Mr. Simpson Build Thread
 

I picked up this 73 short fleet a few months ago. Since it's going way further than I initially planned, I thought I'd do a build thread on it.

When I bought the truck, it was running and driving, so I convinced myself I was going to just clean it up a little, get it on a simple bolt in air suspension, and drive it as quickly as possible. Wellllllllll........I have the same disease that I know you all have, which means that things quickly got out of hand. The truck is now in a LOT of pieces and parts are stacking up quickly. :thumbs:

It's a VERY rust free original Burnt Orange 1973 Custom Deluxe. I've buffed out the factory paint and will put some new stock style trim on the truck, but that's all I'm going to do to the outside of the truck. I love it exactly as it sits.

Plans include:

Choppin Block front crossmember and rear back half - I'm going to drive this thing like a stole it and the front and rear splined sway bars are GREAT for that!

AccuAir e-Level with two of the new ENDO-VT tanks. The built in valves and flow controls at each corner make install and operation super easy and clean.

Raceline Wheels - I'm thinking their new Nitro wheels would look killer on a Square. 22x8.5 front and 22x12 rear with a matte gray finish.

Engine and Trans - I've gone back and forth on the power plant for this thing. I have a 383 Stroker that I started to build a few years ago and needs very little to finish. I also have a 1995 Camaro T56 trans that is really easy to bolt up to a SBC. I love the sound of a SBC with a big cam and have to have three pedals in this truck, so my plan is to fuel inject the 383 and pull around 500 hp out of it. I want this truck to be a hot rod and I think the engine and trans will fit the build.

I've never been good at making sure I document things so the first picture I have of the truck after getting it home is after spending a night tearing it apart. I spent some time getting the paint cleaned up and the new trim on it before deciding to go all out on it. I've attached some pictures of it from the first one I took up to last night. I'll do my best to make sure I get pictures every night I work on it to keep this thread up to date.

I hope you all enjoy the thread as much as I enjoy following everybody's on here!

Re: Mr. Simpson Build Thread
 

I like your plan for the truck, but damn it looked good to start with! For whatever reason, I think the 67-72s look best slammed and the 73-87s look best with a big static drop. That's just my opinion though. I'm in for the build.

Re: Mr. Simpson Build Thread
 

I'm in!

Re: Mr. Simpson Build Thread
 

hewittca,

I agree that the 67-72s look better laying flat than the Squares do. I will keep a "hot rod" stance to the truck even when it's aired out because of that. I'm also going to do meatier tires out back to keep that look.

Re: Mr. Simpson Build Thread
 

Sounds like a good plan to me! Those Raceline Nitros are going to look sick.

Re: Mr. Simpson Build Thread
 

I did get to spend some time getting the front cross member off the frame last night.

I'm going to get it all cleaned up and ready to start installing the complete front and rear Choppin Block packages! SUPER short lead time on the Choppin Block parts! They have these packages in stock! I'm going to unbox everything tomorrow so I'll get some better pictures of it all.

Re: Mr. Simpson Build Thread
 

I threw the back half pieces together last night to take some measurements and see what it will all look like.

This stuff is SO nice! Everything fits together perfectly and is very well though out. I can't wait to get it installed.

I'm going to the Del Mar Good Guys show this weekend, but I'll be back on this next week. I'm going to have everything ready to get all of the Choppin Block stuff on the frame next weekend.

Re: Mr. Simpson Build Thread
 

Here are some shots of the two wheel designs I'm considering for the build. I'm leaning toward the Nitro style wheels, which are the first ones and the ones on the Reyna Bros Silverspoon truck, because I love the look of more open wheels with the big brakes. I'm on the fence on this though.

I'd love to hear some opinions from you guys on this. Which wheels would you pick?

Re: Mr. Simpson Build Thread
 

This is going to be quick and nice.
I will vote for the first wheel because I've never seen them before.
Btw, what size wheels and tires are on the truck now? Thanks.

Re: Mr. Simpson Build Thread
 

3drburb,

Yeah, I've only seen them on the Reyna Bros truck. I think they'll look great on a square.

The wheels on it now are 20x8.5 front and 20x10 rear.

