Bruces Chopped 35

[bnelson]

So FINALLY got my truck ordered Friday!

Closest thing to what I am envisioning would be the Black Label truck with hood and without side panels. Plan to chop 2"-3". Will need to wait and measure to see whats feasible. Will do some mods to the hood to make it curve into the body and front shroud. Fill in the remaining indents for the side panels. Also thinking about re framing the rear window so it is flush mount like the windshield as opposed to the traditional porthole window. SBC 427 Stroker with 4L65E.

Will post some pictures as I start cutting it up if I can figure out process.
Can anyone point me to some instruction on the simplest method? I found some old postings but the method was pretty convoluted. Cant believe there isn't something more current that is a little easier?

Cant wait to get started! I have a lot of body/paint and some metal fab experience but have never attempted to do something like this. Should be an interesting challenge! Glad to have this forum to fall back on for guidance :) Wish me luck!

[Robodent]

Bruce, I too have extensive body and paint experience and wouldn’t attempt this. I’m 6’1” and it’s a tight squeeze as it is. I couldn’t go any tighter. If your dead set on doing this you might want to consider going a bit further and modify the foot box area for more room. The windshield would need to be cut down the rear would be ok with a chop just below it and the roll bar would need a chop as well but no big deal there. Lots of work for not much pay off for me . The truck looks aesthetically great IMO. Rob

[bnelson]

Thanks for the input Rob. I'll just have to see when I get the kit and take some measurements. I'm just 5'7" 170lbs. Did some rendering with pictures of other trucks in a paint program and it really gives it a whole different look with just a few inches. Anyway the fun for me has always been to make things a little different and the challenge of figuring out how to do it!

[bnelson]

Think I have the picture thing figured out. Before and after of what I'm thinking.

[ztoolman44]

Think I have the picture thing figured out. Before and after of what I'm thinking.

That does look better

[bnelson]

Got my wheels painted and tires mounted. I went with US Wheels so called (ready to paint). If anyone thinking about these beware. I spent about 10 hours smoothing welds, filling pits, sanding and cleaning :( My girls picked this color for the bottom of truck. Told them I reserve the right to paint over it if it was to in your face. But have to say after putting paint on the wheels I'm kinda liking it. I made a blank white truck in paint and printed a bunch of them out so could play around with different colors. Lot of fun :

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[ztoolman44]

Diggin the smoothies

[bnelson]

I like them :) Look a lot better in real life.

[Jwheels]

I was thinking of doing the smoothies also, painted red or some other accent color ytd. Thinking blue body with white stripe and then red wheels and powder coating chassis red. But like I said ytd, haven't ordered truck yet, might be a couple years till that but no harm in dreaming.

[bnelson]

Nope. Keep on dreaming! I Had been originally planing on the 33 and have been watching it for years. When I was finally in a position to pull the trigger this truck came out. Something different and cant wait to get it :)

[bnelson]

Well was planning on having suspension done and rolling over the three day weekend but Stewart truck broke down. Now saying 3-4 more weeks :( Spent extra time painting the new shop and putting in AC and TV. Shop dog waiting patiently...


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[Stillwater35]

Sounds like Stewart is still having issues. I went through the same thing at this exact time last year. Hang in there. Though I didn’t hang in there and chose to drive to Wareham from Minnesota.

[sethmark]

Ugh. I was happier in ignorance land. Now I’m sad. My delivery date from FFR was Saturday.

[bnelson]

Yea I was pretty bummed. I about got in my truck and drove up there but they said my 12ft flatbed wouldn't be big enough and said would not be ready till Wednesday to load. So would have had to rent tailor, drive 4200 miles and take four days off work :( Not really a choice. Sure wish there were some other options other than Stewart!

[subysouth]

Well was planning on having suspension done and rolling over the three day weekend but Stewart truck broke down. Now saying 3-4 more weeks :( Spent extra time painting the new shop and putting in AC and TV. Shop dog waiting patiently...


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I got shop envy.

ss

[bnelson]

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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[JimLev]

Shop and engine look great. While your waiting for Stewart epoxy the floor, so much easier to keep clean.

[herb fraser]

Chevy, I am all for it !

[bnelson]

Well another weekend waiting. Got the floor epoxied and started building some cabinets and work benches. I'll finish up next weekend which hopefully will be the last one that its empty! Shop dog still waiting patiently. More than I can say for myself :(

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[bnelson]

Finally got my truck! Got everything inventoried and organized. I put the seat in with 2" blocks in rear and 3" blocks in front to see about head room to chop. With the seat blocked I have over 8" head room so I'm going for it. have nine straight days off over the fourth so hope to get it rolling before then and can spend that nine days cutting and putting back together, I'm stoked!

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[Stillwater35]

I'm so excited to watch your progress. You've got more courage than I do hacking away at the truck. Enjoy the 4th - it will be fun!

[bnelson]

LOL...I'm not real sure if its courage or stupidity!...But we are fixin to find out :) Challenges never attempted are challenges never achieved!

[ztoolman44]

Congrats on the delivery. Been waiting to see this come together.

[bnelson]

Got all the front suspension parts painted Friday night and got up early to start putting together. Got the front and rear suspension put together. Went with the bottom holes in rear and top holes in front to give it a bit of a rake. Plus my rear tires are 27.5" and front are 25.5". Has quite a bit of clearance. Was thinking was going to be to low for side pipes but I think will work out.

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[bnelson]

Got the front brakes installed. (rear calipers on back order). Drilled and tapped firewall pieces. Jumped ahead to install doors and fix body in final place so I can get measurements to chop. Think I'll go 2.5". Drilled, cut, and tapped door hinges ( that was a whole lot of fun :( Shesssh)

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[Stillwater35]

Those hinges are tough! Took me a long time to mill everything!

Those wheels just fit but man do they clean

[bnelson]

Well I'm past the point of no return. Got everything cut and fitted. Went pretty smooth and as planed on paper. Just hope all the rest go to plan once put back on frame and fastened down and fitting door back on! Wish me luck :) Going to rivet on temp braces tomorrow and start grinding and glassing back together.

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[Salty Chief 35]

you’re a brave man, but I like where you’re heading. The pictures of the cab look awesome. Can’t wait to see the end result.

[Straversi]

Being 6’ 6” is great for pick-up basket ball and watching concerts. Not so good for airline seats or chop-tops. I’ll sit back and watch this one with amazement. It’s going to be awesome. Love the wheels too. Carry on.
-Steve

[bnelson]

LOL. I guess short/tall all has advantages :) I just finished glassing back together. Put seat in and blocked 1.5" rear and 3" front. Still have 6" + head clearance. I almost wish I would have gone 3" but not going to change at this point! Shop dog's a ham :( Cant get him out of pictures!

[sethmark]

I love it. Nice work.

[CVOBill]

Looks great.

[AJT '33]

So if I missed it how much did you chop out of it? As well, did you need to add a bit at the door side to side cut?

[bnelson]

2.5". Haven't done the doors yet but will need to cut out 2.5" on window frame as well and ad about 5/8" to the top of frame to stretch side to side as you say. I'll just use a piece of the cut out frame to fill it in.

[bnelson]

Took a break from grinding glass today. Still need to drill out temp braces and grind and glass in window frame areas and jambs. And of course need to re fit the doors to get them cut and laid out correctly. After getting everything else done I'm going to cut out rear window. Build and glass in flush mount frame for full window so I can keep as much visibility as possible. Had to go into Dallas to pick up transmission and worked on steering a little. Was to tired to mess with it last night but posted a few in progress pictures of hacking it up in case anyone is interested.

[ehansen007]

Wow, a chop top 35. Going to be awesome! Can't wait to see it. Who's cutting your glass?

[bnelson]

There's a guy in Dallas (Deep Ellum) that dose for the local rod shops.

