Bruces Chopped 35

[VIRGIN MIKE]

What are you using for interior materials - looks good to me

[bnelson]

What are you using for interior materials - looks good to me

Used expandable foam to fill in the voids above the doors. Then ground to shape and glued 1/4" closed cell foam over whole thing. Then used basic felt headliner. I'm happy with it. Gives it a more finished look and should help considerably with heat and noise. Ill post some more pictures after I get my trim all installed.

[bnelson]

Been slacking again trying to get all the pastures mowed between the frigging rain. Between fixing mower decks and cutting dead falls have not had a whole lota time :( Got the Cab cut and polished and came out beautiful! Started putting the bed together and am pleasantly surprised how it came out. Looking at the side panels under the fluorescent gave me a totally bogus impression on how they would look. After bolting them down they look perfectly straight and am satisfied with the final look. The pictures look a little orange and dont do justice. I'll post some more after I get the cab and doors on. Getting stocked!


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[RuffShod]

Looks allsome!!!

Buy some goats. They will take care of the pastures....so you can get this truck done!

[bnelson]

OK...So got a bit done last night and today. I ended up ripping out the headliner and redoing (like everything else). and came out much better. Practice makes perfect :( Got the bed, cab, seats all finalized. Still have to touch up the firewall and bolt to body. Tomorrow I start the fun stuff....Doors :( :( :(: I really like how the back came out. In process of fabricating some spring latches that will mount on the inside of tailgate and latch into some 1X1.5" square tubing on the bed sides.Pictures to come later. Gonna put some panel calking on the roll pan to fender joint and paint so should come out pretty clean looking. Kind of wondering if I should have stayed with my original color scheme just to be differant :(

[wallace18]

Great Job! Looks fantastic!:cool:

[Pat Landymore]

Nice work Bruce!
You console looks amazing!

[Pat Landymore]

And good luck with your doors...I know what a challenge they are...
:D

[CDXXVII]

Hey, just want to say that you are doing an amazing job.

I usually tell guys that I build my roadster but then have to point out that I did not touch the paint and body work.

You have some great skills and I really appreciate what you are putting into your build.

What color is it? and what was your first choice? Looks fantastic and I can't wait until you have it all finished.


Note: just went back to your very early posts: number 4 and 6. I like your current paint scheme best.:cool:

[bnelson]

Hey, just want to say that you are doing an amazing job.

I usually tell guys that I build my roadster but then have to point out that I did not touch the paint and body work.

You have some great skills and I really appreciate what you are putting into your build.

What color is it? and what was your first choice? Looks fantastic and I can't wait until you have it all finished.


Note: just went back to your very early posts: number 4 and 6. I like your current paint scheme best.:cool:

Thanks :) Color is UreKem's Habanero Orange from The Coating Store.

[Pat Landymore]

Howdy Bruce, I have three questions about your wheels:

-Did you order from a catalog (like from Summit) or did you need to order custom backspacing?

-If it was custom, for your 10” wide wheels, do you mind sharing what that b/s was?

-Again looking at Summit, the center hole in the rim looks too large (at 81.x mm) to locate correctly on the ‘35’s Mustang spindles. Did you require any hub spacers or wheel spacers to clear the disc brakes?

I’ll be needing a bunch more tire under my truck and my little guy 7” rims aren’t going to cut it in the rear!! I wanted the painted rim look originally but was in a hurry to get something ok looking under the truck so it could progress and couldn’t find what I wanted locally.

Thanks!
Pat

[bnelson]

Howdy Bruce, I have three questions about your wheels:

-Did you order from a catalog (like from Summit) or did you need to order custom backspacing?

-If it was custom, for your 10” wide wheels, do you mind sharing what that b/s was?

-Again looking at Summit, the center hole in the rim looks too large (at 81.x mm) to locate correctly on the ‘35’s Mustang spindles. Did you require any hub spacers or wheel spacers to clear the disc brakes?

I’ll be needing a bunch more tire under my truck and my little guy 7” rims aren’t going to cut it in the rear!! I wanted the painted rim look originally but was in a hurry to get something ok looking under the truck so it could progress and couldn’t find what I wanted locally.

Thanks!
PatThe stock backspace was 5". I did need spacers. I could not find the order but think they were only 1/2".

[Pat Landymore]

Thanks Bruce, much appreciated.

[bnelson]

Worked on the frigging doors all weekend. The passenger side went right back together but something on the drivers side has changed and is woopin my butt :( Got it close to where it was but don't think I will be able to get it as perfect as it was before paint. It is what it is now :( Got to be a better way. All in all it looks pretty bad ***. Working on the front radiator cowl and should be complete next week. Glass man coming Thursday. Going to take front apart and powder coat the grill gloss black. You can really see how the chop affect's the overall appearance now. I'm liking it :) Thinking it needs a blower sticking out the hood next year :)

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[bnelson]

Thanks Bruce, much appreciated.

I had this in my reply but it went away :( I bought from https://www.performanceplustire.com/products/ts:32550-15:ty:Tire/
Keep your videos coming :)

[RuffShod]

Badass!!!

[RuffShod]

The stock backspace was 5". I did need spacers. I could not find the order but think they were only 1/2".

So in hind sight.....would 4" BS be better?

[bnelson]

So in hind sight.....would 4" BS be better?

I confuse myself every time I think about it but I think that's right. 4" or 4.5". Think it depends on the wheel a little also and I'm running 15". Dont think anybody else is using that small diameter.

