54 3600 lincoln aviator

[Cjcolbyjack]

Here's a better pic of the floor I'm talking about. The edge of the aviator floor has a trim along the edge about 2"s apart, but the bottom plate is much thicker. I'm going to weld something thicker on the bottom of the ad cab. Then adjust to where the top layer of the floor is even with the cab. I'll have to get creative on the back edge because of the trans tunnel.

[joedoh]

looks like it is lining out well, how is the steering and brake position?

[Cjcolbyjack]

We did the best we could with all the welding. Hopefully after some seam sealer and por15 it'll look better. So far so good







and it looks like I'm going to have another 6"s for leg room

[Russell Ashley]

I'm looking forward to seeing how this one works out. It should be a good driving and riding AD when you get it done.

Are you welding that sheet metal with that Lincoln AC "tombstone" welder?

[Cjcolbyjack]

Originally Posted by Russell Ashley

I'm looking forward to seeing how this one works out. It should be a good driving and riding AD when you get it done.

Are you welding that sheet metal with that Lincoln AC "tombstone" welder?

TY! no I'm not that good with a stick welder. I just used it for the thicker square tubing I used on the sides. I have a mig for the thin stuff. I've found the .023 carbon Steele is best to use for thin stuff.

[Cjcolbyjack]

Originally Posted by joedoh

looks like it is lining out well, how is the steering and brake position?

They lined up perfectly. I can't believe it. The explorer/mountaineer/aviator chassis is built very well. I'm pretty sure they all come standard all wheel disc and IRS except explorer. I keep seeing them sale for cheap at the auctions. So far so good.

[joedoh]

neat! keep it up!

[northern 49]

This truck is awesome. It's going to blow people's minds when it's done. It will piss off the brand loyal guys, fool everyone as it drives by and stir up everyone's curiosity when they start to figure out what's going on. I love it!

[Cjcolbyjack]

Originally Posted by northern 49

This truck is awesome. It's going to blow people's minds when it's done. It will piss off the brand loyal guys, fool everyone as it drives by and stir up everyone's curiosity when they start to figure out what's going on. I love it!

I have heard more then once about having a ford motor in a Chevy around the shop. I've seen several fords with Chevy motors. I just don't get it, but you are right. I'm going to love it when I dust them. Thanks for the post!!

[jkeating1]

Now that you're intimately familiar with the Aviator chassis, what's your opinion about using it just as a chassis donor (without the floor pan)? With IRS, 4 wheel discs, and rack & pinion, it would seem to have some advantages over an S-10 donor. The 113.8" wheelbase is a couple of inches short, but I'm starting with a LWB truck anyway so it can be any length. It's hard to forego all the parts, information, experience, etc., that's available for an S-10 swap--but somebody had to do the first one of those at one time, too.

[Cjcolbyjack]

Originally Posted by jkeating1

Now that you're intimately familiar with the Aviator chassis, what's your opinion about using it just as a chassis donor (without the floor pan)? With IRS, 4 wheel discs, and rack & pinion, it would seem to have some advantages over an S-10 donor. The 113.8" wheelbase is a couple of inches short, but I'm starting with a LWB truck anyway so it can be any length. It's hard to forego all the parts, information, experience, etc., that's available for an S-10 swap--but somebody had to do the first one of those at one time, too.

r
The chassis by itself is built extremely well. Then take the standard IRS, 4 wheeel disc etc.. oh hands down a better chassis. Oh and the aviator also has an awesome tow package. I have a mountaineer I'm using the chassis on my next build. You find ad cabs all the time that have the floors completely rusted. It was a pain the first time, but I think now that I know it'll work. I would prefer to cut the floor out. I would be happy to give you the exact measurements to swap out the floor and fire wall. ONCE I see this one completed lol.

[Cjcolbyjack]

It's been a bit, but I've been crazy busy. I am tired again, so for now I'll just post pics and explain later in more detail








I really like how I could still use all the aviator heat shields, grommets etc... the dash on the other hand is being a challenge.

[Cjcolbyjack]

Originally Posted by Cjcolbyjack

It's been a bit, but I've been crazy busy. I am tired again, so for now I'll just post pics and explain later in more detailAttachment 1590663

Attachment 1590664

Attachment 1590665

Attachment 1590666

Attachment 1590667
I really like how I could still use all the aviator heat shields, grommets etc... the dash on the other hand is being a challenge.

I plan on putting the gas cap in the rear fender. I have seen on here someone bought one or had one they installed. If anyone knows where?

[Cjcolbyjack]

I will be able to make the dash work, but I have to shave off 2 or 3 inches on each side. Hopefully fiberglass in the end will help bring the top all together.[ATTACH]







[/ATTACH]

[Cjcolbyjack]

I am pretty much winging it at this point. If anyone sees something that could help pull this all together, it would be truly appreciated. Luckily I have some handy friends to help out also. The next one will be so much easier after this one is done, lol.








The radiator support is next. I was hoping to have it on the road in a week. I don't think I will hit that deadline lol

[Cjcolbyjack]

I missed some pics

[NurseBen]

Love the body swaps. I'm in.

[joedoh]

dynamite!

[Cjcolbyjack]

It's been a minute so here's an update. I'm not going to lie, the wiring has been kicking my butt! I've moved most of the modules to the back of the cab. I finally have that caught up, so I installed shorter coils and ball joints. Tomorrow I'm going to get low profile tires for the wheels. I'm hoping it'll be low enough.

[joedoh]

wow really looking great!

[jkeating1]

Have you had any changes to the truck lately?

[Cjcolbyjack]

Not nearly as I would like to have done jk. I got frustrated once we set the cab. It was to far forward. I was able to get it moved back, but I'll have to send pics so you guys can tell me if the front wheels are centered in the fenders enough. On the bright side, I lucked out on two other classics that are both personal dream cars. 85 Chevy crewcab and a 64-1/2 stand convertible. Traded electrical work for both so that's kept me busy. Basically cost me 4 solid weekends and a few hundred on material. Oh and we have the official name of this build, "the cheviator". I will be back on it full time soon. Thanks for asking!

[Cjcolbyjack]

Originally Posted by Cjcolbyjack

Not nearly as I would like to have done jk. I got frustrated once we set the cab. It was to far forward. I was able to get it moved back, but I'll have to send pics so you guys can tell me if the front wheels are centered in the fenders enough. On the bright side, I lucked out on two other classics that are both personal dream cars. 85 Chevy crewcab and a 64-1/2 stand convertible. Traded electrical work for both so that's kept me busy. Basically cost me 4 solid weekends and a few hundred on material. Oh and we have the official name of this build, "the cheviator". I will be back on it full time soon. Thanks for asking! Attachment 1620529

Attachment 1620530

Attachment 1620531



Attachment 1620532

[ATTACH]1620533[d/ATTACH]

The red SUV behind the crew cab is how I found this. I now have another aviator
for my next build. This one was only $600. They get cheaper and cheaper

[Cjcolbyjack]

i like the fact this

gives me a little more room for the radiator, but does it look way to any of you?

[mongocanfly]

the wheel in the hole looks pretty darn close to being centered..maybe move cab back a inch or so in that bottom pic..but its close..the top pic looks more centered