame.

All of that means that the core support bushings will also need to be modified to assume the new angle. This pic is with roughly 1" less thickness.

http://i981.photobucket.com/albums/a...ps2eeuwfbr.jpg

I was at a stand still with cab placement because I wanted the pinch weld rolled up flat. I'm an OCD photog so i've seen way to many good looking trucks be ruined by the pinch weld.

http://i981.photobucket.com/albums/a...psyybyujxe.jpg

-J

Re: TCI to start new R&D Project with a C10!
 

Ed was working on shock placement while Sal and I were at SEMA. Here is what he came up with. This is basically our original upper shock mount raised another 7/16". She's going to be loooooooooooooooooooowwwwww.

http://i981.photobucket.com/albums/a...psna55kjx0.jpg

Re: TCI to start new R&D Project with a C10!
 

SEMA, Pleasanton & Scottsdale, 3 weekends in a row working out of town has slowed progress on the C10.

We needed a little room under the cab for intercooler piping.

http://i981.photobucket.com/albums/a...pssae01wha.jpg

Still need to roll the edge to add some strength.

http://i981.photobucket.com/albums/a...psdnkxbhmz.jpg

Started working on the chromoly center section. Form fitted around the tranny on the bottom side. The two middle tubes aren't mounted yet. There will be a couple cross braces added for the tranny mount & driveshaft loop.

*NOTE* The relationship between the front of the bell housing and the cab mount. ;)
http://i981.photobucket.com/albums/a...pssbqm9zsn.jpg

http://i981.photobucket.com/albums/a...psolpxjpvu.jpg

The Torque Arm will end up filling out this space so I needed to devise a way to gain clearance. It took some thought to get the angles right but the bend came out perfect (Even though chromoly deflects so much after being bent).

http://i981.photobucket.com/albums/a...psltvpxhxg.jpg

Re: TCI to start new R&D Project with a C10!
 

Still plugging away on the center section. Built the main tranny hoop and tied it in with some downbars. It is just tacked in place at this time. I still need to throw the cab back on to confirm placement. It'll make sense why the tubes are on top of the frame once the cab is back on.

https://i.hmjimg.com/images/2017/12/...0756221.md.jpg

I still need to make a couple tabs to close out the round tube on top of the frame.

https://i.hmjimg.com/images/2017/12/...0936411.md.jpg

The rear tube placement must be 21" behind the front one to fit properly. I plan to tie the driveshaft loop, tranny mount and Torque Arm mount all together in that area.

https://i.hmjimg.com/images/2017/12/...1304351.md.jpg

Re: TCI to start new R&D Project with a C10!
 

Looks great. I plan on doing something similar with the tubes. Have you seen the mounts to tie the chassis to the back of the heads?

Re: TCI to start new R&D Project with a C10!
 

I haven't, Are they solid mounts? I would like to run an additional tube up and over the bell housing area if space permits.

Re: TCI to start new R&D Project with a C10!
 

A couple people sell them but I'm sure you can make them yourself (not my pic btw):
https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4527/...e84f4776_b.jpg

Re: TCI to start new R&D Project with a C10!
 

I am trying to imagine what application this would be helpful in. Sandrail maybe?


We had our friends at California Rebuilt Exchange build us a quick ratio manual rack. Yes, that's right, a manual rack with what will likely be 315 or 335 tires on the steering axle. I better start eating all the spinach. :lol:

In all seriousness though. We are going to begin testing the feasability of running EPAS with our suspension. I figure that if it can handle this type of load & abuse then pretty much every other application will be just fine.

https://i.hmjimg.com/images/2017/12/...1210071.md.jpg

https://i.hmjimg.com/images/2017/12/...1209371.md.jpg

Re: TCI to start new R&D Project with a C10!
 

I think the original purpose of the mounts were for that. I don't have the engineering background to figure it out but I have always wondered how much chassis stiffness is lost by only adding tube and triangulating the back half of the chassis. I'd assume that by adding more to the front it would deflect much less (like when you add the forward bars in a cage).

Re: TCI to start new R&D Project with a C10!
 

