![]() |
Register or Log In To remove these advertisements. |
|
|
![]() |
|
Thread Tools | Display Modes |
|
![]() |
#1 |
Senior Member
![]() Join Date: Sep 2017
Location: Bryan, Texas
Posts: 2,434
|
Stretching the cab
I've seen instructions on chopping the top, and Jim did an excellent write up on making a convertible, but I'm looking to add about 6" to the 54 cab so I can move the seat back a little for some more foot/leg room. I was thinking behind the doors, but don't know where to stop the cut, add to the roof, etc.
Does anyone know of someone who has done this? I'd like to get an idea of what I'm in for before I get too far down that rabbit hole. I know I'm supposed to finish the 48, but I'm stuck inside for a couple of days and need something to occupy my mind. Thanks.
__________________
8man-aka Robert 1948 on a S10 Frame, small block with a carb 1954 Cab, 53 Front and Bed, 50 Doors, S10 Frame, Power TBD Build thread: "]http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/showthread.php?t=746899&highlight=wife%27s+48[/URL] [/URL]http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/showthread.php?t=840204 |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#2 |
Registered User
Join Date: Nov 2017
Location: Aubigny
Posts: 212
|
Re: Stretching the cab
8man hi if i was to do that i would cut the doors and cab in half and extend that way. i know it is a lot more work than extending the back only but looks way better. would need a donner cab
|
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#3 |
Senior Member
![]() Join Date: May 2007
Location: Doodah Kansas
Posts: 7,774
|
Re: Stretching the cab
i havent done this but i have thought about it a fair bit and if i ever did the job i would PROBABLY use two cabs, mark a center line on them at the mid point of the roof and cut one 3" forward of the line and the other 3" rearward of the line. then weld the two long sections together. my theory is that it would minimize the amount of fab needed, only one seam instead of two to keep straight. if you did it to the doors the same way it should help there too. you would end up with a complete shorty cab too which would be kind of useless but funny enough to make a kids playhouse or something with.
that said, I dont know that you would need a full 6 ", there is a truck in jims project thread that was stretched 2", it looks right and in person the interior is cavernous, lots more room.
__________________
the mass of men live lives of quiet desperation if there is a problem, I can have it. new project WAYNE http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=844393 |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#4 |
Senior Member
![]() ![]() Join Date: Nov 2008
Location: Glendora, CA
Posts: 6,351
|
Re: Stretching the cab
I like your idea but I think over 3" there would be too much change in the curved profile. Unless you're 6'-6" or taller I'd THINK 2 - 4 inches total would be plenty. Yeah, "....if I'm already doing 2" why not...."
I get it but a small change is a big deal to get truly unnoticeable body work. 3" total or 1-1/2" per cab might be the sweet spot.
__________________
'55 Big Window Shortbed, Drive-It-&-Work-On-It slid down the "slippery slope" to a Frame-Off Rodstoration! LQ4/4l85e/C4 IFS/Mustang 8.8 rearend w/3.73's Dan's '55 Big Window "Build" - Well, Kinda! |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#5 |
Post Whore
![]() ![]() Join Date: May 2015
Location: Alabama
Posts: 14,692
|
Re: Stretching the cab
i think i would do like Russ stated...or just add a section in the middle of door and roof
can anybody remember the guys name that did that here a few yrs ago...he had a very nice build found it... here it is... plus 5 http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...hlight=stretch
__________________
Mongo...aka Greg RIP Dad RIP Jesse 1981 C30 LQ9 NV4500..http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=753598 Mongos AD- LS3 TR6060...http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...34#post8522334 Columbus..the 1957 IH 4x4...http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...63#post8082563 2023 Chevy Z71..daily driver |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#6 |
Registered User
Join Date: Nov 2010
Location: calgary alberta
Posts: 8,499
|
Re: Stretching the cab
I have added 16" to my 57 cab. it is behind the doors so that left a decent sized small window opening there. if doing it again I would do the 16: through the door instead. otherwise it seems like you are sitting at the B pillar. you gotta look at the roof though because it is the hard part. if it were a square roof it would be easier but mine is like extending an egg. yours is likely no different. it tapers to the front plus has the dome to deal with so if you did like joedoh says, with 2 cabs cut at the same place then the dome would theoretically be the same shape there. I also highly recommend a tig welder as the welds are softer and lots of time so things don't stretch or shink out of hand. martin sr (Brian, he's a pro bodyman) would say weld the whole thing at the same time so it all expands and shrinks the same amount. maybe pm him as he has done roofs before. i recommend to grab a copy of that little book called metal bumping, its old but metal doesn't know that.
|
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#7 |
Registered User
Join Date: Oct 2015
Location: Costa Mesa, CA
Posts: 191
|
Re: Stretching the cab
I remember someone here in the build section had done it. Probably a few years ago.
|
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#8 |
Senior Member
![]() Join Date: Sep 2017
Location: Bryan, Texas
Posts: 2,434
|
Re: Stretching the cab
Thank you all. I am just "thinking" about this right now, but you all seem to be in agreement that through the doors is the place to go, IF I do it.
