55.2 Chevy 3100

[Flames97]

Originally Posted by ChuckDriver

Nice project, very well thought out on the rear suspension.

Thanks ChuckDriver I appreciate that.
I've lost count how many times I've scanned your build thread, I'm a big fan of your build.

[Flames97]

Update time!!!
Ok, well since the last time I posted, I've been working on the truck here and there. Between holidays and birthdays it was somewhat challenging. Family first though.

As I mentioned in an earlier post I didn't like some of the cross members I had made. So I built a new one with a drive line loup in it. Still want to make another one around where the tranny mount is, just gotta figure out how I want it exactaly. I also went back and forth on boxing the frame, wasn't going to but...I did. I like how everything is turning out this time.

Here's the frame getting boxed in. I did weld nuts on the inside where I had to attach things. Plus some extra ones in some places for future add on's.

Here is the start with the loup.

Then kept adding to it.

Finally between the rails. Kinda debating whether or not to add some diagonal pieces that start around the loup and attach back to where the plate starts for the notch. Essentially looking like a K member. Or leave it as is.

[Flames97]

And some more Pic's.....Why not.

I didn't fully box that section where the front bracket of the 4-bar goes because of bolting it together. Just didn't want to weld those nuts on. And just in case I guess.

[papastrk]

Boxing frame sure gives it a nice clean look. Looks really nice. As good as your welding and layout skills are; yea, add bracing. It would tie everything in. And you could just add diagonal bracing to the top section, leaving room for exhaust. These frames really do need diagonal bracing somewhere. GM added all their diagonal bracing in at the massive front crossmember and we cut that out first thing, or at least I did. Have you planned out the exhaust layout? I'm sure you have with the way you fabbed the crossmember.

[Kim57]

Looking very nice.
Kim

[Flames97]

Finished this crossmemeber yesterday,added the diagonal pieces and I'm pleased with how it came out. Also spent time grinding all the welds along the where the frame was boxed. That was time consuming. And started measuring and cutting pieces for the other crossmember around the trans. Then got called away to help a friend in the late afternoon, so that's all for yesterdays progress.

Originally Posted by papastrk

Boxing frame sure gives it a nice clean look. Looks really nice. As good as your welding and layout skills are; yea, add bracing. It would tie everything in. And you could just add diagonal bracing to the top section, leaving room for exhaust. These frames really do need diagonal bracing somewhere. GM added all their diagonal bracing in at the massive front crossmember and we cut that out first thing, or at least I did. Have you planned out the exhaust layout? I'm sure you have with the way you fabbed the crossmember.

Thanks papastrk, Your right the diagonal pieces definitely tie it all in. As far as exhaust, I have been thinking of different ways to run it. It could go through the crossmember or under it easy enough and just have whatever muffler before the crossmember.
This is what I plan on using to hang the exhaust.

Originally Posted by Kim57

Looking very nice.
Kim

Thanks Kim, I appreciate it.

[papastrk]

Looks great! Hangers are similar to what I used. Bought mine through Ford. Used 7/16" bar stock to make my weld on pieces. Am anxious to see your next crossmember install. The frame is really shaping up nicely.

[papastrk]

Just looked up where you live in Washington. Will a bagged Chevy truck drive through a snow bank very well? LOL! Looks like a beautiful area of the country. How do you keep your shop warm enough to work in there? I'm freezing here in Oklahoma! You people must be much tougher than we are down here!

[Flames97]

Originally Posted by papastrk

Just looked up where you live in Washington. Will a bagged Chevy truck drive through a snow bank very well? LOL! Looks like a beautiful area of the country. How do you keep your shop warm enough to work in there? I'm freezing here in Oklahoma! You people must be much tougher than we are down here!

That's funny, ya gonna have to keep it parked and not use it as a snow plow in the winters. Actually this year there hasn't been much snow unfortunately. It has been really cold though. And the shop is a 30x60 mostly insulated. There is a room around 20x30 with sliding door within the shop, and has a wood stove. I can get it up to 75-80. And the main part of the shop up to 50 degree. But I am used to working in the cold, my father in-law has a logging outfit and I've helped work on equipment out in the woods in the dead of winter and logging trucks that couldn't fit in the shop. Not the most enjoyable thing, but when that makes the money it's gotta get fixed not matter what. This time of year 32-35 degrees is warm..lol.