[KenWilkinson]

Careful where you park in Deep Ellum (#DRUMBEATS)

[herb fraser]

That's really assmue ! Now you got me thinking about chopping mine ! does seem to hard .great idea on the roof to make it fir the new size !
Will you get new a windshield ? or how will you handle that ?
Herb

[bnelson]

simply cut down 2.5 " Hopefully not a problem :)

[bnelson]

Got all the doors and side frames cut and glassed. Now just a bunch of grinding, filling and blocking! :(

[bnelson]

It gives it a whole different look but I'll tell you...I have probably 40 hours in just cutting and glassing. Haven't even got to final shaping and body work yet. I think it will be well worth it when done but I'm pretty worn out! Just wanted to make it a little different than all the rest :)

[FF33rod]

I get the desire for something a bit unique! looks great so far, it will definitely be worth it...
Keep at it
Steve

[bnelson]

Got the "port hole" rear window cut out. Roughed in new flush mount frame. Have all the heavy glass work done so think I'll clean the shop and work on the chassis for a while. My transmission came in so maybe get the engine and trans installed to see what customization that requires.


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[bnelson]

Been slacking a little bit. Had so much rain here its been hard to keep the pastures cut down :( Got most of the rough glass work done and ready to start final sanding and filling. Got the brake lines run. Engine and trans installed. Had to cut a bunch of bushings to get the engine in place. Have like 1/4" clearance between front pulleys and steering rack and transmission and frame!
I started with the supplied hard line for the brakes but did not like how it looked and ended up going to Summit and getting 3 AN braided lines for the brakes. Looks much cleaner IMO. Started running gas lines but think I'll go the same route. Braided lines with bulkhead fittings feeding the EFI regulator to keep the firewall clean. Picked up some Hooker side pipes to see how they fit. I'm going for it :)

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[ztoolman44]

That is looking fantastic! Mine should arrive first week of August. Thanks for the motivation.

[bnelson]

Got all the "chopped" body work done. Wanted to be sure all door and window frame was flush with body before I took the cab off and started filling all the body seems. Everything came out pretty good. :) No excessive filler needed to finish the joints. Ive been blocking and glassing low spots all week. Most are 1/16 or less filler.

I had a hell of a time getting the bottom rear door flush with body. Ended up re drilling holes for the inside frame and basically "twisting the door" to get it flush. Anybody else having these issues? How did you correct?
Looking at some of the early pictures it looks like they had same problem.

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[CVOBill]

Bruce, the truck is looking great and I think the chop is needed to correct the look. On your brake lines, are you running braided lines for the main lines also? If so that isn't recommended because of flex and expansion.

[DamnYankee]

I had a hell of a time getting the bottom rear door flush with body. Ended up re drilling holes for the inside frame and basically "twisting the door" to get it flush. Anybody else having these issues? How did you correct?
Looking at some of the early pictures it looks like they had same problem.

I'm looking at the same issue with the doors right now- ugh..

[Robodent]

I had the same issue. What I tried was to loosen the crash beam from the latch bracket twist the door where it needs to go and re tighten everything.

[FFinisher]

Truck looks awesome, the issue you are having with the doors is not uncommon. This fix is exactly as you have done and others have stated as well.

[bnelson]

Can anyone help me? Ive had my steering rods/knuckles apart 5 or 6 times now trying to get smooth rotation from left to right and vise versa. I have "hard spot's every 180 degree. I talked to FFR today and they said I had some shafts to long somewhere. But I look and all are ether flush or in from end a bit. That angle from the firewall down is pretty sever and it seems to be at that point. I think... Anyone have any words of wisdom? Or is this just the way it is and I'm worrying to much?

[Marv]

I had an issue like this and found I had the wrong set screw in the bearing going through the firewall. It must be the short one they provide.

[bnelson]

I had an issue like this and found I had the wrong set screw in the bearing going through the firewall. It must be the short one they provide.

Thanks Marv. I have the short one in there. Cant see it binding anywhere :(

[bnelson]

Got all the body work completed on the cab and doors. Disassembled the doors and prepped for primer. have a little more hand sanding to do and hopefully get cab and doors in primer tomorrow evening.... If it cools down enough! I hate taking everything apart. Looks like I'm just starting again!

[herb fraser]

looking good !

[bnelson]

So finally got the cab and doors in primer! Had to wait for the sun to go down due to heat wave :( I cant express how good it feels to have all that glass cutting, grinding, blocking behind me! Still have some cowl work to do but need to have the cab and grill on and hood in position to go forward with that. Another day..... Now waiting on electric steering, under floor aluminum, rear brake calipers ET..ET... Kind of at a stand still till I get those. I'll just keep blocking and priming :( Good news is I got the windshield and door glass cut and came out perfect :)



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[FFinisher]

Looks fantastic Bruce!

Great Job!

[bnelson]

Got all the body work blocked and primed. I was a little worried ...been about 40 years sense Ive attempted something this level of difficulty. Came out great! Guess its like riding a bike :) Now just a bunch of priming and blocking... priming and blocking... et et. Got all the gas lines and brake lines completed. Waiting on a bunch of back ordered parts so cant install grill or radiator and steering is gona be a ***** with engine installed. :( Getting a little frustrated with the back orders! keep getting this week....this week...this week....


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[GoDadGo]

It Really Looks Great So I Now Totally Get Why You Did The Chop!

[sperger72]

Looks great. Nice job

[bnelson]

Haven't made a lot of progress. Started installing AC and heater. Started putting in as in manual but didn't like the clutter in the engine bay. Moved the Evaporator over to middle of dash area and installed heater valve and drier over on right above bulkhead fittings. Made the vent to defrost a little tight but nothing to frustrating. Plenty of space between the dash gauges and Evaporator for wiring. Comes out tight but like the outcome.

Still cant finish a bunch of stuff. Waiting on condenser and brackets, rear brake calipers, elect steering.


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[sperger72]

Looks amazing. I am thinking of using the Vintage air bulkhead and not the separate bulkheads with the kit. Good on A/c unit to center. I hated the heater valve out in the open.

[bnelson]

Looks amazing. I am thinking of using the Vintage air bulkhead and not the separate bulkheads with the kit. Good on A/c unit to center. I hated the heater valve out in the open.

Good idea. I wish I would have done that. Another thing one might consider if moving to under dash is changing from 4 port heater valve to two port. It was a challenge to get everything in a location that would not kink the heater hoses running from the evaporator to valve to bulkhead. Had to use a couple 90 degree elbows and move things around a couple times. Vintage says they use only two port valves on all their systems. Not sure why FFR went to the 4 port.

[sperger72]

Ordered my Vintage Air square bulkhead fitting for A/C and heater hoses

[bnelson]

Been slacking a bit. Was a bit concerned about wiring up the EFI and getting all the sending units right. Haven't had much experience with this aspect of build. Gave up on trying to get help...Everyone was 2-3 weeks out! So spent a lot of time reading and searching you-tube. Temp wired everything to get a feel of what needs to go where and BOOM! fired right up and all sending units reading appropriately! Spent the day going back and routing everything and cleaning up. Wheeew....I was seriously doubting my ability to accomplish this but seems pretty straight forward after a ton of diagram research :) On to the next :) Man you gotta love the throttle response with the Holley Sniper. What a difference from a 4 barrel!


PS: Trying to figure out how to load video :(

[bnelson]

Got all the wiring ran and painted Dash. Still have a lot of Interior work to do. Need Trans control and shifter before i can finish trans tunnel and interior. Drained the bank account so be a couple weeks :( been a while sense Ive painted and used the new paints. Pretty brutal hand rubbing urethane!

[bnelson]

So started to fit my hood and cowl a while back. Finally got all the back ordered parts so going to get to work on finishing it. I was able to get it close to level but cant get it perfect so figured what the heck. Ive hacked up everything else on the body and this way I can set the radiator to where it best fits everything else.

Cut the cowl across the sides and along the curve on top so I can angle it up to match the hood. Going to do some other mods as well but hard to explain so I'll just post pictures as I get it done. Wont be hard to glass back together and I'll be happy with it.


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[sperger72]

wHERE did you find the sending unit information? What goes where?