I am going to finish the 48 and see how much I need, if any, I'm 6'3" and may not need it. I'm going to the thread that was posted and I'll look at what all is involved before I make any decisions. Thank you all again, now I have something to think about until I get back on the 48.
__________________
8man-aka Robert 1948 on a S10 Frame, small block with a carb 1954 Cab, 53 Front and Bed, 50 Doors, S10 Frame, Power TBD Build thread: "]http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/showthread.php?t=746899&highlight=wife%27s+48[/URL] [/URL]http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/showthread.php?t=840204 |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#9 |
Senior Member
![]() Join Date: Sep 2017
Location: Bryan, Texas
Posts: 2,434
|
Re: Stretching the cab
Mongo, THANK YOU FOR THAT THREAD! That guy's work is awesome. So well thought out and then executed. I would love to see that truck in person.
__________________
8man-aka Robert 1948 on a S10 Frame, small block with a carb 1954 Cab, 53 Front and Bed, 50 Doors, S10 Frame, Power TBD Build thread: "]http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/showthread.php?t=746899&highlight=wife%27s+48[/URL] [/URL]http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/showthread.php?t=840204 |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#10 |
Senior Member
![]() Join Date: May 2007
Location: Doodah Kansas
Posts: 7,774
|
Re: Stretching the cab
its been my experience that its not height that is the limiter, its width
![]() ![]() i am 6' and when i use a 88-93 bench and move the gas tank outside, I lower the 88-93 bench stands 1" and everything is golden, lots of room especially between the seat and steering wheel (see "width" ![]() ![]() that truck mongo posted is awesome, i wonder if he finished it?
__________________
the mass of men live lives of quiet desperation if there is a problem, I can have it. new project WAYNE http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=844393 |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#11 |
Senior Member
![]() Join Date: Sep 2017
Location: Bryan, Texas
Posts: 2,434
|
Re: Stretching the cab
Joe, thanks for the thoughts, but the width is fine, it's the leg and arm length that I was thinking about. With the seat in it, I think the arm length is good, but the legs are feeling a little cramped.
I wondered it he had finished as well. Some very fine work and planning there.
__________________
8man-aka Robert 1948 on a S10 Frame, small block with a carb 1954 Cab, 53 Front and Bed, 50 Doors, S10 Frame, Power TBD Build thread: "]http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/showthread.php?t=746899&highlight=wife%27s+48[/URL] [/URL]http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/showthread.php?t=840204 |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#12 | |
Senior Member
![]() Join Date: May 2007
Location: Doodah Kansas
Posts: 7,774
|
Re: Stretching the cab
Quote:
haha i should sugar coat less. by width I meant waistline. I am careful with spacing for the steering-to-gut measurement because buyers are sometimes.. corpulent
__________________
the mass of men live lives of quiet desperation if there is a problem, I can have it. new project WAYNE http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=844393 |
|
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#13 | |
Registered User
Join Date: Jan 2012
Location: Motown
Posts: 7,680
|
Re: Stretching the cab
Quote:
![]() this panel stretched all the doors 6", used 8 doors in the process
__________________
cool, an ogre smiley ![]() how to put your truck year and build thread into your signature shop air compressor timer |
|
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#14 |
Registered User
Join Date: Nov 2010
Location: calgary alberta
Posts: 8,499
|
Re: Stretching the cab
Truck still looks good!
What is your ride height at the rear of the front fender, if you dont mind me asking? |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#15 |
Senior Member
![]() Join Date: Sep 2017
Location: Bryan, Texas
Posts: 2,434
|
Re: Stretching the cab
That stretch panel is gorgeous!
__________________
8man-aka Robert 1948 on a S10 Frame, small block with a carb 1954 Cab, 53 Front and Bed, 50 Doors, S10 Frame, Power TBD Build thread: "]http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/showthread.php?t=746899&highlight=wife%27s+48[/URL] [/URL]http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/showthread.php?t=840204 |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#16 |
Post Whore
![]() ![]() Join Date: May 2015
Location: Alabama
Posts: 14,692
|
Re: Stretching the cab
It shows he was logged on a couple weeks ago...so maybe he is still having around and doing well
__________________
Mongo...aka Greg RIP Dad RIP Jesse 1981 C30 LQ9 NV4500..http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=753598 Mongos AD- LS3 TR6060...http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...34#post8522334 Columbus..the 1957 IH 4x4...http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...63#post8082563 2023 Chevy Z71..daily driver |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#17 |
Registered User
![]() Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: Toppenish, WA
Posts: 15,824
|
Re: Stretching the cab
Wow that just added a lot more work to my cab stretch than I was figuring on.
I've always planned to go 9-1/4 inches and use the GMC long bed half ton fame I have with my short box and long bed running boards. I intend to use two doors to do the stretch rather than install a panel with two weld seams. One reason is that I have a lot of extra doors. I've subscribed to Donandal's thread and will probably be studying that thread and using a lot of what he did. It showed me that the idea that I had on how to do it isn't gong to work out right. Thanks to Mongocanfly for finding and sharing that.