I had hinted at why the chassis cross bars were mounted above the frame rails earlier. The cab has two raised areas in the floor that the tubes line up with. This allows maximum exhaust clearance through the center section. Might even try to incorporate additional cab mounts and seat mounts into them. If you've been paying attention you've seen a couple different pics of engine set back options. I think "The Sweet Spot" has been found, see pic for measurement.


https://i.hmjimg.com/images/2017/12/..._080158.md.jpg

Getting the cab and bed perfectly aligned has proven to be next to impossible without bedsides. Started cutting up these brand new bed sides so we can raise the bed floor.

https://i.hmjimg.com/images/2017/12/..._073550.md.jpg

It's kinda hard to see what's going on here. This is the piece that was cut and removed from the bed side. It is now mounted into position on the bed floor. The driver side will be the same except where the gas filler is currently mounted.

https://i.hmjimg.com/images/2017/12/..._125606.md.jpg

Re: TCI to start new R&D Project with a C10!
 

Slowly making progress on mounting the bed sides. I cut a fairly big strip out first and then just trimmed little by little in order not to cut too much. It is a long process but the fitment was perfect. The goal was to keep the factory internal bed body lines for looks and strength. Just kinda sandwiched them closer together. The inner panel will require a little more work once I get the main structure together.

https://i.hmjimg.com/images/2018/01/..._072810.md.jpg

https://i.hmjimg.com/images/2018/01/..._125847.md.jpg

https://i.hmjimg.com/images/2018/01/..._075716.md.jpg

https://i.hmjimg.com/images/2018/01/..._125816.md.jpg

Re: TCI to start new R&D Project with a C10!
 

Nice.

Re: TCI to start new R&D Project with a C10!
 

Working on the back panel of the bed.


https://i.hmjimg.com/images/2018/02/..._162056.md.jpg


Step one of turbo placement has begun.


https://i.hmjimg.com/images/2018/02/..._095251.md.jpg


https://i.hmjimg.com/images/2018/02/..._131223.md.jpg


View from outside the fender. Definitely going to need a close out panel to keep tire debris off.


https://i.hmjimg.com/images/2018/02/..._131201.md.jpg

Re: TCI to start new R&D Project with a C10!
 

Been trying to get the bed back to a solid piece for safe removal. Made some closeout panels for the outer structure and fitted them up this morning.

https://i.hmjimg.com/images/2018/03/..._080230.md.jpg

Made a cardboard template (oversized of course so I could trim to fit)

https://i.hmjimg.com/images/2018/03/..._125922.md.jpg

.050" panel cut and ready

https://i.hmjimg.com/images/2018/03/..._080338.md.jpg

So I kinda skipped a picture/step here. I cut a few slits in the lip and rolled the edge before laying the new panel in place. The top is butt welded, the bottom is laid inside of the lip.

https://i.hmjimg.com/images/2018/03/..._125805.md.jpg

This should at least hold the structure in place so I can remove the bed, disassemble and fully weld on a bench (comfortably).

Re: TCI to start new R&D Project with a C10!
 

Yanked the bed off yesterday and mounted the driver's side turbo.

https://i.hmjimg.com/images/2018/03/..._145622.md.jpg

https://i.hmjimg.com/images/2018/03/..._145829.md.jpg

I spy Efrain's car. It's now time to start figuring out where things are going to go. Air tanks, compressors, solenoids, lines, batteries, coolers, exhaust, etc

https://i.hmjimg.com/images/2018/03/..._145802.md.jpg

Re: TCI to start new R&D Project with a C10!
 

Slowly getting to the rear suspension. The Torque Arm will work as is, with slight modification to the cab. The link arms will need to be shortened. We're not going to use this 12 bolt but it already has the bracketry so it helps with mock up. The problem is the 12 bolt is roughly 1/2" shorter at the pumpkin than a 9" so I have to account for that.

https://i.hmjimg.com/images/2018/04/..._132913.md.jpg

https://i.hmjimg.com/images/2018/04/..._132939.md.jpg

From this angle you can see that the axle bracket hangs to far behind the axle. We need to bring the flange area closer to the back of the axle tube to gain clearance for the panhard bar.

https://i.hmjimg.com/images/2018/04/..._132928.md.jpg

I've hinted at the idea that there won't be much room under the hood. The radiator is roughed in. It's likely too wide, since at current placement the tire will actually interfere at full lock. Once the inner panels are constructed there really won't be much room at all. The cardboard box is a rough intercooler size. Dual inlets, one on each top/side, with a center outlet on the bottom that goes under the radiator. Radiator fan outlets will be routed out of the hood.

https://i.hmjimg.com/images/2018/04/..._133840.md.jpg

Re: TCI to start new R&D Project with a C10!
 