ZAch

[sperger72]

Sorry. thought you had Coyote

[bnelson]

LOL. 430HP 383 stroker

[bnelson]

Got the cowl and hood aligned and glassed. Came out really good. And solved the hood clearance problem with SBC's. Lifted the front of hood up about 1" which gave it clearance for the air cleaner! (all by accident). Little more grinding and body work and will be dead flat from grill to windshield.

[sperger72]

Look awesome. Come on to East Texas and do cowl and hood....

[bnelson]

Look awesome. Com on to East Texas and do cowl and hood....

See what ya think after you get it all mounted. If your as disappointed as I was with how it fit give me a shout and see what we can do. Sent you PM with contact info a while back.

[FFinisher]

looks fantastic, very impressive!

[bnelson]

Started my mods on the sides. Wanted to run hood without side panels but wanted it to look like it was designed like that. Without the side indents for the side panels. Proving to be a little more labor intensive then I thought but will work out.

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[sperger72]

Send Pm again, did not receive it please Sir

[sperger72]

Good idea. Will look better.

[sperger72]

Bnelson,

What is your distance to ground from bottom of grill? Mine is insanely low.

[bnelson]

Bnelson,

What is your distance to ground from bottom of grill? Mine is insanely low.

Working on it now but looks like about 2 3/4" :( I'm taking to Nth TX Rod & Custom to set ride height and set up suspension probably next month. Hope to get up to 3.5" min but not sure how much we can get.

[bnelson]

Good idea. Will look better.

will send PM. Let me know if you don't see it

[bnelson]

Got the body mods done on cab side. Will work through the week on the Radiator shroud side. Pretty time consuming but I like how its coming out. Had to build up glass on one side of hood almost 1/4" to get both sides to fit flush to the cab.

[bnelson]

So got the cowl and hood aligned and set gaps. Came out awesome. Only problem was I had a 3/8 " "pond" in the middle of the hood and was supper flimsy when you pushed on the glass in the middle of the hood. Huge void between the hood and the inner glass. I installed screws along the middle to push the outer skin up and leveled everything. Drilled holes over the area that was "sunken" and filled with expandable foam. Took two whole cans! Made the hood rock solid and eliminated all flex that would inevitably affect body and paint. I worked for a few years doing aftermarket Corvette and Semi truck parts and this is something that should be done during manufacturing! If you leave this hood as is and fill with Bondo you wont be happy in a few months! Will grind and skim coat entire hood tomorrow.

[Pat Landymore]

A neat trick with the foam.

Are there any other areas in the truck you suspect may require the same approach? I’m thinking of cab roof and doors...

You’re building a very cool truck!

[sperger72]

That is really cool trick. Got my bed on getting my hood and cowl on this weekend. I hope. Or start the doors.

[bnelson]

A neat trick with the foam.

Are there any other areas in the truck you suspect may require the same approach? I’m thinking of cab roof and doors...

You’re building a very cool truck!

Thanks :) My cab was a little flimsy on top but I glassed the heck out of it when I chopped it so is pretty solid now. The doors I had some voids on the edges after trimming to fit and had to fill in the gaps.

[bnelson]

So got the cowl and hood aligned and set gaps. Came out awesome. Only problem was I had a 3/8 " "pond" in the middle of the hood and was supper flimsy when you pushed on the glass in the middle of the hood. Huge void between the hood and the inner glass. I installed screws along the middle to push the outer skin up and leveled everything. Drilled holes over the area that was "sunken" and filled with expandable foam. Took two whole cans! Made the hood rock solid and eliminated all flex that would inevitably affect body and paint. I worked for a few years doing aftermarket Corvette and Semi truck parts and this is something that should be done during manufacturing! If you leave this hood as is and fill with Bondo you wont be happy in a few months! Will grind and skim coat entire hood tomorrow.

A word of caution if anyone is thinking about doing the same thing. You have to be careful and keep a straight edge down the hood to keep an eye on it. If you go to much you will end up with a big ol bubble in the hood! I actually clamped a long level down the middle.

[bnelson]

Lost some days. Had to go out of town and earn my paycheck :( I got all the glass work done on the cowl mods. Got the bodywork and filler done from cowl to windshield. I cut the radiator cowl down to follow the contour of the grill and filled in the half moon hole that is there for what? Maybe something for the 33 but just a hole for the truck. Built a new lip following the whole cowl so wont look like I just chopped it up and bolted back on. After re installing I think tomorrow I will modify the big gaping hole for the control arm. Only needs to be about 1/4 that size and think I will round it off to match contours on rest of truck.

Hoping to get everything cab forward ready to prime and block this weekend and get cab trimmed to start installing bed.

I'm just winging this and following instinct. Any opinions positive or negative appreciated! It looks pretty close to my original rendition (see below) Also would like opinions on my thoughts for the rear exhaust and tail lights I'm playing with. Again..see below.

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[VIRGIN MIKE]

I think the hood issue has been resolved; my kit arrived a month ago and I was impressed the cored hood, haven't tried to fit it yet but it blocked out perfect

[Robodent]

Looks good It’s truly one of a kind nice mods!

[bnelson]

I think the hood issue has been resolved; my kit arrived a month ago and I was impressed the cored hood, haven't tried to fit it yet but it blocked out perfect

Great to hear. Maybe mine was a one off fluke.

[sperger72]

Sweet. I love it

[FLJackrabbit]

I like the LEDs location just not a fan of the exhaust. I would do either dumps or side exhaust though or partly though the body. It would clean up the rearend.

[Straversi]

115000

I love what you are doing. I've been wondering if the notch in the cowl for the lower control arm needs to be as large as it is. Could it be blended or curved a bit? Always looked a bit odd to me. I figured with your fiberglass skills you might have considered making the cut-out less angular or smaller but I don't know how much movement or travel the LCA has.

-Steve

[bnelson]

I love what you are doing. I've been wondering if the notch in the cowl for the lower control arm needs to be as large as it is. Could it be blended or curved a bit? Always looked a bit odd to me. I figured with your fiberglass skills you might have considered making the cut-out less angular or smaller but I don't know how much movement or travel the LCA has.

-Steve

Yep. I'm taking them back off tonight and doing just that!

[bnelson]

I like the LEDs location just not a fan of the exhaust. I would do either dumps or side exhaust though or partly though the body. It would clean up the rearend.

I think your right. I also want to make the bed one piece and easy to get on and off so exhaust through the roll pan would be an issue. I'll look at some other options. Thanks!

[bnelson]

Got the big gaping control arm hole closed up. looks much better IMO. Still has same travel.

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[bnelson]

Heres a little clearer picture with before & after.

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[FLJackrabbit]

Filling it in makes a big difference. I never understood why the some holes were way oversized. It looks good. Keep it up. How much is the ground clearance on the front?

[sperger72]

Open headers!!! just run and dump under bed

[bnelson]

Got all the front hood, cowl, cab filled and blocked. Will pull everything tomorrow and prime and trim cab for bed. Hopefully start putting bed on tomorrow or Sunday.
So glad to be done with the glass work! Theres a reason I quit doing body & paint and joined the military back in 1980!

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[bnelson]

Filling it in makes a big difference. I never understood why the some holes were way oversized. It looks good. Keep it up. How much is the ground clearance on the front?

3 3/4 right now. Hopefully can raise it up a bit when I get the suspension set up.

[sperger72]

What are you cutting off of the cab for the bed?

[sperger72]

looks good. My front end with the side panels is all screwed up? I need to do something with the lower radiator hose. Pushing my grill way out at the bottom

[bnelson]

What are you cutting off of the cab for the bed?

That rear lip on back off cab that extends on to the bed frame. Mine is about 2". Need to cut back so about 1/2" from cab so the bed will move forward enough. I think.....Loks like thats what others have done.

[sperger72]

Gotcha

[bnelson]

Started installing bed. Looks like Its gona be a bunch of work. I'm going to weld the bed to make it one piece and make it simple to lift off. Was worried about the sides being epoxied together but was able to spot weld and cool of between welds with compressed air. Will get it clamped together and lay everything out this week and build a jig to hold everything in place.

