Another 55 project

[Tri5Nerd]

Hi folks,
I'm a newbie to this site but have been working on truck for a year and half.
I bought the truck however it was delivered with a extra big window cab and bed so my intension was to use the big window cab on the truck however my neighbor came over and said that I could have 2 trucks, stupid me I started working on the cab and bed, sincce then I've got the drivetrain completed with a 71 Camaro front clip, LS1 motor and 4L60E trans and narrowed 9" rearend. I'm currently working on the body now, getting the usual cancer spots, lower cowl, lower cab corners and doing a few other mods, filled gas filler, smooth firewall and smooth dash. Here's a few pictures of my progress.







If the images don't work here a link to the pictures:
http://s4.photobucket.com/albums/y12...t=60#imgAnch64

[CAL 58 GMC]

Welcome Tri5Nerd!!

Your project looks to be coming along great! Was the frame already clipped or did you have it done? It looks like who ever did it, did a great job. I noticed you put you battery box on the outside of the frame rails. I have the same box and put mine inside because I thought it wouldn’t clear the steeps inside the cab. Any way it all really looks great!! Keep the progress going and keep use all up to date!

[jsbgump]

Welcome to the board

[Tri5Nerd]

Thanks CAL,

The frame was clipped but they didn't do a good job so I had to have more done to it. But now it is straight and level.

I have some concern about the ride height of my front clip, I had to put it together because I didn't get all parts with the clip. With all the front sheetmetal on my front does not go as low as it should, but folks tell me to roll around and then the springs should settle. What's your thoughts?

Originally Posted by CAL 58 GMC

Welcome Tri5Nerd!!

Your project looks to coming along great! Was the frame already clipped or did you have it done? It looks like who ever did it, did a great job. I noticed you put you battery box on the outside of the frame rails. I have the same box and put mine inside because I thought it wouldn’t clear the steeps inside the cab. Any way it all really looks great!! Keep the progress going and keep use all up to date!

[CAL 58 GMC]

Originally Posted by Tri5Nerd

Thanks CAL,

The frame was clipped but they didn't do a good job so I had to have more done to it. But now it is straight and level.

I have some concern about the ride height of my front clip, I had to put it together because I didn't get all parts with the clip. With all the front sheetmetal on my front does not go as low as it should, but folks tell me to roll around and then the springs should settle. What's your thoughts?

The springs should settle somewhat about a 1/2 in. max. If you wanting to go lower then your going to need a set of lowering spring or/and dropped spindles. I had a set of Hotchkis Lowering Coil Springs but it still was not low enough for me. I ended up using Air Ride's Shockwave bags up front. Now I can sit the cross member about 1 3/4 inches off the ground, with all the air out of the bags (see the picture below). With the bags filled all the way, it's about 5 inches from the ground.

[texascowboy593]

Welcome from College Station, Tx tri-5! Looks like a good project. Keep us posted with progress!!!