The cab is pretty much gutted and ready to remove. In this pic there are 4x4 wood blocks between the frame and floor, and I am starting to like the look. The way I figure with the the lift kit and tires it should end up around 7 to 8" taller than this when done.. I likey.

 

After relocating the brace, but before cutting the frame back 5"

A little progress today. I want to retain my rear fuel tank, so I ground off all of the rivets and relocated the rearmost fuel tank brace 3" forward and then shortened the back of the frame 5" to fit under the rear of the box. I still have to modify it a little, and make l brackets and move all the bolts out 1 box floor rib due to the frame being wider in the rear (it tapers from 34" to 37-1/2) right behind where the cab mounts. Then I have to make a mount to go the rear box bolts. I bolted the rear tank brace back in for now until I verify it will be ok, then I will move the front tank crossmember ahead 3", and lower the tank in the frame around 1-1/2 inches for the box to miss it. I am going to shorten and fish plate the frame soon, but until then I (by myself due to no helpers) It was rough, but I managed to get the box back on just to see how it will fit...and I like it a lot. The frame has 3-1/2" lift blocks in the rear because he had a camper on it, so when I install the 6-1/2" lift it should only lift the rear around another 3" or so..maybe? but I think it will look good on 35" tires..may consider 33's if it looks good.

 

I bought 1/2 patches for my fenders, then on a parts hunt I scored a set of rust free fenders for $30..hahaha.. Saturday I am heading back for more parts. I am going to buy a 60 radiator panel, grill, and grill guard. I will not use the grill guard, but I may just use the 60 nose on my 59.

 

 

 

Does your lift kit include a new track bar mount and lowered steering arm? You really need to pay close attention to that stuff or you could end up with a death trap bump steer.

 

The lift kit I am looking at buying has the track bar mount..all do. But not all recommend the drop pitman arm. Over 4" and they all recommend it. only 1 lift I found includes it, kind of a cheesy kit if you ask me though. I have built a few in my 48 years, If it isn't safe I wouldn't do it.

 

 

I actually made a lot of progress before winter hit and I had to go into sleep mode..

 

Shortened the frame 7" and fish plated.

 

Reinstalled the drivetrain for further mock up


Fabricated risers for the cab

 

Will build a recessed firewall and new floor plate after I get the cab mounts in. Need to rebuild the bottom of the cab first to be accurate.. Might do a slight body lift to clear the trans better.


Sat the cab back on to see how much firewall had to be cut to get the wheels in the right spot.

 

Shimmed the cab up off the frame until I get patch panels, and temporarily reattached the body for the winter, and to see what it looks like on the new frame.


This is with the little tires..I like it

 

All tucked in for the winter.. Doing what I can, when I can at a friend's place..since I do not have a garage..lol.

 

I kept this picture as the wallpaper on my computer at work all winter..lol