I decided to make my own seat belt restraints for the shoulder straps


Test fit

I cut a piece of round stock I had 1/2" thick x 1 3/8" diameter then drilled and tapped it


Then welded it to the plate




coated them in primer


and welded them in place

 

The next thing I wanted to do was mount the cab on the frame and had tried ordering the rear mount brackets but was told they were not available so had to make my own


then it was time to bring in the frame from hibernation


I used my engine hoist with a simple cradle I made from some 4x4 timber to lift the cab high enough to roll the frame under it




Half hour later it's sitting on the frame, worked out very well






next was stripping off the rear suspension to get ready for the TCI kit that I purchased


I picked up an 8.8 rear differential from a 98 Ford Explorer from the wreckers.



Then I proceeded to install the front cross member, it's a Heidts superide ll.

This is where I am at at the moment, I am waiting on arrival of an oil pan so I can install motor mounts for the 351W and C6 transmission.

 

I finished welding in my motor mounts for the 351W

 

I then had to build my own transmission cross member, I didn't like the welder series cross member that was sent with my order.

 

Not a pretty sight but should look a bit better once cleaned up and painted

 

Just a view of the trans cross member in action

 

Nice work, John. How thick is that metal on the motor mounts, I may have to build my own, also.

 

It's all 1/4" Pat.

 

Nice work John, the frame work is always my favorite part of the build, maybe because the welding is just so much easier to me.
Are you going to leave the original trans mount out or do something there. I have taken mine out because it blocked the trans pan and I would have a difficult time servicing it. I wonder about the structural support loss. I did do my trans mount almost identical to yours. Another question are you going to have to fab up a trans tunnel or did ya mange to keep it below?

 

I had installed the new cross member then cut the old one out and the frame did flex with the weight of the cab so will be adding another bolt in brace under the transmission on my next days off work.

 

Oh and no work is needed to the cab for the transmission.

 

John, very nice work! you may want to consider some type of brace near the top of the frame. I noticed on mine the frame was very flexible when I stood on the running boards till I tied the tops of the rails together.

 

If you notice on the picture of the motor mounts you can see where I cut the original cross member I left some short sections, my plan was to make another cross piece from 1/4" plate to bolt to those pieces. I think this should put back the original strength, I'll know if it works once it is in when I unbolt the new cross member and post what I find. If it don't work then will do as you suggest with some bracing on the top of the frame.

 

John,

Nice work on the cab, can't believe I just now saw your thread!

As bad as yours was, know that mine was WORSE (hard to imagine...). I am hoping to get mine rolled back in the garage soon.

 

Started to install front clip to see how everything looks now that the motor is in place, I seem to have plenty of clearance for the mechanical fan so will not need to purchase an electric one after all, saving me a few more bucks to spend else where