Front clip removal method

[flat57]

I'm getting ready to pull the body off the frame on my '57 truck. First will be the front clip. Does anyone have a list of the things that need to be done to remove the front clip? I think that once the front fenders/front clip are off, removing the cab should be pretty straight forward, but I'd appreciate any pointers on that too.

Thanks,

John.

[Norselander]

Let's see... You should be able to handle this job with the following tools and supplies:

• KROIL (or your favourite penetrant)
• Wire brush to clean rusty/dirty fasteners
• Set of standard sockets -- I think that most bolts have heads that are 1/2", 9/16", and 5/8".
• Open ended wrenches
• Steering wheel puller and pulley puller (may be necessary for pedal removal)

OK, off the top of my head and assuming that you are taking the front end sheet metal all together with the radiator...

1. lift hood
2. drain radiator and disconnect tubing to the radiator
3. disconnect the fender support at the fender AND at the firewall (taking it out will make sure that it doesn't hang on)
4. remove components from the inner fenders, including wiring
5. disconnect inner fenders from firewall.
6. disconnect fenders from the cab, close to the doors -- one on top and one on the bottom, each side (four bolts)
7. disconnect radiator support from frame (one bolt on each side)
8. recheck for things that might hang-up the works (primarily wires -- such as headlamps)
9. get two-four people to help lift off the assembly
10. remove hood using no less than two people

IF you intend to dismatle the front sheetmetal it in its entirety, it's a lot easier to do while it's attached to the rest of the truck (and it only requires one person with the exception of the hood).

The cab is easy enough to remove. However, it is a LOT heavier with everything attached (doors, glass, etc.).

To free the cab...

1. disconnect wiring from cab to engine compartment
2. remove speedo cable
3. remove oil presure line (if it exists)
4. pull the steering wheel and then drop the column/steering box through the floor (one column colar, some wiring, and three bolts and one nut at the steering box )
5. remove transmission cover on cab floor -- you may have to remove your driveline brake lever first
6. remove driveline brake lever if you haven't done so already
7. remove tranny shift lever (floor mount? -- depress cap and rotate)
8. remove
9. empty fuel
10. remove the fuel line completely
11. remove pedals -- including the attached levers if possible
12. remove the four corner bolts (one per corner)
13. to safely (for you AND your cab) remove a stripped cab there should be four people present

BTW, it's easier to pull the cab if you get the bed out of the way first.

What did I miss?

[flat57]

Wow, great information. The truck has a flatbed, which I don't intend to remove unless I have to. I'm transplanting the cab and fenders onto a 1985 suburban frame, and will build an all-new flatbed on that frame. Here's the truck:


Here's the frame (with 6.2L diesel engine )
suburban frame

And, here's my lovely assistant Alisa (this is going to be her truck when she gets her license).

Thanks for the help,

John.

[Norselander]

That sounds like quite an undertaking. But it looks as though you have some nice sheetmetal with which to work.

[5Mike7]

Cute kid...but I'd put her in the Mack

I contemplated a similar swap for my '59...to an '85 4x4 witha 6.2 diesel...the '85 has such a great ride for a 4x4 straight axle, plus..how many times do you see a diesel TF truck?