[sperger72]

great idea

[bnelson]

Plan B on the bed. After clamping everything up and crawling around underneath it looked like it would be a bit tight trying to get it off in one piece. Going to try and make the bed + front + back one piece but sides will remove independent. My biggest thing was I did not want screws or bolts going through the side panels. I spot welded some 3/4" SS angle to the bed and drilled holes to screw to front panel. Welded front panel to bed bottom. Got that all put together and trying to figure out what I want to do with the rear pan and tailgate. It makes no sense to me the way they have it so figure I have some more glass work in my future :( I'll tack some thin SS nuts on the front side of bed panel and shouldn't be to noticeable. Or maybe tack some flat bar and drill and tap. Planing on fabricating some brackets for the bottom of the bed sides to strengthen them up a little. I'll glass some studs to the inside of the sides and then drill and tap frame for brackets.

Starting to look like a truck and I'm getting excited!

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[bnelson]

Started working on the rear roll pan and tailgate. One thing that bugged me was the roll pan being inset of the quarter panels which leaves a lip between the two. On a normal auto these panels would be flush with a seam in between them. I clamped everything together and taped the line where they met. Cut the roll pan down and then built lip on back side so after bolting together they will be flush. (with a little grinding and filling). After I get the seams set and gaps right I will countersink studs on the quarter panels to bolt the roll pan to them. Quite a bit of work but what the heck. One day at a time. I think I'm going to mount the tailgate as normal but with hidden latches so I don't have chains and so forth. After looking at it I think I like the standard look as opposed to molding everything together. After I get that all set I will cut down the roll pan to bed level and build a lip that goes over the bed. Also will build an upright pillar on both sides that fills in the gaps and gives a position for latch that is sturdy enough. Tomorrow is another day...

[bnelson]

Well I worked all day trying different things for the rear roll pan. I glassed on the extra lip but not enough meat on the quarters to glass in studs. Had to go withe riv nuts in the roll pan and button head screws on the quarters. Was able to hide behind the tailgate. Tomorrow I'm going to build some upright pillars on each side for the latches to lock into and build glass lips around those uprights to give it a finished look.
\

[sperger72]

how is the bed coming along?

[bnelson]

how is the bed coming along?

Not much progress. Had to get some chores done over the weekend. Hopefully have some updates this weekend.

[sperger72]

I glassed the rear together. The bed does come off as one piece. Just raise truck up and bring to the rear.

Zach

[Pat Landymore]

Nice work!
Look forward to seeing photos of your completed box.
Cheers ��

[bnelson]

With the weather so nice been getting some work done out in the pastures. Was in the shop watching Monday Night Football and decided to finalize the battery situation. I just cant see the sense in putting the battery under a bed that they want you to pop rivet to the frame. Regardless of how you mount the bed it would be seriously inconvenient trying to get to it. Been pondering this for a while :(

I fabricated a mount from 3/4" aluminum angle and built a 1 1/2" stand off to get it above the angle in the back of the cab. That put the battery 1/2" back from the seat when pushed all the way back against the cab. Will probably copy the Hawaii truck mod in making the seat lift forward on hinges. That will make it accessible.

[sperger72]

I like this idea.

I am going to use the FFR spot and run remote battery charging system.

[bnelson]

Finally got around to finishing the bed mounting. I welded the bed flat panel and the portion against the cab together. Welded angle to the side panels to screw to the back panel. As I have it I can take off ether side by unscrewing 10 screws. No nuts on the back. All the nuts are rev nuts or SS nuts tacked to panel. Takes about 2 minutes to get the sides off. The rear roll pan I have finished so the panels will be flush but still have some work to do. I think I am going to cut and form a license plate cutout in the middle of the roll pan. Kind of like rendition below. I changed my mind and am going with the supplied tail lights instead of the LED strips but will build a different mount to clean up the wiring.

[bnelson]

Had some time today to start the license plate mod. Cut out roll pan and made some inserts out of insulation board and then glued them together to shape the bottom section. Little filler and prime and block and complete. Got the doors all blocked and ready for final prime/seal. Hope to complete both bed sides and rear roll pan over the weekend and be ready for paint!

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[Robodent]

Looks great !!!! Coming along real nice. Rob

[sperger72]

The doors are kicking my rear. I cannot get the door to stop drooping down at the rear especially on the drivers side. Pain in the rear. Drivers door is worse than the passenger side by a long shot.

[bnelson]

The doors are kicking my rear. I cannot get the door to stop drooping down at the rear especially on the drivers side. Pain in the rear. Drivers door is worse than the passenger side by a long shot.

The doors are a serious challenge. I was real disappointed with the amount of work needed to just get them to fit half way dissent. Hopefully they have worked out some issues sense I received mine. Think yours was right about the time frame mine was built. Actually I think yours was delivered on the same truck. If you have a body/paint guy that you are going to take the truck to I would see if they could come by and look at it. If not give me a shout and me and shop dog will make a road trip and see if we can help ya out. On the road all this week but will be back on the weekend.

[sperger72]

Sounds good. I messed with radiator, condenser and mounting all of it. Doing hood tomorrow, hopefully. Have bed fully done minus some sanding and filling.

Zach

[bnelson]

Got my tail light mounts welded up. Just need to smooth out the welds and prime and paint. I might try making another set with a little smaller OD tube but I think once I get paint on these they will look good. Going to put the doors all back together for final fit and trim and get ready to paint. Need to do a little more work on the radiator cowl and that will be done. I have about nine days off over Christmas and New Years so plan on painting over the Holiday. Going to change the color so have to pull the tires off the wheels and get them blasted and powder coated :(


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[2FAST4U]

Think I have the picture thing figured out. Before and after of what I'm thinking.

That would be one badass ride

[sperger72]

Looks good.

[bnelson]

Got all the wiring hooked up temp to make sure I know where everything goes. Took a while to get it all working :( Have waterproof auto plugs ordered so I can simply unplug everything for removal and maintenance. Lights, dash et.

Its looking close to my original vision. Never noticed how massive the tires were on the black label truck! Those things must be 34-36 inches tall in the rear. Mine are 30 and look puny compared to those things. Cant wait to test drive this thing! Still need to get Trans control and wire that up.

[Pat Landymore]

Your truck is looking awesome!

[bnelson]

Your truck is looking awesome!

Thanks Pat :) I cant wait to get this thing on the road!

[MT-ED]

I haven't been on this site in ages. Still not in a position where I can build a kit, but whereas my interest was strongly on the '33 coupe, since the truck was released I'm seeing more and more that pulls me in that direction. Always have loved Rod-style pickups.

I read your build thread Bruce and just wanted to congratulate you on fixing so many of the aesthetic glitches in the design. I honestly believe that FF should pay you big money to take molds off your modified body parts as you've fixed the glaring misalignment of the cowl/hood/nosecone that have always niggled my eye in virtually every 33 and truck build I've seen. Your truck even in primer looks like a Pro Rod-building shop got their hands on it. It's been years since I messed with glass-fiber, but I built a panel van on a VW Bug basis years ago and did loads of subtle body mods on the glass-fiber parts that most people missed because they made the overall appearance so "right". Most people won't realize all the modifications you've made, but you will have the satisfaction of knowing you did a lot of work that satisfied you and will continue to every time you drive the truck in the future.

Can't wait to see your truck in paint as the design looks like it will really stand out.

Congratulations Sir.

Martin.

[FLJackrabbit]

I have to agree that your alignment of the front end and the fixes you made are the best so far. The nose has really bothered me on most builds. Some make it less obvious than others but still have that pig nose look. I really think they should pull molds off your truck.

[RuffShod]

Its looking close to my original vision. Never noticed how massive the tires were on the black label truck! Those things must be 34-36 inches tall in the rear. Mine are 30 and look puny compared to those things. Cant wait to test drive this thing! Still need to get Trans control and wire that up.

I went back and looked. What wheel and tire size did you go with?

I like it!!!

[bnelson]

Thanks for all the kind words guys! Humbly appreciated.

[bnelson]

I went back and looked. What wheel and tire size did you go with?

I like it!!!