[Salty Chief 35]

Bruce.. truck definitely looks bad @$$. One of my favorite builds on the forum. Well done. Now just hurry up and finish so you can drive it!!!��

[bnelson]

Got all my glass installed. I went with 16mm flush moldings. Think it looks a lot cleaner than having the bug catching gap around the edge :) I really like how my flush mount rear window looks compared to the factory. Think that was time well spent! have the drivers side window complete so just need to finish up the passenger side and get the cowl and headlights back on. Should be taking a maiden voyage down the back roads come Sunday :)

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[wallace18]

Very nice!:cool:

[bnelson]

Couldn't sleep thinking about driving this thing! Got out in the shop at about 4:30AM and started putting the shroud/headlights together. Finished up the passenger side window and all the interior with exception of door panels and I'm short some cat head for the passenger side. Loaded up the dog and hit the back roads. This thing drives amazing! No squeaks/rattles. Surprisingly smooth. The doors shut hard after putting the weather strip on the jam and door but quiet as heck. Ive had a few C2 corvettes and this thing is way quieter than any of those were! I think my foam and headliner really helped. Plus my three layers of hush mat on floor and firewall. My hood has some problems :( After all the repair work I did it looks perfectly straight when in the shop. But after it gets warmed up out in the sun it disfigures dramatically. Think its due to different thicknesses in the glass :( Guess Ill order a new one after they open back up. In mean time I think I like it better without the hood anyway. I still need to pull engine and trans to send trans in for repair :( I'll powder coat the front grill at that time. Satin or gloss black. Haven't made up my mind yet.

One thing that I think I'm going to address pretty soon and maybe guys in process of building might consider. When looking dead on at side of truck the bed does not follow the horizontal pitch of the cab. The belt molding on the cab really enhances the contrast between the cab and top of bed angle. Bed is angled down toward the rear and really bugs me. I thought it might be just mine but if you look at any pictures straight at side they are all the same. I can think of a couple ways to correct this but would have been a lot easier in the middle of the build process. I really did not notice this till I had it painted and all together. You can see what I'm talking about in the last picture below.

PS: Kinda wishing I would have taken another inch off the top!


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[Salty Chief 35]

Bruce, again... this truck is bad @$$!!! Really like following your build. The chop looks really well done as is. I had noticed the lines were off even in the gallery trucks on ffr’s web site, I just couldn’t place where the line was off at. I wonder if it’s as simple as putting spacer on rear bed mount. Keep us posted with what you find as a solution. I can’t wait until I can get my own truck. I think I finally decided which kit I’m going to go with. Now I’m just waiting until I pay off my business and work truck. Then, it’ll be time for the fun stuff.
Jeremie

[Straversi]

Beautiful. A high compliment to your work is that it doesn’t look chopped, it just looks right.
-Steve

[Robodent]

Bruce great job on your build one of a kind !

[first time builder]

Love the truck and appreciate your hard work and attention to details. I hadn't really notice the slant on the bed to the body. Is it optical illusion but to me back end of cab is a bit high. That would straighten out the bed to body look.
Kenny

[bnelson]

Love the truck and appreciate your hard work and attention to details. I hadn't really notice the slant on the bed to the body. Is it optical illusion but to me back end of cab is a bit high. That would straighten out the bed to body look.
Kenny

Yea it looks to me also that the cab is high in rear. But one would need to be really careful and plan out lowering in the rear due to how that would affect the door hinge mounts. Would take some careful measurements. I think at this point my only option is to do as Jeremie says and shim the bed. Only thing for me doing that I'll need to take my rear pan off and move the hole I put in it for the gas cap :( Always something :(

I think the ideal way would be to lower cab and tilting bed the same degree till they were straight. That would keep the bottom moldings lining up and everything flowing correctly. Next build :)

[RuffShod]

Well done, hand!!!

[bnelson]

The more I look at it the more I like it without the hood. Through a scoop on it to see what it would look like and am liking it :) Think this is how she will stay.

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[bnelson]

The more I look at it the more I like it without the hood. Through a scoop on it to see what it would look like and am liking it :) Think this is how she will stay.

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PS: Until I put a blower on her :)

[RuffShod]

I like it with the scoop. I want mine to have a filtered high velocity stack.


I hate chrome....but you have just enuff on your truck, that I might consider chroming your grill surround (the silver part)....and blacking out the center (grill fins).

[bnelson]

I like it with the scoop. I want mine to have a filtered high velocity stack.


I hate chrome....but you have just enuff on your truck, that I might consider chroming your grill surround (the silver part)....and blacking out the center (grill fins).

I'm with you. To much chrome spoils. Think I'm going with black chrome outer and black satin grill bars. i just spent 3 hrs polishing aluminum :(

[sperger72]

Bruce,

I am having the same issue with my hood? My hood is really bad

[sperger72]

Bruce,

Where did you get the flush moldings?

[bnelson]

Bruce,

Where did you get the flush moldings?
The guy that did my glass had it on his truck but this is the stuff.

https://www.gtglass.com/products/auto-glass-universal-rubber-molding-16mm?_pos=7&_sid=19de4d384&_ss=r

[sperger72]

Thank you Sir

[bnelson]

Finished all the interior that I could. Still have to make some small panels for the A pillars. I left a couple inches open so I can remove the dash easily. Finished the power windows and door panels. I tried using the clips on the panels but they are so heavy I was worried about pulling the panels off when closing the door. So just went with the screws :( I did get some smaller less obvious interior screws to attach. All and all I'm pretty much done! Need to pull the engine and trans this week to send the trans in for repair :( I put a carb spacer on to see how would affect the looks. Think I like it better so have a high raise single plane on order. Doesn't seem to affect the low end much due to this thing being so light. Waiting on some 1" X 1-1/2" tubing to finish the tailgate latch.

So except for some touch up and finishing a few small things this thing is done!