The intake manifold sits pretty high so the dash and firewall will be 'Interesting'. I had already planned on cutting the firewall off and building a new one. The bottom side of the cowl will also have to be cut in oder to clear the plenum.


https://i.hmjimg.com/images/2018/04/..._152311.md.jpg


https://i.hmjimg.com/images/2018/04/09/IMG_2362.md.jpg


https://i.hmjimg.com/images/2018/04/09/IMG_2363.md.jpg

Re: TCI to start new R&D Project with a C10!
 

Took a stab at videoing myself. The lighting is terrible and my editing softward had some glitches. Otherwise, I think it came out pretty good. I am already shooting b-roll for episode 2, including the engine build, rear suspension design/assembly and removing the drip rails.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BZT1BEqQg-c&t=5s

Re: TCI to start new R&D Project with a C10!
 

I feel so scatter brained lately. I seem to be jumping from project to project. I started removing the drip rails and then ran into a little problem. So I moved back to finish welding the bed.

I had planned on doing the drip rail removal a small section at a time. This helps keep the roof structure from distorting. I worked the door areas first and all went pretty easily. Unfortunately, when I cut the front section I realized real quick that the roof skin doesn't line up with the windshield surround. Basicaly, the roof skin overhangs the windshield surround by roughly 3/16". So I went ahead and cut that whole front portion of the drip rail off. I now plan to do a small pie cut on the sides and will lay the roof skin down a little at the front to smooth out the 3/16" difference.


https://i.hmjimg.com/images/2018/04/..._082830.md.jpg

https://i.hmjimg.com/images/2018/04/..._171458.md.jpg

https://i.hmjimg.com/images/2018/04/..._171504.md.jpg

Since the drip rail deal is going to take some thought process I moved back to welding up the bed sides. So the sides were removed for easier access.


Just trying to close up all the seams.(& holes that I made)

https://i.hmjimg.com/images/2018/04/..._153031.md.jpg

Will be placing some small steel pieces here to bridge the gap.

https://i.hmjimg.com/images/2018/04/..._153058.md.jpg

I've been going back & forth between mig & tig thru this whole process. I'm glad that this isn't my job cause welding sheet metal is not my thing.

https://i.hmjimg.com/images/2018/04/..._075652.md.jpg

Re: TCI to start new R&D Project with a C10!
 

slow, been there done that :lol: had the same with removing drip rail. I ended up doing about a 10" to 12" section at a time, cut relief cut in top and pushed down to meet the other two metal pieces. Tack welded them together and then filled in. A little work, but turned out nice. Here's some pics showing what I did, hope in helps...Jim

Re: TCI to start new R&D Project with a C10!
 

^^^That's perfect actually. I will do the same when I get back on the cab.

We've been working on rear suspension mock up. The 12 bolt display rearend we had was too wide so we built a mock rearend that is 55" wide housing flange to housing flange and 60" wide axle flange to axle flange. We also had to cut some special axle brackets(similar to our Muscle Car Torque Amr brackets) with a 25 degree angle.

https://i.hmjimg.com/images/2018/06/..._075653.md.jpg

After posting these pics on FB, Bret Voelkel chimed in and said we shouldn't run the shockwaves upside down. Debris can find their way in between the sleeve and body and create leaks. So we may have to pocket the frame a little for bag clearance.

https://i.hmjimg.com/images/2018/06/..._161211.md.jpg

https://i.hmjimg.com/images/2018/06/..._131446.md.jpg

Mocking up Efrain Diaz's 19x10 HRE wheels. The tire is hitting the chassis fixture in this pic. I guess the day had finally arrived where we needed to remove the chassis from the fixture.

https://i.hmjimg.com/images/2018/06/..._130302.md.jpg

Out of the fixture and on the lift temporarily.

https://i.hmjimg.com/images/2018/06/..._172923.md.jpg

https://i.hmjimg.com/images/2018/06/..._172931.md.jpg

Then moved onto the rotisserie to continue welding and grinding. We've got 2 weeks to make it a roller in time for the Brothers Truck Show.

https://i.hmjimg.com/images/2018/06/..._150012.md.jpg

https://i.hmjimg.com/images/2018/06/..._094620.md.jpg

Re: TCI to start new R&D Project with a C10!
 

Great progress. Can you just make longer tabs for the upper Shockwave mount?