__________________
Founding member of the too many projects, too little time and money club. My ongoing truck projects: 48 Chev 3100 that will run a 292 Six. 71 GMC 2500 that is getting a Cad 500 transplant. 77 C 30 dualie, 454, 4 speed with a 10 foot flatbed and hoist. It does the heavy work and hauls the projects around. |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#18 |
Post Whore
![]() ![]() Join Date: May 2015
Location: Alabama
Posts: 14,692
|
Re: Stretching the cab
Agreed , it sure dont look stretched, at least with the doors open, I bet that was interesting
__________________
Mongo...aka Greg RIP Dad RIP Jesse 1981 C30 LQ9 NV4500..http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=753598 Mongos AD- LS3 TR6060...http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...34#post8522334 Columbus..the 1957 IH 4x4...http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...63#post8082563 2023 Chevy Z71..daily driver |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#19 |
Registered User
Join Date: Sep 2018
Location: Ontario
Posts: 868
|
Re: Stretching the cab
Since we are 'spit balling' here.
What do you think of cutting the cowl as a way of 'stretching an AD ? You would not need to worry about weld seams in the middle of the roof or the doors, not to mention the door mechanisms and glass. Cut in the cowl, just in front of the hinges (A pillar), cut the floor where it bends up to attach to the firewall, and move the firewall forward. The downside, getting in and out will not change, but once you are in, there will be plenty of leg room. Just an idea???
__________________
https://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/...=797726&page=3http://https://67-72chevytrucks.com/...=797726&page=3 51 Chev 5 window on S10 with SBC 1958 Pontiac Wagon build https://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/...d.php?t=849781 |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#20 |
Senior Member
![]() Join Date: Sep 2017
Location: Bryan, Texas
Posts: 2,434
|
Re: Stretching the cab
Tempest, I was on the same thought process when I started this thread. I have the floor replaced in the 54 but have not reinstalled the firewall for that very reason.
I have to get the 48 done before I get back on it, so I'm still thinking.
__________________
8man-aka Robert 1948 on a S10 Frame, small block with a carb 1954 Cab, 53 Front and Bed, 50 Doors, S10 Frame, Power TBD Build thread: "]http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/showthread.php?t=746899&highlight=wife%27s+48[/URL] [/URL]http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/showthread.php?t=840204 |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#21 |
Registered User
Join Date: Nov 2010
Location: calgary alberta
Posts: 8,499
|
Re: Stretching the cab
Pretty sure that's been done on this forum someplace. An AD guy remade the firewall to fit his long legs and also the engine setback.
|
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#22 |
Registered User
Join Date: Sep 2018
Location: Ontario
Posts: 868
|
Re: Stretching the cab
my biggest concern will be the overall look of the truck when done. (profile)
Will the 'hood' look too long? and awkward? but I do like the idea of not having to weld the middle of the roof and doors with filler pieces. If you give it a try 8man, please keep us posted
__________________
https://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/...=797726&page=3http://https://67-72chevytrucks.com/...=797726&page=3 51 Chev 5 window on S10 with SBC 1958 Pontiac Wagon build https://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/...d.php?t=849781 |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#23 |
Registered User
![]() Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: Toppenish, WA
Posts: 15,824
|
Re: Stretching the cab
I just am not seeing a good image of stretching the cowl or hood to move the foot board and firewall or part of it forward. If one was using a 4.3 or other V6 you could set it forward where it would set like a V8 would normally and move the footboard and part of the firewall forward. You would just have the reverse of what a couple of the recessed firewalls do now.
__________________
Founding member of the too many projects, too little time and money club. My ongoing truck projects: 48 Chev 3100 that will run a 292 Six. 71 GMC 2500 that is getting a Cad 500 transplant. 77 C 30 dualie, 454, 4 speed with a 10 foot flatbed and hoist. It does the heavy work and hauls the projects around. |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#24 |
Registered User
Join Date: Jan 2012
Location: Motown
Posts: 7,680
|
Re: Stretching the cab
This is why we need to go electric, lots of leg room
![]()
__________________
cool, an ogre smiley ![]() how to put your truck year and build thread into your signature shop air compressor timer |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#25 |
Registered User
![]() Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: Toppenish, WA
Posts: 15,824
|
Re: Stretching the cab
Just use an engine and transaxle out of a front wheel drive Eldo or Toronado and put it in the bed and problem solved. A friend of mine had his 460 Ford under the tilt bed of his 40 Ford COE and drove it all over the US had what looked like a wood crate sitting on the bed that was his engine cover/dog house. The truck had a regular hoist setup for a flatbed dual wheel truck on it.
__________________
Founding member of the too many projects, too little time and money club. My ongoing truck projects: 48 Chev 3100 that will run a 292 Six. 71 GMC 2500 that is getting a Cad 500 transplant. 77 C 30 dualie, 454, 4 speed with a 10 foot flatbed and hoist. It does the heavy work and hauls the projects around. |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
Bookmarks |
|
|