PS: Think Ive made up my mind to black chrome the grill when I pull the engine and trans....
PS: PS: think next one I do (and there will be another) I'll take a little more off the top and try laying the windshield down a little plus take some out of the space between the windshield and top. Reduce the forehead look a little. Plus next one will have a blower on it!


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[Straversi]

If this was your warm up, I can’t wait to see the second act. Great work. Thanks for sharing this build. I imagine we’ll be seeing a lot of your work imitated in the future.
-Steve

[bnelson]

If this was your warm up, I can’t wait to see the second act. Great work. Thanks for sharing this build. I imagine we’ll be seeing a lot of your work imitated in the future.
-Steve

Thanks Steve :) Really appreciated. The good thing is Ive got all the BS figured out on the first build and can focus solely on aesthetics on the next! Maybe I can get FFR to give me a discount to build something they can pull a mold from :)

[Pat Landymore]

Wow, a 2nd FFR project? You’re an ambitious man Bruce!

Congratulations on finishing up this truck, it looks SO great!!

[bnelson]

Finally got my grill back from coating but wanted to fix the lower radiator hose issue while i had it apart. Before, the lower outlet on the radiator pointed straight at frame member with the grill all the way down on mounts so had to have it raised up a little to barely get the hose on and routed through everything. Was really tight going through the shocks and was a sloppy mess. And there's no way I was going to run the hose on underside of frame as shown in the book. So welded an extension at a slightly different angle with a 90 to come up through the shocks. Came out pretty clean. Was a little tight trying to get it maneuvered on the truck but after loosening all the brackets was able to get it in place.



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[RuffShod]

Wow.

Nice fix!

[RuffShod]

Stewart says pick up on the 13th now. Ugh..... Got most of my engine parts in so could at least work on that. Made some wire looms out of 1/2 round. Have to look at them a while to see if I like them.


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Bruce....are those Corvette Super Comp headers?

No way they would fit?

[bnelson]

Bruce....are those Corvette Super Comp headers?

No way they would fit?

Yea. Stuff I had laying around. Had the engine long before I received the truck. I used Sanderson CC16 for early Camaro/Fiberbird. They are shorty's that exit at same position/angle on left and right.

[bnelson]

Wow.

Nice fix!
For anyone wanting to route the same way I think next one I will go this route. This would make the transmission simpler and adapt straight from the 1-1/2 radiator to the 1-3/4 SS hose. Will make it easier to get the radiator mounted without having to loosen all the mounts.

https://www.pegasusautoracing.com/productdetails.asp?RecID=11121

[bnelson]

Got the grill back and everything installed. Test drove and all good thank God. What a chore to pull all that after everything is done! Finished my tailgate and latches. I but some 1X1/2 rectangle tube uprights in the corners with caps and put some toggle latches inside to keep the outside clean. Just need to finish my bed floor now.

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[wallace18]

Very nice! I like the roll pan mod!:cool:

[RuffShod]

That black grill is the ticket!!!

[bnelson]

Finally got started on my bed wood. Got all the strips laminated down and got started sanding. The figure in this stuff is hard as a rock! Will take some time. I'm going to route 5/8" dadoes in between each strip and ebonize some hard maple to inlay.

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[ztoolman44]

Finally got started on my bed wood. Got all the strips laminated down and got started sanding. The figure in this stuff is hard as a rock! Will take some time. I'm going to route 5/8" dadoes in between each strip and ebonize some hard maple to inlay.

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I put figured maple floors in my house. Had to buy all new saw blades and replace them again after the project.

[bnelson]

I put figured maple floors in my house. Had to buy all new saw blades and replace them again after the project.

LOL. Typically the curly is soft and the birds eye type figure is hard. And I mean hard! This Tineo is somewhere in the middle but still giving me a workout :)

[bnelson]

Got the bed wood sanded down to 320 grit. Put on first coat of stain. I made a concoction of orange/red aniline dye mixed with shellac. Can really see the figure starting to come out. After it drys will sand off again with 400 grit. That highlights the figure and gives it a really nice contrast. Probably do 2-3 times depending on how it looks. After satisfied with color will let dry and coat with straight Shellac and then 3-4 coats of satin wipe on polyurethane. So far coming out good. If anybody out there does woodwork you'll appreciate how nail biting it is doing long dadoes that will be seen :( Plan on building a bed box out of ebonized maple and the Tineo to house the battery and have room for a little camping stuff (and fishing poles) :)
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[sperger72]

Bruce, looks great. Worked on the registration yet?

[bnelson]

Bruce, looks great. Worked on the registration yet?

Not yet. Waiting for an opening at Nth TX rod and custom to set up suspension. They said only a couple guys certified for the inspection. One is in Your town. Do you know which shop it is?

[bnelson]

Got the maple strips ebonized and planed. Now just need to complete multiple layers of finish. Am saving the side pieces till I get it in the truck and will plane for perfect fit on each side. Surprisingly I measured width at front and back and is only about 1/32nd off!

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[Pat Landymore]

That is some impressive woodwork you’ve done!
Wow

[sperger72]

Bruce,

Yes, my guy that will do it

[bnelson]

Was able to do a pretty extensive test drive. Hit the back roads for about four hours yesterday. Trans stayed at 199 max, engine at 190 max, all the bolts stayed tight! I'm getting a bit more comfortable with everything :) Have the bed completed but need to trim here and there.


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[RuffShod]

Bruce....are you thinkin we will be able to get by without windshield wipers?

I am beginning to worry about not havin receipts for my trans and motor that I had layin around.

[sperger72]

I have been told no issues without wipers but haven't done my paperwork yet. Truck should be finished with paint next week.

[bnelson]

I have been told no issues without wipers but haven't done my paperwork yet. Truck should be finished with paint next week.