Can wait to see what you come up with for the tunnel.

Re: TCI to start new R&D Project with a C10!
 

It's a possibility at this point. Won't know for sure until we have the suspension mounted and are able to cycle it. These shocks are loooooooong so I am concerned there won't be enough compression with them standing more upright. Where they are now the lower shock mount needs to be about .75" lower to get the axle to intersect with the frame.

Re: TCI to start new R&D Project with a C10!
 

Rear suspension is roughed in. We will likely have to adjust the wheelbase once the cab & bed are back on.

https://i.hmjimg.com/images/2018/06/..._174132.md.jpg

https://i.hmjimg.com/images/2018/06/..._174104.md.jpg

https://i.hmjimg.com/images/2018/06/..._174216.md.jpg

https://i.hmjimg.com/images/2018/06/..._174145.md.jpg

https://i.hmjimg.com/images/2018/06/..._174120.md.jpg

https://i.hmjimg.com/images/2018/06/..._174152.md.jpg

Re: TCI to start new R&D Project with a C10!
 

Nice!

Re: TCI to start new R&D Project with a C10!
 

Sweet...Jim

Re: TCI to start new R&D Project with a C10!
 

https://i.hmjimg.com/images/2018/06/..._100715.md.jpg

https://i.hmjimg.com/images/2018/06/..._100432.md.jpg

https://i.hmjimg.com/images/2018/06/..._100642.md.jpg

https://i.hmjimg.com/images/2018/06/..._100834.md.jpg

Re: TCI to start new R&D Project with a C10!
 

Awesome video! Lots of power, 200mph, Autocross, 1/4 mile, dependable driving, and can tow = what's not to like!

Re: TCI to start new R&D Project with a C10!
 

I haven't made much progress lately on the truck because I broke my ankle back in June. Just been planning the layout of all the under bed items. In order to do that I needed the bed in place.


https://i.hmjimg.com/images/2018/08/..._080040.md.jpg

At the time of this pic I didn't have access to a wheel that would fit over the front hub.

https://i.hmjimg.com/images/2018/08/..._144643.md.jpg

Re: TCI to start new R&D Project with a C10!
 

and you couldn't do that with my frame!!! I like those wheels!

Re: TCI to start new R&D Project with a C10!
 

I've been kinda stalled on the rear diffuser design. My brother (the artistic one in the family) was in the area the other day so I had him take a look at it. I think he's come up with an idea that will look good and function well at 150+mph.



Cut up the factory longbed sides.


https://i.hmjimg.com/images/2018/09/...0758551.md.jpg


https://i.hmjimg.com/images/2018/09/...0800581.md.jpg


A little teaser


https://i.hmjimg.com/images/2018/09/...1200461.md.jpg


Once again, curiosity got the better of me. Included: Radiator, turbos, battery, air tanks, air compressors, tailgate, rear roll pan & cardboard intercooler(LOL). Excluded: Engine, tranny, driveshaft, 3rd member, glass, interior, grill, wiring, hood, rear brakes, and tunnel/firewall.


https://i.hmjimg.com/images/2018/09/...1351501.md.jpg


https://i.hmjimg.com/images/2018/09/...1352001.md.jpg


Sitting on Ed's wheels/tires 18x11 & 18x12


https://i.hmjimg.com/images/2018/09/...1404341.md.jpg


https://i.hmjimg.com/images/2018/09/...1404501.md.jpg

Re: TCI to start new R&D Project with a C10!
 

Time for the monthly update.

The first few pieces of this was accomplished with Tig because the Mig machine was being used by Ed on Ray Currie's F100. Needless to say I am no sheet metal guru and the Tig added a level of complication due to awkward positioning.

Before, just a big gaping hole.

https://i.hmjimg.com/images/2018/10/..._105251.md.jpg

I skipped a couple pics during this 4 step process. one flat panel, and 3 strip pieces to cover the frame crossover tube.

https://i.hmjimg.com/images/2018/10/..._123712.md.jpg

Making room for the driveshaft. This part was a little more involved than the previous steps. Plasma cut the back of the floor out but there is a cross brace underneath. I had to put myself in the path of the plasma overspray to get to a couple areas.

https://i.hmjimg.com/images/2018/10/..._120854.md.jpg

I had considered adding an access panel here for Torque Arm adjustments. Changed my mind once I realized that once the interior and seats were in there it would be a pita anyway.

