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.

[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.

[Advanced Design]

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

[crakarjax]

Hey Rick, I was looking at that same center section! The trans mount looks funky to me though, does it seem like it will hold up? Any clearance issues? Looks like a great low cost alternative to a PB center section!

[InvalidConflict]

Awesome build man!

[Donnie Lee]

Just found your build & will be following along, I wish my son & I could make the progress you have.

[ptc]

Rick where are You? ---- missing your build updates!

[hotrodelrod]

Well, its that time of year again where work slows and I get the time to pick back up on the truck. Not much has changed since last year. I have gathered some parts and am thinking about changing direction with regards to powertrain. Originally I liked the idea of a gen 1 SBC roots blower set up that would take me back to the days of high school. Recently I started exploring the idea of GMs GM Performance LS3 480 HP Connect & Cruise Package Engine. There are $800 in rebates through year end and I believe I would get much more use/drive ability out of this package. Also, by the time a buy the heads, supercharger, carbs, etc. for my 406 shortblock the cost is negligible. Turning 50 this year must have changed my way of thinking! lol. As for the parts I've gathered (mostly sheetmetal) I picked up the recessed firewall, core support, inner fenders, and floors from Absolute sheetmetal. Nice folks there. I guess thats it, time to get started again! Happy Holidays to all!

[hotrodelrod]

Originally Posted by crakarjax

Hey Rick, I was looking at that same center section! The trans mount looks funky to me though, does it seem like it will hold up? Any clearance issues? Looks like a great low cost alternative to a PB center section!

Crakarjax,

I have not mounted an engine /trans to it yet but I see no reason why I wouldn't like it. Should function very well as far as far as I can tell.

[hotrodelrod]

Earlier in my build I had an issue. I am using a 99 Explorer rear with 4.5 bolt pattern and the front clip is a Metric GBody with a 4.75 bolt pattern. I already had a set of wheels and tires from a 66 Coronet convertible I sold and they were like new with a 4.5 bolt pattern. I was trying to find a "easy" solution but kept running into dead ends. So I ponied up and bought the Wilwood kit with everything I needed to make it work. All that was required was to cut the ears off of the Gbody spindles and drill/tap the dust cover holes to accept the new caliper mount. Wilwood makes nice stuff. Problem solved.


http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/a...1&d=1483197551

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/a...1&d=1483197551

[hotrodelrod]

I decided on a complete dropout from a 2011 Camaro SS with 31k miles. I wanted a true LS3 (430hp) and an automatic trans but GM never offered this. If you wanted the auto trans. you got the L99 (400hp) with the variable valve timing etc. I did not want that. I found a guy who salvages many of these Camaros, GTOs etc. and he sold me a true LS3 from 1 car, and a 6l80e 6 speed auto from another car. Package comes with computer, shifter, gas pedal, etc.
I then called Jeremy at PSI Conversions in New Jersey and he assured me they can sell me a harness to make everything work together. While waiting on the engine/trans to get here I figured I would set the cab on the frame and start figuring out how to mount it, the new core support, inner fenders, etc. since I made no notes when tearing everything apart. I even went as far as boxing the frame and welding up most holes, including where the rear cab shackle mounts bolt to the frame! Never was a good planner.

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/a...1&d=1483198820

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/a...1&d=1483198820

[hotrodelrod]

This brings me to a few questions.
1) Do most of you use the rear cab shackles for mounting cab to frame?
2) Up front where the cab floor mounts to the frame outriggers do you modify this mount at all? Not sure a long bolt through the floor seems all that great.
3) Are there any bushings or pads used between the frame and the cab?
4) Any tips on locating the new core support? Of course I took no measurements here either!

Thanks for your help!

Rick

[Advanced Design]

Welcome back Rick! I like the connect and cruise idea and am looking forward to updates.