Cool. I talked to my neighbor who works in the tax assessors office in the registration side and she said that as long as the inspector signs off on it she will be OK with it. Still waiting on a slot at the local rod shop to get the suspension dialed in before inspection. Said she did not require anything for the engine/trans. Small towns have their advantages :)

[RuffShod]

Thanks men!

[bnelson]

Finally got the alignment done and got a 30 day temp permit so I can drive legal out to get the ASE inspection. Charged up the AC and works perfect! Put about 250 miles on er today just cruising around and setting trans shift points and such. 100 degrees out here and engine never got above 190 and trans never got above 195. I drove in 3rd gear for about 5 miles at about 2800 RPM just to see if would get hot. Cool as a cucumber :cool: What a blast this thing is! Me and shop dog going on 500 mile + road trip to the hill country next weekend to visit a Military buddy and see how she dose. I'll take a bunch of tools :) Wish me luck!

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[Salty Chief 35]

Congratulations... you have a very bad a$$ ride!!
Well done,
Jeremie

[RoadRacer]

Very nice!! I’m also in a small town so fingers crossed! Congrats on getting legal :)

[sperger72]

Awesome Day

[RuffShod]

Yall have a good trip!

Truck is allsome!!!

[bnelson]

So lost compression on #5 this week. Blueprint has really stepped up and taking care of everything. Pulling engine again :( Was doing short cruise when noticed smoke coming from the breathers and if I romp on it oil spraying the windshield. Did a compression check and #5 was 50% of the others. Did a leak down test and it was only holding 20% of 80 PSI and filling the crank case.

So figured I'd take the opportunity to swap the 4L60E auto with TKO 600 manual while I had it apart. I hate the shift attributes on this auto no matter what I do to the settings. Looks like I'll be pulling the interior and building new trans tunnel to make some more room in the foot box for clutch. Did some initial measurements and looks like I should be able to gain at least 2" if I change the front pulley system and move the engine forward a little and rip out the tunnel and build around new trans and bell housing. Thinking about doing some custom buckets and new center console while I'm at it.

Best thing is I'll be able to get rid of all this frigging wiring associated with the electronic transmission! I was not familiar with it so couldn't wire initially and had to do kind of as an after thought and really made a mess of things. Will be able to clean all that up thank God.

Also thinking about the hood. I really like the look with the hood on so am going to do a couple things. I'm going to take this modified one and do a custom scoop so I can use with the scoop I have on the engine now. Plus I will be able to reinforce and strengthen during the process. And am buying a totally new hood and going to make that one fit with standard air cleaner and no modifications other than fitment to see what I like best. Or just to be able to switch it up now and then :) Think I'm going to build some custom slip pins in front and make it drop down on flush pins in rear. That way i don't have to monkey with the hinges and it wont have them flopping around in front if I want to run without hood.


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[Salty Chief 35]

Great looking ride! Glad you decided against selling it. Enjoy what you have.
Jeremie

[rponfick]

I see you had a low spot in your hood and filled with foam. How has that held up over time. Are you still happy with it? I am working with my low spot and decided to build up with fiberglass mat. Planning a slight ridge down the middle that I saw used by a hot rod guy. Will use 1/4 fiberglass rod embedded down hood center line as a guide, and build glass up to that.
I also had an issue with rear sides not being flush. I am going with old school hood pins on rear sides to pull them down flush with cowl. Seems to work good, and can eliminate stock hood latch and cable.
Always a work in progress.
Ralph

[bnelson]

I see you had a low spot in your hood and filled with foam. How has that held up over time. Are you still happy with it? I am working with my low spot and decided to build up with fiberglass mat. Planning a slight ridge down the middle that I saw used by a hot rod guy. Will use 1/4 fiberglass rod embedded down hood center line as a guide, and build glass up to that.
I also had an issue with rear sides not being flush. I am going with old school hood pins on rear sides to pull them down flush with cowl. Seems to work good, and can eliminate stock hood latch and cable.
Always a work in progress.
Ralph

The foam held up OK but I have other issues with portions of the hood becoming wavy after it sets in the sun. Seems there are some variations in thickness that affect the way it shrinks and expands in the heat. I have the same problem with the rear sides when it gets hot. Sits perfect in the shop but put it in the sun and it curls up and outward like you say. Think it just needs a lot more reinforcement. I'm going to play with this one and do some more glass work and do a scoop.Think I'll try some carbon fiber on complete underside to see if I can stiffen it up. Your idea of running ridge down middle should surly stiffen it up quite a bit.

[RuffShod]

Disassemble? :cool:

[bnelson]

OK so got the engine/trans pulled and sent engine to blueprint. So glad I made the trans tunnel bolt in :) While I am waiting sat and looked at the doors for days to try and figure out how to get back in alignment. finally got them back to perfect gap and fit. Took a couple six packs :) Looking at moving all the master cylinders to remote to clean up the firewall. Think I have it all figured out. Anybody tried an electric brake booster? These things suck without :( Actually ordered a 508hp 400 long block to swap out while I have it apart. Was a little disappointed with the 383. Should have everything in next three weeks or so. So back to build pages :) I'll finish up the bed and bed box while I'm waiting. Just about ready to stain everything so will post pics soon

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[RuffShod]

Doors look good!!!

[bnelson]

OK. I'm now on to plan D with my engine repair. Blueprint made me a deal I couldn't refuse to credit my 383 and build a 427 instead of the 400. So now on to 540hp 427! Will be about a month but should be a whole lota fun :) Anyone know wher I can get some gen 1 427 valve covers? I can find everything but...

