Hotrodelrods 54 build

[hotrodelrod]

Hi Doug and Jim. It's good to be back in the garage! I'm excited about getting back into the build and will do my best to report my progress.

Rick

[RockinKees]

Hey Rick, very nice build you've got going on.
How did I miss this??

[hotrodelrod]

Originally Posted by RockinKees

Hey Rick, very nice build you've got going on.
How did I miss this??

I've been away for a while but excited to be back at it.

[hotrodelrod]

In going over everything 1 last time before I paint the frame I came upon a couple of questions I would love some feedback on.

1) These are the stock type motor mounts with insulators and they are welded to the frame. Is there a better alternative?

2) The previous builder attached this mess to the front end for radiator mount and I think front bumper. Again, any input on a cleaner, better way to do this?

Also I've cut out the rear x member to prepare for boxing the rear most part of the frame and fabbing framing for the gas tank. Is there any reason to leave the frame ends open for access?

Thanks in advance for any input,
Rick

[Advanced Design]

1) These are the stock type motor mounts with insulators and they are welded to the frame. Is there a better alternative?

Do they position the engine correctly? If so, can you replace them with bolt on to the frame? Or you can fabricate mounts that will fit and position the engine.

2) The previous builder attached this mess to the front end for radiator mount and I think front bumper. Again, any input on a cleaner, better way to do this?

Someone will probably jump in with some ideas. Look around on here for something better.

Also I've cut out the rear x member to prepare for boxing the rear most part of the frame and fabbing framing for the gas tank. Is there any reason to leave the frame ends open for access?

Bumper mount access, unless you weld in some nuts.

[ptc]

The stock motor mounts for the GM K member should be bolt-on. They should have two different mounting locations for SBC and BBC. All of the A,F,G body cars came with the cross member drilled this way for the 3-bolt type mounts.

The landing dimension changes for an SBC and the BBC. See the photo below; these mounts are set in the BBC holes, the lower holes are for SBC. The holes also have a 3-nut cage inside the K member that holds the backnuts in place. Your welded on mounts appear to be set for a BBC, they are pretty wide.



Many times people will weld-in the mounts if thats where they are keeping their motor.... but we all know things change! Also if you are setting up a BBC in a F,G,A body frame you need to offset it to make it fit right. Keep that in mind.

I would see if you can find these stock GM mounting holes again and use them for proper direction first. If not get some measurements from somebody with the same K member as yours.

As for your radiator... it looks like somebody setup a 'saddle mount' type radiator in there before. But, if you place the assembled front clip onto your frame and locate your "radiator support" mounting holes that way, you can use the original style downflow radiator intended for the truck. Just make some "L" brackets to weld onto the frame wherever they end up and weld them onto the frame where the radiator support lands.

As long as your 'support' is located in the right location for all your body parts to mount to it, then everything should line up in the end.

[hotrodelrod]

Originally Posted by ptc

The stock motor mounts for the GM K member should be bolt-on. They should have two different mounting locations for SBC and BBC. All of the A,F,G body cars came with the cross member drilled this way for the 3-bolt type mounts.

The landing dimension changes for an SBC and the BBC. See the photo below; these mounts are set in the BBC holes, the lower holes are for SBC. The holes also have a 3-nut cage inside the K member that holds the backnuts in place. Your welded on mounts appear to be set for a BBC, they are pretty wide.



Many times people will weld-in the mounts if thats where they are keeping their motor.... but we all know things change! Also if you are setting up a BBC in a F,G,A body frame you need to offset it to make it fit right. Keep that in mind.

I would see if you can find these stock GM mounting holes again and use them for proper direction first. If not get some measurements from somebody with the same K member as yours.

As for your radiator... it looks like somebody setup a 'saddle mount' type radiator in there before. But, if you place the assembled front clip onto your frame and locate your "radiator support" mounting holes that way, you can use the original style downflow radiator intended for the truck. Just make some "L" brackets to weld onto the frame wherever they end up and weld them onto the frame where the radiator support lands.

As long as your 'support' is located in the right location for all your body parts to mount to it, then everything should line up in the end.

Thanks for the help PTC! There was definitely a SBC in it last but it looks like they moved it back a couple of inches and that is why they must have welded the mounts in. Im going to cut them out and start over as I just ordered some mounts from Paul Horton.

[hotrodelrod]

Well I got the rear of the frame boxed and the framework for the fuel cell welded in. Doesn't feel like I got much done today. I also ordered some motor mounts and a frame mount bracket for the brake booster from Paul Horton. He's a great guy and his parts are awesome as well as fairly priced. Thanks Reaper for the recommendation.

Rick

[ChuckDriver]

My mounts where simply made using square tubing with a sleeve inserted to re-enforce the holes.

I think capping the end of the frame rail would finish it off nicely.

[hotrodelrod]

I was able to clean frame and apply 1 coat of POR 15 followed by a top coat of their 2k epoxy paint to most of the frame. Seems like a very durable product that you can apply by brush due to its great self leveling properties. I still have work to do up front and out back for the gas tank before I coat those areas.

Rick

[Advanced Design]

Frame is looking really good. Lotta hours to get there.

[hotrodelrod]

Originally Posted by Advanced Design

Frame is looking really good. Lotta hours to get there.

Thank you Doug.

[hotrodelrod]

Got out in the garage for a bit this morning to finish up fuel cell mount. I used 1" x 1/8" stock for straps. I got the idea from a build on here, I think Oldnslows, so thank you! Next I hope to finish up chassis painting and put suspension and wheels on so I can see what i need to do as far as cab and bed mounting. I think I will try to copy Reapers bed mounting system. Without this forum I would be clueless!

Rick

[oldman3]

Looks good...Jim

[hotrodelrod]

Originally Posted by oldman3

Looks good...Jim

Thank you Jim!

[ptc]

coming right along! looking good

[hotrodelrod]

Originally Posted by ptc

coming right along! looking good

Thank you PTC!

[hotrodelrod]

started addressing the bed this afternoon. Bed floor was angle iron and 3/16 steel diamond plate. I cut out the diamond plate and will now start fabbing the bed frame to accommodate the notch. As I mentioned previously I plan to use Reapers idea of using 1" square tube.

[youngrodder]

With no floor in your bed it already looks better than the diamond plate.
Nice progress

Marc

[hotrodelrod]

Thanks YR! Been through your truck build many times over, now digging your Burb build. Truck is awesome and the chassis on the burb is beautiful!

[hotrodelrod]

Looking for some help or advice on how to attach tubs to bedside before I cut bedside.

[ptc]

For some tub install info look at my build post #104-112 gives you a way to do it from a hidden weld-in perspective. If you want them bolt in, you'll have to weld flanges onto the rounds and the bottom of your tubs.

Good luck - go slow - and keep the welds small! ---

[hotrodelrod]

Originally Posted by ptc

For some tub install info look at my build post #104-112 gives you a way to do it from a hidden weld-in perspective. If you want them bolt in, you'll have to weld flanges onto the rounds and the bottom of your tubs.

Good luck - go slow - and keep the welds small! ---

Thanks PTC! Thats the help I was looking for. I will use your method of strips and plug welds.

Thanks again!
Rick

[ChuckDriver]

You can also check my thread to see how I did mine. Starts on page 10, post #246.

Post your pic's!

[Advanced Design]

Rick, you are flying! The tubs are a nice addition.