Re: Mr. Simpson Build Thread
 

I like the Nitros better as well, although both wheels are really nice.

That Choppin Block stuff looks so nice!

Re: Mr. Simpson Build Thread
 

hewittca,

Cool, thank you for your vote! I'm definitely leaning that way.

I've messed with a lot of "bolt in" air suspension parts, and the Choppin Block stuff is easily some of the nicest. They know how to build things to fit perfectly and take the time to use packing lists so you get everything you ordered. I'm really happy with it.

I went through your build thread so far, and LOVE the style of your truck!



I will be prepping the frame this week after work to get it ready to get all the Choppin Block parts on it this weekend. I'll do my best to get pictures as I go.

Re: Mr. Simpson Build Thread
 

Awesome build, I'm in. My vote is for the Nitro Wheels because I really like them too and want to see how they will look :lol:

Re: Mr. Simpson Build Thread
 

Thanks! It's funny because I've been starting to read a few negative reviews trickling through for some of the other big companies making drop components. Seems like Choppin Block is trying to do things right.

Haha, yes. Will you please put those on your truck so we can see how they look? We are running a very important survey here.

Re: Mr. Simpson Build Thread
 

In

Re: Mr. Simpson Build Thread
 

.

I'm having a rendering done with the Nitros so we can all see it asap! I'll get it up on here as soon as I have it!

Re: Mr. Simpson Build Thread
 

Spent my free 30 minutes last night torching off the rear cab mounts to prepare the frame for the Choppin Block back half. I'm gonna pressure wash it tonight and get it set up and ready to cut and re-assemble this weekend!

Re: Mr. Simpson Build Thread
 

I for the rest of this one. I agree the Nitro's will best.

Looks like it was a clean truck to start with...

Re: Mr. Simpson Build Thread
 

Spent last night degreasing and cleaning up the the front part of the frame back to where I'm going to cut off for the back half. I sprayed some self etching primer on it for now, it's not gonna stay OD green.

The cut off point on the squarebody frames is 3.5 inches back from the center of the rear most rivets that held the rear cab mounts on. Hopefully the picture does a better job of explaining that.

If all goes well, I'll be cutting the back half off this weekend and get started bolting the Choppin Block stuff on!

Re: Mr. Simpson Build Thread
 

awesome build so far, i agree on the paint, id leave just as it is if it were mine also, i vote the nitro type wheel, and im glad i found this post due to ive never heard of choppin blck suspension, so gonna check them out for my truck, so thanks for that, keep up the great work nd post LOTS of pics

Re: Mr. Simpson Build Thread
 

stepside83,

That's great to hear! I'm putting together another post on getting the back half started now and have to say the Choppin Block parts are incredible! The parts are beautiful and VERY easy to install compared to some of the stuff I've used in the past.

Re: Mr. Simpson Build Thread
 

First ones, definitely. Build faster, we wanna see!

Re: Mr. Simpson Build Thread
 

Well I wasn't able to work on the truck at all last weekend, but I got back on it last night.

I used a sawzall and a Torch blade to cut the back half of the frame off, and it was super easy this way. I was considering using a plasma, but thought the sawzall would be cleaner, and I'm glad I did.

Drilled out the four outside mounting holes for the rear cab mounts to 9/16" holes so the new bolts with the Choppin Block back half would fit.

My Dad helped me get the new rear frame rails lined up and bolted on. These were a tight fit, but I didn't have to beat on them or anything to get them over the old frame rails. I'm really impressed with this kit!

Re: Mr. Simpson Build Thread
 

Lookin' good! Does that Choppin Block rear kit get welded to the existing frame, or are the bolts enough to hold it all together?

Re: Mr. Simpson Build Thread
 

hewittca,

I would say it doesn't need to be welded. The cross member that holds the lower link bars fits inside the frame rails and the new back half rails sandwich the rails from the outside. It's REALLY sturdy!

That being said though, it would be super easy to throw a couple welds where the new rails meet the old ones if you felt it was necessary.

Re: Mr. Simpson Build Thread
 

I wasn't able to get too far last night, but I got the new rear frame rails, rear cab mounts, and upper airbag/link bar cross member bolted on to get it rigid and get it squared up. I still have to drill out the remaining bolt holes where the new rails meet the old ones, then get everything tightened up so I can get the rest of it bolted together and the 4-link mounts tacked to the axle. I need more hours in the day.