[bnelson]

Got my sbc 427 in so been piddling around with it. Still waiting on TKO600 and bell-housing so just killing time. ran into so unexpected expenses so putting the tunnel ram and dual Snipers on hold for a while. Just going with the single Sniper I had on the 383.

I had to make spacers and use longer bolts with the 383 to move it back a little, so think while I'm waiting I'll drop this in there and make some mounts that will eliminate the spacers and clean it up a little.

I ordered a Patriot Lakester style header kit with some extra bends to weld up and see how I like that setup. But of coarse they are back ordered til December :(

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[bnelson]

Put some flush hood latches on while waiting on tranny parts. Wanted to get them on before taking the front end apart again to install new engine. Had to make some SS buckets for the pins to sit down inside but came out pretty good. Holds the hood nice and keeps it aligned side to side.

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[cob427sc]

Where did you get the hood latches?

[bnelson]

Where did you get the hood latches?

Summit

Quik-Latch Products Low-Profile Hood Pin Systems QL-38-SB

[RuffShod]

I spy windshield wipers....

[bnelson]

I spy windshield wipers....

LOL....yea. Just makes the inspection easier and I plan on driving this thing. You know Texas. Can get caught in rain at any time.

[bnelson]

Got the motor mounts finished and installed the 427 and TKO 600. Gained a ton of room in the foot box! Now a bunch of glass work this weekend. But looks like I can move the gas pedal about three inches and space out the clutch and brake a little more. Sad thing is I'll have to trash my center console and build a new one :( But gives me something to build :)

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[bnelson]

Made some progress on the trans tunnel. Ended up getting an extra 4.5". That will be a huge improvement in the pedal spacing :) Will need to redo the carpet now though :( Also will need to make a stand off plate that will extend the pedal mount over the tunnel lip.

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[RuffShod]

Nice improvement!

[Straversi]

Is the manual trans that much narrower than the automatic or did the new engine mount further forward? Curious what created the extra room.
-Steve

[bnelson]

Is the manual trans that much narrower than the automatic or did the new engine mount further forward? Curious what created the extra room.
-Steve

New mounts position in same place. The main difference is the Quick Time bell housing is much smaller than the Auto. Especially right at the firewall where the pedals go. Also I had to widen the tunnel in the rear with the auto due to the pan being just above floor level which also affected the e-brake. I have plenty of room for the e-brake now.

[VIRGIN MIKE]

Please tell me about the buckets for the hood latches - I want to do the same thing but not sure how to mount the pins.
Its rained here everyday this month so I guess I need wiper suggestions as well
Thank, mike

[VIRGIN MIKE]

FYI, I Have the TKO 600, cable clutch didn't work for me, switched to hydro; if I have the engine out, will definitely switch to hydro TO bearing

[bnelson]

Please tell me about the buckets for the hood latches - I want to do the same thing but not sure how to mount the pins.
Its rained here everyday this month so I guess I need wiper suggestions as well
Thank, mike

For the pin buckets I ordered two 1.5" SS pipe ends and welded 1/8" plate on the bottom. Then drilled out the center for the pins. You can find the ends online. just google SS pipe ends. Buy your pins first so you can measure what width and depth you need. On the wipers I used https://www.specialtypowerwindows.com/products/2. I bought the ones with intermittent switch for a few bucks more. Easy to install.

On the 600 I did go with the hydraulic throwout bearing. My first time messing with those so was an exercise in you tube getting the proper clearance set. There are some instructions out there that make it a whole lot more difficult than it needs to be. once you figure it out it was pretty simple.

Bruce

PS: This is where I bought the stub end. Had to look for it :( https://www.buyfittingsonline.com/stainless-steel-fittings-type-a-stub-end-weld-fittings/

[bnelson]

Got the tunnel complete and bracket done to move the pedal. Worked out great. Gained a lot of space between pedals. Now just have to redo all the interior :( Heres a before and after. Was able to space the clutch and brake out a little as well. Can still move the gas a little more but want to get the carpet and everything in first to see what would be best.

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[Pat Landymore]

Nice work!!

[RuffShod]

I wanna hear it run!!!

[bnelson]

I wanna hear it run!!!

Man I cant figure out how to upload a video to you-tube and then attach link. I'll play with it this weekend....but it sounds badass :)

[RuffShod]

You need to break that tranny in.

Drive it to Alvin.

[ggunter]

Your dog is a camera hound!!!

[bnelson]

Your dog is a camera hound!!!

Yea he is but hes the best.......

[bnelson]

So got everything pretty much finalized and took it out to try and get the Sniper in sync. Always takes me three sets of plugs before it gets settled in. It runs great and I really like the manual as opposed to the auto. And its frigging fast! The extra 100hp in the 427 makes a huge difference of course. Think I'm confident enough in it to try to get the 500 mile break in on her this weekend. Still working on the hood opening but hope to have completed next weekend. One disappointment. ....Oil leak from rear of intake :( At first I thought it was rear main so at least that's a plus.

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[bnelson]

Made some progress on the interior. Removed intake and fixed the oil leak :( That took most of Saturday up. I think console came out better than the first one I did. I guess practice makes perfect... Or at least better :) Just need to finish the front panel that holds the heat/air, Headlight switch, ignition switch, and wiper switch. Still have to do panels and carpet on front of foot box. I bought some (flex carpet) that came out a lot better than the stuff FFR supplied. Was able to do the tunnel without slitting the carpet to get it to mold to the contours.

PS: Sorry. Pictures posted out of order for some reason :(

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[bnelson]

Completed the front panel. Was barely able to get all the switches in there but squeezed them in. Trying to get everything done for a road trip down to San Antonio over Thanksgiving. Now just need to drill and screw all the panels down and redo the wiring again.

