Bagged and laying body. My 81 C-10 build.

[Ace5n85]

I recently picked up an 81 c10. It's been a while since I built a truck since I've been doing the hot rod thing for a few years. This came up cheap and I couldn't say no. It will be for sale all day, every day. Plan is for it to be bagged, on the ground and daily driver capable, even though it's going to split that duty with my other cars until someone buys it.

[Ace5n85]

Out with the old 250. It wasn't running right, compression test shows no pressure on one cylinder.



Looks like this might be a problem.

[Ace5n85]

Took the springs out and torched off the shackle hangers. Gotta see how low she can go as she sits.

Not even close!



My buddy torched the bottom of the frame off so the body is able to meet the pavement





Installed 2.5" McGaugheys spindles. They went on very well and are very beefy at nearly 25 pounds each.

Before



After, a arms on the ground.

[Ace5n85]

Things are about to get serious. 5" front frame Z to let the frame lay with 31" tires (approx.). I'm almost 31 and the days of rubber band tires are behind me. Don't need 31s for sure but it'll sure be nice for 24 inch wheels to be an option.

Bam! Don't mind the mess. Cars get built in this garage and cars leak all kinds of fluids.



When I'm done I want two things for the frame.
1. It to pretty closely mimic the contour of the floor/firewall transition.
2. It to look as close to a factory frame as possible.
Here goes nothing with some templates and 1/8" plate.









Bottom obviously still needs done and the inside needs welded but it should do what I wanted it to do.

Camber ain't half bad either for being on the ground.

[tinydb84]

And I thought my 4'' Z was a lot. Good start!

[Ace5n85]

Originally Posted by tinydb84

And I thought my 4'' Z was a lot. Good start!

Thanks! Like my buddies dad always says, "if some is good, more is better and too much is just enough."

[83swb]

Is that the original paint? Looks awesome. Fab work looks well done too.

[Ace5n85]

Originally Posted by 83swb

Is that the original paint? Looks awesome. Fab work looks well done too.

It is not. Was brown then orange then tan (which you can still see) and then green. The green is super dry now and flakes off with my hand like my palms are 36 grit. Bummer. That's ok. Makes the original/paint job decision easier.

[stepside83]

this is a good start keep good work going

[Ace5n85]

Originally Posted by stepside83

this is a good start keep good work going

Thanks. I'll be back at it tomorrow night hopefully. Definitely all weekend. Hope to get the front done and the back started by end of day Sunday.

[Ace5n85]

Updates from last weekend. Got the rest of the front frame welded up and ground down pretty smooth.

Some welds. Not too bad. Dont mind the double/triple passes, they're only there so fill in some mild undercut so its smooth when ground down.



Ground down most of the way. Pretty close to looking like it could have come that way.

[Ace5n85]

Got the frame smoothed out a little more and welded the bottom of the new frame section on. It's 1/4" for dragging purposes. Not that we'd ever do anything like that.

Sorry for the crap pic

[Ace5n85]

Had some time to get the frame Z and section job done. Got the cab in place. I'll tell ya what, there are not too many things better than seeing the fruits of your labor for the first time. Well, anyways, here ya go. Whatcha think?












And THIS is why I took the time to do this. Pinch weld ON THE GROUND.

[dragn91]

Looks good but are you gonna shorten the back portion of the bed to match a regular shortbed? Looks a little off having the back long and front short. I think it's 4 or 6 inch different in there rear portion short vs long bed there's lots of threads on it from the crew cab guys

[Ace5n85]

Originally Posted by dragn91

Looks good but are you gonna shorten the back portion of the bed to match a regular shortbed? Looks a little off having the back long and front short. I think it's 4 or 6 inch different in there rear portion short vs long bed there's lots of threads on it from the crew cab guys

Good eye! Yes it will get shortened also. You're right it needs about 6 inches cut out. The temptation to see it with the front shorter was to great. Haha. Also, the fronts are easier to do since they have a bend right in front of the cut. The back will be harder to keep from warping,so I'll tackle that after I use the other side as easy practice.

[tinydb84]

Dude! That is exactly how I want to do my bed. I am going to make a short long bed or "shlong" bed (sorry couldn't help it lol). I like the idea of raising the frame and played with it before deciding to use a normal notch (when I get around to it).

After seeing that side shot I am definitely going to do it. Wanna come over and do it for me? Whats a three hour flight between internet strangers....(jk)

[Ace5n85]

Originally Posted by tinydb84

Dude! That is exactly how I want to do my bed. I am going to make a short long bed or "shlong" bed (sorry couldn't help it lol). I like the idea of raising the frame and played with it before deciding to use a normal notch (when I get around to it).

After seeing that side shot I am definitely going to do it. Wanna come over and do it for me? Whats a three hour flight between internet strangers....(jk)

Not gonna lie, "shlong bed" made me laugh. Apparently I'm still 13. And as ****ty as its been in PA, I'd be all over an all expenses paid trip for two to SD. It's all expenses paid right?! HAHA. Watch the thread for more pics of the inside and back. Maybe u can learn from my mistakes. Let me know if u have any questions during your "shlong bed"

[Justin@EntropyRad]

the 2x2 in place of the leafs is a new one for me...killer setup though

[Ace5n85]

Originally Posted by Justin@EntropyRad

the 2x2 in place of the leafs is a new one for me...killer setup though

Thanks man. It's a hot rod setup I've seen. A panhard bar or wishbone and it'll work well for a cruiser. And I could make it static in an hour if need be (cops, inspection, etc.)

[tinydb84]

Originally Posted by Justin@EntropyRad

the 2x2 in place of the leafs is a new one for me...killer setup though

It is known as a 2 link. Usually you see the bars under the axle instead of on top but it serves the same purpose. Its not the best for articulating and pinion angles but if you are only airing it down when parking it shouldn't be a problem.

[Ace5n85]

Originally Posted by tinydb84

It is known as a 2 link. Usually you see the bars under the axle instead of on top but it serves the same purpose. Its not the best for articulating and pinion angles but if you are only airing it down when parking it shouldn't be a problem.

Bingo! The leaf spring mounts and the hangers should give me plenty of adjustment to find the sweet spot. You're right tho, Def not for articulation.

[dcatlin]

Nice work, and a very cool project. today my russell fuel rail fittings arrived, this is a sure sign of spring to get back on the truck and start the fuel system. as I have no garage currently to work in, but i'll be building one 1150 s.f. when the boat sells. Any one?

[Ace5n85]

Originally Posted by dcatlin

Nice work, and a very cool project. today my russell fuel rail fittings arrived, this is a sure sign of spring to get back on the truck and start the fuel system. as I have no garage currently to work in, but i'll be building one 1150 s.f. when the boat sells. Any one?

Nice! Mine is about 60 Sq ft but it does the job. This build. Is actually at my buddies house tho. Frame was his house, besides were at mine. Good luck w the boat sale!

[Ace5n85]

TIG'd up the other bedside, cut the bed floor and checked the fit. I'd say all the measuring and planning paid off.

[dragn91]

Ok I gotta ask what's the 32-34ish looking frame/quarter panel in the background of the one pic. If you got a cool truck and a 32-34 I'm gonna be really jelous. I just got a couple a's and a hudson and my junker crew cab