https://i.hmjimg.com/images/2018/10/..._142841.md.jpg

This piece had the same curvature as the previous panel. There's more than enough room for even a 4" driveshaft.

https://i.hmjimg.com/images/2018/10/..._093631.md.jpg

Again, skipped a couple pics here. These two pieces had a little bit of angle so it took a few trial and error fitments to get it right.

https://i.hmjimg.com/images/2018/10/..._173252.md.jpg

https://i.hmjimg.com/images/2018/10/..._173411.md.jpg

https://i.hmjimg.com/images/2018/10/..._072301.md.jpg

https://i.hmjimg.com/images/2018/10/..._075555.md.jpg

Skipped a couple pics again. Now that there is some strength back in the floor I removed the cross floor bracing. Now I'm on the lookout for a van engine cover. Likely going to be an Astro Van. Plan to cut the sheet metal around the whole thing and then graft it to the C10.


https://i.hmjimg.com/images/2018/10/..._144914.md.jpg

Re: TCI to start new R&D Project with a C10!
 

This build is insane and very impressive, I always enjoy checking it out. This may be the shortest driveshaft on the site. Lol
Btw, I hope your ankle is doing better, sometimes a broken ankle is better than a very bad sprain.

Re: TCI to start new R&D Project with a C10!
 

So project #Ctwin is gaining some junkyard parts. After a bunch of measuring and online dimension searching I headed to the Ontario Pick-A-Part with reciprocating saw in hand.

There are 3 variants of the Astro Van engine cover. Early, mid & late. I chose the mid year because of it's larger opening and thick construction.

There were a bunch of vans to choose from. Luckily I found a very clean example and began cutting it up.

https://i.hmjimg.com/images/2018/11/..._133709.md.jpg

The cover and the surround.

https://i.hmjimg.com/images/2018/11/..._112508.md.jpg

https://i.hmjimg.com/images/2018/11/..._112455.md.jpg

https://i.hmjimg.com/images/2018/11/..._113129.md.jpg

https://i.hmjimg.com/images/2018/11/..._113100.md.jpg

Doing a little prelim fitment check. It's pretty darn close as is. The under side of the dash will need to be raised slightly. That will allow the engine cover to move forward against what will eventually be a new firewall. There will be some serious consideration here for dash design. The cover must be able to be removed easily. Which will be no easy task once there are seats in place. Initial thoughts include designing a hinged center to the dash that lifts up and away. Another thought is to have two separate dashes (driver/passenger) and then have a removable center console that mates up against the dash/engine cover that is also easily removable.

https://i.hmjimg.com/images/2018/11/..._130127.md.jpg

https://i.hmjimg.com/images/2018/11/..._130146.md.jpg

Re: TCI to start new R&D Project with a C10!
 

The doghouse is a brilliant idea.
Will you need to take a couple inches out of it to narrow it for leg room and the pedals or will it clear as is?

Re: TCI to start new R&D Project with a C10!
 

The C10 is wider than the Astro Van both overall and in foot space so I don't see there being a problem with it as is. Most new cars don't have much foot space either. There is 19" from the door sill to the engine cover on either side. But, until I set the seats in there it's tough to say how much room there is. I'm staying hopeful at this point that it will work unmodified.

Re: TCI to start new R&D Project with a C10!
 

I am contemplating an engine set back, not as radical but still noticeable. I am planning to move the brake pedal over to the left of the steering column and put the throttle where the brake pedal is at present. I bought a Wilwood pedal to mount on the bulkhead and found a Jaguar XJS throttle pedal to hang from the dash.

Re: TCI to start new R&D Project with a C10!
 

The way I look at it. Once you go beyond 4"-5" there's not much difference between that and 10" or more. You got the idea though, column right thru the middle of the two. I figure the seat will also be moved as far left as the cage/door will allow also.

Something else that bugs me about the foot well is the angled area between the floor and the firewall where the pedals go. I plan to flatten that area out as much as possible to provide more leg room. Maybe even do a floor mounted pedal assembly. There is a huge gap between this area and the frame so there is plenty room to move the floor down/flat. There is a body seam though so it'll get interesting flattening it out.

Re: TCI to start new R&D Project with a C10!
 

I finished up Episode 2 last night.

I cover getting the chassis out of the fixture, building the rear suspension, mounting the cab, taking it to the Brothers Truck Show and beginning the diffuser design.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RI5Q...daz5mlw03c010c