Wheels are 10" & 12" X 15 ". Tires are 275/50R15 and 325/50R15. Was really hard to find 50's that were radial. Only ones I could find were the Nitto and Hoosier. The Hoosier I like better but wanted to be sure I liked the size before paying the price!. I'll go with the Hoosier after I burn these up :) (Which should not tale long!)

[RuffShod]

Bein from a dirt track back ground....I love Hoosier's! Thanks for the info.

Hopefully we will have another Texas truck build soon.

[sperger72]

Awesome truck. Door gaps are great. Mine are still kicking my rear. Passenger is close to being okay. But driver is just off.

Zach

[bnelson]

Every time I hang mine I have to spend two hours getting them back in place again :( They are a real *** kicker. Cant wait to hang final time!

[bnelson]

I knew I made the tail gate functional for a reason. Its a big ol gas cap cover! I really didn't like the thought of putting it in the rear quarter.

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[FLJackrabbit]

I like that gas cap location way better than the bed or bedside. Does the tailgate hit the cap at all?

[bnelson]

I like that gas cap location way better than the bed or bedside. Does the tailgate hit the cap at all?

Nope. There is about 1/4" clearance between the cap and the tailgate.

[sperger72]

Sweet. Good idea

[bnelson]

Haven't had a lot of time this past week. Spent today setting final gaps on doors and blocking flush with body before I disassemble the whole thing again. Took quite a bit of shaping to get the body moldings fitting nice but happy with how they came out. Hopefully get the hood and cowl finalized tomorrow so can take everything apart next week.

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[Pat Landymore]

It’s looking great! :D

[sperger72]

looks great, I had shoulder surgery, so I am out for the next few months.

[rponfick]

Mr. Nelson, I notice in your photos that you have a slight gap between the hinge attached to the door and the door fiberglass. I noted in the assembly manual to trim that area to the width of the alum. hole fitting template. That leaves a slight angle when to snug up the hinge, putting pressure on the fiberglass door edge.
Did you shim the area behind the hinge to get it to fit flush, or grind the door edge smooth with the hinge fitting flat on the fiberglass door attachment point.
I am at this point and confused as to what to do to not stress the door seam.
I hope my question makes sense.

Thanks, Ralph

[VIRGIN MIKE]

Looks great, hope I can get mine that good

[bnelson]

Mr. Nelson, I notice in your photos that you have a slight gap between the hinge attached to the door and the door fiberglass. I noted in the assembly manual to trim that area to the width of the alum. hole fitting template. That leaves a slight angle when to snug up the hinge, putting pressure on the fiberglass door edge.
Did you shim the area behind the hinge to get it to fit flush, or grind the door edge smooth with the hinge fitting flat on the fiberglass door attachment point.
I am at this point and confused as to what to do to not stress the door seam.
I hope my question makes sense.

Thanks, Ralph
It confused me as well. As you say if you just trim to template it leaves an edge on the door skin that holds the hinge out from the jam. I called FFR and asked about it and they said I could trim to flush. But when I did that it ground through the edge where they join the two pieces together and made it real flimsy. So then I had to glass back together and built it up a little to make more sturdy.

So Knowing this now I would say best way to get it right would be to trim to the template and then simply build up a little with glass in the jam to make hinge flush and straight with that edge. Hope that makes sense. I filed the outer edge to leave a small gap so would not be a direct pressure on it after paint and crack or chip it.

[rponfick]

Thanks, we have a common experience. Even when I cut the notch to the template, it exposed the crack with no adhesive between the door skin and inner panel. I have used the strong 3M adhesive, and fiberglass, to reinforce the "flimsy" area inside the door where the notch is cut.
I am still debating to cut the area down flush, or metal shim, or add glass to the door area to make things flush. It will be on the door inside and should be easy to hide my work.
Thanks for sharing your experience.
Hopefully our comments will help others.

Ralph

[bnelson]

Slowed down a little waiting on some things. Have some closed cell foam ordered to try and do some interior/headliner and finish off the back in something resembling actual interior. After getting some astronomical estimates decided to try and do myself. Been spending time cutting and fitting insulation board and covering with heat/sound material (hush mat). Filled all the side and back spaces between frame members with 1/2" foam board and covered both sides with the Hush Mat. The sides I was actually able to stack two layers for total 1". Hopefully that will help with temp/noise. Fabricated some aluminum panels on the back side to cover up and make a cleaner look. Taking everything apart this week and want to get all the preliminary interior work done before I paint so I can lay upside down to make a little easier. (wish me luck) This will be a whole new challenge :)

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[vckiter]

Think I have the picture thing figured out. Before and after of what I'm thinking.

Dude, they both look insane. Love your choice in colors.

[ztoolman44]

Quick question for you if you don't mind. Since you chopped the roll cage, have you noticed any sag or problems with the chassis? Are you planning to reinstall the cage? Thanks in advance.

[bnelson]

Quick question for you if you don't mind. Since you chopped the roll cage, have you noticed any sag or problems with the chassis? Are you planning to reinstall the cage? Thanks in advance.

Going to sleeve and reinstall back portion only. The cage has no structural purpose as far as the frame goes. Safety only. I talked to engineer at FFR before doing it to be sure it would not effect the integrity of the chassis. He suggested I support the rear bar like they have on the bronze truck. If you look at those photos you will see it does not have the complete cage but some support bars going out toward the front to stabilize and strengthen the roll bar.

[ztoolman44]

Going to sleeve and reinstall back portion only. The cage has no structural purpose as far as the frame goes. Safety only. I talked to engineer at FFR before doing it to be sure it would not effect the integrity of the chassis. He suggested I support the rear bar like they have on the bronze truck. If you look at those photos you will see it does not have the complete cage but some support bars going out toward the front to stabilize and strengthen the roll bar.

Perfect, exactly what I needed to know. Thanks

[bnelson]

Not a lot of visible progress to show but have spent the Holidays getting all the panels ready for paint. Have all the panels with exception of the cab totally done and ready to seal and paint. probably wait till March for it to warm up a little. I took the wheels down to powder coat and they did a great job but color is totally off. Going to have to go fight that battle after new years to see if i can get redone without paying another $300.00 :( In my support I gave him a spray out of the color so no excuse about me picking the wrong color chip.

Sprayed the cowl to get an idea of the striping I wanted and to see what the color combo looked like. Any input? I think I like it. The Coating Store gloss black and Habenero Orange. A little more red than the Huger Orange. Put a 1/4" silver pin stripe highlighted with 1/8 orange. The stripes will continue along the top of the lower belt molding all the way around the truck to separate the top black and bottom orange.

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[Robodent]

Glad to see your posting again. I missed seeing updates on your build. The paint scheme looks great!!! Rob

[bnelson]

Glad to see your posting again. I missed seeing updates on your build. The paint scheme looks great!!! Rob

LOL. Just not much new to show. Priming and blocking...priming and blocking....priming and blocking...My hands are killing me! Hope to have some interior stuff updated next week or so. Looking forward to your completed pics. I'm having to make a business trip up to Chicago in February. We ave an office in Woodridge Il and doing some site visits up in Green bay. Possible to come by and take a look and shoot the sh.....it?

[Robodent]

Sure. Pm sent

[Salty Chief 35]

I’ve been following your thread from the start with great interest. I really like how your hot rod is turning out. Congratulations, well done! Jeremie

[sperger72]

Going to look great.

[JimD]

I love the color combination, of orange and black, but would love to see a gold stripe in lieu of silver. But its yours not mine and looks awesome

[bnelson]

I love the color combination, of orange and black, but would love to see a gold stripe in lieu of silver. But its yours not mine and looks awesome

Jim I was thinking same thing. I'm going to re do the cowl with gold and see what I like best. Thanks!

[bnelson]

So got all the panels done and ready for paint. Took the body off and have a bit more priming and blocking to do there. Was waiting to take body off to do the trans tunnel. Went with 4L60E which is a little wide. Causing me to have to basically build tunnel from scratch Not happy. Got the roll bar sleeved and ready to tig. Took my wheels back to powder coat shop. He ordered the wrong color and redoing for free :) Sorry bout the sideways picture

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[bnelson]

Got the trans tunnel mostly done. Formed everything with 24 gauge aluminum and glassed to the front tunnel sides. Just need to trim and do a few mods up against the firewall and cut and glass the top panel from the FFR piece.


