ut oh...notch question!

[lotussutol]

I am going to be notching my rear on my 55 chevy truck. I forgot to mark where the rear and frame come into contact.

Does anybody know where the frame and rear come into contact so that I do not have to put the rear back on the leafs and mount them to see where they hit?

I have the stock bump stocks taken out and can use the center hole of the bump stock as a reference point if need be.

[CAL 58 GMC]

Originally Posted by lotussutol

I
I have the stock bump stocks taken out and can use the center hole of the bump stock as a reference point if need be.

Thats were you want to go by. The bump stops are the center point.

[entourageguy]

That's what I used

Brian ...

[chevyrestoguy]

Make sure you support BOTH sides of the frame (fwd and aft of the notch) during the whole process. Make initial measurements to the ground (make sure they're even from side to side) and write them down. That way, if anything ever happens during the install, you have them as a guide.

I always try to keep the original frame uncut until the last possible moment. If you're installing a c-notch, weld it in first then backcut the remaining metal. Use the same principle if you're doing a step-notch as well. I've seen more than a few trucks where the frame sagged down in the rear during the notch job, and it leaves a tapered gap where the bed meets the back of the cab. You can shim it up to match, but then the rear bumpers look out of place.

[lotussutol]

I took the shackles off to relieve the weight/pressure that they apply.

I have jack stands right before where the notch will be.

I have jack stands right after where the notch will be.

I plan on boxing that portion of the frame first then cutting out for the notch and then welding in the c notch.

I do not plan on going more then half way up the frame with the notch.

[Kabwe]

Yeah I used the center of the bump stop also and made my own notch and boxing plates.

[GATORBUILT '59]

Originally Posted by chevyrestoguy

I always try to keep the original frame uncut until the last possible moment. If you're installing a c-notch, weld it in first then backcut the remaining metal. Use the same principle if you're doing a step-notch as well. I've seen more than a few trucks where the frame sagged down in the rear during the notch job, and it leaves a tapered gap where the bed meets the back of the cab. You can shim it up to match, but then the rear bumpers look out of place.

I like this approach. This is the route I will follow when my C-notch arrives

[magsnubby]

Originally Posted by Kabwe

Yeah I used the center of the bump stop also and made my own notch and boxing plates.

Nice notch. What thickness metal did you use?

[Kabwe]

I used 3/16 its about the same thinkness ass the frame. Here is a pic of the frame now. Man I can't wait to put this thing back together.

[entourageguy]

Yea then the kids can get their blue chair back

Brian ...

[Kabwe]

Yeah thats right its a nice jack stand.lol

[CAL 58 GMC]

Originally Posted by Kabwe

I used 3/16 its about the same thinkness ass the frame. Here is a pic of the frame now. Man I can't wait to put this thing back together.

Man, I can't wait to see it done too! Next summer maybe for brothers show? Hope so, since I will be there for sure next year.

[Kabwe]

Originally Posted by CAL 58 GMC

Man, I can't wait to see it done too! Next summer maybe for brothers show? Hope so, since I will be there for sure next year.

If I get this thing finished by the next brothers show I would be amazed. Well maybe if I stop changing everything I could get her done.lol By the way CAL your truck looks great.

[lotussutol]

I am hoping to have mine driveable by the march meets...

I said that with my car when I first got it too and it took FIVE years till I drove it to the march meets.

Well...off to sand some more on the inside of the cab.