I gotta say I'm loving having a complete new back half. Using their gas tank allows you to drop the tank down instead of having to pull the bed if something happens to your sending unit or pump. They really thought of everything on this.

Re: Mr. Simpson Build Thread
 

Made more progress last night. I got the rest of the rear kit installed. I only spent a little over an hour last night getting everything completed. Thank god this kit goes together so easy because I have had zero time the past few weeks to work on the truck.

I'm going to get the front cross member installed tonight.

Re: Mr. Simpson Build Thread
 

That's looking so good. It's like a big kid's model kit. I'm definitely putting Choppin Block components on my wish list for if and when I ever get around to bagging my truck.

Re: Mr. Simpson Build Thread
 

hewittca,

Thanks! I'm getting excited to see it laying on the ground! I have to get my axle narrowed and get the brakes ordered, but it's coming together.

The Choppin Block stuff really is amazing stuff. I've fabricated back halves before on trucks and this feels like I'm cheating it's so easy. I'd do it this way every day of the week though. If I had more time and had the axle assembled already I'm sure I could take the frame from stock to laid out in a weekend!

Re: Mr. Simpson Build Thread
 

I was going to say, I normally like building/fabricating all my own stuff, but it looks like that kit just takes all the headaches and figuring out of the whole process and gets right to the point. If you can swing the cost differential, it seems like a no brainer.

Re: Mr. Simpson Build Thread
 

I got the front cross member in last night. Super simple and it makes the front of the frame super rigid!

I'm going to paint the frame black and the a-arms/link bars my accent color now, and then I can start getting everything final assembled and ready to run fuel and brake lines.

Re: Mr. Simpson Build Thread
 

Nice work on the frame. If the price is good and that handles like it should with an easy install then the competition is going to be in trouble.

Re: Mr. Simpson Build Thread
 

Thank you! The price is right on par with the other stuff on the market and with the splined style sway bars, that you can swap out to give you more or less body roll, I think this thing is gonna handle amazingly. I'm definitely gonna test that theory! :burnout:

Re: Mr. Simpson Build Thread
 

I had a few hours on Saturday to tinker on the 73.

After getting all the Choppin Block stuff bolted up I decided to weld up one spot where the back half meets the original rails, but only because I wanted it to look smoother. I lifted the from from the rear cross member before welding it and it didn't even flex a little where the two met. My Dad is convinced I only did it so I could weld something. :D

Once I got that finished I got the first coat of black enamel on the frame and shot the base and clear on the link bars and upper/lower a-arms.

What do you guys think of the accent color? I'm thinking I'll do the engine block and heads the same color.

Re: Mr. Simpson Build Thread
 

Lookin good. I like the accent color, I was wondering what it would be. After looking at these photos of your frame all together again, I'm wondering how much extra it would be for CB to just make a full frame because there doesn't appear to be much more left of the original frame except for a few runs of frame rail and a couple body mounts.

Re: Mr. Simpson Build Thread
 

They are coming out with exactly what you're talking about. They released their first version for the 1967-72 trucks at SEMA last year and are currently working on one for the 1973-87 trucks. I'm trying to get my Dad to pick one up for his 70 GMC build.

Re: Mr. Simpson Build Thread
 

Very nice!

Re: Mr. Simpson Build Thread
 

When you said accent color I was holding my breath. Seems like the lime or neon green is the go-to color and I am much more a fan of subtlety. So I like your choice although it is hard to tell just what color it is. Looks somewhere from a gray to a tan. Maybe show us next to the painted frame? Again, like the subtlety. Should look cool when the stock orange body goes on.

Re: Mr. Simpson Build Thread
 

Looks really nice!

Re: Mr. Simpson Build Thread
 

Yeah, I've seen the neon green accents and I'm with you on being more subtle. The color is more tan/brown then grey. It will be very similar to the interior color I'm doing, and I think it will be a good color with the factory Burnt Orange. The picture of the parts laying on the bench is a much better representation of the actual color.

Thank you! It's coming along nicely!