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[bnelson]

Here's a couple pictures with seat in place. Fits nice but I'm thinking more and more about putting in some buckets and building a center console.

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[McGuyver]

Bruce, truck is looking great. Walk me through your tunnel glass work. Is the blue tape just to keep resin from drilling through? Was trying to see if it is glassed in or is there release agent on the flanges so it can be removed.
Thanks

[bnelson]

Bruce, truck is looking great. Walk me through your tunnel glass work. Is the blue tape just to keep resin from drilling through? Was trying to see if it is glassed in or is there release agent on the flanges so it can be removed.
Thanks

The blue is area I wanted to glass. The tan is just to keep the glass from sticking to surrounding area. So after glassing I remove the tunnel and trim to the blue area. Make sense? All the tape just keeps the fiberglass from adhering to the rest of the tunnel.

[bnelson]

The blue is area I wanted to glass. The tan is just to keep the glass from sticking to surrounding area. So after glassing I remove the tunnel and trim to the blue area. Make sense? All the tape just keeps the fiberglass from adhering to the rest of the tunnel.

PS: keep in mind that I wanted to build the tunnel onto the front FFR side panels. So When completed the tunnel is one piece from the firewall to the Aluminum tunnel in back. It fits over the back piece and extends to then firewall.

[bnelson]

Bruce, truck is looking great. Walk me through your tunnel glass work. Is the blue tape just to keep resin from drilling through? Was trying to see if it is glassed in or is there release agent on the flanges so it can be removed.
Thanks

So I guess to simply. The tape acts as a release agent and allows to pull off and trim to fit.

[bnelson]

So I guess to simply. The tape acts as a release agent and allows to pull off and trim to fit.

simplify :(

[McGuyver]

Thanks! Tape acting as release agent clears it all up for me. ��

[rponfick]

Bruce, I did something similar, but my tranny was not a wide as yours. Had to narrow tranny tunnel to get under seat tunnel.
Keep up the good work.
Ralph

[wallace18]

That is going to be one awesome looking truck when done!:cool:

[bnelson]

Got the tunnel all completed and trimmed. Got the Lokar Cable shifter mounted and all the brackets in place. What a pain :( Anyone put one of these in? I'm having a heck of a time trying to get it to go through all four gears plus park, reverse, neutral.

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[bnelson]

New shifter :( Third one :( Last week I put in the Lokar floor mount cable operated shifter that Lokar recommended for FFR hot rod and truck. It sucked. With all the chassis tubes on this kit I couldn't get a clean shot with the cable and had sharp bends. Would not shift smooth and couldn't get all gears. Went back to Summit and traded for the case mount shifter (cheaper) with solid rod. It fits perfect and operates smooth as silk. Went with the 8" shifter with one bend and it puts it well clear of the dash and just right arms length for me. And this thing is supper adjustable front to back to fit anyone. I really like it. Third times a charm :) Just need to clean up holes and trans tunnel. Do all the final attachments and put in the heat/sound mat. Been working on foaming the inside of cab for headliner and interior. I'll have some pictures when I get further along. Been a time consuming process.

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[wallace18]

Looks Great!

[rponfick]

Bruce, I used rod type shifter also, but on an AOD.
I did have to put a little bump in the tranny cover where it attaches to the tranny lever to eliminate rubbing.
Ralph

[bnelson]

Finally got my TCI EZ TCU trans control and Remote TPS. Stayed out in the shop till like 3AM to get everything wired up. Man I got a bunch of wires to try to figure out what to do with :( Got up early and cruised around the back pasture for about an hour to get the sniper to learn a little. After that took it out on road for quick test. This thing is a friggin beast! lights em up in three gears (4L60E auto) and that's in econ mode. Don't have the performance mode wired up yet. Drove down the street to HS parking lot and did laps for awhile to get the sniper to learn a little more. No more problems and runs great. I was pleasantly surprised in the ride and handling of this thing. Cant wait to start painting and get it back together and get on the road!

PS: I did short out the battery cable on the starter about a mile down the road and had to walk back for some tools :(

[RuffShod]

Good deal on the test drive! You are closer!

[sperger72]

Ben,

First drive a couple of days ago. We need to get these finished and meet up at a show.

Zach

[bnelson]

Made some progress today. literally spent all frigging day laying out, trimming, connectorizing, soldering, tie wrapping, et et, all the wires from all the electrical stuff! looks like I'm going to build a center console so I can put all the relays and fuses in one accessible location under a panel. Once I got that all done I finalized all my grommets and heat/sound proofing. Started the carpet but just got worn out. (and a few beers). Plus I figured out that I just plain suck at installing carpet! Hope it doesn't come out to crappy :( But man I'm getting excited about coming to a conclusion with this thing! Few more little things and final paint when it warms up a little. Thinking about end of March and I'm on the road!:)

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[bnelson]

Ben,

First drive a couple of days ago. We need to get these finished and meet up at a show.

Zach
You know it. Alot of guys building in Texas so maybe can get a run scheduled sometime. Would be a blast.
Bruce.

[bnelson]

Haven't made much progress :(. Been jacking with wiring for like two weeks! I decided to go with some Dakota Digital gauges. Not digital but like them much better than the supplied. They have some that just fit in the oval on the dash. Been a learning experience getting everything hooked up and working and synchronized but I love them. But of course while routing out the hole my router bearing came lose and hacked up the dash so had to glass back together :( Have to paint again :( The wiring in back came out much cleaner! Got all the EFI/Trans Control/Gauge wires going to the back cleaned up and started mocking up center console to bury everything under. Ive had a bunch of issues with the Sniper EFI but think Ive narrowed it down to the relay's on the fuse panel and EFI harness. So adds to my obsession with having all the fuses and relays easily accessible. Ended up having to move the battery back to the bed cause didn't want to hassle with making the seat able to tilt forward to get to it. Think I'll build a short bed box that matches the bed wood I went with to house the battery and get a little storage space for fishing trips :)

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[DamnYankee]

I used a different Dakota Digital cluster and I love it too. I put it in front of steering wheel.

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[bnelson]

I used a different Dakota Digital cluster and I love it too. I put it in front of steering wheel.

122624

Did you use the Dakota Digital gear selector sending unit? If so did you use the neutral safety relay for your safety switch? I'm concerned about going through that relay with the size awg they supplied with it. The wire you need to cut to wire the relay inline is a 10awg and the relay wires look to be 14awg or 16awg. Any issues with that?

[DamnYankee]

Unfortunately can't answer that - I'm running a T-56 Magnum manual transmission so did not need that. For neutral safety switch I just used the switch at the clutch pedal and its wired between the key and starter as shown in the FFR schematic.
I did use an aftermarket device to control reverse relay and speedo output (also does backup lights): https://shop.bowlertransmissions.com/products/tremec-t-56-all-in-one-harness

[bnelson]

Got a little more done on the console. This turned out to be pretty challenging. Ive gained a whole new respect for what Herb did in his 35! Got all the safety switches hooked up and all the dim functions working on the gauges. Should be done with all the wiring with exception of some illuminated panels I ordered for the console switches. Man am I glad! That was a pretty trying experience for me :(


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[bnelson]

i got the console pretty much complete. Cant cover the center panels till I get all my switch plates in. Hopefully Monday. I'm supper happy with how it came out. There are a few things I cobbled up in the learning process but will give me something to do down the road on a rainy day :) I found some suede that matches the orange paint I'm using perfectly so will cover the center plates with that to kind of break up all the black inside. Interior just about done! I need to put the cab on this weekend and bolt up the dash to make sure i got all the curves and height correct on the console. Cant wait to get the panels to see how they look. Ordered a bunch of backlit panels in red to match the gauges. Got a new panel for the heat/fan/ac as well to match. Should look pretty cool :)

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[wallace18]

Very Nice!

