Time to make the cut

[LayFrame72]

..I have been searching the forum for more than an hour with no luck and my eyes are burning from staring at the screen without blinking...What im looking for is a measurement to use on where to cut for my Z..Ive seen alot of pictures, It looks to be between the shock mount and the front cab mount..But im looking for a number I guess..Saw a frame spec pic somewhere and it looked to be somewhere in the 47.25 range (thats from the front frame horn to where the actual cut would be)..Im down to bare frame so the "Cut at the firewall" expession dosnt help me much. So if someone could give me a measurement I would be thankful. Also, I remember reading almost a year ago somewhere on here (of course I forgot the members name) but there was discussion thead of how to angle your Z cut to center the front wheels..If ANYONE knows that please let me know.

[michael bustamante]

I should know this cuz I read about these all the time but whats a "z" frame and what does it do?

[LayFrame72]

I would tell you to search the forum..But since It didnt really give me the results I wanted when I searched for my own needs..Im really going to stop telling other people to do that...

Im sure someone else will chime in with a more in depth answer for you..Tons of people have alot more knowledge on this..but for the most part..It involves cutting your stock frame and then welding it higher on the frame rail (usually 2.5-3") which allows you to lay assuming your running bags..Simply bagging and adding drop spindles to your C10 dosnt get it done on a large rim and tire combo..Alot more goes into it as well after you do this..steering issues, X member mods, driveshaft tunnel..Sectioning the front crossmember..etc..Its not something your going to want to get into if you want to drive your truck by the end of the month..Lets just say that..If this is something your thinking of doing..Check out some of other members projects on here..I really dont want to say it (DAMNIT I HAVE TO!!), But just search "SFBD" or "Zed frame"..Alot of info lies in some past threads..Anyway..NEXT TIME DONT HIJACK!!

[michael bustamante]

ok next time I wont
I did a search also and no real info really came up either. Ill google it and hit up those sights you told me as well but I dont think Ill be in a position to lay frame anytime soon.
Hey guys lets get him some frame measurements!!

[nhtc33d]

Here's some pictures of where i cut my frame (it is a 1965) for my Z (3.5")
The larger hole in the left of the picture is for the upper shock mount. The line for my cut is about 3" back from that. If i remember correctly my wheels were centered after my Z. Hopes this helps. Mark

[68laydout]

I did a 3.5" Z with a 74 degree angle cut to move the xmember forward 1". This should give you a good idea of where to cut and another pic to show you the centerline change. 1" makes a big difference.

[FnLow69]

no pictures of the cut marks but heres mine after still gives you some kind of an idea... my cuts were straight up and down and just about where 68laydout's are.








Justin

[LayFrame72]

Very nice fellas..Thanks that def. helped..Also, While were on this I guess I should ask..What is the better way to run my box tubing?..After the Z on the frame (where you have cut the stock frame and re-welded back to the stock frame and then plated)..Or simply just slide it in the channel where I have made the Cut for the Z..Weld in the box and build from there..?..Might seem like a dumb question..But this is my first frame build..So I guess no question is dumb enough..FNLow- Did you do a firewall-back? or just a back-half?..I guess im wanting to do a crossmember-back..Just dont know weather to start at the cut or after the Z.

[FnLow69]

On that frame i only did a backhalf.

if you wanna do a crossmember back frame i would start at the cuts for the Z and build from there.

You could always build a full frame with a stock crossmember?

Justin

[LayFrame72]

True..I tossed that idea around a bit..It would look so much better if i did..But I feel I would somehow end up frustrated..Alot goes on towards the front..But it would make sense if I just went ahead and did it since you basically have to Z after the rad support to get the bumper to lay out correctly..I know mounting the crossmember wouldnt be more than taking measurements and drilling..But would there be anything else to look out for?

[FnLow69]

you wouldnt have to bolt the crossmember in there if you didnt want, you could weld it in. Not that i can think of, just measure twice - cut once... check out my build on my 69 gmc you'll see how i did my full frame build and it will give you somewhat of an idea of what your going to be doing...

Justin

[SevenOne]

68Laydout got pics/info on the frame horn cut of your truck?What happens with the inch you've gained between( cab-to-rad support) mounting points.thanx -james-