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[Robodent]

Looks great I love the center counsel and the two tone dash!!!!
All your pain and suffering will be well worth it when it’s all dialed in and finished

[Pat Landymore]

Super nice work Bruce!

You’re inspiring me to head back out to the garage and put the (time consuming) finishing efforts into my ‘35!

👍🏼👍🏼

[bnelson]

Finished all the wiring and got everything screwed down. Think all is good to go (I hope). Gonna make a road trip down to San Antone and drink a couple beers with a Military buddy over the Holiday. Wish me
luck!

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[bnelson]

Hated how the radiator hoses looked so sprung for a bunch of AN stuff. Still waiting on some back ordered fittings for the bottom but got the top put together. Below a before and after. Looks much cleaner :)

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[McGuyver]

Nice and I see you found the elusive 427 valve covers!

[bnelson]

Nice and I see you found the elusive 427 valve covers!

I couldn't find the covers with the emblem but found the emblems to put on them. crazy :(

[bnelson]

From the start of this build I've been trying to clean up the clutter in the engine bay. I mounted the heater valves under dash, ran the fuel lines through bulkheads, rerouted wires in the harnesses, ET. But one thing really bugged me the most. Putting the overflow all the way back on the firewall and having to run the hose across the open engine bay.

I finally came up with an idea to build bracket off the shock tower and keeping everything pretty much under the cowl. Below is what I came up with. I have it secured with a SS T-Bolt clamp. A better way would be to weld aluminum nuts on to the canister and just bolt to bracket. I'm having some issues with my TIG and aluminum so have this route till I get it figured out. but still pretty happy with getting it tucked in the front. I was a little worried about it flexing front to back. But after attaching support from front of shock to the upright its solid as a rock. Still waiting on some clamps to finish up the top hose assembly and need to get a little shorter bolt for the shock mount. Frigging SS bolts are draining my savings but sure look better :(

sorry bout the sideways pix....

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PS: Due to all the feedback I got I ended up taking it off the shock tower and built a bracket that bolted at the radiator/shroud bolts on top.

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[bnelson]

Finally got around to starting to cut and polish the paint. (Had a heart attack a few months back that slowed me down a bit :( Its hell getting old!) Got the top done tonight. Check out that mirror finish! I'm supper happy with the chop bodywork. Considering that thing was cut in half between the doors and extended about an inch the top came out pretty good for a rookie :)

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[RuffShod]

Hate to hear about the heart attack, brother. Getting old does suck! I was down and in bed for 2 weeks over the holidays. We ain't as tuff as we used to be.

[bnelson]

Hate to hear about the heart attack, brother. Getting old does suck! I was down and in bed for 2 weeks over the holidays. We ain't as tuff as we used to be.

You got that right. They shoved a bunch of stints in me and I'm good to go :) Worst part about the whole thing? Having to cut out the Texas BBQ, ribeye steaks, chorizo & egg breakfast burritos, ET ET ET:(

[RuffShod]

Can you still have bacon?

[bnelson]

Can you still have bacon?

No Bacon :(

[bnelson]

Finally got around to the bed. Again... I've tried a few different things and did not like them. This came out pretty good I think. The pictures look a little yellow but the color really is a bit orange and red and matches the truck real nice. I used a piece of cabinet grade Oak plywood and made stain with aniline dye. Did black first and then a little orange and then a little red and then 5 coats of wipe on poly. Still need to steel wool and buff the final coat but wanted to get all the rails cut and drilled. I drilled and tapped to install the bed so the wood is held up about 3/16" with the button head screws and will keep an air gap between the SS bed and the wood bed to prevent moisture damage. Will prime and paint all the rails tomorrow. I ended up putting the battery in the space provided but cut a door in the SS bed and need to transfer that opening to the wood bed. Will put a hinged door on it with a keyed latch. Will probably paint the satin black on the inside bed again as I've messed it up trying different bed ideas :(

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[RuffShod]

Wood looks allsome!!!

[RuffShod]

Did I hear you sold it?

[FLFrank35]

The wood looks great! I am planning the darken the grain too. I found a bunch of articles on a flame finishing with a torch to bring out the grain, and then stain and urethane.

[bnelson]

Did I hear you sold it?

Sold :( Have a Hurricane Motersports Cobra on order. Delivery not till July:( Killing me!

[RuffShod]

Let me know where to follow your build.

You have skillz, my friend!!!

[RuffShod]

The wood looks great! I am planning the darken the grain too. I found a bunch of articles on a flame finishing with a torch to bring out the grain, and then stain and urethane.

I watched *****in Rides one night....they were wiping the wood down with a wet cloth to open the grain. It made it pop out!

[RuffShod]

Just re-read the whole thread. I needed some inspiration....and a kick in the ***!!!

[Chris Wingardh]

Couldn't sleep thinking about driving this thing! Got out in the shop at about 4:30AM and started putting the shroud/headlights together. Finished up the passenger side window and all the interior with exception of door panels and I'm short some cat head for the passenger side. Loaded up the dog and hit the back roads. This thing drives amazing! No squeaks/rattles. Surprisingly smooth. The doors shut hard after putting the weather strip on the jam and door but quiet as heck. Ive had a few C2 corvettes and this thing is way quieter than any of those were! I think my foam and headliner really helped. Plus my three layers of hush mat on floor and firewall. My hood has some problems :( After all the repair work I did it looks perfectly straight when in the shop. But after it gets warmed up out in the sun it disfigures dramatically. Think its due to different thicknesses in the glass :( Guess Ill order a new one after they open back up. In mean time I think I like it better without the hood anyway. I still need to pull engine and trans to send trans in for repair :( I'll powder coat the front grill at that time. Satin or gloss black. Haven't made up my mind yet.