[bnelson]

So got most of the interior done. Still waiting on the backlit switch panels for the trans control. They will go under the arm rest on the console. Should be here tomorrow. Have to redo the dash sense I cobbled it up routing the opening for the gauges. Kept having problems with the fuel pump connector so ended up soldiering wires to the posts and putting weather pack connector on the wires. Got the heat and ac panel installed. been driving around the back pasture and serious rattle on the bed. Took off and covered all the braces with 1/16" rubber tape and totally fixed that problem. Ordered paint today and supposed to start warming up in the coming weeks so excited to start getting color on everything. I cant wait!

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[DamnYankee]

Console is sweet.

[rponfick]

Will you paint with cab on, or remove? That is always an interesting question.
Looking good.
Ralph

[bnelson]

Will you paint with cab on, or remove? That is always an interesting question.
Looking good.
Ralph

Cab off. But I dread putting it all back together again once painted!

[RuffShod]

Console turned out good!

[bnelson]

Console turned out good!

Thanks. Got the trans control switches yesterday so been hooking them up. Can shift to performance, econ, manual shift and lockup. Can up shift and downshift with the horizontal rocker switch when in manual mode.

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[RuffShod]

Allsome job!!!

Your build will be a tuff act to follow!!!

[bnelson]

Started paint today. Got a new HVLP gun so figured Id practice on the bed portion that is all orange to get a feel for it. Will paint the inside stainless black satin and got some pretty cool orange colored Tineo wood veneer to build the bed floor with. I'll work on that on rainy days. Gonna try my hand at doing some lettering on the tailgate tomorrow if the base coat comes out OK. That will be a new experience :) Excited to start getting some color on after all the body work!

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[bnelson]

Got clear on the side panels and roll pan. Came out OK but I still have some learning to do on getting Urethane to lay down without runs :( Will be a bit of wet sanding to do before polishing. I did the lettering three different times trying some shading with airbrush but I'm no Joe martin and couldn't get it to look professional so went back to basic black. I'll get clear on it tomorrow after I do some touch up on a couple edges. Should look good though. The white will match the pin stripe I'm going to put between the black top and orange bottom. These panels are pretty challanging due to all the angles and moldings on them. Really hard to get a consistent flow.


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[bnelson]

So ran into a bunch of problems with paint reaction :( Have The Coating Store techs trying to figure it out. When applying a dust coat on panels prior to clear coating had a bunch of issues with wrinkling and bubbling down to the sealer :( Used all the same brand paints and followed all tech sheets. They are at a loss. Needless to say I'm going to have to strip down to sealer and start over again. Always something. To add to it my trans is making hell of a noise in overdrive. As soon as I pull back to drive it completely goes away. talked to Monster and they say the forward piston is cracked or leaking and causing clutches to engage? So now have to pull trans and engine and ship back to Monster. (at my cost of $485.00 and they pay only 80% parts) As you know that involves disassembling the entire radiator/grill assembly and messing with all the adjustments that affect the hood/cowl alignment that I spent endless hours aligning. Supper heavy sigh.....Think I'm gonna take a couple weeks off and gust go check out the Good Guys Car Show at Texas Motor Speedway this weekend and drink a few (to many) beers.

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[RuffShod]

That sux!!!

[rponfick]

What brand paint products you using?
I would take a couple of weeks off also.
Ralph

[bnelson]

What brand paint products you using?
I would take a couple of weeks off also.
Ralph



UreKem. Quality brand and Ive had good luck with them before using on painting motorcycle parts.

[RuffShod]

The paint could have been agitated by the proximity of the Ford logo.... :)

[bnelson]

The paint could have been agitated by the proximity of the Ford logo.... :)

LOL...could be :(

[RuffShod]

Might as well sand it down. Good Guys just cancelled....

[bnelson]

Might as well sand it down. Good Guys just cancelled....

Yea :( And I couldn't stand it anyway. Was in the shop till 2AM striping back down and spraying new sealer. Will get some new color on it today.

[RuffShod]

Get it done hand!

Im still waitin on shocks and upper a-arms.

[bnelson]

Got the quarters cut and buffed. Still have a bunch of hand work to do but was happy I was able to get out the couple runs I had and get it flat without going through the clear. learned a lot about urethane paints on these first parts!
Not completely satisfied with the flatness on the glass panels. They were supper wavy before I started. Blocked four times progressively but still not like I would like them. Should have skim coated the entire quarter and blocked. You really shouldn't need to do that much work :( Will pull the cab and get to work on doors, cab, and hood starting tomorrow. I pretty much covered them entirely with filler and blocked due to chop work so should be a lot straighter. I'll spend a few extra days priming and blocking a few more times to be sure. The rear panels I can pull on a rainy day next winter and re do but at this point I just want to get this thing together! Still have to clear the tailgate and roll pan but figure I'd do them with the doors.

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[CDXXVII]

This is truly one of my favorite threads. Keep up the great work.

Did you ever find out what caused your grief with the paint?

[bnelson]

This is truly one of my favorite threads. Keep up the great work.

Did you ever find out what caused your grief with the paint?

We think..... In the tech sheets they say to use 2-3 oz of hardener in the base coat to make it harder. (recommended but not necessary) if base coat was applied 24 hrs ago they say to spray another mid coat for bonding purposes before clear. Think the new mid coat over the base with hardener is reacting. lesson? Don't use the hardener in the base coat!

[rponfick]

You must have gotten your flexible brake lines routed better than I did. I had to cut some notches in the side panels to keep them from rubbing. I will be running fenders, so all my chainsaw cuts will be hidden.
Looking good.
Ralph.

[bnelson]

Finished the rear panels with satin black on the inside bed stainless. Came out perfect. sprayed the lower half with 3M undercoating just to make them uniform. Should have painted the whole truck satin black and I'd be done! Got more primer on doors and hood. Gonna block a few more times but plan on painting them this weekend. That's the beauty of solid colors. Can paint individually and not have to worry about color match like you would with metallic :) Was gonna pull the cab but been raining steady so didn't want to be pulling in and out in rain :( maybe next week.

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[bnelson]

Made some more progress painting. Got the base coats down on the doors and hood. They came out really straight so happy about that. Working on the striping between the black and orange and will need to sand out a few bugs :( Hopefully get some clear on tomorrow.

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[Salty Chief 35]

Your perseverance shows your true character. I appreciate your build thread. I can’t wait to see the end result. If I go with the truck, it gives me confidence that I can tackle the paint and body work. I might even give the chopped top a try. I think the chop drastically improves the overall look of your truck. Keep up the good work, you’re close to having one of the coolest trucks out there. Well done!!!

[Pat Landymore]

Great looking paint!!

[bnelson]

Got a bit more done today. Got all the striping on doors and hood done and got clear on. Should have waited. The gnats came out about the third coat of clear so I have a couple permanently suspended in time. Think most will buff out when I cut and polish. Oh well. The body work on doors and hood came out really straight. The paint wont be winning any trophy's at SEMA but will look nice and I did it myself :)

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[RuffShod]

Very nice!

[bnelson]

Threw a quick buff on the hood to see how it turned out. Check out that mirror flat finish! I'm going to touch up the doors a little tomorrow. Can't let the buried bugs slide :(

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[RuffShod]

Look at all the pollen on that oak tree!!!

I volunteer you too paint my truck! Thanks in advance....

[RuffShod]

Beautiful paint by the way!!!

[bnelson]

Look at all the pollen on that oak tree!!!

I volunteer you too paint my truck! Thanks in advance....

LOL man I wont be doing body and paint on one of these things again any time soon! Really was a lot more than I expected. I thought I'd be able to do the mods I wanted to do and the rest would be at a much more finished level. Think my next one will be a 32 high boy or three window that comes with the doors, hood, trunk all hinged and gaped and reinforced with tubing. Most of the ones I've been looking at come that way.

Don't anybody get there panties in a wad. I'm glad I got this thing and it is totally unique to anything out there. Will be totally worth it and a ton of fun when completed. Just a bit more work in some aspects than I personally expected.

