Scrap Truck to Race Truck

[WasagaChris]

Originally Posted by ghalperin

Sweet

Yeah they will be easier to fix if they get hit. Hopefully the only part that gets hit is the rear bumper. Hoping to be faster than everybody else so they're all behind us.

[RDrancher]

Just have to watch this one.

[WasagaChris]

I've been busy lately and forgot to post an update.
We started playing with the ride height. The track rules allow us to drop the truck to just 5 inches off the ground. However it must retain stock components and aren't allowed to notch the frame so the best we could get so far is 10 inches from the bottom of the cab to the ground.
This is just a test and we cut down some extra front springs and just set them in place. The front springs were heated with a torch to drop the ride height. It will get lower because there is no engine or transmission in the truck yet.
We also swapped out the second axle with the better set of trailing arms and installed all new rear brakes(shoes,drums,wheel cylinders and hardware).

[rusty76]

So do you have to run a stock frame? Would it be possible to z the rear? Keeping the stock frame rails. Also could you use inline six springs up front that might get you lower. Or maybe V6 springs from a 73-97 truck. I know they might be minute but some thoughts. We used run in the street stock class at our local track and the car was really no where near stock. It's funny how street stock now is so different track to track. We ran an inline six in an old nova. It had a pretty good kick up in the rear and truck arms. That darn car was absolutely predictable. No matter wedge or not. Then we got another car that was more like a late model. Multi link out back. It was a pain to dial in. Oh me it was fun racing and I really miss the early years. Cool truck. I really look forward to seeing more.

[WasagaChris]

Originally Posted by rusty76

So do you have to run a stock frame? Would it be possible to z the rear? Keeping the stock frame rails. Also could you use inline six springs up front that might get you lower. Or maybe V6 springs from a 73-97 truck. I know they might be minute but some thoughts. We used run in the street stock class at our local track and the car was really no where near stock. It's funny how street stock now is so different track to track. We ran an inline six in an old nova. It had a pretty good kick up in the rear and truck arms. That darn car was absolutely predictable. No matter wedge or not. Then we got another car that was more like a late model. Multi link out back. It was a pain to dial in. Oh me it was fun racing and I really miss the early years. Cool truck. I really look forward to seeing more.

Yes stock frame with no notching. I don't know what you mean about Z the rear can you explain it to me. As far as the springs go what we are using now is just to test the ride height.

[WasagaChris]

A few more things done this week. The driver's door cage bars are built and installed.

Also the driver's door skin we were working with was total junk. Somebody in the past re-skinned the door poorly. Then it rusted out and a lower skin was installed over the rusted out re skin. Basically the entire door was junk so we got another good door unmolested. Once the inner were cut out a test fit was done. It needs a little dent repair but will be much better.


Next the racing accelerator pedal was modified and installed. We also installed the clutch pedal linkage.

[mud.man.rj]

Interesting build and cool you started from almost nothing, excited to see the changes coming yet.
Mudman.

[WasagaChris]

It's been a long time since I updated this thread because I have been away on winter vacation. I got some pics today of the truck.
It's ready for the engine and transmission to be installed now. After that just a little wiring and she is ready to race.
Enjoy!

[rusty76]

Originally Posted by WasagaChris

Yes stock frame with no notching. I don't know what you mean about Z the rear can you explain it to me. As far as the springs go what we are using now is just to test the ride height.

I feel bad for not replying sooner. But I was wondering if you could cut the rear frame move it up towards top of bed. Basically a kick up in the rear. I feel sure you wouldn't be able to but I was just curious what the rules are. Truck is looking great.

[rusty76]

When you do go racing make sure you post some video and pics of the truck.

[WasagaChris]

Originally Posted by rusty76

When you do go racing make sure you post some video and pics of the truck.

Hey Rusty, yeah no mods to the frame are allowed.
I saw the truck in person the other day and heard it running. All I can say is wow. She is race ready except for final setting of the toe and camber and to weigh it.
The next time I am there I will shoot some more pics and will shoot a video during track trials next month.

BTW the driver's kids love it so much they are building their own truck too.

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...80#post7910480

[WasagaChris]

The truck got out yesterday for trials. It beat the track lap time for a truck. I tried to upload a video without success. I will try again later if I can figure out how to do it.

[rusty76]

Awesome keep us updated. Pics are great and videos will be appreciated.

[Orange67]

Awesome truck and story. I'm in for more!

[WasagaChris]

https://www.facebook.com/tacman7.aqw...3373525046389/

I finally figured out the link to the video. Sorry for the crappy quality and the language. I didn't film it. It seems that one of the hood pins was left out and the hood blew off after only two laps. The stagger of the rear wheels needs some tweaking and it should be better for the next trial run this Thursday.I will get to see this trial in person and will film it if possible. The first race is scheduled for this Saturday but most likely will be called due to rain. Updates to follow. The other truck isn't quite ready yet so It won't make it out for the trials or the first race night. Hopefully the next week it will be done.

[WasagaChris]

Video of the first fire up.

https://www.facebook.com/tacman7.aqw...5262166190859/

[rusty76]

Thanks for the video. How big is the track? We raced a 1/4 mile flat oval no banking. Looks like you guys have some banking and some room to pass. What's the name of the track also? Thanks.

[WasagaChris]

http://www.fullthrottlemotorspeedway.com/

It is a 1/4 mile oval.

[rusty76]

Thanks. We used to race at Bowman Gray. http://www.bowmangrayracing.com/

[mud.man.rj]

Truck sounds great.
Mudman.

[WasagaChris]

I saw the truck tonight in person at trials nights. Messed up and did not get the video. It ran much better tonight and the hood stayed on. LOL. rear tire stagger is much better now but the driver is not happy with the front tires. They are too hard and will not hold the corners that well. New fronts will sort that out and see how it goes from there. 1st race is Saturday but most likely will be rained out. Next Thurs I hope to get a video.

[WasagaChris]

The rain held off tonight so the track was running tonight. Our truck took 1st place in the 1st feature races. It blew a rad hose so no 2nd race. I had to work so I wasn't able to attend. Super stoked that all our hard work paid off.

[mud.man.rj]

Nice that the truck did so well, to bad work got in the road of you being there, but sounds like your getting the truck all worked out.
Mudman.

[rusty76]

Congrats

[WasagaChris]

https://www.facebook.com/max.hartley...3537772033110/