SGTUSMC '59 build

[sgtusmc]

My Uncle stopped by yesterday and took a look at the truck. We kicked around a few ideas about the frame and whether or not to swap it out. He convinced me to keep the original frame. I've search everywhere and can't find what I'm looking for. Does anyone know of a complete frame boxing kit? I know I could cut each piece out, however, I don't own a plasma. Cutting out pieces via a jig saw would get old really quick.

[Kim57]

If you have a place you buy it from they should be able to just cut the pices to the size you want. that's what I do on my truck. Just make a detailed drawing and it should be easy for them.
Kim

[OrrieG]

I assume you have the frame stripped. Use poster board and trace the pattern making 3 registration points from piece to piece. tape them together and transfer to one long sheet of butcher paper and trial fit back on the frame. Take it to a place that has a CAD driven waterjet machine. They should be able to scan or digitize the pieces and cut them. Or like Kim said take the template to a place that can plasma cut it. except for around the rear axle I believe most of the pieces will be rectangular.

[sgtusmc]

Yeah, that make sence. Thanks guy's.

[Kabwe]

I boxed my frame front to back and used a cut off wheel on the grinder to cut the flat stock. I believe No Limit sells the boxing plates for the front. I just could not see spending the money. Anyway the thin cut-off wheel on a grinder made pretty quick work of it.

[renegade6]

Try this place: http://www.progressiveautomotive.com/Boxing.htm

http://www.progressiveautomotive.com/Boxing.htm

[sgtusmc]

I went to pick up my father in laws 88 long bed today. The man tells me to bring some gas and a battery. Turned the key and nothing! I listened for the fuel pump to prime and once again nothing. I ended up dropping the tank swapping out the fuel pump, filter and still no dice. I'm going to try it again tomorrow and see if I can get that pig to start (starts with starting fluid in the tbi, but nothing drips from the injectors). The next person that tells me it ran when I parked it...is getting kicked in the face. Sorry, Just had to vent.

[OKGMC4]

Assuming you have fuel pressure, that is the pump primes when the key is on, you should have gas to the TBI. It sounds like you have fire at the ignition but the injectors aren't being told to pulse. There is a fuse just for the injectors and there is a power wire for the start AND run key position. I found this out when I swapped TBI into my 79 TA. It would crank but not start unless I poured gas into it. Turns out I had the efi injector power lead hooked to a run lead on the fuse block but NOT to a "start" hot wire. Could be an injector or pump relay as well. Seems like it's the same part number as the blower motor relay. Did that once in the parking lot of OReillys. Switched out the relays and the truck started but I lost the air conditioner. Just some food for thought. Hope you figure it out.

[nickp51chevy]

Originally Posted by sgtusmc

.....The next person that tells me it ran when I parked it...is getting kicked in the face.

HELL YA!

[54 jimmy]

check the fuel pump relay. that will kill the power to the pump. or the low oil pressure switch will do that too.

[sgtusmc]

I checked the relays first and swapped them out. After testing the fuel pump it was dead. I swapped it out with a spare he had and now I have flow to the tbi. Turning the ignition you can hear the pump kick on and prime the lines. However, the injectors are not squirting. My father in law kept the old tbi unit from the engine swap. It was late in the day when I started to mess with the truck. I was assuming all it needed was gas and a battery.

OKGMC4- I'm going to follow your advice, Thanks for the help. I'll go better prepared next time. All I had to work with was a pair of pliers and a few screwdrivers. Via alldatadiy.com I now have all the electrical diagrams and locations for relays and such for the truck. I'm sure I'll get it running and onto my tailor next time I'm there.

[sgtusmc]

I finally got my father in laws truck home, stripped it and power washed it. Looks like I'm gonna do a frame swap. Plans are to shorten the wheel base and find some wheels that will tuck up under the fenders.

[bobinbc]

I'll be watching this one with great interest. A friend of mine did this swap with a 4x4 chassis on a 56, I've been thinking of doing the same with the BBW. Are there any other builds on here that have done this swap (with the 88-98 2wd frame?)

[sgtusmc]

Originally Posted by bobinbc

I'll be watching this one with great interest. A friend of mine did this swap with a 4x4 chassis on a 56, I've been thinking of doing the same with the BBW. Are there any other builds on here that have done this swap (with the 88-98 2wd frame?)

How did it turn out? I'm not aware of anyone building a 55+ on an 88-98 so I'm gonna pray for the best on this one. Hopefully it works out for me!

[bobinbc]

It's good. Sits high on frame so box step can clear front hanger on rear springs.Fleetside should be better.

[sgtusmc]

Last night I decided to test fit the cab on the new frame. Seems to fit fine (it's not level, rear of cab is sitting on the factory cab mount). I have to cut the factory mounts off the new frame for a better fit. It looks like it's going to be an easy swap. I'm planning on using the 59 cab mounts on the new frame weld/bolt them on. I have to shorten the rear about 17" or so. My plans are to move the rear end forward (including leaf springs) and weld in a notch. Then cut off the rear rails once I find out where the bed will end.

[Fat Mike]

Looks very nice so far. Like the c-notch. Is it a 1/2 or 3/4 ton truck.

[nickp51chevy]

Dude I dig the picture. All of your trucks are in it.

I'm glad that the "new" frame fits under the cab.

[sgtusmc]

Thanks Nick, My wife is talking about having some of those trucks towed away. She's now "forced" to park out in the street...haha The garage is full of truck parts and the drive way is full. Sucks to be her right now!

Fat Mike, I think it's a half ton. Shame on me for not knowing!

[nickp51chevy]

Originally Posted by sgtusmc

Sucks to be her right now!

[LEEVON]

Man you've got your wife all the way out in the street? Mine has been in the driveway (5 steps out of the garage) for a couple months and she's barely tolerating it just because it's summer. If she was in the street, I'd be in the doghouse!

[bjcaldwe]

Nice, should be an interesting build to watch.

[sgtusmc]

I haven't been to busy on the 59, but so far I've bagged the front and installed my rear flip kit. I test fit the cab after cutting off the rear mounts. The cab is now sitting on the gas tank. I ordered a 95 s10 Blazer tank so once that comes in I'll mock up my new cab mounts. I'm using some helper bags in the front till my slam specialty bags come in. At full drop the cab sits 4 inches off the ground. I'm going to order some drop spindles and pull some leafs in the rear.





This is as high as my helper bags will go.

[nickp51chevy]

You're going to be running those wheels, right?

You're getting more done than I've been. Mines been sitting for almost 2 years now.

[sgtusmc]

Originally Posted by nickp51chevy

You're going to be running those wheels, right?

You're getting more done than I've been. Mines been sitting for almost 2 years now.

Nope, we decided to run different wheels, so there all yours. Give me your address and I'll ship em right over to you...hahaha