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After I got the engine in I realized it was way to low. So I went to the hairpins and I have 4" of clearance under the pan. I used a cross member and mounts from Chassis Engineering.
http://i258.photobucket.com/albums/h...DSC_0007-2.jpg
http://i258.photobucket.com/albums/h...DSC_0005-3.jpg
Radiator is an aluminum universal from Speedway Motors
http://i258.photobucket.com/albums/h...0truck/010.jpg
Headlights BLC
http://i258.photobucket.com/albums/h...ruck/006-2.jpg
Universal weld in battery box from Speedway Motors.
http://i258.photobucket.com/albums/h...ruck/004-1.jpg
Made some upper shock mounts out of 3/8".
http://i258.photobucket.com/albums/h...0truck/005.jpg
http://i258.photobucket.com/albums/h...0truck/006.jpg
Coming up next......the Chop! :eek:
I can't believe I missed this one. Nice truck. It looks safe and yet still fun. Nice stance and the straight 6 is a thing of beauty. Way to go!
Those front shock mounts knock me out. You really have an eye for fabricating a beautiful piece.
The lines are perfect and now you're going to ruin it with a CHOP???:confused::(:CRY:
Thanks Eddie. Well the chops already been done in the first pictures. It was top heavy without it.
This was my first attempt to chop a top. I used build my own race cars and cut the tops off to get the roll cages in.
I decided to take out 4" and leave the rear window the original size just drop it down 4" where its level with the windshield and door windows.
http://i258.photobucket.com/albums/h...ruck/005-5.jpg
http://i258.photobucket.com/albums/h...ruck/001-5.jpg
http://i258.photobucket.com/albums/h...ruck/003-5.jpg
It was easier for me to do it in 2 parts so I masked out a line to cut the roof in two.
http://i258.photobucket.com/albums/h...ruck/004-5.jpg
I cut the roof first with the cut off wheel.
http://i258.photobucket.com/albums/h...ruck/006-5.jpg
Then I cut the posts with the Sawzal. If you use a Sawzal start out slow because it will cut through the posts real fast.
http://i258.photobucket.com/albums/h...ruck/007-3.jpg
http://i258.photobucket.com/albums/h...ruck/008-3.jpg
The roof section didn't quite line up with the lower posts so I made a relief cut in the upper corners to spread the upper posts to match the lower. I also had to cut a relief cut to widen the post a bit.
http://i258.photobucket.com/albums/h...ruck/012-2.jpg
http://i258.photobucket.com/albums/h...ruck/009-3.jpg
I actually had to split the post 4 ways to get it to fit
http://i258.photobucket.com/albums/h...ruck/010-3.jpg
http://i258.photobucket.com/albums/h...ruck/011-3.jpg
After I got the front lined up and tacked into place I cut the doors and then the rear roof section. I removed 4" from underneath the rear window to lower it.
http://i258.photobucket.com/albums/h...0truck/014.jpg
http://i258.photobucket.com/albums/h...0truck/016.jpg
http://i258.photobucket.com/albums/h...0truck/015.jpg
I still need to trim a little of the rear for things line up better. I can use the piece I removed from under the window for the section on the roof. I just mocked up the rear section for now.
http://i258.photobucket.com/albums/h...0truck/017.jpg
http://i258.photobucket.com/albums/h...0truck/018.jpg
I think it looks great. Not bad for a first timer and a days work. It was very intimidating at first but after I got started it was all that difficult. So if any of you have reservations about doing a chop I'd encourage you to just go for it. Just make sure you do your planning, get Tex Smith's book on "How to Chop a Top", it's invaulable, measure 3 times then measure again before you make any cuts. It wasn't that hard. Not that I'm ready for that Mercury yet! ;) But if you have basic metal working skills its doable!
Before
http://i258.photobucket.com/albums/h...ruck/010-2.jpg
After
http://i258.photobucket.com/albums/h...0truck/019.jpg
Still need to finish fitting the rear section, the section on the roof, the doors and finish up all the welds.
I trimmed up the rear section and tacked into place.
http://i258.photobucket.com/albums/h...ruck/001-6.jpg
The sides didn't line up there was a gap of about 3/4".
http://i258.photobucket.com/albums/h...ruck/003-6.jpg
Made some relief cuts above and below the cut to make everything come together.
http://i258.photobucket.com/albums/h...ruck/002-6.jpg
Now I have a 2" gap in the roof to be filled.
http://i258.photobucket.com/albums/h...ruck/004-6.jpg
Welded in the side rain gutter pieces. The pieces are from the A pillar with some modifications so the will fit.
http://i258.photobucket.com/albums/h...ruck/008-5.jpg
http://i258.photobucket.com/albums/h...ruck/009-5.jpg
I welded the strip in the roof. and removed all the bracing inside. Finished up some of the welding and slap so Bondo on to how it will look.
http://i258.photobucket.com/albums/h...ruck/002-7.jpg
http://i258.photobucket.com/albums/h...ruck/003-7.jpg
door frames cut and fitted. Still have tons of welding and grinding to do.
http://i258.photobucket.com/albums/h...ruck/001-7.jpg
http://i258.photobucket.com/albums/h...ruck/002-8.jpg
Threw the seat out of 50 Stude in to see if it will fit. It will needs a few modification but will work just fine. I'll need to go to "Old Town" and get some upholstery material (Mexican blankets).
http://i258.photobucket.com/albums/h...ruck/004-7.jpg
Used some 16 gauge and the bead roller for the floor.
http://i258.photobucket.com/albums/h...ruck/006-8.jpg
http://i258.photobucket.com/albums/h...ruck/004-8.jpg
http://i258.photobucket.com/albums/h...ruck/003-8.jpg
Got a free Chevy bed from a friend. Cut it down to 46" and welded it back together.
http://i258.photobucket.com/albums/h...ruck/008-9.jpg
http://i258.photobucket.com/albums/h...ruck/010-9.jpg
http://i258.photobucket.com/albums/h...ruck/011-7.jpg
http://i258.photobucket.com/albums/h...uck/007-11.jpg
http://i258.photobucket.com/albums/h...ruck/018-2.jpg
Tearing it apart after mock-up and painting the frame.
http://i258.photobucket.com/albums/h...uck/008-10.jpg
http://i258.photobucket.com/albums/h...uck/010-10.jpg
http://i258.photobucket.com/albums/h...uck/001-12.jpg
http://i258.photobucket.com/albums/h...uck/002-14.jpg
http://i258.photobucket.com/albums/h...uck/004-14.jpg
Frame paint and putting it all back together.
http://i258.photobucket.com/albums/h...uck/001-13.jpg
http://i258.photobucket.com/albums/h...uck/003-15.jpg
http://i258.photobucket.com/albums/h...ruck/012-7.jpg
http://i258.photobucket.com/albums/h...ruck/013-5.jpg
http://i258.photobucket.com/albums/h...uck/007-13.jpg
http://i258.photobucket.com/albums/h...uck/008-12.jpg