[bnelson]

Got the doors touched up and all the bugs sanded out :) Came out much better. I'll have to keep my clear coating time to middle of day when the bugs are sleeping! A few dirt specs but nothing that wont sand and buff out. Sure would be nice to have my own personnel spray booth :)

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[bnelson]

Finished fixing my dash where I hacked it up doing the cutout for the Dakota Digital gauges. Changed up the paint scheme a little to bring some color inside. Was a bit to all black :(

So that's all the parts except the cab. Still need to cut and buff but will do that as I reassemble to break it up a little. Lot of work by yourself. I got cab removed this afternoon and will try to finish up the interior foam and get ready for paint this weekend. Its getting closer! I think I'm going to cut off the scallops I molded onto the cab and radiator shroud so It won't look strange if I decide to run without a hood now and then.

So then the real fun starts. Trying to get it all back together without cobbling it up!

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[RuffShod]

Dash turned out nice!!!

[Salty Chief 35]

Looks awesome! Very well done.

[bnelson]

Slowed up a little catching up on yard work but made some progress on the inside. I spray foamed the voids above the doors and ground to approximate shape. Takes a bit of time due to the curing time of the foam. Put a layer of light weight body filler over that to smooth out a little and form a solid surface. I'll put a couple layers of mat over that tomorrow and start gluing the closed cell foam up. Should be ready by weekend to paint...I hope....I keep saying that and still here I am....


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[bnelson]

Got all the closed cell foam installed and ready for headliner. Think I WILL NOT TRY THAT MYSELF! After wrestling the foam I cant for the life of me see how they do that in one piece. You spray that glue and place the material on and it is stuck for good! Have a little shaping to do around the edges and I'll take it to a local guy down the road for the headliner. After doing this I think I would have just flocked it like the other guys! But should really help with sound and heat insulation. And also give it a more finished look. I have 1/2" on the back to build up to the custom window frame I built and 1/4" on all the rest. Think I would suggest 1/8" to anybody thinking about doing this. Think that would be easier to form. I had a lot of glass work from the chop that I was trying to bury. After the foam install it does look clean and uniformly shaped.

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[bnelson]

Got all the closed cell foam installed and ready for headliner. Think I WILL NOT TRY THAT MYSELF! After wrestling the foam I cant for the life of me see how they do that in one piece. You spray that glue and place the material on and it is stuck for good! Have a little shaping to do around the edges and I'll take it to a local guy down the road for the headliner. After doing this I think I would have just flocked it like the other guys! But should really help with sound and heat insulation. And also give it a more finished look. I have 1/2" on the back to build up to the custom window frame I built and 1/4" on all the rest. Think I would suggest 1/8" to anybody thinking about doing this. Think that would be easier to form. I had a lot of glass work from the chop that I was trying to bury. After the foam install it does look clean and uniformly shaped.

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PS: You know what this means.... I WILL GET PAINT ON THE CAB this weekend :)

[bnelson]

Finished all the little spot repairs and sanding on the cab and got sealer on. Might get the white for the stripe on later tonight and get the orange, black, and clear on tomorrow. I'm getting pretty excited :) Cant wait to start putting it back together!

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[bnelson]

Was able to get all the paint on but ran out off time to clear coat. Started to get towards the bug invasion time of day. Will get the clear on tomorrow. Look's like all the body work came out good. I was a little concerned about the big flat roof but looks great!

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[bnelson]

WOOOHOOOO! Got clear on and can finally start putting back together! Cab paint came out real nice and flat and just a couple dirt specks that will sand and buff out. Just need to paint the part of cowl that the hood sits over black satin and everything done :)

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[wallace18]

Looking great!:cool:

[Robodent]

Nice job !!!!

[DamnYankee]

Awesome

[Pat Landymore]

You’ve done some amazing paint work!
Bugs...?
None here in any number for another two months!
I could only wish for a spring like that :)

[Salty Chief 35]

Very well done!!! In the home stretch now.
Jeremie

[rponfick]

I don't know how you are doing that in your garage. I don't see any protective material on rest of garage. I made a paint booth out of hanging plastic from the ceiling to floor, and putting box fans under the semi-closed garage door. Since I moved to a neighborhood, I will not be able to do that any longer.
Looking good.
Ralph

[bnelson]

I don't know how you are doing that in your garage. I don't see any protective material on rest of garage. I made a paint booth out of hanging plastic from the ceiling to floor, and putting box fans under the semi-closed garage door. Since I moved to a neighborhood, I will not be able to do that any longer.
Looking good.
Ralph

I put box fans in two windows. Just covered up stuff that I didn't want overspray on. Will be painting floor again once all is completed. Figured that was easier than trying to cover it up every time I painted something.

[cob427sc]

Looks great! Love the color combination and the white stripe works perfect. Obviously this shows the painting neophytes what can be done by an amateur in a garage without $30k in spray booth and equipment.

[bnelson]

Looks great! Love the color combination and the white stripe works perfect. Obviously this shows the painting neophytes what can be done by an amateur in a garage without $30k in spray booth and equipment.

Thanks :) $200.00 Devilbiss finish line spray gun, $1200.00 in paint from The Coating Store, and a bunch of patience and persistence to learn from and correct your mistakes :)

[Salty Chief 35]

I’m only in the planning stage and I’ve been looking at the us wheel smoothies similar to what you have. I’m still not sure if I’m going with the 33 or the truck. Just wondering what size did you go with on your wheels and tires as well?
Again I have to say well done on your build. It’s one of my favorites I’ve been following.

[bnelson]

I’m only in the planning stage and I’ve been looking at the us wheel smoothies similar to what you have. I’m still not sure if I’m going with the 33 or the truck. Just wondering what size did you go with on your wheels and tires as well?
Again I have to say well done on your build. It’s one of my favorites I’ve been following.

Thanks Jeremie :) This thing has been a blast. I too was looking at the hot rod for years but when this came out I had to have it. I think there's so much more you can do to personalize it and at the time I placed my order I think there were only about 50 or so out there. Still not very many. I knew that nobody else had chopped one so mine should be unique for some time to come I think. I'm stoked about putting it back together over the next couple months!

The Wheels are US wheel series 455. Rear are 15X12 and front 15X10. Tires are Nitto NT555R 325/50R/15 and 275/50R/15. Supper hard to find radials that wide for 15" wheels. MT has a few and Hoosier has some nice ones. Think I'll go Hoosier after I burn these up but they are pricey$$$

Bruce

[Salty Chief 35]

Super cool!
Thanks

[bnelson]

Painted the tailgate for I think the third time :( Started putting together and didn't like how the white looked after putting on the black powder coated hinges. So...... Sealed and re painted orange and then did a simple black logo. Think it looks cleaner now. I will not be painting again! It is what it is for now. I'll put clear on tomorrow morning and be ready to put all the bed parts on this weekend.

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[Pat Landymore]

Your tailgate looks awesome!

Do you mind if I kind of borrow your idea?

Cheers,
Pat

[bnelson]

Your tailgate looks awesome!

Do you mind if I kind of borrow your idea?

Cheers,
Pat

LOL thanks. And have right at it! I'm a bit surprised I haven't seen anyone put the logo on the gate yet.

[bnelson]

Well could not get anyone to do the headliner cause of Virus closures so tackled it myself. All came out pretty good. Have a couple wrinkles on the first area I tried but really have to look to see them. Like I said wont win any awards at SEMA but pretty happy with how it came out from a home brew project. Start putting back together tomorrow!

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[wallace18]

Looks good to me.:cool:

[RuffShod]

Lookin good!

Hurry up and finish and drive it down here to Brazoria County!!!

[RuffShod]

Painted the tailgate for I think the third time :( Started putting together and didn't like how the white looked after putting on the black powder coated hinges. So...... Sealed and re painted orange and then did a simple black logo. Think it looks cleaner now. I will not be painting again! It is what it is for now. I'll put clear on tomorrow morning and be ready to put all the bed parts on this weekend.

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I may put a bowtie on my tailgate!

[Salty Chief 35]

I may put a bowtie on my tailgate!

Why would you ruin a perfectly good truck like that? LOL...