One thing that I think I'm going to address pretty soon and maybe guys in process of building might consider. When looking dead on at side of truck the bed does not follow the horizontal pitch of the cab. The belt molding on the cab really enhances the contrast between the cab and top of bed angle. Bed is angled down toward the rear and really bugs me. I thought it might be just mine but if you look at any pictures straight at side they are all the same. I can think of a couple ways to correct this but would have been a lot easier in the middle of the build process. I really did not notice this till I had it painted and all together. You can see what I'm talking about in the last picture below.

PS: Kinda wishing I would have taken another inch off the top!


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Bruce an absolutely awesome build, I have been following your tread... learned alot. My truck kit will be here in Oct 2021. Regarding the line on the truck bed. During mockup would you recommend spacing the bed up to get the line -inline with the cab?

[Chris Wingardh]

Finally got around to the bed. Again... I've tried a few different things and did not like them. This came out pretty good I think. The pictures look a little yellow but the color really is a bit orange and red and matches the truck real nice. I used a piece of cabinet grade Oak plywood and made stain with aniline dye. Did black first and then a little orange and then a little red and then 5 coats of wipe on poly. Still need to steel wool and buff the final coat but wanted to get all the rails cut and drilled. I drilled and tapped to install the bed so the wood is held up about 3/16" with the button head screws and will keep an air gap between the SS bed and the wood bed to prevent moisture damage. Will prime and paint all the rails tomorrow. I ended up putting the battery in the space provided but cut a door in the SS bed and need to transfer that opening to the wood bed. Will put a hinged door on it with a keyed latch. Will probably paint the satin black on the inside bed again as I've messed it up trying different bed ideas :(

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Bruce, where did you put the battery after going from under the bed to in the cab to on top of the bed?

[bnelson]

Bruce, where did you put the battery after going from under the bed to in the cab to on top of the bed?

LOL. I tried several options that all had disadvantages of one type or another. Hated to mess up the bed with this, but having it covered up with no access under the bed was not an option for me. I ended up building a SS box that just slipped down through the bed. Put a keyed latch on it for security. The guy bought it while I was finishing up the last center strip. Inside cab would have worked nice with buckets with seat backs that tilted forward.

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[Chris Wingardh]

Thanks. Great idea, Hawaii 35 truck found some nice Mercedes trunk hinges to tilt the bench seat forward. I will try that when the time comes, if that dont work the box in the bed will be the solution.

Thanks again.

Chris

[FLFrank35]

Thanks. Great idea, Hawaii 35 truck found some nice Mercedes trunk hinges to tilt the bench seat forward. I will try that when the time comes, if that dont work the box in the bed will be the solution.

Thanks again.

Chris

Regarding the seat/hinges...I sort of copied Hawaii 35 truck and got those same hinges ($54 on eBay). I bolted them to 2 of the seat brackets that came with the kit and bolted the brackets to the floor. Then I got a latch (Ford OEM 2015-2020 F-150 Rear Seat Latch Driver Left AL3Z-9661383-A F250 F350...$13 on eBay) and a BuiltRight latch pull ($25 on Amazon). I bolted a square u-bolt to the seat frame to lock it down. Works great!

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https://youtu.be/yPt8ASV92-g

[FLFrank35]

For the battery, I cut a hole in the bed floor and made an access panel. I got a little carried away and made access panels for the other components under the floor too. When I need to access one of these components, I'll remove a couple of the hold-down metal strips and oak planks to get to them, instead of working under the truck, up-side down. I think it'll work.

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Then I ran a couple of 1/0 AWG cables from the battery posts to the rear and connected them to a remote power outlet https://www.summitracing.com/parts/edm-302-31bk, hidden behind the tailgate. When I need to jump/charge, I just lower the tailgate and access the charging port.

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My humble attempts to to make things a little easier.

[bnelson]

Bruce an absolutely awesome build, I have been following your tread... learned alot. My truck kit will be here in Oct 2021. Regarding the line on the truck bed. During mockup would you recommend spacing the bed up to get the line -inline with the cab?

Hey Chris Thanks!. Sorry for the slow response. Must have missed this question and haven't been on for a while. In the middle of a Hurricane Motorsports Cobra build and been posting on that forum.

As to your question. When I noticed it, and spent some time pondering it, I came to the conclusion that the best way would be to lower the rear of cab and lower the front of bed the same amount until top of bed and belt molding followed the same exact line. But....would need to pay attention to how that affects your door hinge alignment (which are challenging the first time you do it). doing it that way would keep the bottom of the panels lined up and would even the gap between bed and cab. If you look close, the gap at top is much wider than at the bottom due to the current angle.

Hope you received you truck and are hard at it!

I'm about ready for body and paint on this Cobra and will more than likely do another chopped truck next. Hope to see how you address this and save me some figuring :)

[bnelson]

Just re-read the whole thread. I needed some inspiration....and a kick in the ***!!!

Hey Ruffshod! Did it work? Making any headway?

[RuffShod]

Hey Ruffshod! Did it work? Making any headway?

I have the suspension done and fitting the firewall. Been collecting parts and cleaning up my 700R4. Got a 383 SBC @ 470 HP. Motors and parts aren't easy to find right now. Wheels are scheduled to be delivered in April. Holy crap!

I told my wife I would finish the 70 Bronco before I went full tilt at the 35. Got it runnin, but had to send FiTech in to get fixed. It didn't run long.

[Chris Wingardh]

Got the front suspension done, rear is all done except for the shocks....parts....firewall, pedals, steering rack is in. Doing the brake lines, tank and fuel lines next. Then depending on what parts I get comming in from FFR. I like the access panels for the under bed stuff... I will copy that. As far as the "jump start" solution, I met up with Tom Wallace and his simple solution is to just jump of the hot lead on the alternator, so i will copy that also.