[Kim57]

The cross member came out nice.
Kim

[Flames97]

Originally Posted by Kim57

The cross member came out nice.
Kim

Thanks Kim,
I'm still working on the front one. It's a bit more challenging. I have the break booster right there and need to move it, similar to how you did. Not as far back though. Just keep the pedal assembly as is and move the booster back and incorporate it in with the crossmember. Then get the tranny mount within it too. The position of things is making it a challenge but I've been brain storming and stairing at it that I think I'll get it soon.
-Aaron

[Flames97]

Making some progress on the cross member at the front of the cab.
There was a few times that I would just stare, hold pieces of metal and measure to see what looked good and how it was all going to function without interfering with something. I still need to add the lower diagonal bars, weld a plate on the left side that the brake booster will be mounted on, and make a small trans mount in the middle that will be bolt in. I hope to get all that done today.
I thought I'd be done with all of it by now, However I got roped into redoing our utility which consisted of painting and building a cabinet for our old sink. The sink and wood came out of our old house that was built somewhere in the late 20's or early 30's which we torn down.

[Kim57]

Both look nice.
Kim

[Flames97]

Originally Posted by Kim57

Both look nice.
Kim

Thanks Kim.

[papastrk]

Best keep the "honey do" list caught up if you intend to finish that truck! Lookin good!

[Flames97]

Originally Posted by papastrk

Best keep the "honey do" list caught up if you intend to finish that truck! Lookin good!

Thanks, and you are correct, a happy wife makes things much easier.

Didn't get as far as I wanted today, hopefully tomorrow I'll have something pic worthy.
-Aaron

[Flames97]

Got some more done today. I was able to get the trans mount made, welded a plate in for the new brake booster location, and started final welds on the whole crossmember.
Still need to add the lower diagonal pieces similar to the uppers.

[papastrk]

Looks great! You gotta be lovin this part of the build. What's next?

[ChuckDriver]

Strong!

[Kim57]

Looks very nice.
Kim

[Flames97]

Thanks guys, appreciate it.

Papastrk, I do really enjoy fabbing stuff. This is how I wanted the frame to turn out in the beginning, some how along the way I talked myself out of it, and then this fall/winter I got back on track to the original plan.

As far as what's next. I have a few things left to do in the frame. Need to weld tabs on for the brake lines. I have the front tabs marked, the rear I still need to figure out how exactally I want it. Still need to flip the frame over and finish welding/grinding.
At some point I need to mount the bed. The front and rear cross sills can be bolted to the frame but the middle two will need some work since I have the larger notch. So that may require welding something on the frame, not sure though. And at that time I will also figure out how to rise the bed floor, out some tubs in. I really like how fat56 did his bed with the actuators, may do something similar.
And of course all the work on the cab..can corners, steps, lower door hinge area and shave the dash. Doors need some repairs too. And I want to shave the fire wall.
I really would like to get the frame done and painted but I have things that will require putting things on and taking off for test fit (possible welding/grinding)and I don't really want messed up paint. Just not ready for that yet. Even though I would love to have a painted rolling chassis.

[papastrk]

Keep the gas tank in mind when you locate cross sills. I have seen spacer blocks tacked to frame to bolt cross sills to. A bare frame sure makes it nice for exhaust build. Fuel and brake lines also. Sounds like you have a plan. What wheel/tire combination do you have in mind?

[Flames97]

I have a few ideas on the middle two cross sills. And I may see if I can mount a tire towards the front of the bed, but under the raised bed and have the floor on actuators. The spare tire is a new idea I'm thinking of not sure how it will work. I plan on driving this thing a lot. If I do the tire thing I may make it so I can take it all out at show so you can see all of the frame, or not, just have to see.

I'd like to get the exhaust hung now because of welding the hangers on, but purchasing stuff like that now is kinda tight, trying to use parts I have now and save money till I can. I have lots to do with out spending money. Part of why I don't want to paint the frame just yet.
I have thought about doing all the brake line., building now, but at the same time, when I do get it all bent up and take it apart for paint I'll have to store it somewhere that they won't get ruined. But I may just tackle it and just find a safe spot for them.
As far as wheels, not sure, well I do like intro vista's I think that's what they are called. I'll see if I can find pick. Not gonna happen anytime soon. But eventual 18 front /20 rear or 20's both front and back. For right now I've been using my brothers corvette rallies from his Chevelle. Shhh...don't tell him.

[4Eyedtruck]

man you are really moving along on your frame keep up the great work it looks awesome gave me some ideas for my rearend setup also

[Flames97]

Thanks. It's never seems fast enough though..lol. I always think I'll get more done than I do. But I'm trying to really make some gains on it this winter, because once spring and summer come it's going to be hard to find time.
I'll be watching your build as well.
-Aaron