[Chris Wingardh]

Mr. Nelson, regarding your fiberglaswork, is West System epoxy a suitable alternative? I am familiar with it.... fiberglas Not so much.

[bnelson]

Mr. Nelson, regarding your fiberglaswork, is West System epoxy a suitable alternative? I am familiar with it.... fiberglas Not so much.

I am not familiar with it but from what I can tell it is just epoxy resin. I try to keep the type of resin consistent with what the parts are made from when customizing. FFR uses Vinyl ester resin, so that's what I used on all my modifications. To me, bonding seems to be better going to like types. I have used epoxy in the past, and I think if you have used it that you will find the vinyl ester actually easier to use. And much cheaper! Below is a link that gives some basic pros and cons. Sounds like your moving right along. Have fun!

https://www.boats.net/blog/marine-resins-guide-pros-cons?gclid=Cj0KCQiAnuGNBhCPARIsACbnLzo6Sf1diP3f_aq ZOhXXhwiZZs5ZZwlx3qetQKL6eD5MN0JVABqfbjIaAlRUEALw_ wcB

[bnelson]

Got a sad phone call tonight. Guy that bought my 35 truck had a fire in his garage. Burnt it to the ground along with some other toys of his :( Got to thinking about how much blood, sweat, and tears went into that thing. It was truly one of a kind. What a waste :( He has been taking it to all kinds of events down Houston way and said it was always the crowd favorite wherever he took it. Man I'm bummed :(

Well maybe I'll get the opportunity to build another one :)

[Salty Chief 35]

That’s absolutely horrible! Yours was one of my favorite builds.
Respectfully,
Jeremie

[Pat Landymore]

Mr B Nelson:
I’m really sorry to hear about your build. It’s a great loss…I learned a lot following your build thread.

I sincerely hope you go on to build….and keep the next one.

Best Regards,
Pat

[McGuyver]

That is terrible to hear. Your build and guidance has been a big influence on the direction of my build.

[RuffShod]

This makes me sad.

[bnelson]

Haven't been on in a while so cool to see all the new builds. I ended up going a different route after pricing the Corvette restomod and went with 69 Camaro. Finished her up and ready to start new project. Gonna go for Chop number 2! In middle of selling and moving (retiring from full time next summer) And will be able to wrench on builds many more hours! Hopefully get setteld and be able to start building again around July/Aug. Cant wait to start on the stretched version. Have a bunch more body mods in my head but will have to see once I get the new version as to what I want to change. Will go the SBC with EFI again. that Blueprint 540hp 427 ran awesome. put a picture of the Camaro I just finished below. Notice shes at the gas station. Hahaha. Stuffed a 540 CI BBC with 660hp in it and you do not want to be to far from station at any given time! Took her on the maiden voyage down to Boerne couple weekends ago and found out the hard way :(

Anyway. Thought I jump on and look around a bit and update. Cant wait to hack the next one up! I'll for sure start new Bruce's Chopped 35-2 thread when I get going.

PS: Check out the redneck rotisserie:)

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[Pat Landymore]

I like your red neck rotisserie!

And must say I’m super stoked to learn you may embark on another ‘35 journey! Yours was truly one of the posts that kept me going on my ‘35 build when there weren’t very many of us and I had some dark days during a Covid build. If haven’t thanked you before….Thank You!! 👍🏼👍🏼

Really like the Camaro!!

Below are a few images of my ‘also red neck’ rotisserie for my Foxbody Mustang (burnout queen + cruiser, or street legal race car…? Not decided yet…).

Cheers,
Pat

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[bnelson]

Have not been on here in quite some time. Completed a couple more builds and ready for chop top 2 :) Gotta finish up a Stang I've been working on but already have sold as soon as I get her together and put some test miles on her. Surprised at the low volume of build posts? Nobody building or just nobody posting I wonder? Anyway, plan on ordering a new kit in the next month or so. Of course, will chop again. Probably an inch more than the last. Thinking of blown SBC or 8-stack EFI SBC with TKX. I want to keep everything simple and clean. I see the amount of spaghetti on the LS and Coyotes and makes me cringe. Will do standard grill without hood fenders et. Maybe get the hood and make it an easily removable option? Looking forward to doing a bunch of customizing and cussing :)


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[Salty Chief 35]

Bruce, welcome back. This is one of my favorite build threads. I’m looking forward to your next build. I’ll definitely be following the ride.
Respectfully,
Jeremie

[bnelson]

Bruce, welcome back. This is one of my favorite build threads. IÂ’m looking forward to your next build. IÂ’ll definitely be following the ride.
Respectfully,
Jeremie

Hey Jeremie! You're still cruising around the forum. Thats awesome! Have you been able to start a build yourself? I'm getting excited about the next one and have a bunch of ideas I thought about on the first one. Will start a new thread once I get a kit on order. Curious to see if FFR has done any improvements from some of the issues we early builds dealt with. I noticed on one of the other builds they still have the issue of the hood/cowl plane being out of wack :( I'm off the next 11 days to try and get the Stang put together and put a couple miles on her before the buyer gets don here in August some time. Hopefully get a kit on order end of August.

[Salty Chief 35]

Bruce, still lurking. I ended up buying the property next door to mine. Then my youngest’s prepaid was for 4 years college, not university so I had to cover the last year of tuition. That changed my plans a bit. Hopefully it won’t take too long to get back on track so I can finally go ahead with a truck. I have it all planned out, just don’t want to take any loans to do it. I have an engine waiting for a home (408 Cleveland with a little nitrous), sooooo hopefully spring next year or so.
Jeremie